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Splitcoaststampers.com - the world's #1 papercrafting community |
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You're currently viewing Splitcoaststampers as a GUEST. We pride ourselves on being great hosts, but guests have limited access to some of our incredible artwork, our lively forums and other super cool features of the site! You can join our incredible papercrafting community at NO COST. So what are you waiting for?
Join the party at Splitcoaststampers today! |
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09-23-2005, 06:38 AM
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#521
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Babe-Alicious!!
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Nursing School
Posts: 26,756
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Quote: Originally Posted by tish101 I would like to know how many people that say they couldn't afford the subscription have the following:
--cable TV
--cell phone(s)
--DSL or other internet connection (faster than dial-up)
--eat out more than 2x per week
--have a car less than 3 years old
I could go on. Someone posted that they can find better business ideas somewhere else on the web. That's what it's all about. Choice. I choose to support SCS because I love this site!
Tish |
I'll tell you what, I have all of those conveniences you listed above. I am a SAHM with a limited budget, living paycheck to paycheck, have unplanned medical bills for DD and so on and so on. You cant compare these conveniences to paying for access to a website. I am reading about what it breaks down to each month and I feel that some of you are like what the heLL, you cant afford $25, give me a break. You dont know what other peoples financial woes are. Some people really cant afford an extra $25 a year. My demo turned me on to this site over a year ago, and I absolutely love it. I get so many ideas and have made some new cyber friends, but as much as I would LOVE to have paid access to this site, I truly cant give $25 to do that. I just feel that some of you are looking down to the other people who say that they can afford to pay. JMHO
__________________ CNA
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09-23-2005, 06:45 AM
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#522
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Inking Addict
Join Date: Aug 2004
Posts: 84
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Quote from someone up there:
"2) If you can afford to buy stamping supplies for an OPTIONAL HOBBY, then you can afford $25 for a subscription to this site. No one is making you spend money on stamps, so why can't you put some of that money toward your inspiration? I'm a single mom with a single income...I'm a member and I paid for it all by myself! I may not have In Full Bloom, but I am a member!"
For me, it's not so much about not being able to afford the fee. My concern is WILL IT STILL BE WORTH IT when we lose many, many talented people (which we will).
This is my biggest worry. I do not think restricting uploads is the best idea.
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09-23-2005, 06:45 AM
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#523
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Kookie Creator
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: California
Posts: 374
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A small defense
Again, I hardly ever post, but after reading all the posts in this thread I wanted to add something. There was some indications made that the Nolta's objective is to make money on this site, and that is in someway a bad thing. I haven't ever met the Nolta's. I am a virtual unknown on this site because I don't post to the forums often.
BUT, I do know that when the site first started growing "donations" were requested. I sent money. Then a few months later as a thankyou to all those who donated the Fan Club was started. I sent more money. Then there were some upgrades going on and expenses were mentioned. I sent more money. Last week when the Hurricane Relief was discussed, I thought I should renew and help support that effort. I went to check when my subscription would run out (thinking it should be anytime). Well it doesn't expire until August of 2006, because each time I "donated" they extended my membership time. They didn't have to do that, I was donating to keep this site up. But they were not trying to fleece me, they gave me something in return each time I gave money.
So as far as motivation to make money goes -- who doesn't want to make money? But be clear that they absolutely want to provide a great service for your $$$
__________________ Sheri Salazar
Money may not buy happiness, but it buys stamps, which makes me happy!
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09-23-2005, 06:45 AM
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#524
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Stampin' Fool
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,388
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Check is in the mail! I hope it is ok that I wrote it out to Split Coast Stampers. If not I will resend a new one. Thank you for all that everyone does here. I know I really truly appreciate all the work that goes into the site.
Jodi
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09-23-2005, 06:47 AM
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#525
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Gabfest Goddess
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Medina, Ohio but wishing I was on a beach!!
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fees
I started looking on this website in January. I paid my $20 in March because there is sooo much to see. It is well worth the money spent. Someone before said about the price of a magazine subscription. Some are $40 for only one year. You can log on to this site every day and depending on when that is you can find so many ideas. You could log off for 1/2 hour and get back on and there would be many more things to look at. I was so overwhelmed when I first joined, still am though, to be truthful.
I don't think there is anything wrong with charging for all the wonderful ideas and tutorials that can be found. I just signed up to be a demo in August and I have found so many ideas here. Keep up the good work!! I LOVE it here, much to my DH's dismay!! As a matter of fact, I just renewed my subscription a few minutes ago!!!
MaryJo Marshall
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09-23-2005, 06:48 AM
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#526
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Matboard Maniac
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Moose Jaw, SK CANADA
Posts: 206
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You've got my vote for YES
I am a fan club member BUT find myself rarely going to the gallery (even though I love it) because it is so slow....AND then forget about leaving a comment! Which is a shame when people in general love to hear positive feedback on their hard works of art.
My $30.00 CDN (approximately) per year is an investment in this wonderful site!!
I'm in total agreement with your decision Daven.
Paula
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09-23-2005, 06:48 AM
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#527
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Insane Embellisher
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Springville UT
Posts: 765
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I think that the fan club membership has gone up to $25 . . . I LOVE it here! That is only $2 a month -- a small price to pay. How much do the craft magazines cost each month? And there are a zillion more ideas here than in the magazines. Well worth it if that is what is necessasary to keep SCS in good working order!
Someone said that she thought that upload access should NOT be limited to paid members only, and I agree! The SCS galleries have been the salvation of my business. There is no way I could do the business I do without all the creativity here. PLEASE continue to let all members upload! They'll still have access to their creations in their member galleries, and the paid members will benefit from them too!
Thanks for all you do SCS Admin & moderators!
__________________ Remember, Ginger Rogers did everything Fred Astaire did, but backwards and in high heels. -Faith Whittlesey
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09-23-2005, 06:50 AM
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#528
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Kookie Creator
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 387
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AddictedScramper vbmenu_register("postmenu_1094038", true); wrote:
Quote: I will join the fan club and support this faster gallery! I do expect it to be faster if I pay for it. I don't want to kid. If every member paid the $25 you could certainly have an Ebay speed quality website! So I expect a lot I suppose. But, I will give this a shot! I look forward to being able to enjoy this site more! |
Definitly agree - I have no problem paying a fee for access to SCS, but I would then expect a website that was lightening fast and no down time (except of course for scheduled maintanence)!!
__________________ ~Michele Independent Stampin Up! � Demonstrator
SCS memeber # 27799
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09-23-2005, 06:56 AM
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#529
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Polyshrink Goddess
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Me
Posts: 570
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SCS fee
I would be more than glad to join the Fan Club and pay the $20. fee. I'm a real fan of this site and I'd hate to lose the resource.
stampqueen17
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09-23-2005, 06:59 AM
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#530
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Matboard Maniac
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Eldersburg, MD
Posts: 226
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Quote: Originally Posted by tish101 I would like to know how many people that say they couldn't afford the subscription have the following:
--cable TV
--cell phone(s)
--DSL or other internet connection (faster than dial-up)
--eat out more than 2x per week
--have a car less than 3 years old
I could go on. Someone posted that they can find better business ideas somewhere else on the web. That's what it's all about. Choice. I choose to support SCS because I love this site!
Tish |
Quote: Originally Posted by Jeanniebabes I'll tell you what, I have all of those conveniences you listed above. You cant compare these conveniences to paying for access to a website. I am reading about what it breaks down to each month and I feel that some of you are like what the heLL, you cant afford $25, give me a break. You dont know what other peoples financial woes are. Some people really cant afford an extra $25 a year. I truly cant give $25 to do that. I just feel that some of you are looking down to the other people who say that they can afford to pay. JMHO |
A couple of things:
-First, I think we can compare those conveniences to paying for access to a website. For example, I don't have cable TV but I do have a Fan Club membership; both are luxuries and I prefer the website.
-Second, I don't think most people are "looking down" on those who say they can't afford to pay. But personally I feel "can't afford" isn't entirely accurate: you're choosing not to pay; that is, that you're choosing to spend disposable income on other things - and that's fine. But saying we "can't afford" a luxury is really saying that we choose to go without it and purchase other things. (Could I afford cable TV? Yes. But I prefer my other luxuries.)
For the record, I think paying for this site is reasonable. Free forums and galleries and ideas are not an entitlement. Everyone will need to decide if it's worth it to them, and compare it to what else they could do with that money.
(Sidenote: Would I have paid if I hadn't been a member for free first? Well, probably not - so I think a free month trial membership would probably net more funds, if that's a feasible option.)
FWIW-
Susan
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09-23-2005, 07:06 AM
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#531
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Pearl-ExPert
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Portland, Oregon
Posts: 2,578
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Quote: Originally Posted by born_to_stamp AddictedScramper vbmenu_register("postmenu_1094038", true); wrote:
Definitly agree - I have no problem paying a fee for access to SCS, but I would then expect a website that was lightening fast and no down time (except of course for scheduled maintanence)!! |
Please correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't the intent to have this be a temporary hold on gallery usage for non-paying members? I think that after October, everyone, paying and non-paying, will be able to view all the galleries again. If so, this is just an experiment to try and get things going faster while there is less usage. I'm sure Daven doesn't have a crystal ball, and can't entirely predict the outcome until they have had a chance to see how it goes. In other words, let's give them a break, and don't expect miracles in just a few weeks. It may take a lot of trial and error to get it all "fixed" and I hope everyone doesn't start complaining that it's not lightening fast yet. Have some patience everyone!
__________________ Alicia
Those cuties in my avatar are my 3 youngest kids: Taylor, Allison and Nick
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09-23-2005, 07:08 AM
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#532
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Babe-Alicious!!
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Nursing School
Posts: 26,756
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Quote: Originally Posted by eplercs - But personally I feel "can't afford" isn't entirely accurate: you're choosing not to pay; that is, that you're choosing to spend disposable income on other things - and that's fine. But saying we "can't afford" a luxury is really saying that we choose to go without it and purchase other things. (Could I afford cable TV? Yes. But I prefer my other luxuries.)
For the record, I think paying for this site is reasonable. Free forums and galleries and ideas are not an entitlement. Everyone will need to decide if it's worth it to them, and compare it to what else they could do with that money.
FWIW-
Susan |
I cant speak for the others who say they "cant afford" to be a paid member. But I am saying that I "CANT AFFORD". I am NOT choosing not to pay, I CANT AFFORD IT! PERIOD! And to quote the other person saying stuff about having DSL or dial up, if you didnt have that you wouldnt be here. Plus, I didnt say it was unreasonable for them to make it a paid site. They have to do what they have to do, and I have to do what I have to do. I have to put my hobbies to the side for a while, until we can catch up, so that includes me not paying the $25 that I cant afford right now.
__________________ CNA
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09-23-2005, 07:08 AM
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#533
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Matboard Maniac
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: morris, IL
Posts: 232
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since i am a member I don't have a problem. I have to say, this is the greatest site. I love all of the wonderful ideas that I see here. I am always amazed at how creative people are!
__________________ Holly
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09-23-2005, 07:11 AM
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#534
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Polyshrink Goddess
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Upstate NY
Posts: 567
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Count me in!!! $25 dollars for daily stamping/graphic design/art class? I think that's pretty cheap! I was an art major in college and let me tell you, it cost a heck of a lot more and I learned a heck of a lot less! And one other thing, I hope like crazy that Daven and Tracy get rich because they have made my life sooooooooo much richer by being part of this site, I have met myt best friends through this!!!! Thank you Noltas and expect for me to renew my membership that was a gift, just another example of the generosity of this site and its members!!
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09-23-2005, 07:13 AM
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#535
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Polyshrink Goddess
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Poughkeepsie, NY
Posts: 638
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Been meaning to join - sign me up!
This place is SO WORTH THE $$. I know this had to be a real hard decison for them - but I think its the right one. How else can they make these upgrades? Non members will still be able to view different members galleries - so there will still be exciting samples to view in the meantime. Eventually SCS will be able to go back to being free. In the meantime - those of us who can afford it will take advantage of this opportunity to help fund the changes.
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09-23-2005, 07:18 AM
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#536
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Compulsive Stamper
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 35
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Go for it!
I am not currently a member of the Fan Club - but will be when the gallery goes 'paid only'. It's been a great free ride. I have gotten so many ideas and inspirations - and don't want to miss that. Personally, I have spent far more than $20 for less help and fun.
For those that don't think they can afford it, I am sorry you can't see the value of investing in this tool to grow your business and inspire your own stamping creativity. I also operate on a very narrow budget in my SU business, but this is worth every penny. To learn techniques that WOW your customers, to see how hundreds/thousands of others are using these products - that is well worth $1.67 a month (or $.06 a day, or about about $.42 a worshop)!
Go for it! - nothing in life that is worth anything is free.
Vickie Sigler
Independent SU Demonstrator
SCS lover
Soon-to-be-Fan Club Member
__________________ Vickie
Stampin' Jolly!
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09-23-2005, 07:20 AM
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#537
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RAGIN' CAJUN WANNABE
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: OREGON BOUND!!!!
Posts: 85,372
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Okay....this isn't the first and won't be the last time I open my mouth and stick my foot in it on here.
If I read right this "paid only" upload thing is temporary. So is not being able to view the full gallery.
If this is right then what is the big problem here?
If you can't or don't want to pay then just don't. You will still get back in at some point.
I wish I was due for renewal. Since I am not I will probably give a gift to someone.
Jeepers....I just spent over $6.00 stopping by Chick-Fil-A on my way home from the doctor. That is a good start on a membership if I had saved that money and my hips dang sure would look a sight better.
I am on a budget and I don't have money to burn either but I can cut back if need be to come up with $24.95.
Plus....Who gives a rip if Daven and Tracy make money on this? Would your or your DH work your backsides off on a daily basis is you were not making money?
I really doubt it.
I also doubt if their mission is to become rich off of us.
We all have bills to pay,we all buy groceries and have to put expensive gas in our cars.
I don't think anyone on here is looking down on anyone else because they say they can't afford to pay.
I am also pretty sure all of us have that 1 set of stamps we could have done without.
Where there is a will there is always a way so where is the will if you love this site as much as you say you do?
__________________ "Lord,if you cain't forgive me all my sins,just don't remember them too good,no." "Thank you,Amen"
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09-23-2005, 07:21 AM
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#538
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Rubber Obsessor
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 198
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Quote: Originally Posted by shersheri Again, I hardly ever post, but after reading all the posts in this thread I wanted to add something. There was some indications made that the Nolta's objective is to make money on this site, and that is in someway a bad thing. I haven't ever met the Nolta's. I am a virtual unknown on this site because I don't post to the forums often.
BUT, I do know that when the site first started growing "donations" were requested. I sent money. Then a few months later as a thankyou to all those who donated the Fan Club was started. I sent more money. Then there were some upgrades going on and expenses were mentioned. I sent more money. Last week when the Hurricane Relief was discussed, I thought I should renew and help support that effort. I went to check when my subscription would run out (thinking it should be anytime). Well it doesn't expire until August of 2006, because each time I "donated" they extended my membership time. They didn't have to do that, I was donating to keep this site up. But they were not trying to fleece me, they gave me something in return each time I gave money.
So as far as motivation to make money goes -- who doesn't want to make money? But be clear that they absolutely want to provide a great service for your $$$ |
I agree 100%. I thinking making money is great. But please don't tell me that this is the cost of a site upgrade. That's all I ask. That's a putdown to me to assume that I don't know any better. Who knew that pointing out the earning potential on this venture would cause anyone to become angry. I think $20 dollars is a bargain considering what I get. It is a great service. And who said that becoming for profit was such a negative thing? Quit telling me how much it takes to keep a site like this running becasue I know enought to know that it won't take as much as is earned. Tell me that you've decided to charge everyone $20-$25 dollars for being a member of your site and I say where do I sign up. Does no one see that difference?
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09-23-2005, 07:26 AM
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#539
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Glitter Guru
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Northern MN
Posts: 5,529
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Count me in
I usually read the announcements but this is the first time I've been impelled to respond. I just paid for my membership and hope many more will do the same. I love this site and find it worth every penny!
I agree that a free one month trial membership should be considered down the road in order to recruit new people.
Thanks for all you do and keep up the good work!
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09-23-2005, 07:28 AM
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#540
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Rubber Obsessor
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 198
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Also- they owe me absolutely no explanation as to where ANY money generated goes. It's none of my business. But it is my business if you are TELLING me where it's going and it isn't true.
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09-23-2005, 07:33 AM
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#541
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Mad Swapper
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Illinois
Posts: 1,933
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Count me in...I'll keep renewing my Fan Club membership! There are a number of websites that have public parts that are free, and then you have to subscribe to get more of their info. The two that I pay for monthly are Consumer Reports and America's Test Kitchen. And I think those are each $4-5 a month. I use them about once a month, but SCS I use every day! A bargain in my book!! I, too, would spend more time looking and commenting in the gallery if it were faster.
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09-23-2005, 07:33 AM
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#542
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Cardstock Collector
Join Date: Aug 2004
Posts: 1
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Paid members
When I read the note that the gallery was for paid members only I did not hesitate to sign up and did on the spot!! I would not be as successful at creating projects without the very talented people who post their beautiful projects. Thanks so much.
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09-23-2005, 07:33 AM
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#543
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Crimping Master
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Newburgh NY
Posts: 1,044
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Pay to see
First, let me say that this site has enriched by stamping experience & has helped me to improve my stamping business. I am here everyday not just for the gallery but also for the great forums & resourses.
I have no problem to renew my subscription to the Fan Club, it is well worth every penny that I paid for it and it makes me feel good that I do support this site in a small way.
I do get frustrated as a supporter when I can't access the galleries which seems to almost be on a daily basis lately. I am on broadband so I know it is not my connection.
What really bothers me is all the people that use this site as visitors and never register. It is FREE to register so why can't they take the time to sign up for the wonderful privledge of using this site. It irks me to see that there, lets say on a given time that there are 400 registered users on line and 150 non registered users surfing this site. That is alot and most of the time it is more than that.
I feel this way, and I know I will probly get flamed for my opinion:
1-Many people have stopped paying for magazines(subscriptions or just picking them up in stores) since they found this wonderful site thanks to the wonderful work by Daven & Tracy. I think that the galleries are a privledge that should be paid for, this site must cost a ton to run, not counting all the work & time that goes into making this site what it is.....Wonderful. Most people don't think twice about plunking down 6 bucks a month for a magazine, $24.95 a year for this site is a bargin, there are more ideas & resourses on here on any given day than in one monthly magazine....DAILY!
2-I think in order to access this site at all you should be registered, just as a common courtesy to everyone. You are using the site, why not? If your not registered you should not be able to access anything. Unregistered users add to the overload which adds to the viewing & surfing problems for the site supporters & registered users.
3-As a paying supporter I feel that I should be able to veiw the galleries and have it be an enjoyable experience. I don't want to stay away because the site is overloaded and can't view anything. Joining the Fan Club is awesome but we need to be able to see what we are supporting, when we want. I know we all get frustrated with this issue.
So, yes, I think it is a wonderful idea to pay for the privledge to use this awesome site. I think with more supporters the necessary upgrades can be done and the costs won't be such a burden to Daven & Tracey. The whole SCS experience will be better than ever.
I love this site and will try to do whatever I can to support it. Thanks again to EVERYONE that makes it what it is.
Regards
Barbara
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09-23-2005, 07:35 AM
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#544
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Mad Swapper
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Coolidge, AZ
Posts: 1,577
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It's only 7 cents a day for over 250 new ideas a day
I think it's a wonderful idea. $25/year is CHEAP compared to what we actually receive each day. For about 7 cents a day, we have access to over 250 new ideas PLUS all the "older" samples that have been uploaded through the years.
A hard decision for you, but a very fair decision.
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09-23-2005, 07:39 AM
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#545
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Insane Embellisher
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Holladay (SLC), Utah
Posts: 906
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Here's my .02 cents worth. First of all, I totally support you for doing this. I had always marveled at the fact you can keep this site free and allow people to make unlimited uploads. I think $20 is quite reasonable to pay for being part of this site and I'm a little ashamed that I hadn't done it before now. This definitely gives me the incentive to do so.
However, I do wish that you'd given a little more warning - at least 2 weeks, or a month would be better. That way people could have time to join the fan club or decide what to do before the restriction goes into place. I've referred this site to all my customers and I don't know how often they visit.
The other thing you might consider is restricting the amount of uploads per member. This is the ONLY site I've ever seen that offers unlimited uploads to all it's members. I have stuff out there I don't even care about just because there is no limit. Maybe you could set a reasonable restriction of say 50 images per member. That way people would only post their BEST stuff out here and not just throw out every little thing they do. And maybe restrict it to current sets only and put some of the retired sets in archived or zipped files that people could download by set. Just a thought....
__________________ Adrian
Visit my Demo Website
I have a bouncing baby blog
There are three types of people in the world - those who can count and those who can't.
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09-23-2005, 07:39 AM
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#546
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Splitcoast Dirty Dozen Alumni M&M Stamper
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: The only Eaton Rapids on the Earth, Michigan
Posts: 57,568
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To Pay or Not to Pay; That is the Question
When my friend told me of your awesome website earlier this year, and I checked it out for the first time, it was love at first site! It has taken me some time to learn how to navigate around the site, but, as I have, I have been impressed with the resources available to me through the galleries, the forums, the techniques, etc. I spend as much time as I can on the site because it helps to stimulate my creativity and answer my many, many questions.
As to the Fan Club fee: I became a registered member in April of this year, and, to be truthful, I made the decision to hold off joining the Fan Club because there is so much available in the members' galleries that met my existing needs for free. HOWEVER, I totally support the decision you've made. It IS unfair to the Fan Club members who pay the annual fee to have to put up with slow service on the site due to the volume. Hearing your plea, I will be joining the Fan Club so that you can keep this site fully and efficiently operational!
I also agree with the many other comments made that we all spend a lot of money on our stamping hobby so we should be able to come up with the $25 yearly fee. To be able to have this valuable resource available to us that inspires and teaches us, is definitely worth it. Software and servers ARE expensive and need to be maintained and constantly upgraded, especially with a clientele this large in number. Some people just don't realize the expense involved.
I don't think you should restrict those registered members who don't join the Fan Club from uploading their cards because there are so many talented people out there, and I would hate to see you lose some of them. However, maybe you could change the Members' Galleries by putting some restrictions in place, such as the number of uploads allowed, uploading pictures in a certain format/condensed size, etc. For those who join the Fan Club, perhaps you could offer some other "for Fan Club Members only" incentives.
Many of us know how hard you work to maintain this site, and we love you for it!
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09-23-2005, 07:41 AM
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#547
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Gabfest Goddess
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: East Coast
Posts: 7,679
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I say do what you need to do. Yes - I am a Fan Club member. I've supported this site through that and purchasing t-shirts and will continue when I can. I am a SAHM to 2 children and another on the way. Do we have money? NO! However, we always find ways to "get" what we want. So, I will forgo my cappuccino, McD trips for the kids, etc to pay.
This site started out for Tracey's downline only. Luckily it was changed and opened to us all. I've always been surprised that it's been "free" to us. My DH runs numerous websites (outside his full-time job) and believe me - he is NOT paid adequately! So - if this helps Daven and Tracey in anyway - GREAT! Now if only I could get my DH to see that his time/energy/etc is worth so much more!! Seriously - I complain daily about the amount of time he has to put into the websites. He does this all by himself for next to nothing. So, I can only imagine what it takes (money and time wise) to keep this site going.
Whatever it takes - I say do it. Truthfully - I appreciate being asked at all. Most sites don't even ask, however, just do what they need to. For those that can't, don't want to, have doubts, or whatever - noone is forcing you. You need to do what you need to, just as Daven and Tracey need to do what they need to.
__________________ Karen
Madison (6/7/00) & Mackenzie (8/22/04) & Trenton Joshua (3/30/06)
My Blog WatercoloredDreams
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09-23-2005, 07:42 AM
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#548
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Insane Embellisher
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Texas
Posts: 782
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it's our turn
I absolutely love this site, it is such a big part of my stamping experience and such a great help to my business as a demonstrator.
Daven and Tracy do so much for us by keeping up this site. $20 to have access to some of the best stamped art?? -- absolutely!!! -- for all I get here, I would have paid even more than 20!! I am absolutely willing to become a fan club member and I will go there right now to subscribe.
Thank you for all you do to serve the stamping community here. I am sorry I've been taking a free ride, I did not know you needed the funds :( Hope you get the $$ you need by making this change -- I know this was a hard decision to make this proposition -- but I hope it helps you fix the server problems. Love, Vmaduzia
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09-23-2005, 07:43 AM
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#549
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Gallery Gazer
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: in the horse dirt!
Posts: 6,420
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I too agree that this has been a tough decision made by Tracy and Daven. I think you are doing the RIGHT thing here. $20 to me is a cheap price to have what we have and all the hard work you put into this site. I do get frustrated that I can't access the gallery and leave the msg's I'd like to b/c it is slow. I think you will see a growth in subscriptions b/c people haven't had to pay. SCS is too cool of a site for someone to just move on, they stick around!
Thanks again on all your hard work to keep this site going. I know I will be renewing when it is time!
__________________ Life is too short to drink bad coffee!
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09-23-2005, 07:43 AM
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#550
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Polyshrink Goddess
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Blairsville, PA
Posts: 575
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I loved the idea that the site was free because it was a great place to send new stampers. I joined the fan club not so much for the extras but because I take so much from this site and figured I should give something back. This was my gift to me as the mum of 7 this site is my sanity saver. We don't have a lot of extra money just doing nothing but I can go without other extras. Just thinking about the money I spend on going once a month to burger king or the DVD I might have bought. I don't know about others but I think it's a small price to pay for the wows I get when I show my stampers a new technique that I in most cases got from here.
__________________ Katrina - Busy mum, stampin' fool of 6. Tara 26, Todd 20, Michael 13, Shannon 9, Garrett 7 and last but not least Paige Avalon 5. Proud SF Wife Ret.
SCS member #9233/ SU Demo
My Wee Blog: kats' kreations
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09-23-2005, 07:44 AM
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#551
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The Digi-Freak
Join Date: Aug 2004
Posts: 24,944
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Quote: Originally Posted by istampustamp As this is mainly a resource for demonstrators, is it necessary for non-demo's to have access to the gallery? Perhaps SU demo's have access, non-demo's have fee-based access...? |
Actually, if demos want to have CUSTOMERS, they want their customers to have IDEAS. And MANY MANY MANY of us are CUSTOMERS. We aren't demos, and we still use the gallery! Demos aren't more worthy of access than anyone else!! Customers are the heart of your business if you are a demo. Charging only customers for the gallery would be RETARDED. It would prevent them from getting ideas and wanting to purchase things. But I think EVERYONE should pay up.
Kimberly, CUSTOMER and EQUALLY WORTHY, thanks VERY much!
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09-23-2005, 07:45 AM
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#552
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Pearl-ExPert
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Portland, Oregon
Posts: 2,578
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Quote: Originally Posted by acer Also- they owe me absolutely no explanation as to where ANY money generated goes. It's none of my business. But it is my business if you are TELLING me where it's going and it isn't true. |
There are no guarantees as to how many people will pay for a membership. So are you saying that Daven should say:
If xxx people pay, it will cover ____purchase.
If xxxx more people pay, it will cover____additional purchased.
If xxxxx more people pay, it will cover some of my hours of work on this board.
If xxxxxx more people pay, it will cover all of my hours of work on this board.
If xxxxxxx more people pay, it will cover all my hours PLUS pay a nominal fee to all the moderators and DD designers.
If xxxxxxxx more people pay, it will cover all my hours PLUS pay a nominal fee to all the moderators and DD designers PLUS put xxx amount into a savings for future upkeep of this board in case less people pay their yearly dues in the future.
If xxxxxxxxx more people pay, it will cover all my hours PLUS pay a nominal fee to all the moderators and DD designers PLUS put xxx amount into a savings for future upkeep of this board in case less people pay their yearly dues in the future PLUS pay back some of the expenses my family incurred in creating and maintaining this website for free for so long.
If xxxxxxxxxx more people pay, it will cover all my hours PLUS pay a nominal fee to all the moderators and DD designers PLUS put xxx amount into a savings for future upkeep of this board in case less people pay their yearly dues in the future PLUS pay back some of the expenses my family incurred in creating and maintaining this website for free for so long PLUS pay me retroactively for some of the many hours I put in for free over the months and years of maintaining this website.
And on, and on, and on........
How on earth do you propose that he even begin to explain where the money will go if he has no idea how much will be coming in? There is no deception here, and you are not doing anyone any favors by insinuating that there is.
You have to know how your posts are coming across.
__________________ Alicia
Those cuties in my avatar are my 3 youngest kids: Taylor, Allison and Nick
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09-23-2005, 07:46 AM
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#553
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Die Cut Diva
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Alberta, Canada
Posts: 3,872
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This was my original post and someone pm'd me and informed me that I didn't have to have a Pay Pal account to use Pay Pal. I guess we learn something new everyday! So I just joined the Fan Club via Pay Pal! I wish I had known this before. Thanks for letting me know Cori!
Quote: Originally Posted by tickley_toes I can understand why you may have to resort to this. I do have a question about Canadians paying for it though. I don't have Pay Pal so my only other option is a money order in American Funds. When I purchase an American money order through my bank there is a $5 service fee plus the exchange rate so a $25 membership fee actually costs me almost $35 per year. This has been the reason why I haven't joined yet. |
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09-23-2005, 07:46 AM
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#554
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Insane Embellisher
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Indiana
Posts: 982
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Quote: Originally Posted by love6kids Please correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't the intent to have this be a temporary hold on gallery usage for non-paying members? I think that after October, everyone, paying and non-paying, will be able to view all the galleries again. If so, this is just an experiment to try and get things going faster while there is less usage. I'm sure Daven doesn't have a crystal ball, and can't entirely predict the outcome until they have had a chance to see how it goes. In other words, let's give them a break, and don't expect miracles in just a few weeks. It may take a lot of trial and error to get it all "fixed" and I hope everyone doesn't start complaining that it's not lightening fast yet. Have some patience everyone! |
I was thinking the same thing. Daven did say that it is only temporary. They aren't making this permanent. They just need to do it until they are able to get the changes made to the server in order to make it work faster for all of us! I really appreciate everything the SCS team is doing! They have been battling this problem for months now, and it just can't be fixed with the number of people that are on it daily. They've tried their best not to have to restrict the gallery, but they have no choice, I'm sure. Those of you who can't afford the $25 a year, please don't go away! The gallery will be back as soon as they get everything fixed on the server. Then, everything will be back to normal, but only faster!
__________________ Christy Fulk
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09-23-2005, 07:46 AM
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#555
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Polyshrink Goddess
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: California
Posts: 538
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Paid only Access to Gallery
This site is so great and wonderful! I would hate to loose the privilege of viewing all of the great work and ideas. Where do we send the money to become a Fan Club Menber?
Ana Malick ')
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09-23-2005, 07:46 AM
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#556
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Stazon Splitcoast
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Fort Madison, Iowa
Posts: 14,284
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Quote: Originally Posted by mamakimberly Actually, if demos want to have CUSTOMERS, they want their customers to have IDEAS. And MANY MANY MANY of us are CUSTOMERS. We aren't demos, and we still use the gallery! Demos aren't more worthy of access than anyone else!! Customers are the heart of your business if you are a demo. Charging only customers for the gallery would be RETARDED. It would prevent them from getting ideas and wanting to purchase things. But I think EVERYONE should pay up.
Kimberly, CUSTOMER and EQUALLY WORTHY, thanks VERY much! |
Did you hear me snort laugh all the way down in Texas??? Goodness Gracious Kimberly that was funny!
__________________ NiceRak
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09-23-2005, 07:50 AM
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#557
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Gabfest Goddess
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: In the Bay of Thunder
Posts: 7,577
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I haven't read through all the replies, but from what I have read it seems that going to the "pay" model will result in a loss of participation from those who do not or cannot "pay to play."Accordingly, I think that if there is a significant drop in participation from loyal SCSers, the next logical thing to happen would be Stampin' Up will notice a decrease in sales.
I would think that there is substantial income generated from us stampers viewing card/scrapbook designs which then relates to us making purchases from our demos (I am not a demo).
Would there be a possibility of Stampin' Up making a contribution to the ongoing costs of maintaining the site? Has anyone ever approached and discussed this with the head office?
When I first registered to become a member of this site, I assumed that there was a connection to the company. I thought maybe it was a site that was established by S.U. to promote their sales.
I had no idea it was run by a couple who were in it for no benefit, but to simply allow stampers to share, display and compare their talents.
I guess what I am asking is has anyone from S.U. ever looked at the phenom that is splitcoaststampers?
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09-23-2005, 07:52 AM
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#558
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The Digi-Freak
Join Date: Aug 2004
Posts: 24,944
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Thanks Amy!
Before anyone gets all offended by my usage of the word retarded, the definition is "limited in intellectual or emotional development" and I think that fits.
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09-23-2005, 07:52 AM
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#559
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Die Cut Diva
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Beautiful Bellingham, WA
Posts: 3,134
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I'm joining!!
I agree with so many- just look at how many posts there are supporting this site! I'm joining because I support this team and my magazine subscription card is still laying on my desk (after a month) because this site offers so much more! Where else can you have a gallery, get free templates and instructions, meet great people, join swaps and get help whenever needed- I agree- priceless.
Everyone's pockets are tighter, but we have to make priorities, and hobbies are extras (unless you use this as therapy ) This to me is something I can do any time I have a little free time- plus I have full access from my own home! With my family and schedule- that is very important!
The ideas I've gotten from this site- awesome!
Thanks for a great service!!
Martha
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09-23-2005, 07:54 AM
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#560
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Stazon Splitcoast
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Fort Madison, Iowa
Posts: 14,284
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Quote: Originally Posted by mamakimberly Thanks Amy!
Before anyone gets all offended by my usage of the word retarded, the definition is "limited in intellectual or emotional development" and I think that fits. |
SHUT UP!!!!
__________________ NiceRak
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