Tuesday, September 20, 2011

P.S. to Art Journal vs. Smash Book

Apparently the following comments offended some people (the stuff between the stars).  I'm sorry if it did, that was now my intentions when I was writing it.  I have since added the P.S. below to the original post and posted it below.  I hope it explains a bit more about what I was talking about when I wrote it. 

I sometimes forget that I'm not chatting with you on a one to one basis nor do you know me personally...I would never do or say anything to you on-line that I wouldn't say to you in person when expressing my opinions on a subject.  I'm not the type of person that goes out of his or her way to offend anyone (in person or on line).  Nor will I agree with you on everything just because it's the polite thing to do.  I consider you all friends and will give you my honest opinion.

I don't find this any different than recommending a restaurant, a brand of toothpaste or bottle of wine to someone.  It's a personal opinion, it may not jive with yours but take it for what it's worth.  You might not like the restaurant I eat at because of this that or another thing but that's your right because it's your opinion. 

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EK Success has just capitalized on peoples gullibility and produced a line of products to make them. Everything from journals, stickers, journal pads, pens, glue, tape, envelopes and more.

You can create a Smash Book/Glue Book without buying anything you don't already have in your stash. Personally I don't know why you would buy the Smash Book stuff...your book will look very similar to everyone elses book that purchased all those products?!?!? I'd much rather make something all my very own. But what do I know? I'm definitely not who they were marketed for.
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P.S.

I was going to delete the comments (between the stars) that I previously posted because they may have or will offend some people. I did not write them with offending anyone in mind.

When I write that "EK Success capitalized on peoples gullibility" I simply meant that EK is touting this particular type of craft that has been around for years as their newest invention - creating the newest trend/craze (watch the video...it IS very clever).

Now I'm sure not everyone is jumping on the Smash Book trend/craze because of the marketing but for the most part the comments I read about these products are because it's the latest and greatest invention since sliced bread. In generalities that type of mentality prevails (just read some of the comments on various forums out there). Like I said, not everyone but most.

Hey, if it floats your boat by all means, buy away. I was simply pointing out that you're all crafty devils and don't need to buy a $13.00 Smash Book when you can buy a journal from the Dollar Tree for $1.00 or even make your own from scratch. I am all about getting the most bang for my (and your) buck ~ if I didn't think you couldn't create a Glue Book/Smash Book w/o buying it I wouldn't post it.

Again, these are my own personal opinions - not intended to offend or upset anyone.

20 comments:

  1. I for one greatly appreciate the explanation in what a Smash book is, cuz I thought I was missing out on something. Thank u for helping me realize I can keep my $ in my pocket.

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  2. I'm glad to hear your opinions and I expect them to be just that, your opinions. We all have them and they DO vary! ;^)

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  3. Oh, for Pete's sake! A Smash Book is just a successful marketing hoax. I can't believe people were offended by your comments. Wait! Oh, yes I can. No one wants to think they were taken in. Better to crab at you. It's called 'smart marketing,' and Ranger does it quite often, taking common art supplies, renaming them and repackaging them for the craft market at higher prices. The Claudine Helmuth 'multi medium' is just one example of this smart marketing. Call me offensive but I like you call 'em as I see 'em. Keep up the good work.

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  4. Roni, one thing that I love about you and your blog is that you keep things real. Whether or not I agree with each and every word you share doesn't matter. What matters to me is that I can count on you for an honest opinion and not some sugar-coated bunch of crap you had to say in an effort to keep everyone happy. Thanks for being YOU!

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  5. Was so glad that you spoke out on this subject as it also applies to a lot of the Ranger products as well.

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  6. Your blog, m'dear, your opinions! If they don't like 'em, they can go else where! I do appreciate your opinions, and all of the really hard work you do and then put into publishing the hard work for me to benefit from! Thanks so much for all that you do.
    Zanne

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  7. First, people should realize that bloggers give their own opinions and if you don't like them - move on.
    Second, you were trying to help other crafters save a buck!

    Third, I saw those and thought - why?

    Keep up the good work!

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  8. Hi Roni
    I loved your post yesterday. It's perfect to explain what things are in reality. There are so much products over there that are not new at all. I don't know why it should offend someone...To tell the truth.
    Everyone should also be able to give his or her opinion as long as it's not offending people in purpose! English is not my language so excuse any mistakes I could have made.

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  9. It's YOUR blog and you are entitled to express YOUR opinion! IDK people feel the need to argue about it. I too, was taken aback when SmashmBooks came about. I thought, "Isn't it just a scrapbook?" *SMH*

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  10. I agree wholeheartedly with you the first time you wrote it and I still agree with you...

    People took it how they wanted to - and we are all entitled to OUR opions...

    P.S. - I am an art journal fan and my niece a smash book fan - So far we have not bought one from a shop and we have been doing this for a couple of years..

    Enjoying making our own.

    Jhay..

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  11. wow, I am shocked any one would be offended by a personal review type comment on someone's personal blog. You're entitled to type what you wish on your own blog! I, for one, appreciate your honest opinions about things!! Please keep sharing with us!

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  12. Well said! I am a "do it myself" person. I have been doing "smash books" for a long time, but I call mine "glue books" as I just glue all kinds of stuff in mine (recipes, newspaper clippings, movie tickets, fortune cookie "fortunes", how to's -- all kinds of stuff). Years ago, a creative lady named Loretta Gardner brought her "Glue Book" in for a group of us to see that she had created--and I was so impressed. I have filled several since and they are so much fun to look at, as well as useful.

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  13. I, too, want to thank you for all that you share with us on your blog. I thought the Smash books were adorable, but why spend my hard-earned money on one. I just used theirs for inspiration! I, personally, appreciate your honesty about products and how you share your experiences when you use them!

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  14. I come to blogs like yours to hear another persons OPINION. And I appreciate hearing the good and the bad about products. I AM A BIG GIRL and in the end will make my own decision. Keep doing what you do.. WE APPRECIATE IT.

    And by the way Smash books??? ehhh another great marketing effort. There is a place for every time of crafting. Some will like it and others will pass.

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  15. I SO agree with you. I have been keeping a "Smash" book for years. And I haven't forked over too much money AND it's MY OWN design. I don't get the whole craze over them either. Thanks for keeping this post on your blog.

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  16. When I saw the marketing thing about the Smash Book...the only thing I REALLY liked about it was the was the glue/pen combo....I went out and bought one, cuz I needed it for my OWN junk book...lol
    Thanks for your opinion, call it as u see it...u do your thing and Smash Book does theirs..its all good!!!!

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  17. And here I thought I was missing something whenever I read about the Smash Books! Thanks for pointing out that they really are a glorified scrapbook/journal

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  18. lol..Roni..u are such a gem! Hey, this is YOUR blog and YOUR opinion...end of story... we can all take it or leave it...or luv it like I do...seriously, while u have enabled me often to buy goodies I do not have yet want to play with, you certainly have saved me some bucks as well...like..u are great! and anyone who cant handle what you type...u know there is that delete button...they should use it! but for the rest of us, please keep doing what yer doing lady! xo

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  19. That is exactly what I've been thinking!!! These have been around forever - I've had one for years.

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Thanks for your thoughts and comments!