PTI stands for Papertrey Ink. This is a collective smack blog and Papertrey Ink review page. Papertrey Ink's continuously poor customer service has lead to a page dedicated to discussion of this stamp company and recommendations for alternative stamp companies. Minimal censorship here- I prefer to leave it up to posters' discretion.
The opinions posted on this blog belong to our visitors and we are not paid for our honest reviews ;)
Wow, I am encouraged by all these signs! I hope all the people who were just unbanned will respond to that gesture of goodwill by NOT needling PTI on the forum. I hope this is the start of a major turnaround.
Comparing the relationship between customers and PTI to that of an abused woman and her abuser is extremely offensive and shows a total lack of perspective and proportion. PTI is simply a company that sells stamps and paper, they are not an abusive husband with financial, emotional, and physical power over us. Likening the two suggests you have an unhealthy obsession with PTI. Just walk away. It is not hard to walk away from a stamp company. But stop insulting women in abusive relationships by comparing their very real and dangerous and painful situation to the trivial relationship between a store and its customers.
I am skeptical of *any* company that has consistently shown disregard for its customers as frequently as this one has, and I fully concur that it took ages for any of the PTB to open their eyes a bit.
However, I do truly hope that they can make a real, lasting, and heartfelt change. I don't know yet what that will mean for me (as to whether I will return to them and order again), but I would certainly be happy for the customers, new and old, that no one would have to deal with the seeming ineptitude and arrogance that have prevailed up to this point.
Anyone who shops with PTI deserves the type of care, speed, and effectiveness that I've received recently from so many other new [to me] stamp companies. If they dig deep and find a way to serve the way they create/design, then maybe there will be a reason to cheer and to cheer loudly.
Despite my moniker, I like to READ snark a lot more than I ever spout it, and I would say there are an awful lot of folks like me-- not very loud on the forum or here, but paying close attention and quietly watching to see how much PTI's customers really do mean to them.
Maybe I'm just suspicious by nature but I don't get it. So days ago, Rick/Mutt pruned people off the forum for no good reason and now he's adding them back. What game are we playing here? And who is directing the moves behind the scenes? Just seems off to me. I don't trust PTI.
And these moves certainly do not mean I will buy from them again.
One of the reasons that PTI gave for not being able to offer alternatives to shipping was because of the way their Yahoo (I think) account was set up. With the new web site, I am wondering if now they can offer alternatives for internationals. Might ask that on the forum soon.
I am always surprised that PTI seems to 'lose' so many packages, that they say have been sent - i.e. with the anniversary sets, amongst others. I have always received my (international) packages, from other US companies, also using USPS, and they have not travelled to another country to get to me.
With the "New & Improved" CS email, what happens to all of us who have been dealing with issues via the old CS email? Are we being deleted again? Ignored for all eternity? Lost in the abyss? Do we resubmit again and start from the beginning one more time?
'Cause I don't know if I can deal with another trip on the merry-go-round. And deal with the rather predictable sequence of non-answers one.more.time.
all of the emails are currently being worked and the new system is not going to be announced until the emails are all taken care of... ----------------------------------
Only those who have lied on the forum or have been very rude should be banned. Ooops. that includes Rick and Jenn and the owners. 2 April 2012 16:04
From the other forum, this really made me laugh out loud. Although I did see Rick on the forum and don't think he was really being rude. I think he may have been innocently asking "why is bumping threads helpful" because he didn't understand why people were doing it. I know it caused a fall out, and I"m not warming up to him just because he un-shunned 3 forum members.
I don't know quite what to think of Rick. Part of me wants to be encouraged by his interactions with us, and the other part of me thinks that, after repeated invitations for us to email him through the link he provided, it was just a way to flush out the names of all the smackers that took him up on the offer. But why would he really care who people on here are?
Just things that run around in my head.
I don't want to be suspicious. But I've seen too many things go down in the past from this company.
While I'm glad Rick was able to unban people, it just seems weird to me that this is where people had to go I find a resolution A smack blog?? Really!??? I agree PTI saw a change to their bottom line and reacted. As long as they continue with this attitude I may consider buying....when thy change the shipping options. So yeah, I guess 2015
05:34 I got caught up in a bunch of drama the other day and I over-reacted...banning a few people in the process. I have made amends to those people and have tried to fix the mistake I made.
I cannot speak for PTI, just my small role as admin of the forum. I am hopeful that all of these issues can and will be worked out, but I am not really involved in that process..
I try to shed light on any areas that I am hopeful about...not really trying to sway anyone from their beliefs...
I just wonder what Rick's angle is. Why is he still involved with pti? Is he a part owner? (from divorce settlement perhaps?) If he is an owner why was he mia for so long?
What happens between the smackers and PTI is really none of my business, unless it happens on the forum. And even then, if the forum is running smoothly with no spam then I have done my job.
Never really questioned my interest...just assumed I was involved because I felt like I could contribute SOMETHING to the resolution...time will tell if I have been successful...
Rick I highly applaud you for your honesty and willingness to fix things you have control over. Well done. .....Some other people could learn from that!
I'm definitely feeling more hopeful for the future of PTI now that I'm seeing signs that they understand that they have to DO something, not just make noises about how much they care. I will wait and watch to see what happens. I won't be purchasing while I watch, but I'm willing to observe without heckling.
I'm thinking of one of my kids, who has shown me over and over again that she has issues with keeping track of her homework and getting it done. When she says that she'll try to do better, I know what doesn't work - needling her and telling her about her past failures. What works better is being quietly supportive and observing what happens. If she misses the mark, I praise any forward progress and then try to gently provide information about what I've observed to see if the next effort can be improved.
I realize as well as anyone that PTI has made some major missteps in the past, but if they're willing to take new and different steps to try to correct that, I'm willing to give them some breathing room to work on it.
Holy crap, I just found fonts that totally look like SU stamp sets. I wonder if they shop here for their designs too? Wow, I must be in the dark about how stamps are designed. I figured everyone sat at their desks with a tablet and digital pen, painstakingly pumping out design after design. I feel like a nimrod now.
Well, I'm not willing to give them the benefit of the doubt until they manage to resolve my simple paypal refund issue that is outstanding for a month and a half. The refund that they acknowledged a month and a half ago. But somehow is too difficult for them to issue a paypal credit. (And no, no multiple email addys or anything like that.)
When that is resolved, I might start looking with a less cynical eye. Until then, it's all just pretty lip service to me and no substance.
"They" don't respond via a smack blog with Rick. I hate to beat a dead horse...but I am not here for PTI. The PTB have no knowledge of my postings here...
I think it's nice that Rick came out from behind his "Muttation" label and that he's made it clear what his role is.
As for seeing PTI in a whole new light.... not me.
Chris, I think you made a great analogy and I'm really happy that the ban was lifted on you and others.
Truth is Hostage, I appreciate your comments yesterday :).
As for stamp designs, they come about in many ways and some of us still use pen and paper!
You can do a search for free fonts and many are available for personal use. I never thought of using them with a die machine (like Silhouette?) but great idea!
This is from Hunger Games Wiki: Muttations, sometimes referred to simply as mutts, are animals that have been genetically altered by the Capitol for use as weapons, forms of torture and intelligence.
When Rick started posting on the forum again I also thought that he was representing PTI and I took everything that he said through those lenses. When he said "I am forum admin, no more and no less" I immediately thought of Jenn saying almost the same thing and I couldn't conceive of how someone could distance themselves like that.
Now, I think that I am seeing things a little bit clearer. Rick is trying to let us know that there are encouraging things going on behind the scenes. He is acting on his own. He is quite possibly passing along helpful tips that he is reading here so this is really a benefit to us. He doesn't claim to be able to fix anything. He is really just trying to help IMHO.
It's great that some of you can now no longer banned in the PTI forum. However, there are still issues for PTI to deal with before I will spend another cent or $9000. It only takes a few weeks to break a habit and now I'm free.
Love the font site. Oh my, I have already purchased. I'm taking the Silhouette on line class and can't wait to try out my new fonts. Ok, still spending, just not at PTI
It was Nichole who was sending me board warnings the day I was banned. When I was "unbanned" yesterday, there was a reply to my repeated messages to her AFTER I had been banned.
Clearly, she was not the one who had me banned.
And, for those who are interested, she did not clarify what I wrote that was offensive.
Nichole said she deleted the posts and banned a single person.
My post was not meant to be shitty...it was received that way by some... if I offended you by my question I am sorry. I asked it not knowing the entirety of the situation..
I think Rick is much wiser than we gave him credit for. I think we need to sit back now and just watch. Give it a chance and try to stay out of their way if they really are trying to bring the old PTI back where things were run with grace and accuracy.
I really hate the person who suggested using these fonts with their silhouette (in a good way). I have an expression and could never understand the hype of cutting your own 'fonts' because I never new 'fonts' could be so freaking awesome! now I want to dump my cricut machine and get on board with the silhouette. Dang it! Goodbye $$, it was nice knowing you. LOL
Truth, I just switched over to a Cameo from my Expression. I am soooo happy with the Cameo. The quality of the cuts is miles above the expression. Only downside is if you want to cut chipboard as the exp can cut thicker chipboard. I haven't tried any of the cereal box thickness chipboard in the cameo, but I believe it can cut that (poss. needs multi cut)
But it can cut actual round circles! And amazingly detailed cuts.
7:51, not really. i had read somewhere that MM was unloading the Slice and not planning to support it going forward so it made me a little leery. But then, since i already have a machine i wasn't interested enough in that rumor to search out the validity (or lack of.)
Does slice cut svg files?
Here's another font that would be great printing images or cutting images:
Silhouette is one company that is awesome at customer service!
I have had a SIL for a few years and just recently bought a Cameo. Every single encounter with cs has been amazing, even when I didn't get the resolution that I was hoping for.
Please, Please do NOT get a Slice. I purchased one thinking it would be portable, easy to use and the carts were cheaper than the Cricut.
I HATED it, it didn't cut properly, it was hard to determine where the machine was going to cut the paper, paper wouldn't stick to the cutting board.
I eventually sold it and purchased a Silhouette and never looked back! I adore my Silhouette! If you don't have a need for 12x12 try sourcing the regular Silhouette to 'break you in', I guarantee you'll like it, so easy to use and you can cut anything you want :)
Rick - 6:26 here. I appreciate the offer, but as you are not "official", this is one that PTI's just going to have to figure out for themselves. The amount is not one that hurts me to not have available. But I will not consider doing any further business with PTI until this is resolved. (And probably longer than that. It all depends on whether they appear to be sincere in making & keeping to changes in the way they do business.)
So Rick, does Julie realize what an asshole she is or does she just not care? Honestly, she is the biggest problem with PTI. Do you see Julie changing any time soon?
I appreciate everyone's input on cutting machines.
I am so invested in my cricut though....112 carts all loaded onto my gyspy. I can't see ever getting rid of it and having to start all the way over with a new system, accumulating new digital images, etc. Are they expensive? I've heard of this Keri Bradfort chick that makes a ton of cut files.
On the other hand, I did read on another board somewhere that someone took a stamped image, scanned it into their computer and made a cut file out of it. Can you imagine???? With the LOAD of stamps we all probably have, to have a cut file for each one? Sure, the initial work would be a huge time investment, but wow - maybe so worth it.
I think Rick answered that in a previous message - he allluded to the fact that no one wants to piss off customers, and that he doubts anyone's intention is to do that. He did say that sometimes his emotions got the better of him and that is why he is not the greatest of business owners. I took that as a veiled refernece to Julie (sorry if I'm paraphrasing Rick)
I don't know if this is possible. When people are emotional or easily offended and that trait leaks over into their business decisions, how can that be fixed? She can't change who she is. That would take some serious self realization.
I'm thinking this is an aspect of PTI that will continue to permeate all they try to do to fix things. Sad. That's just my take though.
At some point Julie has to see that Julie and "making decisions at PTI" are not a great fit. There's nothing wrong with that - you just have to recognize your strengths. Running PTI doesn't appear to be one of her strengths.
At some point Julie has to see that Julie and "making decisions at PTI" are not a great fit. There's nothing wrong with that - you just have to recognize your strengths.
------------------
Well Jenn realized she sucked balls at customer service and left, so maybe there is hope?
I really do not want to speak about her in a forum like this, because no matter what I say it will be misconstrued and will further the conversation.
Suffice to say I am very impressed with her business sense and know that without ALL THREE of the owners PTI would not exist in any way, shape or form. Good PTI, bad PTI, any PTI...
I have never run a successful business...NOT ONE.. and as such my opinions and thoughts about how they should run their business mean little to nothing, carry zero weight, and speak more about me than they ever could about them and their abilities.
Maybe a 4th person with business expertise needs to be added. I work with a 4 person team and each of us fills a needed role and nothing would work without all 4 of us, but it took us awhile to find the weakness and fill it with a person who was an expert in that specific area. Once we did that everything got immediately better.
I have never run a successful business...NOT ONE.. and as such my opinions and thoughts about how they should run their business mean little to nothing, carry zero weight, and speak more about me than they ever could about them and their abilities.
*************
Rick, I'm picking up the hint you are laying down. LOL! No, I have never run a single business either and yes, my previous comments are saying more about me than anything. My conjecture is not fair to them at all. Thanks for the reminder. =)
(No snark here, just humility as I am gently put into my place as a spectator.)
I'm not saying you were TRYING to put anyone in their place...I'm saying I took your comment as a double-edged sword, effecting you as you wrote it but effecting me as I read it. =)
I turned all of my YOF stamps into cut files on my Silhouette . Sadly, when I upgraded the software to the studio software, I couldn't figure out how to import them. I will do it again on the cameo though. That is just one amazing feature of the machine.
To those of you wanting a Cameo, Oh my Crafts has the Silhouette Cameo for269.99 Use the code CRAFT25 and it brings it down to 202.49. The coupon says that it won't work on the Cameo, but it does. Shipping can be slow, but the wait is worth it! You will love it!!
You ladies are changing my life with this Cameo information! Can it cut fabric, does anyone know? I really can't afford one right now (just got a new sewing machine and serger for my other hobby!), but this might have to be my next purchase once I can.
Oh my God, I just did a bit of Googling and it looks like the Silhouette CAN cut fabric! I am frothing at the mouth now. MUST HAVE IT! Thanks to whoever spread the word about it here
I've been thinking about selling my cricut... I feel badly about it, though, because a couple of my friends just bought me the CTMH cartridge for my birthday. The Cameo seems so much more versatile.
If the Cameo (and other electronic die cutters) can import shapes, any shapes (not just the ones Silhouette provides), are companies like Sizzix shaking in their boots?
Honestly I am curious. If I had the room for a Cameo I would and never buy any more dies again ! Or stamps!
I just wish Ted would TEACH instead of posting on a public forum. Really, he has no papers to correct, lesson plans to write, data to collect/analyze, meet with team members, correspond with parents, etc.????
But Rick, won't you have some s'plainin' to do to NH that people got unbanned? Just don't want you to get in hot water with PTB.
And also I apologize for saying Julie was threatening to withhold certain sex favors if you didn't ban people. That was unkind of me. And obviously untrue.
Has anyone ordered from Impress and had it shipped to Canada? I want to know the shipping before I buy from it since they'll be charging twice for international orders. They said that they mail out First Class and linked me to USPS website, which means absolutely nothing to me =P
Hey all you serious Cameo users. Looking at the font that is similar to Pretty Peonies, would you cut it as is: meaning you have to glue all the pieces in place or is able to use the print and cut feature? I've never tried the print and cut and am not sure how to do it.
I really doubted Rick was posting here, so when he posted his email address I googled his name. The pictures showed the same one on the pti forum. I guess by him posting here shows that, at least, there's a person willing to make some changes... I will wait until we can see changes and then, maybe then, I will buy again from them.
Honestly, I don't consider it lying by Nichole. I just assume that she was taking responsibility for what was occurring. Usually that is considered a good thing for leaders to do. I do think some people are looking for any and every excuse to smack PTI.
Doesn't bother me. You are welcome to your opinions as I am to mine.
I do hope there will be some real improvements behind the scenes in the upcoming months.
I ordered a little while ago and was impressed (haha!) with how cheap the shipping was.
A bubble envelope - about 6 X 9 inches - only cost $1.90 to ship to Canada via first class mail. It was an order of dies. I will likely order some ink next. I hope they will put that in a bubble envelope as well.
(I so want to write HTH! but I just can't do it...)
I have been looking through pages of images on Shutterstock, and now today thanks to a poster above MyFonts. I am so shocked that a lot of the images all of the stamp companies use, are from these sites. What an eye opener!
If you see images on Shutterstock or other online image galleries that are used as stamps, I suggest you contact the artist/photographer because not every stamp company gets permission.
And if you see a Dover image, in order to produce rubber stamps from those images, the company needs to license it.
Again, I say the best feature of the forum is the "foe" or ignore feature. I have Ted set to "foe" and am no longer annoyed. I wonder how many people have him set to foe?
@OMG - Thanks!! I'm thinking of ordering some stamp pads so the shipping will be quite different from just an envelope with dies. I don't like how I can't get a quote on shipping from the website and that they will bill you twice. Do tell us how much shippig is to Canada when you order the stamp pads!
3/2 I ordered enough ($58) for free shipping (limit is $50 so yay!) and really expected to be locked into standard slow shipping but they gave me the option of picking any shipping method - still for free! So I picked Priority.
3/3 Got two shipping notices, both WITH A TRACKING NUMBER (pti...grrrr!) from Katrina and from their automated system.
3/4 this morning I checked the tracking number with USPS and lordy bees, what do you know, it shows up on the USPS website as due to arrive 3/6.
So PTI, what is this crap you spew about USPS not posting updated shipping information, or losing packages, or being the reason stuff ain't gettin' to your customers???? Me thinks the fishy smell is not coming from USPS but rather PTI land.
@Truth is Hostage: I will say that maybe once during 3-1/2 years it could have been UPSP's fault. But hey who better to blame for your lack of help to pack and ship orders, during the crazy release time.
Truth is Hostage. My experience has been the exact same. If it's coming from PTI via USPS, I get the shipping notice, it sits in their warehouse for a week, and the tracking shows nothing and then it's here. Verve however, I receive and can see the movement the entire time.
I think Ted just tries too hard. I know he drives most smackers nuts, but I kind of like the guy. Don't get me wrong, it bugs me when he says he won't buy and then orders. And lordy bees, the smilies are a little over the top.
9:00, it's a simple story of redemption. Zero to hero in a few easy acts of attentiveness. That's all people really want from PTI. My only regret is that he isn't up high enough on the food chain to affect actual business process change.
If PTI could witness this, see how easy it was to turn our ship with authenticity and action (not by just throwing words at us) they'd realize we aren't adversaries.
I used to really like Ted but now I find it really difficult. It really bothered me when he would complain about the shipping and customer service and then turn around and ask everyone what they were ordering. My dislike was cemented though when he asked about buying a cat. These are just my personal opinions.
There are those on the board that I don't care for but I try to stay away from smacking people. I might question their actions but I don't like to get personal.
I don't know Ted personally so I guess I can't say that I truly dislike him. But he is annoying. No one can waffle like that, post such ridiculous things and suck up to the PTB the way he does without coming off as at least a bit of a doofus. Just because his posts make a bit nauseous, it doesn't mean he's a bad person.
I loved Rick's smilies comment, too. And I think that Rick "gets" this place and it's good that he's here. Not suspicious in the least and I've been very cynical about PTI people in general.
seriously considering a secret topic on the forum where we can post farting unicorns and facepalms...easy enough to setup a group for the more "mischievous" minded folks like me...
Too many fragile users on the forum get upset when I have an ugly dog for an avatar...much less a farting unicorn...
Hey Rick, let's get back to this real-time status info on orders ;) . j/k ... times have changed.
(From Feb 2008)
"Once that is all moved and working properly then I will start working on moving the main website to it's new home....we have purchased an order fulfillment system that integrates with the main website, so that you can see real-time status info on your orders...as well as real-time inventory. It will make such a HUGE difference for us when it comes to fulfilling orders as well...that should all be installed and working by the end of the month..."
12:40 Yea...that was like 20 iterations ago...that was a system that would integrate, but you had to host the whole thing on their website... MOM I think it was called...
Started posting on here because I thought that a lot of the stuff here was not accurate and just led to more confusion. Probably none of my business, but I felt the need to set the record straight, especially as it pertained to me.
Stayed here because I found a lot of really cool, fun people that didn't take themselves or me too serious...
Have not found the need to smack PTI...no reason to. I certainly understand where a lot of you are coming from...and I have never once challenged anyone in that regard.
If my presence threatens or bothers anyone here I will be saddened but will respect the group conscience and depart.. The last thing I wanted to do was make anyone uncomfortable or pissed off...
Started posting on here because I thought that a lot of the stuff here was not accurate and just led to more confusion. Probably none of my business, but I felt the need to set the record straight, especially as it pertained to me.
I have personally believed anonymous rumors and have been the perpetuator (sp?) of said rumours. I appreciate you setting the record straight Rick. Even when I didn't agree with what you wrote (as Mutt) when you first started posting, I felt that you were always respectful.
I feel like Rick can let his hair down here...so to speak, tongue in cheek, no offense intended because bald is sexy. And I like that he can shoot it straight, take the heat and not get all Taxi Driverish.
Started posting on here because I thought that a lot of the stuff here was not accurate and just led to more confusion. Probably none of my business, but I felt the need to set the record straight, especially as it pertained to me.
*** makes sense to me.
Stayed here because I found a lot of really cool, fun people that didn't take themselves or me too serious...
*** it's why I've stayed as well.
Have not found the need to smack PTI...no reason to. I certainly understand where a lot of you are coming from...and I have never once challenged anyone in that regard.
*** if you're not a stamper or a customer, you wouldn't. Unless you just want to take a stand against how they treat customers on principle. But if I were a non-stamper I think I'd stay out of it.
If my presence threatens or bothers anyone here I will be saddened but will respect the group conscience and depart.. The last thing I wanted to do was make anyone uncomfortable or pissed off...
*** "group conscience" I found amusing, too. I'm not sure that there is one here!
I am extremely glad for the misinformation Rick has cleared up. There is some saying about Lies/Rumor making it around the world before Truth can get his boots on, and we've seen that here.
But it is hard for me to think there is any way it can end well when Nichole, Julie, and Jane find out he's been posting here (and they WILL find out because things like that always come out).
And I also don't think it's a good idea to have a "mischievous" area on the forum, because I think it will just turn into a place to make fun of regular forum posters once the CS issues are straightened out, and I have confidence they will be straightened out. People keep claiming the only reason they brought issues to the forum was because they had no other recourse, but I think it is pretty clear there are some people who just like to smack and mock. I don't think that should have a home on the PTI forum.
Rick, Don't know how much influence you have re: the store website, but there is a forum thread called Constructive Criticism that gives lots of suggestions for improvements. I hope the PTB see that list and adopt lots of those. The current store is no fun to browse.
I really think that the new website was released too early because the PTB wanted people to be able to spend their reward points during the anniversary festivities. There were only good intentions.
Yes, I know about the road that is paved with good intentions. ;-p
That's a good thing @13:53 because that site is an embarrassment.
I understand there were technical reasons for changing - something about shipping options maybe? - so they needed to move to a different type of store? But I loved the old site - everything was easy to find.
Rick, thanks for coming here and listening to us smackers. Whether or not you can change anything at PTI is pretty irrelevant to me. I just appreciate you looking past the smack talk to see who we really are. Some others see us as rabbid evildoers out to bring down a company all by our little selves. Thanks for seeing us as customers/former customers with significant (to us) issues and not being dismissive of that.
I no longer buy from PTI and have moved on. Will I go back someday? Maybe. Lots has to change before I would even consider that.
InkStink 14:52 and others who say they've moved on, I'm wondering why you still come here then? Not snarking, just curious. I'm still here cuz I want to shop at PTI and hope they improve, but if I had moved on, I would not keep reading/posting about them here.
All I've asked from (for the longest time) is communication from PTI. I think Rick has shed a little bit of that here. I've always understood mistakes can be made and shit happens but I think if PTI communicated better about what was going on (quickly) and shared a little more information, people would be much more understanding. I know I would. That doesn't mean I expect or want them to share every last detail but it would stop the rumors and most of the frustration.
I also enjoy Rick here, shedding some light and a few smiley faces into the mix. I also would like to see improvements in PTI so I can shop again with confidence.
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2nd! ;)
Wow, I am encouraged by all these signs! I hope all the people who were just unbanned will respond to that gesture of goodwill by NOT needling PTI on the forum. I hope this is the start of a major turnaround.
^^^i sincerely doubt it. I am not be so easily swayed by a couple of measly changes compared to years of terrible cs.
They are only reacting to their bottom line.
Why didnt they make these changes a mere 6 mths ago?
Because their bottom line was not so affected yet.
Any other company would have made those changes at the first warning sign. I know I would have. Would have you?
Someone earlier likened this hopefulness to an abusive relationship. If I'm sweet and kind he won't abuse me again. He is promising to change.
Yeah right PTI.
Comparing the relationship between customers and PTI to that of an abused woman and her abuser is extremely offensive and shows a total lack of perspective and proportion. PTI is simply a company that sells stamps and paper, they are not an abusive husband with financial, emotional, and physical power over us. Likening the two suggests you have an unhealthy obsession with PTI. Just walk away. It is not hard to walk away from a stamp company. But stop insulting women in abusive relationships by comparing their very real and dangerous and painful situation to the trivial relationship between a store and its customers.
I am skeptical of *any* company that has consistently shown disregard for its customers as frequently as this one has, and I fully concur that it took ages for any of the PTB to open their eyes a bit.
However, I do truly hope that they can make a real, lasting, and heartfelt change. I don't know yet what that will mean for me (as to whether I will return to them and order again), but I would certainly be happy for the customers, new and old, that no one would have to deal with the seeming ineptitude and arrogance that have prevailed up to this point.
Anyone who shops with PTI deserves the type of care, speed, and effectiveness that I've received recently from so many other new [to me] stamp companies. If they dig deep and find a way to serve the way they create/design, then maybe there will be a reason to cheer and to cheer loudly.
Despite my moniker, I like to READ snark a lot more than I ever spout it, and I would say there are an awful lot of folks like me-- not very loud on the forum or here, but paying close attention and quietly watching to see how much PTI's customers really do mean to them.
Maybe I'm just suspicious by nature but I don't get it. So days ago, Rick/Mutt pruned people off the forum for no good reason and now he's adding them back. What game are we playing here? And who is directing the moves behind the scenes? Just seems off to me. I don't trust PTI.
And these moves certainly do not mean I will buy from them again.
like 2:51, these shenanigans make me trust pti even less.
One of the reasons that PTI gave for not being able to offer alternatives to shipping was because of the way their Yahoo (I think) account was set up.
With the new web site, I am wondering if now they can offer alternatives for internationals.
Might ask that on the forum soon.
I am always surprised that PTI seems to 'lose' so many packages, that they say have been sent - i.e. with the anniversary sets, amongst others.
I have always received my (international) packages, from other US companies, also using USPS, and they have not travelled to another country to get to me.
Has everyone received their outstanding Anniv. sets. That thread is now on page 4.
1:15 - thank you.
So, I have a question...
With the "New & Improved" CS email, what happens to all of us who have been dealing with issues via the old CS email? Are we being deleted again? Ignored for all eternity? Lost in the abyss? Do we resubmit again and start from the beginning one more time?
'Cause I don't know if I can deal with another trip on the merry-go-round. And deal with the rather predictable sequence of non-answers one.more.time.
all of the emails are currently being worked and the new system is not going to be announced until the emails are all taken care of...
Anonymous said...
all of the emails are currently being worked and the new system is not going to be announced until the emails are all taken care of...
----------------------------------
So, that'll be in about 2015 then...
@4:55. Yep! About 2015....
Anonymous said...
Only those who have lied on the forum or have been very rude should be banned. Ooops. that includes Rick and Jenn and the owners.
2 April 2012 16:04
From the other forum, this really made me laugh out loud. Although I did see Rick on the forum and don't think he was really being rude. I think he may have been innocently asking "why is bumping threads helpful" because he didn't understand why people were doing it. I know it caused a fall out, and I"m not warming up to him just because he un-shunned 3 forum members.
I don't know quite what to think of Rick. Part of me wants to be encouraged by his interactions with us, and the other part of me thinks that, after repeated invitations for us to email him through the link he provided, it was just a way to flush out the names of all the smackers that took him up on the offer. But why would he really care who people on here are?
Just things that run around in my head.
I don't want to be suspicious. But I've seen too many things go down in the past from this company.
While I'm glad Rick was able to unban people, it just seems weird to me that this is where people had to go I find a resolution
A smack blog?? Really!???
I agree PTI saw a change to their bottom line and reacted. As long as they continue with this attitude I may consider buying....when thy change the shipping options. So yeah, I guess 2015
Although, Rick, I'm sure you know it will take some perseverance to fully regain our trust. At least you seem willing. Thanks for that.
05:34
I got caught up in a bunch of drama the other day and I over-reacted...banning a few people in the process. I have made amends to those people and have tried to fix the mistake I made.
I cannot speak for PTI, just my small role as admin of the forum. I am hopeful that all of these issues can and will be worked out, but I am not really involved in that process..
I try to shed light on any areas that I am hopeful about...not really trying to sway anyone from their beliefs...
I just wonder what Rick's angle is. Why is he still involved with pti? Is he a part owner? (from divorce settlement perhaps?) If he is an owner why was he mia for so long?
What is Rick's email address again?
The only thing I am part owner in is my car :)
What happens between the smackers and PTI is really none of my business, unless it happens on the forum. And even then, if the forum is running smoothly with no spam then I have done my job.
Never really questioned my interest...just assumed I was involved because I felt like I could contribute SOMETHING to the resolution...time will tell if I have been successful...
Rick, I appreciate your candid admission.
Feel free to ignore nosey 5:45.
It's rude to ask someone about their marital history. 5:45, can you please ask your questions in a less probing and presumptive way?
05:51 rick.geymonat@gmail.com
and BTW, 5:45, he already answered a long time ago (as Muttation) that he had his own business for a while and that is why he was gone for so long.
Try and keep up.
Oh god. Now Ted claims someone thinks he looks like Nicholas Cage? Is he kidding or was the person blind? gag me.
@ 5:55 sorry too much to keep up with!
Rick I highly applaud you for your honesty and willingness to fix things you have control over. Well done.
.....Some other people could learn from that!
to the person who brought up Gerald Gallo fonts on myfont.com, have you seen this one? Gorgeous. Makes me wish I had a silhouette machine.
http://www.myfonts.com/fonts/gallofonts/plant-assortment/plant-assortment/
You could overlay different patterns onto these silhouette shapes for some really nice print outs. Hmmm, might have to buy these.
I will never look at Nicholas Cage or Jerry Seinfeld the same way :P
I'm definitely feeling more hopeful for the future of PTI now that I'm seeing signs that they understand that they have to DO something, not just make noises about how much they care. I will wait and watch to see what happens. I won't be purchasing while I watch, but I'm willing to observe without heckling.
I'm thinking of one of my kids, who has shown me over and over again that she has issues with keeping track of her homework and getting it done. When she says that she'll try to do better, I know what doesn't work - needling her and telling her about her past failures. What works better is being quietly supportive and observing what happens. If she misses the mark, I praise any forward progress and then try to gently provide information about what I've observed to see if the next effort can be improved.
I realize as well as anyone that PTI has made some major missteps in the past, but if they're willing to take new and different steps to try to correct that, I'm willing to give them some breathing room to work on it.
Holy crap, I just found fonts that totally look like SU stamp sets. I wonder if they shop here for their designs too? Wow, I must be in the dark about how stamps are designed. I figured everyone sat at their desks with a tablet and digital pen, painstakingly pumping out design after design. I feel like a nimrod now.
So basically ANYONE really can design stamps.
Chris, that was worded very nicely.
Well, I'm not willing to give them the benefit of the doubt until they manage to resolve my simple paypal refund issue that is outstanding for a month and a half. The refund that they acknowledged a month and a half ago. But somehow is too difficult for them to issue a paypal credit. (And no, no multiple email addys or anything like that.)
When that is resolved, I might start looking with a less cynical eye. Until then, it's all just pretty lip service to me and no substance.
^^^oh please enough with the ass kissing.
This is just some forum moderator. Like he said nothing more nothing less.
Have we heard from Julie, Nichole or Jane (we prob never will) ?
NO!!!
They only respond on a smack blog via Rick.
Does this not look a little weird?
I am encouraged by Rick's actions as a person (not the company) and I will be viewing any changes through a less cynical eye.
I might consider buying again in 6 months when the changes have had a chance to take effect.
"They" don't respond via a smack blog with Rick. I hate to beat a dead horse...but I am not here for PTI. The PTB have no knowledge of my postings here...
I think it's nice that Rick came out from behind his "Muttation" label and that he's made it clear what his role is.
As for seeing PTI in a whole new light.... not me.
Chris, I think you made a great analogy and I'm really happy that the ban was lifted on you and others.
Truth is Hostage, I appreciate your comments yesterday :).
As for stamp designs, they come about in many ways and some of us still use pen and paper!
You can do a search for free fonts and many are available for personal use. I never thought of using them with a die machine (like Silhouette?) but great idea!
I think it's nice that Rick came out from behind his "Muttation" label
_______________
Me too...not sure what a Muttation is, but that is what I was called so I went with it... I am certain it was not a compliment :)
I haven't read the books or seen the movie but I believe it's a term from Hunger Games, 06:54.
Ha! Did not realize that was you, Rick.
This is from Hunger Games Wiki:
Muttations, sometimes referred to simply as mutts, are animals that have been genetically altered by the Capitol for use as weapons, forms of torture and intelligence.
Rick is probably a better choice.
When Rick started posting on the forum again I also thought that he was representing PTI and I took everything that he said through those lenses.
When he said "I am forum admin, no more and no less" I immediately thought of Jenn saying almost the same thing and I couldn't conceive of how someone could distance themselves like that.
Now, I think that I am seeing things a little bit clearer. Rick is trying to let us know that there are encouraging things going on behind the scenes. He is acting on his own. He is quite possibly passing along helpful tips that he is reading here so this is really a benefit to us. He doesn't claim to be able to fix anything. He is really just trying to help IMHO.
06:26 email me if you want some help...
So if "Rick" is now taking credit for banning people, why did Nichole say she did it? So Nichole is a liar then???
Again, left hand "what are you doing", right hand "jacking off leave me alone"!
If Rick is admin "no more no less", then why did he start this crap with his shitty post?
What's going to happen when the Three Stooges finds out he's posting on a smack blog??
Nice to see you "out", Rick.
Transparency is appreciated. :)
It's great that some of you can now no longer banned in the PTI forum. However, there are still issues for PTI to deal with before I will spend another cent or $9000. It only takes a few weeks to break a habit and now I'm free.
Love the font site. Oh my, I have already purchased. I'm taking the Silhouette on line class and can't wait to try out my new fonts. Ok, still spending, just not at PTI
@7:23 -
It was Nichole who was sending me board warnings the day I was banned. When I was "unbanned" yesterday, there was a reply to my repeated messages to her AFTER I had been banned.
Clearly, she was not the one who had me banned.
And, for those who are interested, she did not clarify what I wrote that was offensive.
7:23
Nichole said she deleted the posts and banned a single person.
My post was not meant to be shitty...it was received that way by some... if I offended you by my question I am sorry. I asked it not knowing the entirety of the situation..
I think Rick is much wiser than we gave him credit for. I think we need to sit back now and just watch. Give it a chance and try to stay out of their way if they really are trying to bring the old PTI back where things were run with grace and accuracy.
Rick, do you sometimes post Anonymous as well?
I really hate the person who suggested using these fonts with their silhouette (in a good way). I have an expression and could never understand the hype of cutting your own 'fonts' because I never new 'fonts' could be so freaking awesome! now I want to dump my cricut machine and get on board with the silhouette. Dang it! Goodbye $$, it was nice knowing you. LOL
there have been one or two times when I felt safer doing so...
Truth, have you considered a SLICE?
Truth, I just switched over to a Cameo from my Expression. I am soooo happy with the Cameo. The quality of the cuts is miles above the expression. Only downside is if you want to cut chipboard as the exp can cut thicker chipboard. I haven't tried any of the cereal box thickness chipboard in the cameo, but I believe it can cut that (poss. needs multi cut)
But it can cut actual round circles! And amazingly detailed cuts.
7:51, not really. i had read somewhere that MM was unloading the Slice and not planning to support it going forward so it made me a little leery. But then, since i already have a machine i wasn't interested enough in that rumor to search out the validity (or lack of.)
Does slice cut svg files?
Here's another font that would be great printing images or cutting images:
http://www.myfonts.com/fonts/ingrimayne/more-leaves/
Oh and I had SCAL v2.x with my Cricut, so I could cut fonts with that, so that wasn't a deciding issue for me.
Silhouette is one company that is awesome at customer service!
I have had a SIL for a few years and just recently bought a Cameo. Every single encounter with cs has been amazing, even when I didn't get the resolution that I was hoping for.
Please, Please do NOT get a Slice. I purchased one thinking it would be portable, easy to use and the carts were cheaper than the Cricut.
I HATED it, it didn't cut properly, it was hard to determine where the machine was going to cut the paper, paper wouldn't stick to the cutting board.
I eventually sold it and purchased a Silhouette and never looked back! I adore my Silhouette! If you don't have a need for 12x12 try sourcing the regular Silhouette to 'break you in', I guarantee you'll like it, so easy to use and you can cut anything you want :)
Rick - 6:26 here. I appreciate the offer, but as you are not "official", this is one that PTI's just going to have to figure out for themselves. The amount is not one that hurts me to not have available.
But I will not consider doing any further business with PTI until this is resolved. (And probably longer than that. It all depends on whether they appear to be sincere in making & keeping to changes in the way they do business.)
8:32 I respect and understand your position. Please let me know if you ever need anything from me...
So Rick, does Julie realize what an asshole she is or does she just not care? Honestly, she is the biggest problem with PTI. Do you see Julie changing any time soon?
I sold my Cricut for a SLICE and love it.
I appreciate everyone's input on cutting machines.
I am so invested in my cricut though....112 carts all loaded onto my gyspy. I can't see ever getting rid of it and having to start all the way over with a new system, accumulating new digital images, etc. Are they expensive? I've heard of this Keri Bradfort chick that makes a ton of cut files.
On the other hand, I did read on another board somewhere that someone took a stamped image, scanned it into their computer and made a cut file out of it. Can you imagine???? With the LOAD of stamps we all probably have, to have a cut file for each one? Sure, the initial work would be a huge time investment, but wow - maybe so worth it.
Ok, now the wheels are really turning.
I would also love to know the answer to 8:36's question.
I think Rick answered that in a previous message - he allluded to the fact that no one wants to piss off customers, and that he doubts anyone's intention is to do that.
He did say that sometimes his emotions got the better of him and that is why he is not the greatest of business owners. I took that as a veiled refernece to Julie
(sorry if I'm paraphrasing Rick)
Do you see Julie changing any time soon?
*************
I don't know if this is possible. When people are emotional or easily offended and that trait leaks over into their business decisions, how can that be fixed? She can't change who she is. That would take some serious self realization.
I'm thinking this is an aspect of PTI that will continue to permeate all they try to do to fix things. Sad. That's just my take though.
At some point Julie has to see that Julie and "making decisions at PTI" are not a great fit. There's nothing wrong with that - you just have to recognize your strengths. Running PTI doesn't appear to be one of her strengths.
At some point Julie has to see that Julie and "making decisions at PTI" are not a great fit. There's nothing wrong with that - you just have to recognize your strengths.
------------------
Well Jenn realized she sucked balls at customer service and left, so maybe there is hope?
I really do not want to speak about her in a forum like this, because no matter what I say it will be misconstrued and will further the conversation.
Suffice to say I am very impressed with her business sense and know that without ALL THREE of the owners PTI would not exist in any way, shape or form. Good PTI, bad PTI, any PTI...
I have never run a successful business...NOT ONE.. and as such my opinions and thoughts about how they should run their business mean little to nothing, carry zero weight, and speak more about me than they ever could about them and their abilities.
I got the impression that Julie runs the printing business and that PTI duties come after that.
Something would have to give if this is correct - with PTI being the '2nd' business and not getting any priority treatment.
Maybe a 4th person with business expertise needs to be added. I work with a 4 person team and each of us fills a needed role and nothing would work without all 4 of us, but it took us awhile to find the weakness and fill it with a person who was an expert in that specific area. Once we did that everything got immediately better.
I have never run a successful business...NOT ONE.. and as such my opinions and thoughts about how they should run their business mean little to nothing, carry zero weight, and speak more about me than they ever could about them and their abilities.
*************
Rick, I'm picking up the hint you are laying down. LOL! No, I have never run a single business either and yes, my previous comments are saying more about me than anything. My conjecture is not fair to them at all. Thanks for the reminder. =)
(No snark here, just humility as I am gently put into my place as a spectator.)
I'm not saying you were TRYING to put anyone in their place...I'm saying I took your comment as a double-edged sword, effecting you as you wrote it but effecting me as I read it. =)
I turned all of my YOF stamps into cut files on my Silhouette . Sadly, when I upgraded the software to the studio software, I couldn't figure out how to import them. I will do it again on the cameo though. That is just one amazing feature of the machine.
^^^^ you ROCK!!!
To those of you wanting a Cameo, Oh my Crafts has the Silhouette Cameo for269.99 Use the code CRAFT25 and it brings it down to 202.49.
The coupon says that it won't work on the Cameo, but it does. Shipping can be slow, but the wait is worth it! You will love it!!
You ladies are changing my life with this Cameo information! Can it cut fabric, does anyone know? I really can't afford one right now (just got a new sewing machine and serger for my other hobby!), but this might have to be my next purchase once I can.
Oh my God, I just did a bit of Googling and it looks like the Silhouette CAN cut fabric! I am frothing at the mouth now. MUST HAVE IT! Thanks to whoever spread the word about it here
^^^^I love mine!!
I've been thinking about selling my cricut... I feel badly about it, though, because a couple of my friends just bought me the CTMH cartridge for my birthday. The Cameo seems so much more versatile.
Enough with the smilies, Ted.
If the Cameo (and other electronic die cutters) can import shapes, any shapes (not just the ones Silhouette provides), are companies like Sizzix shaking in their boots?
Honestly I am curious. If I had the room for a Cameo I would and never buy any more dies again ! Or stamps!
I can disable smilies on a per-user basis :)
Ha! Now that I would love to see Rick! Though it would probably cause an uproar from Ted. Perhaps it could be blamed on a glitch in the software?????
Oh god Ted. Creepiest dude ever. Plese make him go away
I just wish Ted would TEACH instead of posting on a public forum. Really, he has no papers to correct, lesson plans to write, data to collect/analyze, meet with team members, correspond with parents, etc.????
and I should certainly be focused more on my tasks here at work...
^^^ Me = GUILTY!!!
But Rick, won't you have some s'plainin' to do to NH that people got unbanned? Just don't want you to get in hot water with PTB.
And also I apologize for saying Julie was threatening to withhold certain sex favors if you didn't ban people. That was unkind of me. And obviously untrue.
^^^ woah, I missed that original comment. hilarious!
Where on the forum is Ted being annoying....this time? I'm morbidly curious.
12:26
No need to apologize.... I have certainly attacked others out of frustration...
no hot water.... thanks for asking though :)
Wherever Ted is he's being annoying.
Has anyone ordered from Impress and had it shipped to Canada? I want to know the shipping before I buy from it since they'll be charging twice for international orders. They said that they mail out First Class and linked me to USPS website, which means absolutely nothing to me =P
Hey all you serious Cameo users. Looking at the font that is similar to Pretty Peonies, would you cut it as is: meaning you have to glue all the pieces in place or is able to use the print and cut feature? I've never tried the print and cut and am not sure how to do it.
I really doubted Rick was posting here, so when he posted his email address I googled his name. The pictures showed the same one on the pti forum. I guess by him posting here shows that, at least, there's a person willing to make some changes... I will wait until we can see changes and then, maybe then, I will buy again from them.
@ Rick.. I thought Nichole said that she was the one who banned those people, and not you. Which is it?
@ 13:38 - It was probably Julie :D But Nichole and Rick has to cover up for her.
... I kid.
He said earlier that Nichole banned one person.
He apparently did the rest.
Honestly, I don't consider it lying by Nichole. I just assume that she was taking responsibility for what was occurring. Usually that is considered a good thing for leaders to do. I do think some people are looking for any and every excuse to smack PTI.
Doesn't bother me. You are welcome to your opinions as I am to mine.
I do hope there will be some real improvements behind the scenes in the upcoming months.
I want to place another order!
Rick, my apologies if you have stated this before, but what do PTI think of you posting over on the smack blog?
I would have thought they'd be pissed at you for doing so!
^^^ Yeah, Rick, I've wondered that too. Aren't you going to be in trouble?
@ 12:43
I ordered a little while ago and was impressed (haha!) with how cheap the shipping was.
A bubble envelope - about 6 X 9 inches - only cost $1.90 to ship to Canada via first class mail. It was an order of dies. I will likely order some ink next. I hope they will put that in a bubble envelope as well.
(I so want to write HTH! but I just can't do it...)
@ Nancy
I am just catching up on the older posts and have to add that I was impressed at how you handled yourself with class and dignity.
I will be sending you an e-mail about an AMuse order. Thanks for the info.
Ok, never mind.
I have been looking through pages of images on Shutterstock, and now today thanks to a poster above MyFonts. I am so shocked that a lot of the images all
of the stamp companies use, are from these sites. What an eye opener!
My post disappeared?
Omathgoddess -- thank you!
Is "nevermind" the Rick question? If not, he did say they don't know he's here. I hope he's right.
Forgot the rest.
If you see images on Shutterstock or other online image galleries that are used as stamps, I suggest you contact the artist/photographer because not every stamp company gets permission.
And if you see a Dover image, in order to produce rubber stamps from those images, the company needs to license it.
Again, I say the best feature of the forum is the "foe" or ignore feature. I have Ted set to "foe" and am no longer annoyed. I wonder how many people have him set to foe?
Ted - a smiley is NOT a form of punctuation.
Rick, for the love of God, PLEASE disable Ted's smilies!!!
That might just tip me over the edge and get me to order again :)
Bonus - seeing how Ted "handles" his smilies disabled.
@OMG - Thanks!! I'm thinking of ordering some stamp pads so the shipping will be quite different from just an envelope with dies. I don't like how I can't get a quote on shipping from the website and that they will bill you twice. Do tell us how much shippig is to Canada when you order the stamp pads!
Thanks and it did help =)
I love the idea of disabling smilies for single users! I would love to see a few avatars disappear as well. If only!
I have set people to "foe" just because of their avatars.
Glad that the de-banning has happened ... hopefully good things are in the works regarding the company in general.
Not a single comment all night?
My First Verve Order update:
3/2 I ordered enough ($58) for free shipping (limit is $50 so yay!) and really expected to be locked into standard slow shipping but they gave me the option of picking any shipping method - still for free! So I picked Priority.
3/3 Got two shipping notices, both WITH A TRACKING NUMBER (pti...grrrr!) from Katrina and from their automated system.
3/4 this morning I checked the tracking number with USPS and lordy bees, what do you know, it shows up on the USPS website as due to arrive 3/6.
So PTI, what is this crap you spew about USPS not posting updated shipping information, or losing packages, or being the reason stuff ain't gettin' to your customers???? Me thinks the fishy smell is not coming from USPS but rather PTI land.
@Truth is Hostage:
I will say that maybe once during 3-1/2 years it could have been UPSP's fault. But hey who better to blame for your lack of help to pack and ship orders, during the crazy release time.
Truth is Hostage.
My experience has been the exact same. If it's coming from PTI via USPS, I get the shipping notice, it sits in their warehouse for a week, and the tracking shows nothing and then it's here. Verve however, I receive and can see the movement the entire time.
Truth is Hostage, that's awesome information! PTI has no excuse!
Truth is Hostage said...
My First Verve Order update:
3/2 I ordered .....
It's April... :)
I am laughing so hard! Did you see Rixk's comment to Ted had his darn smiley faces? It is on the ribbon storage thread.
Oops I meant Rick's ^^^ sorry it is hard to type on my phone
Anonymous said...
I am laughing so hard! Did you see Rixk's comment to Ted had his darn smiley faces? It is on the ribbon storage thread.
4 April 2012 07:45
----
Link please? I went back 3 pages and can't find a ribbon storage thread
http://forum.papertreyink.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=34279&p=381152#p381152
That Ted really loves it in la-la land. He gives dorks a bad name.
Rick is by far my favorite person at PTI.
Gasp!! How can Ted stand the excitement!!! His ribbon will be in the same order as his idol, NH's!!!
Gag me.
Rick are all 4 of those little ladies yours? Adorable girls!
Funniest thing ever!
OMGosh, Ted wants even MORE smilies!!! Way too funny! :-D
Those girls are my cousins in MN...they are so friggin cute...
3/2 I ordered .....
It's April... :)
****************
Dang it! My bad. Yes, April is when I ordered. LOL!
Now I have to go see what all the Ted hoopla is about. Even though I loathe Ted, I can't not be in on the smack. =)
Dammit! Rick is hot. A refreshing change from Ted's mug to be sure.
really was not trying to "smack" Ted with that comment.... I love Ted...
I didn't take it as smack Rick but I loved your comment! It was fun!
Rick, if I give you a list of avatars that I don't like, can you replace them with a picture of sunshine or flowers or smilies?
Probably not but I figure it's worth asking. :-) :-) :-)
I'm really not trying to be a bitch but all this Rick love is weird. His presence on this smack blog is weird. SOmething just doesn't feel right to me
I've developed a thing...for Rick
I think Ted just tries too hard. I know he drives most smackers nuts, but I kind of like the guy. Don't get me wrong, it bugs me when he says he won't buy and then orders. And lordy bees, the smilies are a little over the top.
9:00, it's a simple story of redemption. Zero to hero in a few easy acts of attentiveness. That's all people really want from PTI. My only regret is that he isn't up high enough on the food chain to affect actual business process change.
If PTI could witness this, see how easy it was to turn our ship with authenticity and action (not by just throwing words at us) they'd realize we aren't adversaries.
I used to really like Ted but now I find it really difficult.
It really bothered me when he would complain about the shipping and customer service and then turn around and ask everyone what they were ordering. My dislike was cemented though when he asked about buying a cat.
These are just my personal opinions.
There are those on the board that I don't care for but I try to stay away from smacking people. I might question their actions but I don't like to get personal.
^^^ Sorry, that sounded self righteous and I didn't mean it to be.
I don't know Ted personally so I guess I can't say that I truly dislike him. But he is annoying. No one can waffle like that, post such ridiculous things and suck up to the PTB the way he does without coming off as at least a bit of a doofus. Just because his posts make a bit nauseous, it doesn't mean he's a bad person.
I loved Rick's smilies comment, too. And I think that Rick "gets" this place and it's good that he's here. Not suspicious in the least and I've been very cynical about PTI people in general.
I'll have to see if I can find you some more...
Rick
===================
I want a face palm smilie :D
Okay, I am convinced...this really is Rick on here!
08:51 I can't do sunshine...but I can do Unicorns or small animals in sweaters...
Seriously Rick? Gah!
09:30 Working on it....
09:30 http://www.audi-tt.ru/forum/phpBB2/images/smiles/facepalm.gif
just need to get it uploaded somehow...
9:16 sounded like Anon Rick.
And I would "less than 3" a face palm smilie!!!
no anon Rick any more...no need...
Will the new smiley show up at the top or bottom of the smiley list?
I will put it at the top. I am at work so I have to have a friend upload the file to the server...then I can add it.
Oh my word. That's a lot of smilies!
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/41494574/ns/technology_and_science-science/#.T3yEM9WV3B0
http://narwhaler.com/facepalm
I would like a unicorn farting rainbows
Hahahaha! I swear if you can put up a rainbow-farting unicorn I'll place an order today! LOLOLOL.
http://cstrips.bitstrips.com/Q812L_NR09.png
I am afraid a rainbow farting unicorn would get me in heaps of trouble!
seriously considering a secret topic on the forum where we can post farting unicorns and facepalms...easy enough to setup a group for the more "mischievous" minded folks like me...
Too many fragile users on the forum get upset when I have an ugly dog for an avatar...much less a farting unicorn...
...like the piece of cake thread from days past... :-)
phase two of the plan is a success. unbelievable.
WTH is the "piece of cake" thread?
phase two of the plan is a success. unbelievable.
Okay, you will need to explain this to those of us that don't understand what is probably obvious. :-)
This caught my eye... what an interesting name for a blog:
http://papertrey.blogspot.com/
"Stampers are Killing my Forum!"
and this particular entry:
http://papertrey.blogspot.com/2008/02/testingtestingis-this-thing-on.html
wow! Been a long time since I have seen that stuff... seems like 100 years ago...
Hey Rick, let's get back to this real-time status info on orders ;) . j/k ... times have changed.
(From Feb 2008)
"Once that is all moved and working properly then I will start working on moving the main website to it's new home....we have purchased an order fulfillment system that integrates with the main website, so that you can see real-time status info on your orders...as well as real-time inventory. It will make such a HUGE difference for us when it comes to fulfilling orders as well...that should all be installed and working by the end of the month..."
12:40 Yea...that was like 20 iterations ago...that was a system that would integrate, but you had to host the whole thing on their website... MOM I think it was called...
I guess that just goes to show that stuff on the internet stays out there.
I feel like I'm invading your privacy somehow.
Hey guys, the comments are a trip in and of themselves. This is from Jenn.. yes that Jenn:
"Jenn said...
Another Ren & Stimpy fan checking in - my college housemates and I used to get up all hungover on Saturdays and watch it over coffee. Hmm, TMI?!"
Pinky and the Brain fan myself.
is the secret plan to appease smackers with farting unicorns so that we place orders again?
12:43 No invasion at all... that's why I put it out there I guess.... Oh how my life has changed since then...
Those Kentucky photos are very cool!
Glad you don't mind the trip down memory lane.
OK so it IS Rick and he's JUST the forum guy. I still don't understand why he is here. He's here so he can get some positive attention?
Was he behind the website - the old bad good one or the new terrible one?
I'm sorry if he wants to smack on the company he works for fine. But that says more about him than anything else.
13:06
Started posting on here because I thought that a lot of the stuff here was not accurate and just led to more confusion. Probably none of my business, but I felt the need to set the record straight, especially as it pertained to me.
Stayed here because I found a lot of really cool, fun people that didn't take themselves or me too serious...
Have not found the need to smack PTI...no reason to. I certainly understand where a lot of you are coming from...and I have never once challenged anyone in that regard.
If my presence threatens or bothers anyone here I will be saddened but will respect the group conscience and depart.. The last thing I wanted to do was make anyone uncomfortable or pissed off...
I like Rick posting here!! I honestly think he wants to be helpful regarding the forum. Maybe, he can also help improving the new website...
Personally, I really enjoy Rick's posts.
Started posting on here because I thought that a lot of the stuff here was not accurate and just led to more confusion. Probably none of my business, but I felt the need to set the record straight, especially as it pertained to me.
I have personally believed anonymous rumors and have been the perpetuator (sp?) of said rumours. I appreciate you setting the record straight Rick. Even when I didn't agree with what you wrote (as Mutt) when you first started posting, I felt that you were always respectful.
"the group conscience"
.........not sure why but I find this particularly amusing. :-)
I guess we are a kinder, gentler smack board.
I feel like Rick can let his hair down here...so to speak, tongue in cheek, no offense intended because bald is sexy. And I like that he can shoot it straight, take the heat and not get all Taxi Driverish.
13:40 You talkin to me? :)
Started posting on here because I thought that a lot of the stuff here was not accurate and just led to more confusion. Probably none of my business, but I felt the need to set the record straight, especially as it pertained to me.
*** makes sense to me.
Stayed here because I found a lot of really cool, fun people that didn't take themselves or me too serious...
*** it's why I've stayed as well.
Have not found the need to smack PTI...no reason to. I certainly understand where a lot of you are coming from...and I have never once challenged anyone in that regard.
*** if you're not a stamper or a customer, you wouldn't. Unless you just want to take a stand against how they treat customers on principle. But if I were a non-stamper I think I'd stay out of it.
If my presence threatens or bothers anyone here I will be saddened but will respect the group conscience and depart.. The last thing I wanted to do was make anyone uncomfortable or pissed off...
*** "group conscience" I found amusing, too. I'm not sure that there is one here!
I think it's fun to have you here.
I am extremely glad for the misinformation Rick has cleared up. There is some saying about Lies/Rumor making it around the world before Truth can get his boots on, and we've seen that here.
But it is hard for me to think there is any way it can end well when Nichole, Julie, and Jane find out he's been posting here (and they WILL find out because things like that always come out).
And I also don't think it's a good idea to have a "mischievous" area on the forum, because I think it will just turn into a place to make fun of regular forum posters once the CS issues are straightened out, and I have confidence they will be straightened out. People keep claiming the only reason they brought issues to the forum was because they had no other recourse, but I think it is pretty clear there are some people who just like to smack and mock. I don't think that should have a home on the PTI forum.
@13:40 -- "like"
Rick, Don't know how much influence you have re: the store website, but there is a forum thread called Constructive Criticism that gives lots of suggestions for improvements. I hope the PTB see that list and adopt lots of those. The current store is no fun to browse.
^^^ totally agree with the last few posts.
13:42 The voice of reason :)
The current store has actually saved me lots of money. Well that and the cs issues. ;-p
I used to love browsing the wonderfully large pictures and adding things to my cart. The new website has made it easy for me to stay strong.
I hope the PTB see that list and adopt lots of those. The current store is no fun to browse.
----------------------------
Lot's of work going on in the back-rooms to fix/change/improve that site....
I really think that the new website was released too early because the PTB wanted people to be able to spend their reward points during the anniversary festivities. There were only good intentions.
Yes, I know about the road that is paved with good intentions. ;-p
That's a good thing @13:53 because that site is an embarrassment.
I understand there were technical reasons for changing - something about shipping options maybe? - so they needed to move to a different type of store? But I loved the old site - everything was easy to find.
Ordered yesterday and shipped today...that's a first in a long while even for non release times
@13:42, awesome post.
Rick, thanks for coming here and listening to us smackers. Whether or not you can change anything at PTI is pretty irrelevant to me. I just appreciate you looking past the smack talk to see who we really are. Some others see us as rabbid evildoers out to bring down a company all by our little selves. Thanks for seeing us as customers/former customers with significant (to us) issues and not being dismissive of that.
I no longer buy from PTI and have moved on. Will I go back someday? Maybe. Lots has to change before I would even consider that.
InkStink 14:52 and others who say they've moved on, I'm wondering why you still come here then? Not snarking, just curious. I'm still here cuz I want to shop at PTI and hope they improve, but if I had moved on, I would not keep reading/posting about them here.
All I've asked from (for the longest time) is communication from PTI. I think Rick has shed a little bit of that here. I've always understood mistakes can be made and shit happens but I think if PTI communicated better about what was going on (quickly) and shared a little more information, people would be much more understanding. I know I would.
That doesn't mean I expect or want them to share every last detail but it would stop the rumors and most of the frustration.
I also enjoy Rick here, shedding some light and a few smiley faces into the mix. I also would like to see improvements in PTI so I can shop again with confidence.
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