Monday, January 20, 2014

Monday, January 20, 2014

116 comments:

  1. Wouldn't it be fabulous if Michael's stepped up to the plate and became a version of Archivers?

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  2. I think there needs to be a papercrafting chain along the lines of Archivers, too. With a workroom for people to gather, all of the latest (and greatest) papercrafting tools, papers, embellishments. Leave the photo/digital photo stuff to someone else. I'm thinking a more artsy bent. Art, stamping, scrapping ... all things papercrafting. That would be cool. I support three independents and love them, but I'd also like some place with that consistency and a professional look. The hard thing about the little stores I go to (bless their hearts, they really are wonderful) is that they are kind of cramped and a little hard to find things. I really appreciated the atmosphere and organization of Archivers stores and would like to know that if I'm in other cities, I'd know what I was getting. I've done that and been so disappointed ending up in stores with pretty much 12 x 12, stickers and albums.

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  3. archivers rent was ridiculous. mall of america? that's tough to make it. the chances that anyone else is going to take this on are miniscule. there aren't enough papercrafters period. and there aren't enough papercrafters who are willing to spend a bit more for an item for the pleasure of brick and mortar.

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  4. That was the problem with Archivers. They were opening stores in upscale areas with huge rent. The average crafter wasn't or didn't feel welcome. The one in my city was located in the most expensive shopping area in the city. You had to dress like you were.going to a party or you didn't fit in.

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  5. The only problem with such a venue - all the latest & greatest, tools to try, etc. is the number of people who will use the store to see the items in person and then turn around and order them online, where they can get a discount or save on the sales tax.

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  6. So it looks like the big anniversary blowout is supposed to revive the forum?! Anyone else get Rick's email?

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  7. How much is a package of Michael's 110lb cardstock, and how many sheets?

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  8. I tried the Impress inks and reinkers based on recommendations here. They really did not work well for me. They were a bit on the dry side when I got them, so I inked them up right away (fairly lightly). I was surprised at how splotchy they were. I would cover the whole rubber stamp, but it would immediately start pooling and leaving gaps on the stamp. Then a few days later (and it is very dry in my house), I grazed the card with my knuckle and it smeared. I'm really disappointed with these inks. Has anyone else had a similar experience?

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  9. Yes, I am sorry I invested in the Impress inks. I dont like the gooey chalkiness of them.

    I wish I would have bought Mementos.

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  10. I would recommend you not buy hybrid chalk pads unless you know what you are doing.

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  11. Try Versamagic or Memento Luxe. Have used Versamagic for years and love it, and now ML is an absolute favorite.

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  12. ***How much is a package of Michael's 110lb cardstock, and how many sheets?***
    ========================================================
    250 sheets and the regular price is $12.99; but never buy anything at Michael's at regular price if you can use a coupon :)

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  13. I don't get how they rate cardstock weight. PTI's 110lb cardstock is so much thicker than Michael's or Georgia Pacific. I love the super heavy weight of PTI's, Wplus9's cardstock and would love to spend less but after having the nice thick paper I hate to use the flimsy stuff. Why is there no industry standard for this? Anyone have any insight?

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  14. Just wait for it. Or look it up. Doesn't bother me - I think the Michael's is quite heavy and there were lots of times that I thought pti was TOO heavy (when i still bought it).

    There is a whole system to how paper is graded, what the numbers mean, etc., and I've seen it on Splitcoast lots of times -- usually when someone who is really into that wants to set people straight. I have no reason to be really technical about it and just know what I like :) .

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  15. # of cardstock is not necessarily directly correlated to thickness or stiffness. I have some 80# that is much thicker than my 110#.

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  16. Google something like "explain cardstock weight," "explain paper weights," etc. You'll find lots of info. There are industry standards.

    Michael's 110 lb. is almost identical to PTI's stamper's select. Except PTIs has a little more of a gray look when side-by-side under my Ott lite. I love buying a big pack at a time, with a coupon or sale, and no shipping!

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  17. 3:23 I agree so you are not hand slapping me. I figured out its not my style. Find something else.to hand slap.

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  18. Does the Michael's cardstock have "Michael's" on the label? At mine I've only ever seen Recollections cardstock. Are they the same or different?

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  19. It's not just weight. You need 110# cover stock. Cover stock is the heavy stuff. That said, I've never purchased the new michaels stuff. I have wasted my $ on the GP stuff and it's sooooo thin. Btw, I think Avery Elle or Neenah are way better than PTI white.

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  20. Recollections is the Michael's brand. That's what's on the packs.

    It's the same as PTI cs.

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  21. ETA: The Michael's Recollections brand 110 lb cardstock is the same as PTI.

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  22. Thank you for the replies about the Michaels paper. I'll patiently wait till someone goes to the US and can buy a pack for me.

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  23. Same manufacturer? Will quit buying PTI for sure.

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  24. I got ricks email. Here is my response, Fuck You!

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    Replies
    1. what mail? I buy from pti. I did not get any

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    2. they are targeting forum members not customers

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  25. 10:30 Bet you'll try to win something won't you.

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  26. 10:30 - Wow, that's a lot of hostility.

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  27. The same message is posted in the forum. I just read it.

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  28. how sad. the company clearly needs the forum to brighten things up (meaning increase sales). think it is fine, (although kind of sad), that they have to resort to rewarding folks for using the forum. but why not??

    sadder for someone to go so hostile on what is essentially a decent business decision.

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  29. think this is a sign that PTI is struggling. so good for them for trying to get that forum back. would the possibility of prizes for the most active forum folks get you to post more? Not me but go for it. Cheaper I guess than continuing to pay the dt to post the lamest stuff ever. wonder how many of the dt would go to the forum if they weren't paid to do so? guessing zero.

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  30. I got an email from Walmart the other day saying they were having a sale on TV's. They must really be struggling to stoop to such measures.

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  31. Using the forum is no different than alot of businesses using Facebook for freebies and discounts

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  32. A former PTI designer told me that the forum generated most (75%) of its sales.

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  33. I think it'll be great if they can revive the forum. Loved lurking there. I don't mind getting prizes either.

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  34. That must have been years ago.

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  35. I got a flyer from Kohls advertising Kohls cash and a 30% coupon. They must be struggling and on the verge of going out of business. What other reason could it be?

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  36. 6:15 and 8:37 - My thoughts exactly! Some people are still so angry and bitter towards PTI that even nice prizes awarded at anniversary time are met with skepticism and snarkiness.

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  37. I earned 4 anniversary sets years ago when PTI was blowing off its customers. PTI told me I was greedy for demanding all 4 when others hadn't gotten the one they had earned. After that, I walked away. I hold no bitterness, but my dollars are hard earned and I have little to spend on stamping. I choose to to business with companies that appreciate me.

    I wish PTI and its customers well. I hope PTI now realizes that it needs its customers more than they need PTI and suspect that this latest move demonstrates that. They make a fine product, but no longer make the only fine products.

    If they want to reward frequent forum participants with better treatment (remember Rick replacing an item for one person?) that is fine. Personally, I think return policies should be handled the same for anyone who is a customer.

    Enjoy the forum. I doubt it t will ever be the same because now it will -- temporarily -- be frequented by folks looking for a free set or better treatment. Maybe that will morph into a happy forum again with folks who love the company and feel comfortable going there. I'm sure PTI is hoping that will occur. I would never begrudge stampers or even PTI from success. It just won't come from my $$.

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  38. The email was only sent out to forum members, so I doubt the forum will now be frequented by folks looking for a free set. I like the fact that they are encouraging more involvement from the current members.

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  39. oh forum folks will come out of the woodwork looking for favorite treatment. I was offended by the email. i have NO problem with a company announcing discounts and freebies on a forum or facebook or sending out coupons etc. But I am offended when they treat forum participants better in terms of customer service.

    And this is why we know that PTI has not and never will change. Sorry Rick. PTI is now trying to use you as the face of PTI in an effort to lure the ladies back. I think it will work. but not for me.

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  40. Is it possible PTI could turn it around? What kind of post do you imagine that would make people happy? What changes in policies would make people rejoice. If you were PTI and wanted to save your own butt (even though it is pretty late in the game) how would you turn the whole company around and try to get them back to where they were?

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  41. If I were Rick this would be my post:

    To celebrate our 7th anniversary, PTI is dramatically changing how they do business. From now on all products are 100% guaranteed satisfaction. If any product does not meet your personal expectations, return it for a full refund, no questions asked.
    Also, PTI will be making all sets produced before 2012 half price from now on. The new policy is that once sets have been out for 2 years they will be half price. Our new shipping policy is that we will ship within 24 hours of your ordering even if it is release time. We value your business and know that fast shipping is something that really matters to our customers. We will no longer be using UPS due to the slow ground times. We will, from now on, ship every single order flat rate priority. More to come later, but this is just a start!

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  42. And PTI would last about 6 months before going under like so many other companies. Thanks Obama!

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  43. Obama? WTH?

    If they posted that I would go back to my average $150 orders each month. They have gotten a total of $83 from me in the last 3 years.

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  44. And if Chevrolet announced they were selling all of last year's models for 50% off, I would be driving a Chevy. Until they went out of business.

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  45. If I were PTI, I'd skip Rick and I'd have the following post from all 3 owners.

    Thank you for 7 years of business. We've had ups and downs over the years but the one thing we've learned is that without our customers we do not exist. So we are here to say we appreciate you. We know you have limited dollars for this hobby and that many companies compete for those dollars. We've listened to you and are preparing to sell the business. Serious offers only.

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  46. I am curious, if you were one of the owners, why you would want to sell the business?

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  47. Absolutely nothing but a class-act... way to go, MFT! (from my emails today)


    Greetings!

    I wanted to let you know that we discovered an issue with the Scrolled Flourishes Die-namics that was part of our January Release.

    While we test each die extensively before it is released, we did not catch that the pair of dies do not mirror one another as they should after receiving the proof and product samples.

    The die is being re-manufactured, and each customer who ordered this product will be receiving an un-packaged replacement, beginning late next week.

    Unfortunately our system does not give us a way to easily access specifically who has purchased this die, so we need your help to resolve this for you expeditiously.

    Please email customerservice@mftstamps.com with 1) the order number that contained this item, 2) the address you'd like your replacement shipped to, and 3) the number of Scrolled Flourishes dies you ordered.

    We know this will take a moment of your time, and that your time and loyalty to My Favorite Things is extremely valuable. In addition to the replacement Scrolled Flourishes Die-namics, we will also be sending each of you one $5.00 Gift Voucher for use on a future order.

    Thank you for giving us the opportunity to make this right for you. You are always our utmost priority, and we will work hard to continue to take good care of you!

    Sincerely,
    Kim van der Sanden
    Owner, My Favorite Things

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  48. ^^^^^^^^^ Classy. Hell would freeze over before PTI would do such a thing. PTI is going to freeze over one of these days. The forum is nearly dead.

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  49. I got the MFT email, too, but those dies weren't in my order. Interesting that MFT can't access specifically who has purchased this die...

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  50. I got the e-mail as well, and I haven't placed an order with them, yet (although I have an account registered and a wishlist going). I've worked with companies where it was quite difficult to search for customers by item, and this seems to me to be the perfect solution. Send an e-mail to everyone who has an account set up, request some fairly simple information from them, and offer them a small gift certificate to thank them for their time. I'm sure that once they have the order number, they are able to verify that the dies were really on it, and how many sets.

    Most impressive part of the e-mail? MFT became aware of the mistake, took responsiblity for missing the problem when they checked the proofs, e-mailed everyone that might have ordered the problematic die, and is not asking anyone to return the bad ones to prove that they really ordered them.

    If this had been PTI, they'd have claimed that the dies were supposed to be that way all along, and that the images on the website were incorrect. If that didn't work, and they were forced to admit that "some" of them might have been wrong, anyone who had ordered them would have had to return them (at customer's expense for shipping!) so that Julie could inspect them to verify that they were, indeed, wrong. And woe be unto you if you had removed them from the package or used them. The replacement shipments would get lost on a pallet in the warehouse for a week or two before being sent out. All communications would be served with a healthy seasoning of snark.

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  51. ^^^ about PTI. yup. all the free sets in the world do not make up for the petty hell they put customers through who have an issue. Rick, please please please tell that MIL and wife of yours to wake up and smell the roses before it all comes crumbling down. quite telling that the highest volume sales are sets from years ago.

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  52. Tuesday Morning is selling Papertrey Ink buttons in the plastic lidded containers. $2.99 a bottle. Bottles have PTI label on the lid.

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  53. ^^^WHOA!!! Now that says something. They are seriously groveling.

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  54. I find it telling that they would rather sell dirt cheap to a retailer like Tuesday Morning, then pass the savings directly to their own customers.

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  55. I guess matching buttons are not a moneymaker for PTI and they are reducing their inventory by selling off these buttons via Tuesday Morning.

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  56. That's interesting, 3:41.

    Amazing letter from MFT. Not at all surprised.

    The "if I were PTI" letter would certainly look tempting to people and I get the Obama reference. I don't think it was entirely unreasonable. Before 2012 at 50% is more than a bit extreme. But retiring sets and offering some of the not-so-great sellers at a discount would be a good plan.

    Anniversary sale? 20% off your order for a one- or two-week period. Start getting the product into some new hands.

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  57. What kind of store is Tuesday Morning? I'm a Canadian and have never heard of them.

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  58. 4:07 hit that nail on the head. Include them as freebies in orders if your company is doing decently well. Sell them at a yard sale for $2.99 each if you are desperate. They are not about good will.

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  59. THey are a really tacky, cheap store where vendors dump their stuff at cost in order to get rid of it.

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  60. All this bitching about PTI's email just goes to show you that no matter what they do, no matter how fabulous it is someone is always going to find fault and complain about it.

    50% off older stamp sets. Really?? Is that what you would do if you owned a business. I doubt it.

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  61. Stamps are like fashion, they come and go. They are not like a leather sofa that is a classic. I don't buy 2 year old blouses for any more than 70% off. Same goes for stamps. Once the trend is over, they can hardly dump them.Look at their sales. Look at people trying to dump brand new sets on the forum. Not the same as buying a house.

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  62. Tuesday morning did not get the buttons from PTI.

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  63. Where exactly did they get the PTI buttons from then?

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  64. The prospect of free PTI stuff is bringing old forum members out of the woodwork.

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  65. ^^^ forum members who haven't posted in ages.

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  66. Tuesday Morning Buttons = Pot being stirred

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  67. ^^^
    Not sure what your point is.
    Is Tuesday Morning selling the buttons or not? If yes, then where would they get them if not from PTI?
    Do you think TM is buying the buttons from dissatisfied PTI customers?

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  68. I have it from a credible source who even provided pictures of the buttons with PTI sticker and Tuesday Morning price sticker on the bottom, this is no joke I assure you.

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  69. They SAY PTI on them. What more do you need?

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  70. Is there a way I can post a photo here?

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  71. Some brave soul should ask on the forum about PTI product now being carried in retail stores. How exciting you know!

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  72. But then they will boot you off the nearly dead forum they are trying to buy people to use.

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  73. How about Rick post this--

    PTI welcomes all honest comments about PTI service, product, etc.

    I'd go back to the forum then.

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  74. what is the matter with everyone. so PTI did or did not unload some merchandise to someone who sold them to Tuesday Morning? What about this is illegal? Unethical? It is mildly interesting if you are looking to buy some PTI buttons cheaper. Otherwise, good for them. They can do what they want with their inventory. They have their reasons, I assume, for everything they do.

    As I do as a consumer. You guys are just a teensie bit nuts!!!!

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  75. Is Tuesday Morning a national store chain? That's a lot of buttons. LOL

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  76. Not a uni or a hater.

    My take on the haters is that nothing will satisfy them. They are going to read something negative into anything PTI puts out there because of their negative experiences with PTI. PTI would have to do something very gracious and classy to make amends with these people.

    On the other hand, the unis will support anything PTI says and attack anyone who even mildly criticizes PTI. Not sure why. PTI customer service is not that good and there are never any good deals or real sales. Their website is badly designed and their loyalty program is a joke really. I really don't understand what PTI has done to create such fanatical loyalty in these people.

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  77. 7:56 I agree with you. It's just sad. Whatever move PTI does there'll always be criticism. Makes me wonder if these people are from other companies or just plain PTI haters.

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  78. Just remember there are people who post things here to watch people run with it a create a frenzy.

    6:54 - that is my point

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  79. 8:07 - Most likely a mix of both competing companies and haters.

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  80. Just to make more people angry or jealous or whatever, I feel compelled to post... ordered Thursday morning, package received today. Put that in your pipe and smoke it!

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  81. I ordered after 10pm on the 15th and my package departed Cinci on the 16th. Fastest shipping ever.

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  82. Tuesday Morning is also advertising having Tim Holtz products. Guess he and Ranger are about to go out of business. Oh, and Sizzix, too.

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  83. I think there are people here affiliated with other companies. Like the person who rushed in defending Impress inks.

    There used to be a lot of boasting about these fabulous inks and discounts posted here.

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  84. Not connected to Impress here and I love their inks and yes, I post the discount codes.

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  85. @9:21 Well, I think Tim Holtz would retail his products to all retail stores. That's how he rolls. Whereas PTI is exclusive to PTI only. So your argument does not stand.

    Btw, I am not the one who started the Tuesday Morning post

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  86. Can anyone please give the link to Rick's post? I'd like to read what the fuss is all about. There's nothing in the anniversary forum

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  87. PTI has said they would never go retail. Of course, SU said they would never go clear.

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  88. 10:30, go to stamping talk then look for "pre anniversary announcement.." Sorry I don't know how to put the link here. I honestly don't think there's anything wrong with it. In fact, I hope more people post there again and not get scared of this blog.

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  89. 8:05 I would take it one step further and say they will read something negative into anything PTI puts out there because of negative experiences OTHERS have had. They themselves have never had a bad experience, but just jumped on the bandwagon and now they refuse to get off.

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  90. 8:05 Exactly. Sheeple, that's what they are.

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  91. 8:05 nailed it when it comes to the two extremes. And I think most people are somewhere in between but it's the extremes that are most vocal.

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  92. PTI knows who the REAL active forum members are and they aren't the ones who show up suddenly in hopes of winning a prize. I'd be ashamed to post at this time after I'd abandoned the forum.

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  93. Wait a minute. If the guy you are attracted to has had 9 affairs on 9 previous wives you are not going to have a problem with him because YOU PERSONALLY have never had a problem with him? Fools!

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  94. 12:14 It's more like if someone on the other side of the earth, who you don't even know, jumps off a bridge and you are going to do the same because HE"s depressed.

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  95. Your logic skills are pathetic.

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  96. Like 8:05 said, there are distinct unis and haters. There's no point in trying to psychoanalyze people. It is what it is. Pick your camp or somewhere in-between and own it.

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  97. Marital affairs, suicide, depression and consumed with a rubber stamp company. That is a real dark place you live.

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  98. My marriage of 38 years is wonderful. I have never contemplated suicide and the only thing I am depressed about is that my trip to Hawaii has to be delayed a week due to a virus. I don't live in a dark place. I am not consumed with much either except the new grandbaby.

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  99. ^^ Congrats on the new grandbaby.

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  100. 10:41 I don't think it matters if you haven't posted in a long time. They just want people to post again,

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  101. Sorry the end of my sentence should have a "."

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  102. 10:41, the only people who should be ashamed to post in the forum again are the ones who smack PTI hatefully.

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  103. let's discuss other things. anything other than PTI. I'll go first. Have you seen the new adhesive liner to put on your Big Shot or other machine plate. It is by Little B. Fail to understand the excitement.

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  104. I thought it was a magnetic platform.

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  105. Does anyone know any details about the new Cricut?

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  106. yes the new cricut will allow you to cut designs in your hair. amazing. now your head can coordinate with your christmas cards.

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  107. ^ unnecessarily spiteful

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  108. ^^ wasn't meant that way. was trying to be amusing. me sorry.

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    1. m sorry as well! I didn't realize it could be funny as well :)

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  109. 3:53 -- please provide an example of a necessarily spiteful post. your post was stupid.

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  110. ^^ your post is necessarily spiteful!!!
    http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/forums/tool-product-talk-f128/cricut-explore-pcs-new-machine-t583303.html

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