Are CT Layouts like compensated endorsements

[Christine Smith]

You know when you watch an infomerical aka paid advertisement on TV and they show that disclaimer that it is a paid ad or when they have celebrity endorsements and there's fine print that says it's a paid endorsement?

Do you think that CT layouts are the same or even similar since the CTM got the kit for free (that's their "compensation")?

And if you do think they are like paid endorsements do you think they belong in a separate gallery or should contain a "disclaimer" stating that they were done as a CT assignment?

[Darcy Baldwin]

Why would it really matter who the layout came from? I guess I don't see an issue since I am not even looking at who did the layout when I look through the gallery - only that it spoke to me enough to click on it and look closer. It doesn't matter if it was a CT person or someone who purchased the kit.

[anneofalamo]

well as a CTM for many designers, I love the idea that I am famous enough to be considered a celebrity! I will tell my family...perhaps they will see me in a different light..:lol:lol
It would be neat to see a gallery that is only done with kits that people bought, would give a better idea of what people buy for the designers!

[maggie965]

I dont' think it needs to be separated. I do my CT layouts for myself, as part of my memory keeping. I wouldn't do a layout that I wouldn't put in one of my own books.

[DoodleBop]

I agree that is shouldn't be separated because I also make my pages for myself. They are pages I make of special things I would like to remember.

[OrianaVianey]

Well, I think is a good idea!
Not because CT's follow in the infomercial category... just because I think will be fun.
ScrapbookGraphics have a separate gallery for each designer CT, and is good to check it before you buy a product.

[ScrapHappyMomma]

I don't CT for anyone I wouldn't buy from(and spend a butt load of money, at that). I don't think it should be separate.

[Nettio]

You know when you watch an infomerical aka paid advertisement on TV and they show that disclaimer that it is a paid ad or when they have celebrity endorsements and there's fine print that says it's a paid endorsement?

Do you think that CT layouts are the same or even similar since the CTM got the kit for free (that's their "compensation")?

And if you do think they are like paid endorsements do you think they belong in a separate gallery or should contain a "disclaimer" stating that they were done as a CT assignment?

I think it would only be the same if said celebrity was being paid only with the product they're advertising and not money. Or if all CTs were being paid with money to show off certain products. Since the only "pay" we get is in the form of product, I think it's probably safe to assume that those using those products actually like them because if you didn't, why would you CT for them?

I know I only CT for people who's products I love. It's what I would buy and use if I wasn't on their CT and even on non-CT layouts I tend to use my CT products. :wub I guess I don't understand the implication that a layout is somehow less genuine because it comes from a CT member.

[Microferk ~ Miki Ferkul]

Well how about when I design with my own kits? I use them for ads and I put them in my albums- wouldn't have created them if they hadn't meant something. Would I put them in both layout categories then?

[nikkiARNGwife]

I know I only CT for people who's products I love. It's what I would buy and use if I wasn't on their CT and even on non-CT layouts I tend to use my CT products. :wub I guess I don't understand the implication that a layout is somehow less genuine because it comes from a CT member.

Ditto.

[1girl1boy]

Since I only CT for designers I love and I only create pages that I want in my albums, I don't see the need for separate galleries. I understand it at sites with stores but since DST is open and not affiliated with any store I just don't see the benefit.

[Peppermint]

I can sort of see your point, I know one time Christine Newman (supertwinkle) was telling me how her husband refers to her as a "sponsored scrapper" when trying to explain to their friends what her CT work is. And I thought that was a great way to describe it to people who'd be like "creative team? wha?"

I guess I think of it more as being something of a spokesperson rather than a paid endorser of products. I'd use it even if I didn't receive the product for free. Like my face cream, I'm going to use it regardless but if they'd like to offer me a paid contract to talk about it - I'm available. (No seriously ..call me!)

[EmmasMommy]

I guess I think of it more as being something of a spokesperson rather than a paid endorser of products. I'd use it even if I didn't receive the product for free.

My thoughts exactly. I don't see why this is an issue.:shrug

[my3hens]

I think it would only be the same if said celebrity was being paid only with the product they're advertising and not money. Or if all CTs were being paid with money to show off certain products. Since the only "pay" we get is in the form of product, I think it's probably safe to assume that those using those products actually like them because if you didn't, why would you CT for them?

I know I only CT for people who's products I love. It's what I would buy and use if I wasn't on their CT and even on non-CT layouts I tend to use my CT products. :wub I guess I don't understand the implication that a layout is somehow less genuine because it comes from a CT member.

Double Ditto.

Just because what I happen to use is free does not mean in any way that my memories are not as valid or I am not making these pages for my children. Just because the kit was free doesn't mean that these aren't going in their books as well.

[Kater07]

Why would it really matter who the layout came from? I guess I don't see an issue since I am not even looking at who did the layout when I look through the gallery - only that it spoke to me enough to click on it and look closer. It doesn't matter if it was a CT person or someone who purchased the kit.

Ditto

[Johna]

I kind of get the idea that the OP is talking about having a "professional" versus "amateur" gallery. not sure, though.:shrug

[WenRob]

I'm am brand new to the CT thing and I would not have agreed to it had I not loved her stuff and already have albums filled with it. When I first started digi scrapping I used to do challenges for the prize and do you know I don't think I ever printed one of those LO's out. I stopped doing them because I wasn't getting any "real" scrapping done. Being on a CT of a designer I love I'm getting a "prize" for scrapping that I actually want to do. I wouldn't be advertising something I didn't believe in. So long winded post short, no I don't think they should be seperate, I think we'd miss some great stuff if they were.

[tlccreates]

I have never CT'd for anyone (was asked once or twice) but based on your reasoning I guess I would have to state when a LO was done using a freebie kit. I mean, what would be the difference if I was given the kit by the designer as part of her CT team or whether it was a freebie that I downloaded from somewhere? Both are shared with the hope that the designer would get some business eventually, right?

[mcardall]

I can see your point, Christine. I don't think that the layouts should be separated or distinguished in galleries. However, when I check out product endorsements in forums, you better believe that I check blinkies to see if it is CT member or a paying customer endorsing the product. Yes, I know that people LOVE the designers they CT for. Trust me, I pimp my girls when I get a chance. But there is something about someone who spend precious $$ endorsing a product that REALLY makes me want to look into it.

[desi]

I can see your point, Christine. I don't think that the layouts should be separated or distinguished in galleries. However, when I check out product endorsements in forums, you better believe that I check blinkies to see if it is CT member or a paying customer endorsing the product. Yes, I know that people LOVE the designers they CT for. Trust me, I pimp my girls when I get a chance. But there is something about someone who spend precious $$ endorsing a product that REALLY makes me want to look into it.

Totally Ditto....

When I request help in finding a super fab kit on the forums, I always ask for buyers of a kit or for posters to mention if the kit is from a designer they are working for..... I love my girl too (Go Amanda Rockwell) , really I adore all of the girls I have worked for, but part of our job as a CT member is to help sell thier designs....

I believe that is why Shannon Started the CT enabling thread, so that we can do that with out feeling like we are selling out in every single thread......

But to the question in the OP, I don't really think they should be seperate, but perhaps MAYBE they should mention in the page info that they are from the CT....MAYBE......

[Suze]

Double Ditto.

Just because what I happen to use is free does not mean in any way that my memories are not as valid or I am not making these pages for my children. Just because the kit was free doesn't mean that these aren't going in their books as well.

I think I'm on triple ditto! :lol

[desi]

Lets not forget that CT kits are NOT free!!!! After the time it takes to MAKE the page, we have to list all ingredients and then post them in a gazzilion galleries....not free.... I actually feel guilty if I can't create something perfect and beautiful with the kits that I work for....like the designer did not get what she paid me for

....maybe I am over thinking it.....

[Tracie Stroud]

Lets not forget that CT kits are NOT free!!!! After the time it takes to MAKE the page, we have to list all ingredients and then post them in a gazzilion galleries....not free.... I actually feel guilty if I can't create something perfect and beautiful with the kits that I work for....like the designer did not get what she paid me for

....maybe I am over thinking it.....

I totally agree! I feel that my CT requirements are fairly loose compared to some, but my girls work hard for those kits, and I totally appreciate them! It's not like they're just getting something for nothing. Not only do they create the layouts, they post them, enable my designs when they can, help me with ideas, and even help me with some administrative stuff from time to time. I couldn't do it without them! And I don't require my CTM's to use every product I create. I only want them to use the stuff they love, b/c I don't want them to force a lo with a product they don't love. Because of that, I know they're using products that they enjoy using, and I can see that in their layouts.

I probably got off topic with that... :lol

[my3hens]

I hope I was not misunderstood LOL By free I meant I didnt come out of my pocket and pay for it in a traditional sense. Trust me I am not afraid to admit I work VERY hard for my creative teams. I do what I do though not because the kit or whatever I happen to be using doesn't cost money but because I love my designers, and I would totally support them and buy all their stuff if I weren't on their cts as well. As a matter of fact I did just that before I was even blessed enough to join these teams. I just don't think its fair at all to be discredited for my layouts on a personal level because I didn't go into a store and purchase the kit. The fact that I do work so hard and these kits are my compensation should say a lot in themselves. You still see my journaling, my children's photos on these pages. Sure I am promoting a designer but I am also scrapping my memories and using the kit I worked hard for to do just that. I honestly don't think I should have to list every single time I post a layout for a ct that I am on their team either. Its just more unneccesary work. I know if I saw a layout from a non ct member made with a kit it would enable me all the same anyhow. To be TOTALLY honest that's how I determine what I really want to buy anyhow. If a layout moves me or really catches my attention I put it right in my faves and go looking about for the credits. Do I care if ths person is on that personal ct, not a bit. There are some extremely talented scrappers out there that scrap with the same kits I do and do them more justice then I ever could and they are not even on the creative team. I agree completely with whoever said if you clicked on it chances are despite where it came from it spoke to you for a reason.
I just don't see why everyone is always is so worried about what everyone else does scrapping wise. I absolutely respect in the forums if some are sick of seeing the enabling but in the galleries its quite a bit more personal. To have any layout of mine compared to an infomercial is slightly offensive LOL I mean infomercials are totally annoying. I have been seeing a ton of threads lately pertaining to what is considered "proper" scrapping to say the least and the tone is sort of offensive at times. I would much rather someone take time to post what they DO like opposed to not liking. We all have our own personal preferences in every walk of life. This happens to be one thing we are all entitled a little bit of creative flexibility on. It is after all our own memories and we should be able to preserve them anyway we need to without losing credibility because its not "traditional" or feeling berated because its not another person's idea of what is right. I am one that can appreciate everyone's art whether it be white space, whimsical, paper style, etc. I love it all. I actually dabble in a little of everything myself. My scrapbooks are just as much for me as they are for my family and my family loves what I do. I just think all the griping lately has been sad. This is kind of my soft place to land and scrapping is what I prefer to use not only to preserve memories but an outlet to get away from every day stresses. The problem is how competitive everyone feels the need to be. I am not a competitive person at all so maybe I am not as affected but I just really felt compelled to speak up because the amount of negativity at times (and I direct this to NO one in particular) is a bit overwhelming.
Sorry this is so long winded. I know that I am a bit on the hormonal side. But taking in everyone's feelings to account is something very important to me. I genuinely value this community and each member regardless of whether they love me hate me , dont know me etc and really would love to see everyone respect each other and their art if not anything else. We are all adults right. If we all spent the amount of time looking for ways to lift one another up as we did focusing on the negative I can't imagine what sort of amazing things would happen around here.
Phew I am done now I swear LOL I just really needed to speak my peace. :wub

I should add an I stink at internet tone disclaimer in here. This really isn't geared toward any one person. Its a total generalization.

[crystalbella77]

I can tell you right now that I don't CT for anyone that I don't LOVE and wouldn't buy from. Most of my LO's in my gallery were from CT's, but I totally don't see how this is different than someone going and buy a kit? Like Sarah said, my memories are just as valid as anyone else's and whether I paid money for the kit I used doesn't change anything. same thing for enabling in ISO threads. I am very very blessed with my CT's and I not only love them as designers, but as people and I will do anything I can to help promote them, because for me it's not even about the free kits...I want to promote them because I want them to succeed because I love them as people.

so yeah...separate galleries seems ridiculous IMO.

[anneofalamo]

my motto

when it's no longer fun
then i'm done

it has to be fun, I have been on forums where the rules and regulations stifle the joy,
I think 99.9% of the folks that scrap get extreme pleasure out of being able to create something that makes them go "yeah, heck yeah, I like it" and when another says the same...wow content meter pegs!

gosh, I love it, it's like the final piece of puzzle, when you get the balance right in your head and the layout is done..you have tweaked and changed it to get it just right and it goes...click...

I have moved to making qps and clusters for a few designers and enjoy the rearranging a bit more now than the CT layouts. No worries about matching or titles...lol...
but it gives me more freedom to do my non-online layouts...and I get the kits free and Never ever even upload to a gallery....
but I do get a nifty keen-o blinkie to show my sponsorship....lol

I know there are pureist scrappers, that get a bit kinked when it goes out of the box...but look at what came out of that realm in the last few months

blending craze...wow love it
fantasy pages - remarkable to lose yourself in some of them
clusters have gone to a new level of layers and
shadows....I have seen pages that look like I could touch them they are so rich in depth
styles

I for one love to see new realistic elements, the flowers that drip with droplets of dew, metal with rust, quilts taken apart and scanned (yahoo for the 3-D scanner)

and I believe that CTmembers work hard to raise the bar of excellence and help to make designers push themselves also, it's a circle and gosh, pooh, I'm goin' to bed, but I love scrapping and am just amazed how kind the most experienced designer has been to me as I learn...the tricks of the trade are laid open to those with a desire to learn...

:shrugI am long winded, and tired....but I do think for the most part the folks that scrap are kind to each other...

[kimlizzy]

I choose the kits I do CT layouts for because I like them and want to make layouts of my kids/family etc with them. They are all kits I would scrap with even if I wasn't CT'ing. I use my own photos in them so they are no different than if I scrapped them as a non-CT'er so I don't see why they should be segregated at all.

[KimberlyRae]

I know I only CT for people who's products I love. It's what I would buy and use if I wasn't on their CT and even on non-CT layouts I tend to use my CT products. :wub I guess I don't understand the implication that a layout is somehow less genuine because it comes from a CT member.

I agree!

[KimberlyRae]

.......and really would love to see everyone respect each other and their art if not anything else. We are all adults right. If we all spent the amount of time looking for ways to lift one another up as we did focusing on the negative I can't imagine what sort of amazing things would happen around here.


Well said!! Thank you, Sarah for speaking your peace....appreciate all the views here and I think should keep to the 'possitive' in a value community!:wub

[Christine Smith]

interesting read. just for the record I only asked the rather philosophical question and didn't state my opinion one way or the other. I don't believe I said anything that should be construed to say that CT LOs are less valuable or valid by asking if they should be viewed as "sponsored"

[mphoinix]

Creating Lo and endorsements are totally diff, kwim.. Celebrities like Oprah is a power house, once she endorse something, that company has success overnite..
I agree w/Darcy ..
Maggie

[JenniferFica]

To me this is a hobby. And yes I am honored to create for some of my favorite designers in this industry. For that, I do not think I should be seperated from others and made to post in another gallery.

As it was said before, many of us join creative teams of those people we have spent/would spend money on. And we tend to use their stuff above and beyond our monthly requirements. Our choice.

[scarletsierra]

In answer to the philosophical question, absolutely not. I do not think CT layouts are like infomercials nor should they be separated or identified as such apart from the other pages in the galleries. I think Lynette summed it up beautifully when she said this: I think it would only be the same if said celebrity was being paid only with the product they're advertising and not money. Or if all CTs were being paid with money to show off certain products. Since the only "pay" we get is in the form of product, I think it's probably safe to assume that those using those products actually like them because if you didn't, why would you CT for them?

I know I only CT for people who's products I love. It's what I would buy and use if I wasn't on their CT and even on non-CT layouts I tend to use my CT products. :wub I guess I don't understand the implication that a layout is somehow less genuine because it comes from a CT member.

As to the bigger picture discussion that emerges from thought provoking questions like these....I also with Sarah in regards to everyone respecting each other's personal art. Scrapping is uniquely subjective and the stories are personal and beautiful to those who create and share them.

[alb52]

most stores have galleries specifically for CTs to post if someone is interested in that particular peculiar detail... additionally, not sure why it really matters where products came from (free or not - why is that anyone's business?).

[lorig]

Are CT pages like infomercials? A yes answer probably means the CT is not matched with the right designer. I don't mind good advertising on magazines or on TV (when I very occasionally watch), I hate the bad infomercials. A great CT page allows me to see how another scrapper is using a kit. I get new ideas. I hope when I create a page for one of the designers I work with that it is something someone can say that is a good idea (even if it is only about one small part of the page). Often the kits I work with for designers are ones I find myself returning to even after the required pages have been done, because I love the work of the designers I work with. Which leads to another question if there was a separate gallery: At what point is it still CT work and at what point does it become just because I love this kit and it has just the right colors and elements that I was looking for?

[lsl_scrapper]

Interesting discussion. No...I do NOT think CT layouts are like infomercials. With an infomercial, one is paid to endorse a project and say what is good about it. With a CT layout, one is paid to USE the product to CREATE a layout for a designer. The pay is that the CT member gets to keep the kit. It is like a short cut. I could instead be paid for my time with cash or a coupon and then purchase the kit, but I have bought the kit.

Another issue is classifying LO's done with a CT kit but not FOR a CT requirement. For example, most of the CT's I've been on have required 1 or 2 layouts per kit. If I like I kit, I may do 3, 4, or more. Are those extra layouts then classified as CT layouts or personal layouts.

I don't really see this as an issue. Anyone who's been involved in the digi scrap world for any length of time knows that this is common practice. With a bit more time, you can usually pick out CT layouts. But if enough DST users see this as an issue, maybe DST can institute some kind of 'disclosure' policy, requiring CT blinkies or other forms of disclosure.

[Scorpiosue1102]

No, I don't think that CT layouts are like infomercials or endorsements. The time it takes to make the layouts, post them in galleries, play the Praise Game, check ISO's, etc. I've done my "job" in presenting the product I was so lucky to work with. For the designers, having your CT show off those layouts are a plus for them. If even one more person buys that kit the CT member has done their job.

On a personal note, like many others have said, I would not be on a team where I wouldn't personally buy their products anyway. I'm pretty lucky to be on the teams that I am. I'm on some pretty sweet teams, but I would not use just anything to preserve my memories.

[bluemaige]

interesting read. just for the record I only asked the rather philosophical question and didn't state my opinion one way or the other. I don't believe I said anything that should be construed to say that CT LOs are less valuable or valid by asking if they should be viewed as "sponsored"
Actually I think you raised an issue that people have been thinking about and your statement allowed quite a few people to hash out how they feel about your topic. I agree with you, you never made a validity statement.

I am a CT for several designers and I have had to drop one because they weren't creating kits that I loved anymore and I didn't feel I could scrap them successfully.

[bluemaige]

Interesting discussion. No...I do NOT think CT layouts are like infomercials. With an infomercial, one is paid to endorse a project and say what is good about it. With a CT layout, one is paid to USE the product to CREATE a layout for a designer. The pay is that the CT member gets to keep the kit. It is like a short cut. I could instead be paid for my time with cash or a coupon and then purchase the kit, but I have bought the kit.

Another issue is classifying LO's done with a CT kit but not FOR a CT requirement. For example, most of the CT's I've been on have required 1 or 2 layouts per kit. If I like I kit, I may do 3, 4, or more. Are those extra layouts then classified as CT layouts or personal layouts.

I don't really see this as an issue. Anyone who's been involved in the digi scrap world for any length of time knows that this is common practice. With a bit more time, you can usually pick out CT layouts. But if enough DST users see this as an issue, maybe DST can institute some kind of 'disclosure' policy, requiring CT blinkies or other forms of disclosure.
You asked a question I have always wondered about. When I fulfil my obligation to my designer and continue to use the kit - is it qualified as a CT project? Anyone have the answer to that?

[sunnie2004]

Lets not forget that CT kits are NOT free!!!! After the time it takes to MAKE the page, we have to list all ingredients and then post them in a gazzilion galleries....not free.... I actually feel guilty if I can't create something perfect and beautiful with the kits that I work for....like the designer did not get what she paid me for

....maybe I am over thinking it.....


Ditto If ever comes a time I dont love to scrap with the stuff I play with for the designer I have to step away, that just wouldnt be nice of me. And while I am at this, I have been know to spend many many many hours on something then throw it away, I got a fabulous kit & play furiously for hours with every layout I make, I like showcasing their specific talent in any way I can. If I paid for the stuff or not! My layouts will eventually get printed & placed on my walls or put in books & I want my stuff to look fabulous even if it is in my eyes!

[cupcake]

I can see your point, Christine. I don't think that the layouts should be separated or distinguished in galleries. However, when I check out product endorsements in forums, you better believe that I check blinkies to see if it is CT member or a paying customer endorsing the product. Yes, I know that people LOVE the designers they CT for. Trust me, I pimp my girls when I get a chance. But there is something about someone who spend precious $$ endorsing a product that REALLY makes me want to look into it.

Only CT for two designers and have not made bunches of layouts. It don't matter though to me whether the kit was free or I bought it. I spend hours sometimes on one layout and if it don't look right, and something I am not proud of, I start over again. :wub

Try to put heart and feeling into each layout, no matter where the kit came from. :)

[anneofalamo]

Only CT for two designers and have not made bunches of layouts. It don't matter though to me whether the kit was free or I bought it. I spend hours sometimes on one layout and if it don't look right, and something I am not proud of, I start over again. :wub

Try to put heart and feeling into each layout, no matter where the kit came from. :)
Cupcake, I think you put your heart and feeling into everything! :wub

[iscraptoo]

.
I just don't see why everyone is always is so worried about what everyone else does scrapping wise. I absolutely respect in the forums if some are sick of seeing the enabling but in the galleries its quite a bit more personal. I have been seeing a ton of threads lately pertaining to what is considered "proper" scrapping to say the least and the tone is sort of offensive at times. I would much rather someone take time to post what they DO like opposed to not liking. We all have our own personal preferences in every walk of life. This happens to be one thing we are all entitled a little bit of creative flexibility on. It is after all our own memories and we should be able to preserve them anyway we need to without losing credibility because its not "traditional" or feeling berated because its not another person's idea of what is right. I am one that can appreciate everyone's art whether it be white space, whimsical, paper style, etc. I love it all. I actually dabble in a little of everything myself. My scrapbooks are just as much for me as they are for my family and my family loves what I do. I just think all the griping lately has been sad. This is kind of my soft place to land and scrapping is what I prefer to use not only to preserve memories but an outlet to get away from every day stresses. The problem is how competitive everyone feels the need to be. I am not a competitive person at all so maybe I am not as affected but I just really felt compelled to speak up because the amount of negativity at times (and I direct this to NO one in particular) is a bit overwhelming.
But taking in everyone's feelings to account is something very important to me. I genuinely value this community and each member regardless of whether they love me hate me , dont know me etc and really would love to see everyone respect each other and their art if not anything else. We are all adults right. If we all spent the amount of time looking for ways to lift one another up as we did focusing on the negative I can't imagine what sort of amazing things would happen around here.


Sarah...... I couldn't have said this better myself. :clap:clap:clap You are awesome girl!!!

[Hummie]

I LOVE the idea!.....but then again, who doesn't know how I feel about CT's?

I think you will get answers on both sides of the fence on this depending on which side of the fence someone personally sits on....their opinion will favor themselves.

[Hummie]

interesting read. just for the record I only asked the rather philosophical question and didn't state my opinion one way or the other. I don't believe I said anything that should be construed to say that CT LOs are less valuable or valid by asking if they should be viewed as "sponsored"
Very well said.

People tend to take this issue personally and misconstrue it into something personal. Advertsing is still advertising, whether it is done with something personal or not.

[JStockert]

I think that a good majority of the scrappers that are on CTs post a blinkie advertising the fact in their signatures so that would be one way of telling if a layout was done as a CT assignment and it would only take a couple of seconds to check. Granted it isn't a fool proof method but it would probably help someone figure things out more often than not should they want such information :) However I don't think the layouts need to be separated into a different categoy simply because the layout was created to advertise a designer's product and was received free of charge for that promotion.

I CT for several designers and, like many others that have responded to this topic, I only choose to create with products that I truly like by designers whose talents I have an artistic respect for. I think that the ultimate goal of most any layout is to scrap the memories that mean something to us (and that will hopefully mean something to our children, grandchildren, etc.) and to do so in a way that is pleasing to the eye. In other words... it's an artistic endeavor regardless of who it is scrapped by or how long they've been scrapping or even if the person is scrapping with a product they have received as compensation. Personally, I look through the gallery and if I really like the elements/papers in a particular layout I check the credits for the name of the product, who designed it, and where I can find it to purchase it. Many times these layouts are done by non-compensated scrappers and many times they are done by CT members. It just depends on if I like the look of it and whether it matches my personal taste. Also, when I scrap a layout that isn't for a CT assignment and post it to the galleries I still include the designer/product information in the credits (as most all of us do) in case someone likes what they see and wants to find the products and purchase them for their own layouts. I think we all pretty much do this whether or not we've purchased the products, found them on sites/blogs as freebies or received them from designers for promotional purposes... which means that we are all advertising products whether it be intentional or not and we all give a lot of our time to create something memorable and artistic that can be shared with others. Due to these reasons I think that all layouts should be classified in the same category. Just my two cents worth :)

[DoodleBop]

Only CT for two designers and have not made bunches of layouts. It don't matter though to me whether the kit was free or I bought it. I spend hours sometimes on one layout and if it don't look right, and something I am not proud of, I start over again. :wub

Try to put heart and feeling into each layout, no matter where the kit came from. :)


AMEN dear friend! That is exactly how I feel, but you knew that already!

[Scrappie Irene]

What an interesting thread! I'm CTM for many designers and shops and upload almost daily here at DST but like many others here I only work with stuff I really like.

When I look in the gallery I only click on the layouts that look great on the little preview. It doesn't matter to me if it is a CT layout or not. If the layout is great I look in the description which kit is used.

[littlekiwi]

My 2 cents here - the designers I CT for I would use their products on my layouts even if I wasn't a CT member for them

[Anne C]

All my LOs is made for me and my family, CT or not.

[boomersgang]

For me, "infomercials" are a way for actors to get paid big buck to endorse something they may or may not believe in and something that may or may not work as promised.

Totally different from doing CT layouts. Yes, you get free kits. But the end product is the end product. People either like, love or hate the layouts done with the kits, so they can use their own judgment as to whether that would be a kit for them.

There's no question as to whether a product "works" like they claim - like in infomercials. CT layouts are just showing some examples are what can be done with a product. Really nothing more and nothing less.