I have stepped away for a few weeks to focus on my family, along with taking the opportunity to analyze some thoughts and feelings I have been forced to deal with recently. I don't feel as though I can "continue with your regularly scheduled blog posts" without putting a voice to these feelings. So here it goes...
I have been on all sides of the stamping world. I remember a time not to long ago, when I was on a very limited budget of $20 per month for supplies. I also know what it is like to have a fairly open-ended budget. I have had the experience of being involved in direct sales, as I was an SU! demo for a few years. I am now involved with the manufacturing & design of my own products. So I feel that it is accurate to say that I have experienced it all first hand.
With that being said, I want to provide you with some food for thought.
You are surely looking for innovation when it comes to your purchases, no matter which of the aforementioned categories you may find yourself in. That's one of the aspects of this craft that is so exciting. All of the new products that are constantly introduced, providing you with ongoing possibilities. These innovations are what keep everything fresh and exciting.
Where would this industry be without a core group of "thinkers" who work hard to continually bring you something new?
I would like to think that I could include myself as part of this group, along with a few close friends of mine who are affiliated with their own companies.
I know in my particular case, many hours of thought & contemplation go into each set that Papertrey produces. Many characteristics of the images we create are designed with the stamper in mind, making them both user-friendly & trendy at the same time. There are many sets that we currently contain in our collection that I spent as much as 80-90 hours designing, getting everything just perfect and being sure that they were as versatile as possible. I can honestly say that my heart & soul are poured into each and every thing I do.
So back to the question at hand... Where would this industry be without a core group of "thinkers" who work hard to continually bring you something new?
What is your answer? And is your answer reflected in how you choose to spend your crafting dollars?
Other companies that take a concept and make it their own virtually get a "free ride". The "thinking" was already done by someone else, so it is easy for them to reproduce the idea within their company and gain profits without any true contributions to the industry as a whole.
It is very easy as a consumer to not give a second thought to this philosophy. We want what we want at the lowest price possible.
But in the end, what type of company do you want to maintain longevity? The one that puts the time into innovating new concepts continually or the company that likes to take advantage of a free ride?
I know that this subject may seem controversial to some, and I am prepared for that. But I think this issue needs to have some attention. I look forward to sharing some stamping related posts within the next few days, but today I really needed o share my thoughts & feelings on this particular subject. Thank-you to all for your support!!!
