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Maybe the best will be to reward our customers on every purchase with a free
design each time, than to just put free designs up every day, week or what
ever???
That is what most will say and want???
But then again,we have to think about those who try to make a living and
have to put food on the table by sewing out free designs on something??? to
earn that money
My dear digitizers friends let us live and let live, if your designs are
good enough they'll buy it anyway and why not say thank you to the world
and show your appresiation and reward the visitors to your website with a
free design they also spend time and money to visit your website
This is my hobby but to alot it is there sole income and I can underdstan
why most are so against reebie hunters. But can I tell you a secret the
biggest free hunters of the past are today my best customers.
I ones was FREEBIE HUNTER TOO.......................spend hours to download
tons of designs for free and was'nt aware of the time and efford that goes
into them. Those are still my most sprecious designs.
Maybe it is time to turn the clock back and regain respect for each other.
Let us be one happy sewing family like in the old days when grandma and mom
etc show the girls to do whatever they learned from years ago???
Only we as digitizers can turn that clock back.
My rolemodels will stil be
Santi,Elsa,Eurika,Sharon,Viviene.....................and of cause my
daughters.....................
Come on girls this is sew much fun and we realy need each other to be part
of this hobby we all love sew much!!!!!
And please be patiend with the mall owners............they realy have a
tough time because e are alot screaming in there ears...................LOL
Hope you all enjoy a wonderfull day
Your Group MOM
Miems

Miems, I think you hit the nail on the head. I think if we digitizers would admit it, we all started out as Freebie Hunters. We got our first little embroidery machine and it was like an addition, from designs to software to digitizing our own and not even having time to stitch anymore, so collecting designs became a thing of the past. I find that since I started digitizing professionally, I give away more than I sell. Maybe someday that will change, but I have enjoyed seeing my designs stitched and enjoyed so much, that I can't help giving them away.

As for the sharing of designs, I know that when I got my first machine, nobody told me about sharing, copyrights or any thing like that. If we don't explain to new embroiders, what and why, they will think, "If it's free, why can't a give it too my friend?" Instead of fussing about things, we all need to learn to explain the "why's" in a nice way. Thanks for your outlook on things.

Mudd

Dear Mom,
It's this attitude that makes you so special. I really appreciate you and all of the other digitizers who give wonderful freebies AND keep their prices affordable.
You are just as gracious as your mentors. It's good to see someone who wants to keep the old ways going. The back biting and lack of gratitude on the groups is getting to be overwhelming.
And yet, when something bad happens to one of ours, everyone seems to rally round and offer all kinds of help. That's very encouraging to me.
I don't EXPECT freebies. I APPRECIATE them. Just like any other gift I'm given.
I understand why digitizers are only giving designs on their yahoo groups now. We have the design pirates to thank for that. And yes, I'll admit, I'm a lurker on the groups I belong to. Not because I don't want to join in, but because I don't have time. I work full time and have a home to take care of. AND, I like to get a litte embroidering done on occasion.
There are two sides to every story. Let's not judge anyone until you know the full story.
So, on that note, please stop the whining and complaining. All it does is make people feel bad. Let's start sharing positive things with each other and lifting each other up. Before you write something to the group, think about how you would feel if you were the recipient.
Have a wonderful day everyone. I'm off to work.
HUGS,
Deb Conley
Moderator,

Hi everybody

I read all the comments about freebie hunters and can only say thank you to all the digitisers that are so generous in giving freebies. When I bought my embroidery machine just over two years ago, I had no idee what can be achieved on my machine. I was very nervous to try all the different techniques and looking at the prices, was very nervous to buy. Living in South Africa and having to buy in dollars was just too expensive. As I got more confident with it, and thats thanks to everybody in all the various groups who so generously share there knowledge and designs, I got braver and pulled out the credit card and started buying some of the design sets that I have been dying to try. I still freebie hunt, who doesn't LOL, but because of the freebies that allowed me to gain confidence in the various techniques, have got no problem in buying a design (or two) when there is some spare cash in the household budget!!

Therefor, I would like to say thank you to everybody out there that through there freebies and advise help those of us that really got no idea of the scope and creativity of the machine embroidery world when they buy a machine. I love my machine and it is the best investment I have ever made.

Thank you kindly and happy stitching everybody!
Helena
Durban South Africa




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The thoughts expressed below just brought a load of emotion to me. I wish I could express myself like this as these statements truly reflect my feelings about the hobby we share and the appreciation not often expressed enough. I too had to retire at age 55 due to severe heart trouble. I am trying to build a small craft business to sell my items at fairs and through my nieces store in Louisianna as my health permits. Sewing is about one of the only things I can do, housecleaning ( like vacuuning) is almost impossible for me to manage. While I am able to buy a few sets when I sell some of my items, I do use the freebies and only download them when I can use them. I try to return the gratitude by posting to the groups I belong to and offering help when I can.

Maybe if we stop to think of others more than ourselves, the spirit of sharing will shine through.

Thank you all digitizers.
Deb Conley <grandmakittykat@...> wrote:
Dear Mom,
It's this attitude that makes you so special. I really appreciate you and
all of the other digitizers who give wonderful freebies AND keep their
prices affordable.
You are just as gracious as your mentors. It's good to see someone who
wants to keep the old ways going. The back biting and lack of gratitude on
the groups is getting to be overwhelming.
And yet, when something bad happens to one of ours, everyone seems to rally
round and offer all kinds of help. That's very encouraging to me.
I don't EXPECT freebies. I APPRECIATE them. Just like any other gift I'm
given.
I understand why digitizers are only giving designs on their yahoo groups
now. We have the design pirates to thank for that. And yes, I'll admit,
I'm a lurker on the groups I belong to. Not because I don't want to join
in, but because I don't have time. I work full time and have a home to take
care of. AND, I like to get a litte embroidering done on occasion.
There are two sides to every story. Let's not judge anyone until you know
the full story.
So, on that note, please stop the whining and complaining. All it does is
make people feel bad. Let's start sharing positive things with each other
and lifting each other up. Before you write something to the group, think
about how you would feel if you were the recipient.
Have a wonderful day everyone. I'm off to work.
HUGS,
Deb Conley
Moderator,

I agree Meims But the bottom line is customers Do not make them feel guilty for taking something that is given away free. We all work hard at what we do and must not whine about it

Sewing hugs Doreen........... jandor@... Email for pricing
Sales of Vilene & Embird .. www.crittersncrafts.com. I ship World wide
moderator/list Mom

I fully agree Miems. We all started out collecting what was free -
and I can say I don't think I actually used any of them in the end.
I've only used the ones I've bought.

I give away a lot of freebies because people have the chance to
sample your work that way and they DO come back and buy if they like
what they've tried, so it is worth it to give away good quality
freebies.

I also know what the mall owners go through. I have my own site as
well and until the beginning of January, was directing sales through
Paypal. The amount of work in keeping track of who hasn't downloaded
what is very time consuming and some customers get really angry if
you don't email their files within 24 hours even though it clearly
says for the customer to download them, and full instructions are
given with screen shots etc. My site never told me when a file
wasn't downloaded so I only knew if the customer complained, so I'd
have to keep track of that too. Most people were polite when they
asked about their files but some people don't want to ask, they just
want to blame and they can be real nasty about it and accuse you of
all manner of things in the process. Generally these people don't
even apologise when they find out it was their mistake, not ours.
Add to that the amount of people that have their security turned up
so high that you can't get the files through to them by email anyway
and then complain that you haven't sent the files and you can see
where the time goes.

Now my shopping cart is directed through the mall and they have to
deal with all of this, times how many digitisers they have, plus
listening to us whinge. I also sell far more through the mall than I
do from my own website and I'm sure this is because of the promotion
that they provide and freebies are part of that promotion. When ever
there is a special on or I am designer of the week, or I put up a
project, my sales jump. This is something I can't do by myself. I
don't have the time and I don't have the money to pay to get my site
listed high on the search engines. These are the things that the
Mall does for us and it increases our sales. Surely we can do our
bit and supply the freebies? My mall request is not huge - one every
4 months is not a huge amount. I also advertise in another place and
that costs me 2 per month plus a small monthly fee, but if my
freebie is good quality and is the most downloaded, I get the next
month free. It has driven sales to my site, according to my site
statistics, so it is worth it in the end. I only need a couple of
extra sales a month to cover that cost.

My mall owner is fantastic. She is always friendly and helpful and I
love her to death. Frankly, I couldn't do this without her, so a
freebie every now and then is the very least I can do.

Angela

When I purchased my First Bernina, I had to wait almost 2 months for it to
get here from the time I paid for it..
And I was told about the email groups at the time of the sale from a girl at
the Bernina shop, it was one of her sales pitches, that there were thousands
of designs on the Internet..

So I mad a folder on my hard drive of all of the Yahoo groups I could find
and the Artista List by Bernina at the time.
and I saved some many free designs, I was so broke after my major big
purchase as I had to save for it and what I wanted, no credit allowed My
Husband said...

So all I had was the first 5 Bernina Design cards, That I purchased with my
machine. and My software, I purchased the Bernina Artista Ver1 designer ver,
and Then I used so many free designs!

But that is where I learned how to digitize...was fixing all of the bad free
designs
that, when converted the files were a mess.. I learned so fast to test,
test, test. no matter who did them!
as most of the files were messed up from the early conversion programs out
there..
Now the newer programs do a better job with converting the files but still
never convert a converted file as it will
still become a different file.

So I know I started out in 1998 saving free designs..
Linda Watts
Watts Embroidery

I fully agree Miems. We all started out collecting what was free -
and I can say I don't think I actually used any of them in the end.
I've only used the ones I've bought.

I give away a lot of freebies because people have the chance to
sample your work that way and they DO come back and buy if they like
what they've tried, so it is worth it to give away good quality
freebies.

I also know what the mall owners go through. I have my own site as
well and until the beginning of January, was directing sales through
Paypal. The amount of work in keeping track of who hasn't downloaded
what is very time consuming and some customers get really angry if
you don't email their files within 24 hours even though it clearly
says for the customer to download them, and full instructions are
given with screen shots etc. My site never told me when a file
wasn't downloaded so I only knew if the customer complained, so I'd
have to keep track of that too. Most people were polite when they
asked about their files but some people don't want to ask, they just
want to blame and they can be real nasty about it and accuse you of
all manner of things in the process. Generally these people don't
even apologise when they find out it was their mistake, not ours.
Add to that the amount of people that have their security turned up
so high that you can't get the files through to them by email anyway
and then complain that you haven't sent the files and you can see
where the time goes.

Now my shopping cart is directed through the mall and they have to
deal with all of this, times how many digitisers they have, plus
listening to us whinge. I also sell far more through the mall than I
do from my own website and I'm sure this is because of the promotion
that they provide and freebies are part of that promotion. When ever
there is a special on or I am designer of the week, or I put up a
project, my sales jump. This is something I can't do by myself. I
don't have the time and I don't have the money to pay to get my site
listed high on the search engines. These are the things that the
Mall does for us and it increases our sales. Surely we can do our
bit and supply the freebies? My mall request is not huge - one every
4 months is not a huge amount. I also advertise in another place and
that costs me 2 per month plus a small monthly fee, but if my
freebie is good quality and is the most downloaded, I get the next
month free. It has driven sales to my site, according to my site
statistics, so it is worth it in the end. I only need a couple of
extra sales a month to cover that cost.

My mall owner is fantastic. She is always friendly and helpful and I
love her to death. Frankly, I couldn't do this without her, so a
freebie every now and then is the very least I can do.

Angela



Miem's Site:

Miem's Redwork Site:
Annemarie's Site:
Daleen's Site:

We recommend
and

as our group embroidery supplier.
All group members receive a 5% discount. See files for details



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Hi Helena

Just wanted to say that you live in such a beautiful place. My husband worked for an oil drilling company, and they were bringing a rig from Scotland to the Gulf of Mexico. They made a stop in Durban, and from that minute he started "pestering" the company to transfer him to South Africa. Sure enough, about 6 months later we were transferred to Cape Town, and found a beautiful flat in Clifton. Our landlady owned the restaurant at Kirstenbosch Gardens, and she was the most wonderful and kind person I have ever met. We were there for 18 months, and loved it so much. I know what you mean about the exchange rate when buying with the Rand - when we were there it was only 2 rand to the dollar, but I know it's much higher now.

Myrna

Helena, I totally agree with you.
I needed confidence when I first started out and now, I am looking at the digitising of them to see what others have done and so I value them even more highly.
I am starting to digitise a few little odds and ends and really appreciate the variety of techniques that are in my files. Like Miems, I too have a few special designs that I keep coming back to because of the artwork used I guess.
What I really find useful to the next stage that I am in is the digi-challenges to compare the same design done so many different ways.


Hugs,

Sherrie
@( 0 )@

Hi Myrna

Thank you, my country is great and I love living here. Wish the exchange rate was still R2 to the dollar, I would have a ball bying designs, we now looking at about 7 rand to the dollar!
Kind regards
Helena

Myrna Davis <myrna3347@...> wrote:
Hi Helena

Just wanted to say that you live in such a beautiful place. My husband worked for an oil drilling company, and they were bringing a rig from Scotland to the Gulf of Mexico. They made a stop in Durban, and from that minute he started "pestering" the company to transfer him to South Africa. Sure enough, about 6 months later we were transferred to Cape Town, and found a beautiful flat in Clifton. Our landlady owned the restaurant at Kirstenbosch Gardens, and she was the most wonderful and kind person I have ever met. We were there for 18 months, and loved it so much. I know what you mean about the exchange rate when buying with the Rand - when we were there it was only 2 rand to the dollar, but I know it's much higher now.

Myrna

I just have to say how much I appreciate all of the freebies given by all designers. I usually browse the site while I am there. My 'want' and 'need' list grows ever bigger! I also work, have children-one grown and married and a teenager still at home. Both of my children have health issues, the grown one is in a major remission, and the younger one is in a very stable
condition at this time. The embroidery, reading HOE and learning from all of the projects listed and enjoying the freebies are all part of the small ME time that I enjoy. I am still here if the family needs me, but am enjoying my 'little' hobby immensely. All of the designers, digitizers and members of HOE contribute to my hobby and enjoyment. My job is extremely stressful, I work 2nd shift and generally read most postings after work, so this is also my wind down time.
I purchase when I can and appreciate all of the hard work and talent that goes into all aspects of this business. You are all appreciated!! Jo

hi there Myrna,
you would have found a great difference in the climate between Durban and Cape Town as we have a sub tropical - very hot and humid and rain in summer and Capetown has a Mediterranean climate with rain in Winter and I don't think the humidity is quite as bad as here. but having said all that both cities are wonderful in their own way.
I am in Durban and wouldn't live anywhere else even though we moan like mad about the heat and humidity in Summer .Winter here is paradise:))))
I would love us all to go back to the old days when we gave away freebies with joy and loved to see how folk used them.But sadly one can never go back :(
I began digitising in 1996 and loved it but gradually this wonderful hobby became cutthroat and digitising for sale no longer was attractive.the trouble I had killed all my creativity and it is literally years since I digitised anything!
Now I download the freebies . I would love to buy many many designs but with the exchange rate with the dollar as it is now here in South AFRICA and has been for sometime, ones pension does not stretch that far.
I want to thank all of those digitisers who give away freebies. I for one really appreciate them.
And I often tell other embroiders here where to go to buy designs that they are looking for:))
take care
Min

kraft@...

After purchasing some new designs from a particular designer last week, I went to her/his Yahoo group and asked to join. I received the message that I had been banned for life. Evidently, I had at one time joined the group, then unsubbed for some reason. Banned for life? Suits me. I've banned this designer from my pocket book for life, too. Problem solved.

Min, yes, I do agree with you that there are some REAL appreciaters of freebies out there, since I sell on OPW mine are always part of the MOC (Members Only Club) and they are FULL DESIGNS. What I mean is: the original freebie used to be a small part of a design for the client to download in order to test quality etc. Now, with many malls and digitizers offering full designs for free you get "FreebieHunters" more ofteh than not. But, as far as I am concerned, those with a small budget have a chance to be part of the world of embroidery as well that way..... so, as a digitizer I do like to also contribute towards those not so fortunate.

Best wishes from a VERY HOT CAPE TOWN
Ursula: Your Inspiration

Proudly from South Africa
Ursula Lamb
INSPIRATION MUTZ
Affordable quality embroidery designs with THAT bit of a difference
mutz@...

The world of digitising is getting so very competitive lately that no one is prepared to take any chances with possible pirating. It's not downloading free designs that many object to, it's the whining and complaining that goes on when people miss out, the continual harrassment when they are really doing their potential customers a favour.

So many sites have stopped giving samples altogether and force people onto groups now because of pirating and quite frankly, I don't blame them. If you had to email a site as a potential customer to get a sample, I would be quite happy. It builds a relationship with the digitiser and makes their service more personal. I applaud those who have already taken that step and I don't think it will be long before things tighten up even more.

We should all be grateful that we have been so free for so long - it won't last and it's the whiners and pirates who are forcing it to happen.

Maybe soon you'll find that you can't buy their designs even if you wanted to without talking to them first.
Who knows?


Hugs,

Sherrie
@( 0 )@