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I join in from time to time and LOVE it. Unfortunately, I don't have the time to do a whole VSN. One day, when my little one is older, I will, I'm sure. It's rare that I get more than an hour or two to stamp, but I love having the challenges to stimulate my creativity.
The upload process deters me a little, too. I feel like I need to fill in all the 'blanks' for supplies and such, and I get a little overwhelmed when I use a lot of 'stuff.' I know that I don't like to see a card without details in the supply lists, so I don't want to upload one without the details. Maybe I'm being a little OCD??
I'll share what I do...if I find I'm running out of time, I just upload the card and then go back when I get some time (usually AFTER VSN weekend is all over) and edit it to add all that good stuff in.
I'll share what I do...if I find I'm running out of time, I just upload the card and then go back when I get some time (usually AFTER VSN weekend is all over) and edit it to add all that good stuff in.
I know that's an option, but I feel like I'm letting people down if I do that. Does that make sense????:confused:
I join in from time to time and LOVE it. Unfortunately, I don't have the time to do a whole VSN. One day, when my little one is older, I will, I'm sure. It's rare that I get more than an hour or two to stamp, but I love having the challenges to stimulate my creativity.
The upload process deters me a little, too. I feel like I need to fill in all the 'blanks' for supplies and such, and I get a little overwhelmed when I use a lot of 'stuff.' I know that I don't like to see a card without details in the supply lists, so I don't want to upload one without the details. Maybe I'm being a little OCD??
You could always upload quickly then go back and edit later
As a player it's fun to try out what others think of.
As a hostess - I've made some of my best friends, the attitude and comradeship, the sharing of nerves and excitement (as well as the woes of everyday life,) and coming together to plan something that you know thousands of people will look at and participate in forms a bond that can't be explained till you do it!!!
Splitcoast Dirty Dozen Alumni VSN Go to Girl Pretty, Pretty Princess
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Suffolk, VA
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SherryLC05
I love VSN! My first one was in May and I participated in almost every challenge. I like the pressure and time limits- that is the fun of it. My cards didn't always turn out great -but I had so much fun making them- throwing stuff in a hurry to get it all together. I can say- it is much more fun when you are stamping with a friend. My friend and I made a weekend-long social event out of it (in between my work shifts) and it was fun. We had yummy food and snacks on hand and made a royal mess in her craft room- not that you would notice because it is ALWAYS messy! ha ha ha!!
For me it isn't necessarily the cards that I made (obviously in some cases) but the experience and challenge of making them.
I think for me the last VSN it was hard to get motivated because of my work schedule- but next VSN I will be off all day on both days- so I will be ready!! (whenver it is- I'm off every Fri and Sat now!!) Yippee!!
I usually pass on challenges that have me making a card or project that I would never have a use for.
This is one of my biggest reasons. Some of the challenges are really fun, but not worth 'wasting' my supplies on. If I can't use the card I don't participate.
You don't need to be in the same time zone that challenges are posted. You even get another half a day to get things uploaded after the challenges have stopped being posted. And you don't need to play every challenge.
So right Karen...... gee I play along and I am a day ahead of you guys ..... cause I live in Australia .... it is still possible to play some of it if you want to play ...... I do refuse to get up at 2am Sunday morning so I can be there to play when you start 12 noon Saturday ...... but I have been known to get up around 4am once ...... not sure I will do that again ..... but there is still plenty of time to play when I do get up my normal time.
I'm challenged, I guess. This last one, perfect.......husband away, kids away, computer/stamping area side by side, and I decided "hey! I can do this"....then I started trying to find all the "rules" and directions and I got lost and gave up!! Perhaps I needed to get on board a couple of days in advance and start reading up on it and preparing. I logged into one thread, it sent me to another, and then back to a hostess thread, and I was totally confused. Maybe I shouldn't start drinking before stamping either!! Anyway, I want to try one again some day. They certainly look like fun!!
__________________ **Rock is dead. Long live paper & scissors**
There were so many challenges in this past VSN that I really wanted to try out, but it was a very busy weekend for my family. September tends to be that way for me. Besides that, I really only have a couple hours to stamp each week anyway. It'd be a dream to have an entire day to do so!
I'm challenged, I guess. This last one, perfect.......husband away, kids away, computer/stamping area side by side, and I decided "hey! I can do this"....then I started trying to find all the "rules" and directions and I got lost and gave up!! Perhaps I needed to get on board a couple of days in advance and start reading up on it and preparing. I logged into one thread, it sent me to another, and then back to a hostess thread, and I was totally confused. Maybe I shouldn't start drinking before stamping either!! Anyway, I want to try one again some day. They certainly look like fun!!
If they have pre-challenges next time-you can start slowly with those!
I do agree- a link in general stamping as a reminder to the ladies who aren't challenge chasers would be helpful. Especially when the pre-challenges are posted
This is one of my biggest reasons. Some of the challenges are really fun, but not worth 'wasting' my supplies on. If I can't use the card I don't participate.
I made cards that fit the category but didn't have any sentiment on some. I can use them as I want.
I have played and hostessed a *few*:rolleyes: times and what I like best is the excitement. I gotta say this past time when all the hostesses knew the challenges in advance (something I voted FOR) was the buzz kill for me. I like it the old way when none of us knew each others challenges and got to play along with everyone else. I definitely had more time to chat but everyone else was off creating and it was pretty much the hostesses chatting (which we did every day anyway). One other thing that might be helpful to those who feel it too much pressure with the time contstraints, may be to extend the upload deadline to Monday. That's just my 2 cents....
In general, I love to be challenged and I love the friendships I have made through VSN!
VSN is not held every month. Virtual Scrapbook Night is scheduled also so the scheduling for VSN and VSBN were alternating because some of the same people participate in both.
I have done both almost simultaneously...they are never on the same dates
I usually don't spend much time online during the weekend. Since it's mostly the only time hubby and I have together after a long week where we don't have much time together. And I am not good doing challange work. I need too much time to think about options and how to go about getting through the set task in a challange.
__________________ Sara My Weblog Yes you can link the blog without asking. The Gallery Comments and Favorites wanted
I've never done a VSN and it's not likely I will. My reason is because I like my freedom. I don't want to be told what to stamp ... when the bug hits me I just want to play with all my stampin' stuff and have fun ... and NOT conform to any rules or guidelines. I'm also not a fast stamper... if I was forced into a certain timeframe to get something done it would prolly not be too purty, KWIM?
Sounds like LOTS of peeps love VSN and I think that's great - it's just not for me.
I participated in one VSN night. I didn't care for the 45 minute time limit and didn't like the card I made so for me it wasn't fun at all. I wound up throwing the card away. Also, I do not like having to buy specific supplies to participate in the challenges.
The once a year celebration (SOF) Stamping October Fest is similar, but we get a whole week to work on the challenges and contests. That takes the pressure off and you can work on your projects during the week nights. I like that approach much better than 45 minutes. Maybe VSN should take a look at what others are doing and make a few changes to the set up.
SOme folks have mentioned not playing because they'd end up with something they'd never use (because of the occasion specified, they don't care for what they came up with, etc.)
Please remember that something you might not use yourself could be a much appreciated RAK for someone on Need a Lift--or donation to another SCSer's card drive (for the troops, the HANDS group or another good cause).
I have a box for those 'well, that didn't work the way I'd hoped' cards. . . more than once, someone has gotten into it and squealed over something that I thought was one of my lame-r efforts.
From that, I learned: just because you aren't thrilled with the end result, doesn't mean someone else wouldn't be thrilled to send--or receive--it!
SOme folks have mentioned not playing because they'd end up with something they'd never use (because of the occasion specified, they don't care for what they came up with, etc.)
Please remember that something you might not use yourself could be a much appreciated RAK for someone on Need a Lift--or donation to another SCSer's card drive (for the troops, the HANDS group or another good cause).
I have a box for those 'well, that didn't work the way I'd hoped' cards. . . more than once, someone has gotten into it and squealed over something that I thought was one of my lame-r efforts.
From that, I learned: just because you aren't thrilled with the end result, doesn't mean someone else wouldn't be thrilled to send--or receive--it!
That's a great suggestion, Holly. People who don't make cards themselves really appreciate those "lame-r" cards, especially when they come with words of comfort and encouragement.
I'm not part of any clique, but one of my cards made it to the leaf pile (thanks for the recognition). I think more of us plain folks play VSN than the daily challenges. I do it for the fun myself. I like stamping with others and DH isn't into it. It really isn't a competion, more a way to stretch and learn.
I love VSN, but usually do not do all of them........If one challenge produces something I just never would use or want, I skip that one and clean up to get ready for another.........I also find that some technique challenges on VSN are just way over my head, but I will do them at my own speed and for my own betterment/learning even if I don't submit them for the actual VSN.......
I love the community you feel during the event.....the fact that your SCS friends all of the country and the world are stamping right along with you......it really rocks....
I think it is fabulous that so many people volunteer as coordinators and hostesses for these events......
A suggestion I would have would be to include sketch challenges in the midst of other challenges........
thanks for asking our opinions and thanks for all your hard work.....and creativity.....
I have really enjoyed the 2 vsns that I participated in. I did not do much this time, but I really enjoyed it! I do like to go to bed early, but it is fun to stay up and see what is going on. My husband is getting better about keeping the kids away. Family obligations are always a challenge, I think we owe ourselves some fun time. My cards are nowhere near as nice as some, but I have a lot of fun making them! I too was afraid to post, but once I got over it and just enjoyed myself, it was really great! Keep them coming!
__________________ Pia 2024 Scrapbook goals MAY /10 layouts YTD 113/120 Check out my gallery
I agree with that statement.
I also think there should be a small fee (like $5) in order to participate. For those of us who like to chit chat with our friends on here it makes it VERY difficult because of VSN. SCS seems to go a lot slower when it is VSN time. We have to pay a fee to see the DD gallery (yes, I am, and always have been a paid member), so why not charge a small fee to be donated to Daven to keep this wonderful place running as smoothe as butta?
Quote:
Originally Posted by markkos
Several reasons. 1) I don't enjoy stamping if there is a time limit. Takes the joy out of it for me. 2) It is impossible to load to a gallery with dial up. 3) It feels just too intimidating to try to compete with the clique!
Several reasons. 1) I don't enjoy stamping if there is a time limit. Takes the joy out of it for me. 2) It is impossible to load to a gallery with dial up. 3) It feels just too intimidating to try to compete with the clique!
I don't know what clique you are refering to, but VSN is not designed to be a competition. I like to think of it as a giant, international stamping party! It's an opportunity to try new techniques, get ideas, and be a part of something exciting with others who share similar interests. I hope you will give it a chance!
As a player and former hostess, I have to add my .02 on VSN. Here's what I like: the adrenaline rush, the friends I've made, the techniques I've learned and the stretch it's given my stamping, that it's a fun, stamping event, that it's on the weekend, which is really the only time I have to stamp in any large chunk, the creative high that stays with me for days or sometimes weeks afterward, that I end the weekend with a dozen or more cards or projects I can add to my stash to send to family and friends, that you can pick and chose and play as much or as little as you like, that there's a sense of camaraderie among people who are all working toward the same goal, I could go on and on!
My only major dislike - that it doesn't happen quite often enough sometimes! And that sometimes, in the flurry of creating, some really great cards don't get much recognition because so many cards have been uploaded during that period.
A couple of other thoughts on VSN:
I think the great thing about SCS is that there are places for all kinds of stampers; VSN may not be for everyone, but I don't think it has to be, either. I think it's okay that some people like the dirty girl challenges, and some like the regular weekly challenges, and some like the swaps. We all have our SCS and stamping niches.
Also, I've heard a few complaints about people on dial-up struggling with VSN. I have to say, I'm on dial-up, and I've never had a huge problem staying caught up on challenges or uploading cards. It takes me a minute or two longer, sometimes, to do those things, but especially with the 15-minute break between challenges, I've been able to keep up.
The other thing I've heard mentioned is that people don't like to make cards they won't use. One of the things I found useful was to keep a list of cards I needed to make for the next few months nearby during VSN, and used challenges to make cards for those occassions. When the challenge calls for a holiday card, I stick that card in my stash. When it's time to make Thanksgiving or Valentine's Day cards, I'm often already ahead, or can use a VSN card for a starting point in designing, rather than starting from scratch.
Okay, way more than .02. Thanks for letting me have my say!
well said Michelle-I have to agree with the flurry of uploads comments-some of my best cards (IMHO) have come from VSN, but in my gallery they lag in views, comments. I still like them!
I enjoy VSN when I am able to participate. I like the build up of excitement within the SCS community and the anticipation of the actual day. I have never done all of the challenges simply because I know I'd never get some of them done within the 45 min time limit, so I just pick and choose which ones are easy enough for me to complete on time. I tried a couple of new techniques this time and was pleased with how they turned out.
Several reasons. 1) I don't enjoy stamping if there is a time limit. Takes the joy out of it for me. 2) It is impossible to load to a gallery with dial up. 3) It feels just too intimidating to try to compete with the clique!
I think some people begin to feel intimidated by some groups that are here, but I can assure you that VSN is not a clique. I have only done 2 VSN challenges before this last VSN. I thought it would be fun to submit an idea to hostess, I didn't think I would be chosen, but I was and the friends that I have made are the greatest!!! I don't think you will ever meet a more welcoming group of people that want to have fun with everyone, like Katherine said it is just one big stampin party and the more the merrier.
I wanted to post this in both the General and Demo areas to get an idea of what everyone is thinking/ feeling.
I've been reading all of the comments in Hollylogic's VSN follow up poll thread, and wanted to find out what really keeps you from playing along with VSN? Is it the time constraint? Techniques? Time of day? What can be done to make it fun for everyone?
For those that do play, what is the best part about VSN? What concerns do you have?
I haven't missed one since I found SCS. They are always fun. There have been times when I've done 4 or 5 challenges and other times when I've done them all. I enjoy getting pushed outside my stamping box, so for me VSN is a 2 day party.
__________________ Jeanne S - Inky Paws SCS Moderator
I really enjoyed participating in VSN this fall. Didn't get the opportunity to complete all the challenges due to personal commitments that came up. But, I would like to see the time extended on Sunday to be a bit later due to Sunday church commitments that take the entire morning and by the time I return home and time zone changes I am not able to upload on Sundays. I found that during VSN the SCS site was extremely slow and this prevented me from uploaded between challenges.
Thanks for asking for our opinions.
__________________ Kathleen
For by grace you have been saved, through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God... Ephesians 2:8
...if I did 1/2 as many hours of stamping as I do surfing this site, I'd be a master artist and drowning in cards/projects by now!
Peg
LOL! So true! I think the VSN is a great idea! The one in September was my first and I didn't get a chance to participate. I agree with another poster that the weekends are harder to carve out several hours of time just for me. I plan on checking back for the next one and eventually giving it a try! I think it's a fabulous idea and I like that there are projects, not just cards. I think it's really a matter of making it a priority in my life on that particular weekend. Just my thoughts, I hope that helps!
I've participated in VSN a couple times. The things that most keep me participating are the time limits on the projects and the times of the event itself. If the hours were 7am to noon, I'd be on it! I just can't do evenings.
__________________ Debra ---artist * teacher * designer Say yes. Be generous. Speak up. Love more. Trust yourself. Slow down. ---Patti Digh
I have wanted to play several times in the past but for me it comes down to timing. For my family Friday nights and weekends are just not good times for me to be tied up with stamping. I am just now getting ready to try posting a first card to the gallery so we will see how that goes.
