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Let me clarify - I have nothing against SU demos -- I have a few close friends that are SU demos and I also do buy SU products .... the only reason why I wrote that is because she mentioned that she used to be SU and that she was considering going back -- I basically agreed with her - there is no need for her to remain a CTMH demo if she feels like this:
"Is this the kind of people that work for CTMH? Maybe I really do need to go back to SU. I was a demo with them in years past, but since it's so well known, I decided to switch to CTMH, but so far, I am NOT impressed with them...and the attitude of these demos."
I have been with CTMH for over 6 months now and I have found the consultants to be absolutely wondering and caring!!! To come across a post like this 'disrespecting a community of wonderful caring women' sickened me.
One has to realize that SCS is a huge community of various people - demos and non demos -- maybe our CTMH bb isn't as big as SCS so I can understand the huge response on here than on CTMH bb ... that is still no reason to post what she did .....
Take it as you'd like ... I personally do not want to associate myself with someone that would 'stab her sisters in the back' -- all because she didn't get the response she was looking for!!
I'm not looking for support from everyone or anyone. I threw this out there as a way to get help. If you can, great, if you can't great. In case you MISSED the entire point of my vent...it was because I received 48 e-mails from CTMH demos telling me HOW TO CHARGE THE PARENTS!!! The last time I checked the thread, it was pushed back to page 6 or 7 and still only had the one response. I haven't been back to check since. I have been busy with other things...and 4 kids.
I haven't bashed any particular person...should I start calling out names? NO! That would be petty. So, if you were one who responded and gave me ways to charge, I can see why you are so upset. If you are not, well, then...move on.
__________________ ---------------------------- 1 Crafty Gal is who I am!
I am glad that I am not the only one offended by the original post. Not anywhere was it mentioned this post that was made to the CTMH BB was made on AUGUST 12 - not a week ago as mention but only a few days.
I am mainly offended at that part of your whole post becuase you have lead alot of individuals to believe that your post went un-noticed for a long period of time ... which is completely untrue - shame on you for doing that. Not to mention that several consultants have posted questions to your request - and not one reply from you?? why is that?
Examples:
"Wow what a great idea you have here. I wish I could help at this time but I am new and do not have any thing that I would feel would make a suitable page for someone with a newborn. Maybe if you could show us a sample of what type of page you are looking for we could come up with something"
"Do you want single or double page layouts? where do we send them? I am making a few right now"
Second, not everyone lives their lives moment to moment on the BB to come across your post and address it. I personally have not had the opportunity to come across your post until I read your post tonight -- I had a death in my family and the last thing I wanted to do was look for others asking for donations!! Does that make me a horrible person - absolutely NOT!! I am struggling to get started with my business, put layouts together so that I can show potential customers - let alone no time to sit and do layouts for my own two children .... HOW do I even think of having time to donate pages? Selfish - of course - my family comes first - just like all of your families come first also.
I had a pregnancy end at 6 months, I've had my son in hospital TWICE already and he is only 9.5 months -- both times to save his life. I saw many many children that were very sick and some that were even dying around me ... I found a way to help the hospital and the children in MY OWN way -- I donated 10 -- yes, TEN black garbage bags of almost brand new clothing from my daughter's and son's closets .... I couldn't donate money, I couldn't donate pages - but I could donated outgrown clothing ... so for me, I have done what I can to help MY local hospital -- and I still continue to do so every few months ....
I totally understand YOUR need to help and support the community that helped you in your time of need ... find a way to do that YOUR own way ... don't rely on "others" to fullfil your "obligation" .... to put it nicely.
I am sicken that you would say anything negative about your "ctmh sisters" - maybe we as a group aren't what fits your style and maybe you should consider going back to SU ... consultants like you truely don't belong with us ...
I understand the premise of the OP...just venting...not 'bashing'! People just need to do that sometimes. I personally don't know any CTMH consultants but with your response, you're not making the case for the kindness of CTMH consultants any better.
She wasn't attacking all of you and I'm sure she's not at all upset that you didn't offer to donate or questioning other ways you've donated in the past (oh wait she said that - her frustration was about the 48 responses telling her to charge the NICU families). I also absolutely DETESTED where you said that she shouldn't RELY on others - she's trying to do a good thing and to generate the amount of donations she wanted quickly, she might have needed other people's help (if 100 people took even 1 hour to make 1 layout she could have them all within a couple of days but if just her took 100 hours to make 100 layouts - especially with 4 kiddos think of how much longer that would take to fulfill the need). To be so angry and as another poster stated "venomous" is just tragic.
The golden rule is also a great idea - you said you were 'sicken that you would say anything negative about your "ctmh sisters"' but this entire post you were doing the exact same thing to her...
To the OP - I'll be PMing you soon - what a great cause and I am so glad you posted on SCS asking for donations! I agree that SCS is a larger community but I am also sad about your frustration with CTMH consultants - sorry you're having a bad experience there - I'm sure it will get better.
I posted the same exact post on the CTMH business board and got about 900 people telling me via e-mail
This is a bit of an exaggeration.
I looked up your post on the consultant BB and saw several positive posts. Also, posts on "The Gathering" consultant BB do not get as many views as the "Business" board. It is a slower and less read board.
Right now with everything going on in my life, I've been skipping over many of the posts that are asking for donation, etc., because I'm very overwhelmed right now. I don't have any LO's in my stash to send, or I would. I do think your intentions and project are very commendable.
I'm sorry you haven't gotten the response you wanted. Not all CTMH sisters are like that. Although it does seem like the consultant boards have been rather negative lately. I've visited them less in the last few months then I used to.
Also (on a side note), even though I'm a CTMH demo, I love SU also. I think both companies offer different things and can co-exist rather nicely.
I noticed that you posted you had a problem with corp in recent months. Two months ago was the first time in 4 years that I have ever had a problem with corp. It seems like CTMH has had a big jump in growth within the last 6-9 months and I think they are just having some growing pains lately. (With consultants and corp.) But honestly, over the last four years, I've had great customer service from corp. and the BB's used to be a wonderful, positive place.
Sorry for the vent, but I am really THANKFUL for the wonderful ladies here on SCS and 90% of them are SU demos. I myself am a CTMH demo.
A week ago, if even, I posted here and on CTMH business board asking for scrapbook page donations for Good Sam's NICU. My DS was in there for 15 long days. While sitting there holding my son, I noticed how many Mom's COULDN'T hold their new baby. And then I realized after 2 babies near us passed away...many will never walk out of there with their sweet newborn in their arms. Anyway, it gave me the idea of collecting pages to donate to the hospital that they will give to each new family. We received sooo many wonderful items in the 15 days. I figured with a scrapbook page, the new mommy and daddy could just put a picture in there, and have it already completed and ready for framing or hanging. You have a 15 x 15 board by your baby's bed to hand photo's on and such. All I asked for was for one page, either a boy or a girl...any size. I have 12 x 12 page protectors and can get any other size needed.
Here, on SCS...I received SOOO many e-mails asking for my address. People offered to donate items, make cards because they don't scrap and so many other wonderful items were offered up. I was amazed and over whelmed. I still am. In fact, I am working on a blog to showcase the pages and items I receive. You ladies are AWESOME!
I posted the same exact post on the CTMH business board and got about 900 people telling me via e-mail I need to just offer up a class and charge no less than $10 per person!! WHAT? The last thing on these parents mind is paying someone for a scrapbook class when they are going to be hit with a mega $ bill from the NICU and the very last thing I thought about was actually scrapping at that time. I wanted pictures in case the unthinkable happened, I didn't want to be in a room with people telling me how to make pages. I was also told by more than one person that I shouldn't even have had the nerve to post asking for donations.
Am I wrong for being upset at this? Is this the kind of people that work for CTMH? Maybe I really do need to go back to SU. I was a demo with them in years past, but since it's so well known, I decided to switch to CTMH, but so far, I am NOT impressed with them...and the attitude of these demos.
Anyway, I want to take a moment to thank all of you who have sent e-mails and donations thus far. You have gone above and beyond and I am so grateful...and I know the parents will be as well. All items will be donated the day of every month.
Thanks you SCS ladies!!!
Hey! You're here too! I don't go on the CTMH BBs very much anymore, just to join swaps ;) I'm sorry you didn't get the response you were looking for!
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[QUOTE=proud2stamp;10979351]This is a bit of an exaggeration.
LOL! Yes, it was an exaggeration. I actually posted later that I received 48 responses. That was the exact amount. I was just venting and knew everyone would have known there really weren't 900 responses. Then, I decided I better put the real amount. ;)
I have just had a really hard time dealing with Corp on my first issue in June. I finally gave up. I have been getting a lot of help on the Business side of things from the business board...THANKFULLY because I would have been lost with out them.
I'm honestly not upset about the "lack" of donations. I am THRILLED at the amount of positive feedback I've gotten, even from people who can't donate. They are still offering advice and suggestions and even PMing me with encouragement. It's wonderful!!!
I guess I need to realize that some people are 100% business oriented and some aren't. I'm a hobby demo, I don't look at this as a money making business. If I did, we'd be on welfare. LOL! I don't do classes anymore, I don't do home parties. If someone wants a book, I'll give them one. If they want to order, they know where to find me. I guess that is the difference. Maybe if I was 100% business orientated, it would be different.
Anyway, thank you for responding!
__________________ ---------------------------- 1 Crafty Gal is who I am!
The original idea behind this thread is a wonderful thought. Giving of layouts to other parent is a GREAT idea! I think you have certainly found a nitch that you are comfortable to fill. And I agree, SCS is a wonderful place to come and share and receive. I love this community!
However, the bashing of consultants/demos is way out there. <shakes head sadly> Companies are of course made up of people... and people make mistakes.
I wish you well in your adventures. God Bless your family and your endevers.
great post.
I wonder if you got more replies from SCS simply because there are WAY more people that read SCS posts then on the ctmh website? JAT.
As a mother of a baby girl who did not make it out of the NICU over 30 years ago, I think this is an absolutely wonderful idea. I wish I had something like this in memory of my Jessica besides her birth certificate. She was there 6 weeks and I was there with her everyday and unfortunately did not get one picture of her although in 30 years I still remember what she looked like. What a wonderful, caring person you are to think of others that are going through what you have. I don't scrapbook (yet) but am willing to help out with donations of supplies, etc. or cards to the families of the babies. Please feel free to PM me and let me know what you can use. Don't let negative comments from others spoil what you are doing out of kindness and caring.
I am glad that I am not the only one offended by the original post. Not anywhere was it mentioned this post that was made to the CTMH BB was made on AUGUST 12 - not a week ago as mention but only a few days.
I believe the original post said "A week ago, if even..." (emphasis mine) so the OP was not claiming that the one-week timeframe was absolute. How many times has each one of us been a little fuzzy on exactly how long ago something happened, even when it was a fairly recent event? ;)
__________________ Rachel Proud SU! demo and Sci-Fi Geek!
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I understand your frustration in the business minded responses that you received. More so because you are emotionally involved in this cause. However I think your project is admirable. I don't have any premade pages. HOWEVER, I do have a disgusting amount of paper that you might be able to use. It's DCWV and I am transitioning to SUO to support myself.
__________________ Just taking it one day at a time.....
Ladies, I have Dominic's Donation page up and running now. It's STILL IN THE BEGINNING stages, but I will start to showcase the donations and I will link the picture back to your blog if you let me know your blog addy.
I want to thank each and everyone of you for your comments, suggestions and help. You are all wonderful!
Another poster on here said she went to a party and the hostess only got a thank you stamp. Each consultant can run their business as they see fit, but I can tell you that I am a member of a HUGE team and from the day I started, it has always been the practice to give the hostess a little gift, and all of the items that are demo'd at her party as well as hostess gifts. I imagine there are definately consultants who don't do it that way, but it is not a company policy.
Having said all that, I will admit that I wouldn't have been able to send you anything, even if I had seen your post. Does that make me a horrible person? No! There are a million causes out there. I give generously when I can and I tend to donate to people in my local area. If I had additional resources available and no local needs, then I would absolutely send some stuff somewhere else!!!!!
To receive 48 emails (what about responses on the boards??) and absolutely no one offered any pages, really makes me think that they misinterpreted your request. Perhaps since you posted on the business board they thought you were requesting help for your business. The gathering board is set-up to be a better place for requests like yours.
Good Luck with your project. I hope that you bring great peace and comfort to those you are trying to support/
I have to say that it is odd for 48 people tio respond but not offer any assistance, or mention "I'd like to, but..."
In response to the highlightes area above - I held a party. 9 women (including me), and they all spent money. My own order was the largest (before benefits.) I did not receive a booking stamp, nor did I get anything that was demo'd. I did get over $300 in product on top of my own order. It cost me an extra hundred in shipping & taxes, as opposed to the flat rate online. None of us have held a partty since - we do it al online.
If I had time to help with pages I certainly would - butI don't foprsee it. :( If it does happen i am happy to Pm you for an address. I do have a question - I first throught you were collecting pages for bereaved parnets to use. When i reread your post it seems that it was for ANY NICU parent.
. I do have a question - I first throught you were collecting pages for bereaved parnets to use. When i reread your post it seems that it was for ANY NICU parent.
This is for ANY AND ALL NICU parents. As soon as the baby is in the NICU, you receive a "welcome" type of packet. Since the nurses there take a picture immediately (at least they did for us and at our hospital), everyone will get one (that is the goal...EVERYONE). Does that make sense? I'm not sure how to word it. LOL!
Please know, I'm not expecting anyone or everyone to help. I was venting at the time...now I am busy, busy, busy as things have moved on quite nicely.
AND FOR THE RECORD: I have since received a lot of e-mails from other CTMH demos who are willing to donate and who are helping with my "cause". I'm glad they were able to see past my shock and my venting...and I want to thank them for it!!!
__________________ ---------------------------- 1 Crafty Gal is who I am!
What a worthy cause! I think it is definately something worth doing.
I don't frequent the CTMH boards very often anymore. At one point there was a woman there that was asking for donations in much the same way you are and a lot of us donated to her cause only to find our donated pages on Ebay soon after. I think that made a lot of us question and refrain from donating again. This has been a few years back but it may still be a reason for a little pause in CTMH consultants jumping in.
Don't give up. What you are doing is very much worth doing and very admirable. I think your blog is a great way to get the word out and I'll be contacting you for more information as soon as the kids are back in school and I have that time to give it real attention.
The OP and I communicated via PM. I didn't have any money, in fact I'll be out of a job in November, but I was able to come up with a box full of miscellaneous items after taking 30 minutes to go through my supplies and shipped them to her. She just received them a few days ago and was so grateful.
Please remember she's trying to do a nice thing for families that might lose a child much like I have myself. If you can't donate, fine. But if you can I know she'd really appreciate your kindness.
OP, I plan on keeping your address and as I come up with supplies I no longer want or use I'll put them in a box and ship when I can.
You may not have given it enough time yet either, Karie. I just found your post on the Business Board and it was posted less than a month ago during the busy summer time as many consultants were getting kids ready to go back to school, finishing summer fun things, etc. And, it's only been a few days since you posted your address. Maybe you'll get more now that the post has been bumped up and people are starting to settle in to the school routine.
I'm sorry you feel that your CTMH sisters have let you down. The majority are very generous. We just finished a small consultant fundraiser for Operation Smile and gathered donations over $6000 in only 5 days.
Ladies, I SOOOO want to THANK YOU all for donating and for the encouraging words. I have been receiving the most awesome packages, pages, emblies, encouraging e-mails...so much more. I have received a lot from CTMH demonstrators as well. I can't thank you all enough for looking past my vent and seeing what I really wanted to do and why I'm so very passionate about this project.
Here in Cincinnati, The Stamp and Scrap Clubhouse is sponsoring an entire day to Pages for Preemies! Please support them if you are in the area. They have contacted the media as well. Pages for Preemies has taken off beyond my wildest imagination. It's all because of wonderful ladies like you!
Thank you, thank you...THANK YOU!
__________________ ---------------------------- 1 Crafty Gal is who I am!
"No Act
of
Kindness
no
Matter
how
Small
is ever
Wasted"
The other thought was it doesn't have to be a big 12x12 or two-page spread - whatever the standard is or is implied.
Just enough for the parents and family to celebrate, mourn and remember.
How big was that photo the nicu took of the baby?
I though maybe a 6x6 mat they can decorate for the few minutes they take a break from watching over their baby(ies). They may be interested in a ribbon threaded through on top to hang on the wall or...
Thanks for your generosity.
=) Happy Thanksgiving!
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I think it is great you are trying to do something so kind for people in their time of need. That is a great cause and it is nice to see someone going forward with something they believe in.
In defense of the lack of responses. . . my family donates our alloted time and money to various causes and I am sure many others have already committed to their own charities. I think it is horrible that some would suggest getting paid for this, but maybe they were trying to help in their own way.
If you feel like you aren't getting enough support from CTMH, maybe it is time to come back to SU, we would love to have you I am a new demo and I have felt supported from day 1.
Wow...normally I would not comment, but I am just wondering...do you think negatively of SU demos?
It sure comes across as such (to me, anyway) in your choice of words here..."consultants like you...[belong with SU]" is how I interpreted it.
I too, wouldn't normally comment in this situation, but I felt bothered by "qtgrk's" post. I come here because it's the one place that gives me peace of mind after a long day or even week. I don't think that it was necessary to post such an immature retaliation to someone who is just venting. That's what the forum is here for, to help eachother and support one another and to share. I'm disappointed that "qtgrk" is making this out to be a "CTMH vs. SU" We can be mature enough to understand that there was a comparison of experience done by one person and that's their right to do so. I hope this won't discourage others to vent here in the forums in the future. Everyone has problems and trying times. There's no need to be unkind about it.
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Sorry for the vent, but I am really THANKFUL for the wonderful ladies here on SCS and 90% of them are SU demos. I myself am a CTMH demo.
A week ago, if even, I posted here and on CTMH business board asking for scrapbook page donations for Good Sam's NICU. My DS was in there for 15 long days. While sitting there holding my son, I noticed how many Mom's COULDN'T hold their new baby. And then I realized after 2 babies near us passed away...many will never walk out of there with their sweet newborn in their arms. Anyway, it gave me the idea of collecting pages to donate to the hospital that they will give to each new family. We received sooo many wonderful items in the 15 days. I figured with a scrapbook page, the new mommy and daddy could just put a picture in there, and have it already completed and ready for framing or hanging. You have a 15 x 15 board by your baby's bed to hand photo's on and such. All I asked for was for one page, either a boy or a girl...any size. I have 12 x 12 page protectors and can get any other size needed.
Here, on SCS...I received SOOO many e-mails asking for my address. People offered to donate items, make cards because they don't scrap and so many other wonderful items were offered up. I was amazed and over whelmed. I still am. In fact, I am working on a blog to showcase the pages and items I receive. You ladies are AWESOME!
I posted the same exact post on the CTMH business board and got about 900 people telling me via e-mail I need to just offer up a class and charge no less than $10 per person!! WHAT? The last thing on these parents mind is paying someone for a scrapbook class when they are going to be hit with a mega $ bill from the NICU and the very last thing I thought about was actually scrapping at that time. I wanted pictures in case the unthinkable happened, I didn't want to be in a room with people telling me how to make pages. I was also told by more than one person that I shouldn't even have had the nerve to post asking for donations.
Am I wrong for being upset at this? Is this the kind of people that work for CTMH? Maybe I really do need to go back to SU. I was a demo with them in years past, but since it's so well known, I decided to switch to CTMH, but so far, I am NOT impressed with them...and the attitude of these demos.
Anyway, I want to take a moment to thank all of you who have sent e-mails and donations thus far. You have gone above and beyond and I am so grateful...and I know the parents will be as well. All items will be donated the day of every month.
Thanks you SCS ladies!!!
I can certainly understand why you are disappointed. If folks aren't in a position to donate (like me) that's understandable but it is sad some would try to turn the situation into a business profit when what you're trying to do is not about that at all. I wish you luck!
I am glad that I am not the only one offended by the original post. Not anywhere was it mentioned this post that was made to the CTMH BB was made on AUGUST 12 - not a week ago as mention but only a few days.
I am mainly offended at that part of your whole post becuase you have lead alot of individuals to believe that your post went un-noticed for a long period of time ... which is completely untrue - shame on you for doing that. Not to mention that several consultants have posted questions to your request - and not one reply from you?? why is that?............
..........I totally understand YOUR need to help and support the community that helped you in your time of need ... find a way to do that YOUR own way ... don't rely on "others" to fullfil your "obligation" .... to put it nicely.
I am sicken that you would say anything negative about your "ctmh sisters" - maybe we as a group aren't what fits your style and maybe you should consider going back to SU ... consultants like you truely don't belong with us ...
Usually I wouldn't comemnt on something like this but for some reason this exchange really bothered me. I personally find the above portions of qtgrk's response far more offensive than anything in the original post. The OP was venting about a negative experience, qtgrk is just being hateful and nasty. There was nothing "put nicely" about it and it was uncalled for. I think perhaps qtgrk is displaying some mispalced anger here. If I were to judge all CTMH demos by qtgrk (which of coarse I don't), I wouldn't want anything to do with CTMH at all. Nor do I judge all of CTMH by the negative responses the OP received from some individuals.
