Challenges - how are you doing?

Emmy said:
I haven't done the new challenges this month - I could tell right from the start that the fewer options, shorter deadlines and having to check in every day wouldn't work for me. In the same vein as LeeAndra it seems to me that the challenge benefits have been reducing slowly each time a change is made to the challenge structure. I think a better approach might have been to post a more upfront explanation rather than the slowly taking away benefits approach.

I think taking away the bonus point for using a new release is a bummer all around and I am not surprised to hear people are waiting to shop with their coupons. If it were me, I would have kept the bonus point thing (it encourages shopping NOW) but maybe told individual designer CT members that they couldn't get a bonus point for their CT kits. Encouraging shopping NOW is always a better thing for designers - better sell it on release day at 20% than in a month at 40% - PLUS sometimes when a kit sits in the wishlist waiting for that coupon...I decide I don't really need it.
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They haven't taken away benefits though. There's still a 40% coupon available.

Also the bonus pts/no bonus pts for ct kits is just not feasible for Meg to track. There are so many people that do the challenges, everyone would either have to make sure they put in their credits that it was a ct kit, or she would have to know every person on every ct to make sure they didn't get a point they shouldn't have. That would be a ton of extra work. IMO.
 
pewtertm said:
I think I'm doing good.

I'm not into hybrid stuff, so I didn't do Day 3. I also didn't get the color challenge point because I FORGOT TO POST...arrrgh! But other than those 2 I should have all of them done.

LOL, not that I'll be able to spend any money anyway, but in the event a giant pterodactyl drops a giant sack of money in my front yard I'll be able to get some goodies at 40% off!
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if you uploaded your LO in time send me a PM :)
 
dawnmcd said:
I have had a hard time with the new format, For me it was missing deadlines. I wish the deadlines where a little longer. That being said I have had a lot of fun doing the ones I have gotten done and made some layouts I am really proud of. I will only get a 20% discount because I missed so many deadlines. but I will know to try to keep better on top of them for next month.
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I also wish the deadlines were a bit longer, say 10 or 14 days rather than just 7. As of today I only have 11pts because I wasn't able to scrap within the deadlines and now there's only two days and just a few challenges left that I'm able to do so there's no way that I can possibly get more than 20pts which is not enough to get to the 30% discount. I liked that under the old format when it came to the end of the month I could go back and pick and choose and do as many of that month's challenges to still get points. But I love the layouts I've done for the challenges that I've completed so far so I guess I shouldn't be too disappointed! I'll have to try again in February I guess :)
 
kscwgirl said:
They haven't taken away benefits though. There's still a 40% coupon available.

Also the bonus pts/no bonus pts for ct kits is just not feasible for Meg to track. There are so many people that do the challenges, everyone would either have to make sure they put in their credits that it was a ct kit, or she would have to know every person on every ct to make sure they didn't get a point they shouldn't have. That would be a ton of extra work. IMO.
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Yeah, thats too much work for Meg (or anyone tracking points) to keep up with.

I think that the fact that there is a 40% off coupon (as well as a 30% and 20%) is more than generous of Robin and the designers. I don't have a problem with the fact that they made it a little bit harder to get the highest reward. Its still totally do-able. But I just think that they need to do the LO challenges so that there is no less than one full week (7 days) to get it done. The "quick" challenges can go at the end of the month. Three days just isn't enough time for a lot of people to get a LO done. Especially when they work or don't have computer access until weekends, or whatever.
 
FlirtatiousBrat said:
if you uploaded your LO in time send me a PM :)
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That's sweet...but when I forget to post, I do it good LOL. Did the LO, showed it to Sharon Kay...then promptly forgot to upload it and post a link.

No biggie, I should still get the 40%...now for that pterodactyl to get here with some money....
 
The cookie was the last LO challenge of the month..I think 5 days is enough time to do a template?

I agree with Lynnette..40% is a HUGE discount...and it should be worked for.

Also...A LOT of people were NOT shopping on new release Saturday and were waiting for Rewards, hence that change. Trust me it's MUCH easier to track.

These kind of threads deflate me so much b/c we work so hard to make sure you gals and guy are happy. Of course we welcome the suggestions and you know we'll do all we can to make sure the challenges are enjoyable and achievable for everybody.
 
FlirtatiousBrat said:
These kind of threads deflate me so much b/c we work so hard to make sure you gals and guy are happy. Of course we welcome the suggestions and you know we'll do all we can to make sure the challenges are enjoyable and achievable for everybody.
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I totally didn't start this thread to make it a challenge bashing party. I guess I was just excited that I will be able to make the 40% for the first time ever - so the new format must be working for me.

I will be forever indebted to the babes and designers for making the challenges possible and thank you for all the hard work that you put into them.
 
kscwgirl said:
They haven't taken away benefits though. There's still a 40% coupon available.
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No, they haven't taken away the possible reward of a 40% coupon. But 3 times in the last year the challenge structure has been changed in a way that made it *harder* to get to 40%. So it just depends on how you look at it. It's no biggie - honest - I'm just one of those people that would have rather see an acknowledgment like "hey people, you know what? we're giving away the store with all these 40% off coupons so we're gonna have to make it harder!" rather than revamping the challenge structure and make it a bit harder each time without really saying it out loud.

As for the new release thing - yeah I can see where that would be hard to track. But it was fun. *shrug* JMHO
 
I thought I was going to hate it...I'm usually a "cluster" scrapper and use to try and do a ton on the weekends (hard to scrap during the week with my little ones). When I first saw that we only had like a week to do each challenge I started to PANIC, I mean they also took away the beloved 2pts for new releases!!! I just knew I was never gonna make it to 40%, but here it is the 29th of the month and I am proud to say that I have done all the challenges so far except for the first hybrid and the recipe challenge (still need to upload my last SAL but it's done!!!).... ....go me!!!

I'm scrapping ALMOST every day and I find that now that I actually use my kids nap time for scrapping instead of surfing and playing (what I use to do because hey I had all month to get the challenges done :p).......I am enjoying myself a lot!!!!

Watch out SSD....I have a huge wishlist to pick up sometime early in Feb!!!! :D :D :D
 
I want to say that I totally was not bashing the site, their decisions or those involved with giving the challenges. I think everyone was very respectful. Of course people will have thoughts about any change and how it does /does not work for them. I love the challenges here. It is way cool that we even get a chance for a percent off. I was simply stating what made it hard for me. Now I know how it works i can make better choices about the challenges I need to get done.

Please no one take peoples opinions as attacking you. I am so sorry you feel that way.

And hugs hugs Manda girl don't be sad.
 
It's never been our intent to make it harder to get the points. We've looked several times at the point structure and the work load on our team and have been trying to find ways that we can move things around to make it work for everyone. There is absolutely NO talk of ever getting rid of the Sweet Rewards coupons, or that "too many" are getting it. That's what makes SSD the sweetest place, IMO! :)

The new structure was meant as a way to inspire everyone to scrap more and be inspired EVERY day! We may need to tweak it as we find things to work on, just like we ended up dissolving our last structure because it just wasn't working for us (I honestly can't remember what the one between the "old way" and this new structure is, but I know it lasted only a month or two).

The Sweet Rewards points though are a bonus...and the challenges are a way to inspire people to scrap! If you're only able to complete enough challenges to earn 20% off, that's STILL a bonus 20% off that you wouldn't have otherwise, kwim? Well other than on Saturdays, but this is a STOREWIDE bonus, so that makes it that much sweeter! :)
 
FlirtatiousBrat said:
I agree with Lynnette..40% is a HUGE discount...and it should be worked for.
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This kind of comment really bothers me. I am thankful for ANY discount, but this comment implies that we didn't work for it before.

FlirtatiousBrat said:
These kind of threads deflate me so much b/c we work so hard to make sure you gals and guy are happy. Of course we welcome the suggestions and you know we'll do all we can to make sure the challenges are enjoyable and achievable for everybody.
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I don't believe that anyone here was knocking the new challenge structure or the amount of work that you all put into the challenges here. Just because I don't care for it, doesn't mean that I was knocking it. I did say that I am one that doesn't like change, and that this new structure will grow on me.
 
Ok, just to clear things up...

For me, I don't mind working hard for a big discount. I mean, 40% off is a BIG discount and I think it should be challenging (pardon the pun) to get that discount. If you want it bad enough, you'll do what it takes to get it, ya know?

With that said, I feel like there are some good suggestions being put out there. And to be told over and over again basically, "no, you're wrong" is pretty off-putting. We are the customers and we are allowed to have opinions. And *some* of those opinions should maybe be taken into consideration. We're not all looking for free hand-outs. Just some consideration as customers of a very successful store.

I hope I didn't offend anyone or hurt anyone's feelings. SSD will always be my home and I will always do the majority of my digi shoppping here. I'm here for the friendships and the quality of product, not the discounts.
 
:(

i can promise you that the revamp of the challenges was in now way a blow to our community to make a (very generous, very uncommon) discount so hard to get. our first priority in changing things was just to start 2009 with a fresh approach and to offer up daily inspiration to you guys...our family...our friends!

it breaks my heart that such harsh opinions have been stated. while i feel like your entitled to them, i think some of them could've been handled with a little more finesse. a little more understanding that yes, this format is new and yes there may be some kinks we need to unravel.

i'm sorry for the babble. please just know that everyday behind the scenes. EVERY SINGLE DAY. we are always planning and scheming on fun new ideas for you guys. new things to keep SSD the fun fresh place it has always been. not ways to make your lives more difficult.
 
Paula said:
This kind of comment really bothers me. I am thankful for ANY discount, but this comment implies that we didn't work for it before.



I don't believe that anyone here was knocking the new challenge structure or the amount of work that you all put into the challenges here. Just because I don't care for it, doesn't mean that I was knocking it. I did say that I am one that doesn't like change, and that this new structure will grow on me.
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I'm always resistant to change, myself...I have a hard time with it for the first little while! :) But I do hope that everyone gives the new structure a fair shake!

I will be honest and say that not ONCE before I became a designer here did I actually earn enough to get a Sweet Rewards discount, lol. I just don't scrap that much and the amount of challenges would overwhelm me. I think if I tried to earn the discount now, this new structure would be better *for me* because it's just a little at a time. But I can see how the old way would have worked better for others as well. :)
 
No need to be sad or deflated, Meg & Manda et al.

We're just sharing our thoughts. I still like you guys & SSD, just not the challenge structure. I don't expect that just because I don't like something means it should or has to change for the site at large. I'm just one member, and I know that. I can either follow the rules for the challenges or abstain from them altogether. That's all.

I'm not advocating that other people change their minds or follow my lead, just stating my opinion. :)

ETA: It's nothing personal against any particular person or anyone behind the scenes. Of course, there will always be parts of the story that I don't know because I do not have the same access that designers and Babes do to the backend of things. This is just how I see it as a regular ol' average customer & scrapper.
 
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I really hope that I am not one of those on the harsh comment list. The challenges are what brought me here two years ago, but the people are what kept me here.

I love that we have the chance to work for discounts by doing challenges and for the most part, I love all the challenges. I am not into hybrid, so sorry hybrid peeps, those are the challenges that I don't care for or do.

I just don't care for the new system. Like I said, I really don't care for change, but this will grow on me. I do like the deadlines because it gives us an extra incentive to get it done. That doesn't bother me. I guess it's that I like to have a list of stuff to do, and with doing one a day, I can't check my list off. I know it sounds anal, but that's me. LOL

I like to get my challenges done within a day or two of them being posted to avoid that chance that I'll forget to get it done. I do appreciate all the work that goes into doing this. I was the points keeper at The Digi Shoppe before it went down and it is a LOT of work. So, if this new way makes Meggy's job easier, and it's easier for the Babes, then that's great!!
 
I know nobody meant to hurt feelings or upset anyone...I agree, everyone should be allowed to express their opinions. These girls (the Babes and Robin especially) pour so much of themselves into planning and every change is discussed extensively, so when something negative is said, it is going to sting a little bit. :)

That being said, this is the first month of the new structure, and we may find ways to make it work a little bit better, and iron out some kinks. Please just be patient and know that we value EVERY member of the community and want this to be a fun, inspiring place to hang out (and shop, lol)! :)
 
Well I feel the need to go on record as saying...

I didn't mean to make anyone sad.

I don't mean to sound ungrateful.

I do work very hard for my points. Did when I began the challenges last March and earned 40% in 11 days by buckling down and doing every challenge I could. I do still work hard today.

I know you girls behind the scenes work very hard and get very tied to the immense amount of work it takes to keep us inspired on the front end. It makes it personal for you.

I do think there are some very valuable ideas being voiced here, I agree with Jenny. The challenges have been dynamic the entire time I've been an active member of this site. Since I've been here, things have changed SO many times. Challenges have been added, challenges have been taken away. Cookies were twice a month. Then they were four times a month. Then, they were gone. Then, they were thirty times a month. :p Then, they were twice a month.

I'm trying to go with the flow...I'm a lifer. :p But my point is, things have been dynamic in the past. I don't understand why they must be so rigid now.

I can give up my second point for a new release. No biggie :) I can check in every day for a challenge, no problem :) I'm just saying that it doesn't hurt to listen to the suggestions.

Meg has now told us that the cookie was the last scrapping challenge this month. THAT would have been FANTASTIC to know! I can tell you atleast 2 challenges I would have skipped were I SURE that the last couple of challenges wouldn't have been things that weren't my taste. I don't understand why an overview is impossible? I'd LOVE to see what I have to look forward to! I mean, based on the first week of the month, I could have expected 8 hybrid challenges this month. I was panicked. I know a lot of other peopel were too. Yes, change is scary. And not knowing is scary too. I think a lot of people mulled around all month, waiting to see how things panned out. Now that they HAVE panned out, people want to have their say. Want to have their opinions heard. That should be embraced :)

((hugs))
 
Paula said:
This kind of comment really bothers me. I am thankful for ANY discount, but this comment implies that we didn't work for it before.



I don't believe that anyone here was knocking the new challenge structure or the amount of work that you all put into the challenges here. Just because I don't care for it, doesn't mean that I was knocking it. I did say that I am one that doesn't like change, and that this new structure will grow on me.
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Sorry my comment bothered you Paula..was not my intention. I never said the coupon wasn't being worked for before...NEVER....I know how hard it was to earn 40% off..I did it plenty of times before I was a babe

I never said anything about knocking it either..I welcomed the suggestions--but what started out as a simple thread asking how you (NOT YOU..but you in general) were doing with the challenges and people took the liberty to slam and the harshness came out. It's one thing to state an opinion and tell how you feel, but no need to bash challenges that earn a discount. We could be like the majority of sites out there that give you fun (albeit copied) challenges and you earn nothing...There's plenty that do that.

Anyways as I said I welcome the suggestions and if we see something that can be changed to benefit the customers then it's something of course we'd consider. DO NOT think for a minute that the customers are being told no you are wrong or their suggestions or comments ignored. Everybody knows that customers are what keep a site going and make it successful. Your wants do get listened to.

Not everybody is going to be completely happy all the time. We can't satisfy everybody. It's impossible as we're all so different.

Melissa..I know you didn't start the thread with anticipating it turning into this...no worries
 
LenaBrandenburg said:
Meg has now told us that the cookie was the last scrapping challenge this month. THAT would have been FANTASTIC to know! I can tell you atleast 2 challenges I would have skipped were I SURE that the last couple of challenges wouldn't have been things that weren't my taste. I don't understand why an overview is impossible? I'd LOVE to see what I have to look forward to! I mean, based on the first week of the month, I could have expected 8 hybrid challenges this month. I was panicked. I know a lot of other peopel were too. Yes, change is scary. And not knowing is scary too. I think a lot of people mulled around all month, waiting to see how things panned out. Now that they HAVE panned out, people want to have their say. Want to have their opinions heard. That should be embraced :)

((hugs))
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I actually said that earlier in the month..not sure when or what thread--it was pretty random, but I said there would be no LO challenges with the exception of a cookie at the end of the month.
 
I understand Meg. Thanks for taking the time to clarify your comment.

To be honest, I've gone back and read this thread and I thought the comments for and against have been respectful. I haven't read any comments that I thought were harsh, but some have and that's ok. If any of mine sounded that way, then I am truly sorry because I didn't mean to sound harsh at all.

I've said it numerous times, I am one of those that doesn't do well with change. The new system will grow on me, after all, it's only the first month. I do look forward to looking and seeing what the new challenge is for the day. It's kind of fun to anticipate what it will be. I really hope you guys don't put up a list of what challenges will be offered on what days - that would take the fun out of it for me.

Anyway, I do appreciate all the work it takes to go into the challenges and keeping track of the points. Like I said, I was the challenge coordinator and points keeper at TDS before it shut down and it is a LOT of work.
 
I think the reason for there being no overview of what's to come is that not knowing is what makes it fun and exciting. You never know what fun new challenge to expect when you get up in the morning.
 
BrodoNY0123 said:
I think the reason for there being no overview of what's to come is that not knowing is what makes it fun and exciting. You never know what fun new challenge to expect when you get up in the morning.
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Or when you are stalking the forums late at night waiting for the next challenge. I have totally been know to do that and I know I'm not alone!! LOL!!
 
Hey guys,

Thanks for the thoughts and opinions. I'm sorry I didnt get to this thread sooner as I've been spending time with Rocky and the kids but I wanted to take a few minutes to get back to you with some of my thoughts.

This thread represents a wide range of views on our new challenge structure, some love it and find it's working for them and some don't care for it and find it isnt. I think the same can be said of every challenge system we've ever had in place.

For example, when we had a the bonus point for new releases, we had some people who couldnt afford to shop every weekend feel like they were excluded from getting that point and therefore earning the 40% was more difficult for them at that time.

When I came up with the new Challenge-A-Day format for 2009 - I thought it would be a way to address the people who said they couldnt get enough of our challenges and hated waiting a week to see the new ones. For me, what better way to address that than posting something to inspire you guys to have fun and get creative EVERY single day?

As this is the first month for the new system, I hope you guys will give it a chance to work for you. Like many of you, I am resistant to changes in my routine so I can understand the intial discomfort but I sincerely believe that this format evens the playing field among creative team members and non, people with big budgets and those without them, stay at home moms and those who work full time - it's a 1 challenge to 1 point system that I think is the most fair, straightforward and uncomplicated we've ever had.

I know that we cant please 100% of you 100% of the time, but know that we sure try and I'll be touching base with the team to take some of the suggestions made in this thread into consideration.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts,
Robin
 
I've done enough for my 40%!!!! Yay!!!!! I've been adding so many kits to my wish list so I can get them at 40% off! I've been wanting MANY of the new releases, but since they're ust 20% off, and there's no extra point to use NEW stuff, I can wait and get a larger discount!

Now I hope I don't empty my paypal account buying the ones off of my wish list! LOL!

(this is my 1st month participating in the challlenges, so I can't compare it to others)
 
Robin Carlton said:
...when we had a the bonus point for new releases, we had some people who couldnt afford to shop every weekend feel like they were excluded from getting that point and therefore earning the 40% was more difficult for them at that time.
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The new challenge structure seems very fair to me, Robin. I haven't done any other months so I don't really know how they've worked in the past, but I can tell you that I don't shop every week- it's just unrealistic with this economy and it was unfair to those who can't shop every week.

I tell you, I've been enjoying doing a challenge every day. I've gotten more pages done this month than in any other month since I started digi-scrapping, so I feel like I'm winning in more than one way.... I get many pages done (with themes that I normally wouldn't have done) and I get a good discount at the end of it. It's been fun! :)
 
I gotta agree with you there Rachel! I've done 40 LOs this month alone!! I do think the new system is fair for everyone.
 
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