Cheating--Message Board Changes

[lizanne]

OK, I'm here to confess.

Things have been so quiet here, I've been trawling other message boards.

"Desparately seeking a design for toilet paper that is welcoming for Mexicans."

and

"A smocking Chipmunk plate" not to be confused with a "Pot smoking Chipmunk"

Even when you guys are too busy to amuse and entertain me, you are the "quality" message board friends. I know I can live without the my daily fix, but please, please save me from the dark side.

I know the weather it fabulous in your part of the world and you're probably all outside enjoying the Northern summer, but take pity on those of us on the Southern side of the planet and start chatting.

I can't find an online 12 step program for message board cheats so help me back on to the straight and narrow.

I'm begging you,

Lizanne

[StitchinGrandma]

OH no! YOU are on your own. I've been lost in blog land lately as I'm trying to find a table runner pattern that I don't know the name of. LOL I'm amazed at all the sewing/quilting blogs that are 'out' there and how many awesome people are on all those blogs making up their own patterns and give them away free.

And no fabulous weather in my area. We are drowing in all the flooding all around me and when it's not raining the temps are about 85-90 with humidity levels near 90+ so it's been HORRIBLY humid. You just need to go stand, not even move outside and you are sweating. ick.

[lizanne]

What is the table runner like? is it quilted or embroidered?

[Kim in Canada]

Lizanne - You are so funny! Here in Calgary it's about 70 degrees or so this morning - which is fabulous indeed. We've been getting so much rain and bleak days - with thunderstorms almost every night and some tornado watches that are ongoing.
I'm sewing and embroidering a lot these days - in my basement - when it's so nice outside, which is kinda hard to do. How are you grandchildren doing?
Kim

[Jami Johnson]

OK, I'm here to confess.

Things have been so quiet here, I've been trawling other message boards.

"Desparately seeking a design for toilet paper that is welcoming for Mexicans."

and

"A smocking Chipmunk plate" not to be confused with a "Pot smoking Chipmunk"

Even when you guys are too busy to amuse and entertain me, you are the "quality" message board friends. I know I can live without the my daily fix, but please, please save me from the dark side.

I know the weather it fabulous in your part of the world and you're probably all outside enjoying the Northern summer, but take pity on those of us on the Southern side of the planet and start chatting.

I can't find an online 12 step program for message board cheats so help me back on to the straight and narrow.

I'm begging you,

Lizanne

Haha. That is just too funny, Lizanne. I'm guessing those in quotation marks are things you saw on 'other' message boards? Funny, indeed.

You're post comes at an interesting time. For quite some time, we have been contemplating opening up the message board to broader topics. Basically allowing discussion of any and all designs and digitizers…not just ours. However, the reason we haven’t done it yet is for fear of losing the “quality”, as you put it, of the board and friends. Now, I for one, am not a cliquish person and always like to welcome in new people to my circle of friends. BUT, and this is a big but, I also like when they are contributing members of my circle. I don’t think any of us like to be in a relationship that’s one sided…they’re just not as fulfilling or fun. I realize we can’t always give 100% of ourselves and that’s the beauty of true relationships…sometimes you’re the one that gives 100% because the other person is going through a rough time and during the times you can only give 50% the other person picks up the rest of the slack for you. In the end though, it all equals out. Alright, before I get too far off on friendships, I guess I should get back to the topic at hand…

What direction would you like to see the board go? Open it to allow posting of any and all designs, digitizers, etc? However, I will not allow advertising of any sort whatsoever…No one likes being bombarded with ads! I’m also leery of the “ISO” (in search of) threads. It’s nice to have help finding a design, but like we’ve already seen from Lizanne’s post, sometimes those requests are quite ridiculous. J

I’m open to suggestions…this is your board and I’d like to make it as fun of a place as possible for you to enjoy! Please share your thoughts!

[StitchinGrandma]

What is the table runner like? is it quilted or embroidered?

Sorry for not answering sooner. I'm a bit out of things right now. Hard to describe but I THINK I might have found something close and I just ordered another because I won a gift cert at a site. We'll see when it arrives when I can see it better.

[StitchinGrandma]

Haha. That is just too funny, Lizanne. I'm guessing those in quotation marks are things you saw on 'other' message boards? Funny, indeed.

You're post comes at an interesting time. For quite some time, we have been contemplating opening up the message board to broader topics. Basically allowing discussion of any and all designs and digitizers…not just ours. However, the reason we haven’t done it yet is for fear of losing the “quality”, as you put it, of the board and friends. Now, I for one, am not a cliquish person and always like to welcome in new people to my circle of friends. BUT, and this is a big but, I also like when they are contributing members of my circle. I don’t think any of us like to be in a relationship that’s one sided…they’re just not as fulfilling or fun. I realize we can’t always give 100% of ourselves and that’s the beauty of true relationships…sometimes you’re the one that gives 100% because the other person is going through a rough time and during the times you can only give 50% the other person picks up the rest of the slack for you. In the end though, it all equals out. Alright, before I get too far off on friendships, I guess I should get back to the topic at hand…

What direction would you like to see the board go? Open it to allow posting of any and all designs, digitizers, etc? However, I will not allow advertising of any sort whatsoever…No one likes being bombarded with ads! I’m also leery of the “ISO” (in search of) threads. It’s nice to have help finding a design, but like we’ve already seen from Lizanne’s post, sometimes those requests are quite ridiculous. J

I’m open to suggestions…this is your board and I’d like to make it as fun of a place as possible for you to enjoy! Please share your thoughts!

I'm going to sit back and read other members input first. :D

[NJMo]

Uh, have I been making mistakes? I make non-embroidery posts here, but where they are clearly identified as such. I come to this site - often, if not daily - because I know I can see ideas, search for answers and ask embroidery questions. There are a ka-billion other sites if I want to find a Pot-smoking Chipmunk (hee hee, this is hilarious), but I use this site as a reference from embroiders much more talented/experienced than me. This section is available for jokes, recipes, requests for input from others about daily life, and stories about my nieces. :-) I love reading about others' projects and even off-topic subjects. As such, I certainly would not mind seeing other topic categories as long as they continue to be delineated and easy to search.

As always, thanks for the great site.

[katiedoodles]

Jami,

I happen to like this board just the way it is. (I only wish there was more activity on it sometimes.) I prefer reading quality not quantity. As a compromise, you could allow posting of projects done with other designers embroidery on them...just so we can show off, but not to allow information on where they purchased the design, etc. If someone really wants to know they can either do a search or send a PM to the person who posted the project. I know that I have made a few projects that combined designs from Embroidables with other designs that I wished I could have shared here. (But not for the contests, if you still continue to run them {said hopefully!})

This is the only board that I post to on a regular basis. There have been some boards that I have joined and soon opt out of because your in-box gets filled with junk email or advertisements for things I care not to discuss:o

[lizanne]

I'm with katiedoodles, I like it the way it is. The only problem is I wish there was more activity sometimes. But in a way even the quiet tiimes are good because you notice and appreciate it more when it speeds up.

I also agree with Katie when she says that it might be good to share photos when other designs are combined with Embroidables designs, but other than that, I'd say no change required.

Also I've been away from home a lot over the last couple of months and it is quicker to catch up when it's slower!!

Also have fabulous new machine so less time for computer while sitting, whispering sweet nothings to my new love!!

Also have new Grandbaby due in 5 weeks so very busy helping prepare new "unisex" nursery for old fashioned, new parents.

[Jami Johnson]

Thanks for those of you who have weighed in on the subject. I'm glad to hear that you like it the way it is. That makes me feel good. I would hate to lose quality for quanity as well and want to make sure we don't. There's got to be a happy medium here. We'll find it. :)

[Granny313]

I know that I am kind of late in answering this question; however I do agree with Katiedoodles. I Love the site Just as it is. I enjoy the friendships that have been developed here and some special bonds have been made. I do wish that we could show off some of our stuff that has other designs on it becaue I also combine designs. Sometimes a certain thing that I have made and am especially proud of I would love to be abler to share the idea, but may have another digitizers design other than from here. I enjoy doing lots of large appliques and put them on just about everything because they are large. Some things that I know others could and would love to do - they cannot see the idea - because of the design. I do lots of things using your embroidery designs because yours is the only embroidery patterns that I purchase any longer. I just don't do as much embroidery as I do applique. You have a great site and I love it as I am sure everyone else does too. I have found that this site has the most expertise in answering questions and the people that belong here always go above and beyond to help you out with any problem, etc. THANKS TO ALL!

[StitchinGrandma]

Granny you're not late answering. Heck, I still hadn't given my thoughts yet because I wanted to wait and not give others ideas yet. :D I wanted to see what others had to say first and then I got sidetracked myself.

My thoughts are this

To be fair to Jami I think the contests should remain the same because she should not be expected to give a credit to winners using other than Embroidables designs. That way she can also use those entries in her advertising if she wanted to as well.
Allow us to post items we have used other designs to create but as I said above, not in any contests and possibly these might be in a separate area on the board which could be created just for that purpose
I don't want to see this board become another big message board where it gets so large like another is because I also like the small-ish group we have but I'd sure love to see a few more posting. I'd hate to see this become THE place to come just to ask 'where can I find this or that' then leave until they are looking for another design or item. This would be an extra help thing to our members so it doesn't have to be done via PM. Maybe that wouldn't increase posts but I think that would be also done in that separate area again too. Maybe a "have you seen this design?" type of thing. And if one did know that we could post the name of the other site. I honestly don't see that as a threat to Jami because we know how awesome her designs are but more of an area to enhance things for our members who are already here and have had to do this via PM.
Ok and here I go giving Jami's stuff away but it's been a very long time now since thoughts of doing something to change and increase member postings and just now I had a thought. (sorry Jami have not even told you this one yet :p ) What about a new contest? This would be totally different from the other one and it would be a surprise winner with no set time it happens each time. Jami you'd have to figure out how and if it can be done fairly because it can't be done on the amount of posts or we'll see possibly some like when the board opened with one sentence that had no substance. I'm thinking of something if it's even possible (David?) to run all posts during a certain period of time you pick and then from those choose a winning post and the person who did that post wins. I'm not thinking they win a whole set of designs but maybe 1 or 2 individual designs they really like. Like I said, I'm not even sure that can be done. I know on blogs they can use those random number generators but here you have many different threads we post to so I don't know how that would work. Something like that might increase posting since no one would know, not even me, when the next winner would be chosen and it would allow Jami to do it when she isn't running around with the kids and school stuff. I just know it can't be done based on a the highest number of posts during a specific period of time or I'd win all the time. :DI think I had other thoughts but that's it for now. It's too early for me still.

[Jami Johnson]

You're never late around here, Granny313. I always appreciate the input.

Vicki, I think those are good suggestions. Since you suggested the giveaway, possibly you'd like to sponsor it? Haha. Just kidding of course. I'm sure David could come up with a good way to work out something like that.

I completely agree with your thoughts on the posts where people are just looking for a design. If available, it definitely needs a seperate area for itself.

I think what we'll do is this--allow projects and general discussion of other designs not from here (this can be done in any category that the subject pertains to on the board), leave the Inspirations contest as is, and open a new sub area for "ISO" whatever. HOWEVER (notice this is a big HOWEVER--wink, wink), we can and will delete any comments that resemble any kind of advertising, are illegal or inappropriate without any kind of warning.

What do you think? Does that seem fair to everyone? If you think so, we'll make an official post about it and then we can start the fun all over again. :)

[StitchinGrandma]

Vicki, I think those are good suggestions. Since you suggested the giveaway, possibly you'd like to sponsor it? Haha. Just kidding of course. I'm sure David could come up with a good way to work out something like that.
Oh yea, I'll have hubby work that into our extremely strained budget right away. :p

I completely agree with your thoughts on the posts where people are just looking for a design. If available, it definitely needs a seperate area for itself.
Totally agree so that the areas on the board we are all using to discuss things about Embroidables aren't 'watered' down with things that don't necessarily pertain to your designs or message board as it is now.

I think what we'll do is this--allow projects and general discussion of other designs not from here (this can be done in any category that the subject pertains to on the board), leave the Inspirations contest as is, and open a new sub area for "ISO" whatever. HOWEVER (notice this is a big HOWEVER--wink, wink), we can and will delete any comments that resemble any kind of advertising, are illegal or inappropriate without any kind of warning.
Maybe a new area entirely that is called "Other Embroideries" And two sub categories in that main area - one for 'Project Pictures' and another "Looking for.....". I'd like to see it say looking for rather than ISO since I think possibly naming it ISO would bring A LOT of others here that think we are an ISO website since that's a term which is known for that. Gosh, I hope that made sense.

NOTE: We should make note that until Jami has a new area set up we aren't going to be posting projects with other designs on them yet...right Jami? ;)

What do you think? Does that seem fair to everyone? If you think so, we'll make an official post about it and then we can start the fun all over again. :)
I think it sounds good. I also think maybe with all the changes that possibly a 'rules of the board' post should be created at sitckied at the top of the forums, or maybe another new area that can only be used for admin or mods "RULES"?

And speaking of creating new forums/areas to post things. I would LOVE to see a new subforum that is for posting of projects created using Embroidables designs only as well. That way they are all in one place. Currently we have a place to post pics of Non-Embroidery projects and here we are discussing a new area to post pics of projects done with other than Embroidables designs, BUT, we don't really have a separate place to post our things created with your designs Jami. Yes, there is the contest thread BUT, some people don't feel the items they have done are good enough for a contest entry even though we would disagree and love seeing all things made with your designs on them, it might be good to have a place like that.

[Jami Johnson]

Good ideas. Let me process this in my head and then we'll make an official announcement. Yes, you're right...to avoid confusion. Things should stay as is until we get it all organized so it's easy for everyone to use.

[susank]

Hi ladies - I agree with the suggestions for changes. Personally, I would like to see photos of more projects with any design because they are inspirational. In fact I think they might give people other ideas for using designs in general - it could likely even generate more use of the Embroidables designs!

Since you are looking for input - I would like to add another thought. I miss the DDD because it was a reminder to check the site daily. Without it I don't tend to visit as often. Maybe a daily sale is hard on your bottom line and possibly a weekly one might be an option. I just found that the e-mail was a reminder to quickly check in.

Finally, despite the fact that there is room for improvement in anything, I am very happy with this site and message board and it is now the only one I visit regularly. There are only so many hours in the day and I know I can usually get help quickly, find inspiration, feel I am not alone in some of the sewing issues I have and sometimes even get a laugh or two. What more can one ask ---- except maybe a little more inspiration!! Hats off to you Jami and David for creating a site with wonderful designs and a wonderful community.

[StitchinGrandma]

Susan, you can subscribe to any thread you post to and it will send an email when a new post is done. I'm sure you know that and aware of that but, did you know you can also subscribe to an entire 'forum'? By doing that, any posts done in any particular forum are sent to you daily so when you get up the next morning if any have been done to that forum you will have an email waiting to tell you which ones were posted to. You would need to subscribe to each of the different forums however. It doesn't work for the entire message board, just the different areas on the board. I hope that makes sense.

[Jami Johnson]

Hi ladies - I agree with the suggestions for changes. Personally, I would like to see photos of more projects with any design because they are inspirational. In fact I think they might give people other ideas for using designs in general - it could likely even generate more use of the Embroidables designs!

Since you are looking for input - I would like to add another thought. I miss the DDD because it was a reminder to check the site daily. Without it I don't tend to visit as often. Maybe a daily sale is hard on your bottom line and possibly a weekly one might be an option. I just found that the e-mail was a reminder to quickly check in.

Finally, despite the fact that there is room for improvement in anything, I am very happy with this site and message board and it is now the only one I visit regularly. There are only so many hours in the day and I know I can usually get help quickly, find inspiration, feel I am not alone in some of the sewing issues I have and sometimes even get a laugh or two. What more can one ask ---- except maybe a little more inspiration!! Hats off to you Jami and David for creating a site with wonderful designs and a wonderful community.

You're so sweet, Susan. Thanks for the nice comments. I know I'm always up for a little more inspiration, so hopefully that will come with the changes. Now if only I had time to post a daily project to get you to come back on a daily basis...wouldn't that be nice?!?! Oh, I wish!!

[susank]

Jami - a daily project would be wonderful ---- but it would only mean I would be further behind in my list of projects!

Vicki - I did not know that!

[StitchinGrandma]

:hahaha: Oh now Jami, why can't you come up with some fantabulous daily project for us? We all know you just sit around on the couch all day long watching tv and eating :lollypop:candy and talking on the phone:call:. :rofl: :laugh: Of course you know I'm teasing you. I hope.

Susan ~ I'm so glad I asked. I was hoping you didn't know that from what I read in your post and am glad I mentioned that. Now, did you find the way to set those up? If not, I'll see what I can do to maybe do something in the 'how to' area if/when I get some time myself.

[Emma]

Ohhhh. Now projects would be COOL!!
What about a monthly project?

We purchase a specific design(and incorporate this into a project somehow), and at the end of the month, or whatever specified time frame, everyone submits their pictures of their project that they have created.
We could have it as a competition much like the inspiration contest, or just do it totally for fun!
If it was to be run like a contest, you could use a random number generator to pick the winner so it's totally fair, and then said winner could win back the price of the design, in Embroidables credit. Or something along those lines. I'm thinking aloud here! LOL.
I know many of us would still participate fully if it was only for fun as well! I think it's a lot more fun sometimes.

I'd be very happy to help out with this if need be, since I have free time due to not working, and have 3 months of living alone coming up, so I'll need something to keep me occupied and sane.

Each months project could be a certain theme.
Whether it's a season change, a holiday for that month, and if there's nothing significant happening in that month, we could have a "suggestion list" from the members, that the organisers could pick from.

As I said, I'm happy to help out with this if needed :)
I am just rabbiting on with any ideas that are coming to my head here. Haha.

[danamom4]

I love the boards. It truly is one of the best places out there for quick, informative and helpful conversation that relates to embroidery. I haven't been on in over a year as I just went back to full time work outside of the home after staying home for ten years. Whew..........it's been a whirlwind. Oh, yeah, and we moved during all that so I am just now getting my sewing room together again. The only thing that I do wish is that the pictures were more easily accessible. I do go to a couple of "other" sights just to see what people are making because the pictures are all in a gallery and easy to browse. I always come back home to Embroidables though.

[StitchinGrandma]

Welcome back Dana! Glad to see you coming back. I'm sure that Jami will add that to her list of thoughts. I think that was one idea I'd given her in the past too. There is one way to find quite a few of the different pictures and projects which have been posted and it's one that many don't remember. First, all the past contest threads are available to look through easily. When the contests were started I had requested we have one thread to post pics and then another thread to discuss any posted for that contest. That way it was easier to count the number of entries since each one closed at 10 entries plus, then later we would be able to go to any of the past contest threads (not the discussion ones) and easily see all those great pictures.

Then the 2nd way is to use the search feature at the top of the page. If you typed in the word "Picture" and search for that you'll get a lot of them that way. MOST times when someone posts a project they've done they use the word 'picture' in their description at least once so the search will find those by using that key word.

I do agree though having all pictures in one photo gallery would be great. I'm not sure the software allows for the addition of a photo gallery however. We'll see what Jami has to say. I had mentioned an area for members to post pictures and not have any discussion to keep those threads with pictures only much like the contests but I'm not sure that would work either because it gets confusing for members to know where they can post and where they can't.