that dreaded ugly feeling.

[lizzyfizzy]

with helping la do this call, i've come to realize that the designers have it worse off than the applicants. for reals, yo. take my word on it.

you come to love and know peeps, they apply, don't make the call for a variety of reasons and then you have to send them off with what feels like a big fat ugly, "ummm...no thank you".

anywho...a little poll to see where you all stand when you get that rejection letter.

i need honesty and you don't have to explain in the tread or anything.

question is: what is your overall feeling when you get "a no letter" for a call you really really wanted?

[lauren grier]

one of the 900000000000000 reasons <3 you for doing this for me... *teehee*

[aggiefamily]

I want to know also. I have that task also. Not fun. Doing it now. Going to cry.

[lizzyfizzy]

man. it's rough. really rough.

[InLoveWithDOTS]

Well, I know from LOTS of experience of being rejected over the years.... at first it's a little like a punch in the gut, but it doesn't take too long to pick up the pieces and move on. There are truly SO many talented artists in the industry that you simple can't take it personally. I try to remind myself that being told "no" doesnt mean I suck as a scrapper, I just didnt fit the designer's needs at that time.

And on the note of being told no, I do prefer to get an actual rejection letter than just read it on a blog or forum. I dont even mind a "form" letter, but it feels more private to know ahead of a public post.

JMHO,

[Tracie Stroud]

Dude. This is why I don't want to do one. lol.

[AnnieBananie]

FINALLY... alright, so I picked "A Mixture" because there are 2 sides to it... SUBJECTIVELY, it sucks, even hurts a little bit. But OBJECTIVELY, it's a business and a business "owner" (designer) wants the best for their "money" (free shizz) and you can't fault them on that. C'est la vie, c'est la guerre. *shrug*

[ZaCola3]

Well...
Let's see, it has been awhile since I have applied for a team, BUT, I do remember the rejection,
As a rule, I'm not one to dwell on things, I may be sad for a minute, but move on quickly...
I like a "Loved your gallery, but not what I'm looking for right now" kinda notice.
I also don't want any BS...no fake over the top...bull crappola...You didn't pick me, point blank, no need to embellish the truth to make either one of us feel better.
CT calls SHOULD not effect people so negatively, IMO...If you willing to put yourself out there, then part of that process is rejection...its just the way of life.

I also am very happy when the list comes out of who made it, if I see that AWESOME scrappers who don't make EVERYSINGLETEAMKNOWNTOMAN, get a position.

Lordy-I'm babbling.

[lizzyfizzy]

i agree that i hate the over the top happy babble in rejection letters. keep it real, imo.

[amystoffel]

I've gotten turned down for some that I really really wanted. It sucks...but someone has to get turned down right? I think I'm upset for a day or two, then over it. A nicely worded no thank you letter is nice.

[suze]

It's tough I completly understand. It's tough that you are doing this and getting so many awesome ladies. You have to pick what's best for the team.

You still are the shizzz

[Amy Carey]

Oh yeah I've been in that spot and yeah it usually stung some I won't lie, but I agree with the others that a private "no" is better than finding out the same time as the general public.

[scarletsierra]

I picked a mixture too because it really is an array of feelings.

I have to admit if it's a gig I'm really really hoping for, it hurts to be rejected. And I'll have some feelings of wondering what's wrong with me, etc...kind of like "he wanted to get married, just not to me waaaaaaaaaah"...this is especially true if I fall into the trap of comparing my pages to those of others.

But then I *do* feel happy for those who get chosen, and I also understand that it's not an easy decision for designers, that ultimately they have to do what they feel is best for their team and their business. And I move past it, channel positive energy and realize that in the big scheme of things, it's not a big deal.

[BrattyMeg]

yeah, I like short, sweet, keep it real type letters..I stand firm that Robin writes the BEST rejection letters lol...

I think for me it depends on who makes the team as to how I feel..yah I know normally you don't see the team until after you've read the letter but still..makes ya feel better IMO when it's not the same people over and over again on the same teams. I think it's great to give others a chance. I know for designers you want to showcase your work in the best way possible, but I also don't think every CT should be made up of just great scrappers and nothing else. I think a well rounded team with people that are EXCITED to give you their all and promote and make your designers better make a huge difference.

that said..I didn't vote haha

[Leila]

Seriously, I hate rejection of any sort. I do not deal well with rejection at all, so because of that, I stopped applying for CTs a while back. It's just the easiest way to keep myself from taking that "rejection" personallly since I will no matter what.

[ZaCola3]

Seriously, I hate rejection of any sort. I do not deal well with rejection at all, so because of that, I stopped applying for CTs a while back. It's just the easiest way to keep myself from taking that "rejection" personallly since I will no matter what.

It is hard, I agree, what a tough decision, I respect you for that Leila, knowing yourself is so important.

[meganmecrazy]

I think for me it depends on who makes the team as to how I feel..yah I know normally you don't see the team until after you've read the letter but still..makes ya feel better IMO when it's not the same people over and over again on the same teams. I think it's great to give others a chance. I know for designers you want to showcase your work in the best way possible, but I also don't think every CT should be made up of just great scrappers and nothing else. I think a well rounded team with people that are EXCITED to give you their all and promote and make your designers better make a huge difference.

You said it perfectly!

[Leila]

It is hard, I agree, what a tough decision, I respect you for that Leila, knowing yourself is so important.

It helps that I'm on some amazing teams already too! I do occasionally see calls that intrigue me, but I always refrain from applying because my own attitude sucks so bad...:p

[heatherdumas]

I never applied for a ct before. Well... I applied for Traci's but it was too late. I need to read the forums better. LOL anywho, I figure life has handed me some pretty crappy punches and has offered me many sweet deals. I am a water-off-a-ducks-back kinda gal. Move on.
But all these girls with the short and sweet kiss off are nuts. Lizzy McFizzter, I want an empathetic, apoligetic rejection letter telling me I have the nicest boobs on Facebook and that you will respect me in the morning.
:crying::cursing::o:wub::w00t:

[AnnieBananie]

Lizzy McFizzter, I want an empathetic, apoligetic rejection letter telling me I have the nicest boobs on Facebook and that you will respect me in the morning.
:crying::cursing::o:wub::w00t:
GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! OMG.... coughhackwheeze AAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

[Teresa]

I don't apply for a lot of teams anymore (honestly, never really have, LOL), but it's way less now. BUT...I did apply to one recently that I really wanted and was rejected. I didn't expect to get it and my thoughts were confirmed when I saw the list of scrappers who did...I don't scrap like them...at all (and honestly, neither do a lot of people, but that's neither here nor there). ;) I think the biggest thing is to just have confidence and be happy with your own designs, that's really the best thing you can do to make your pages shine.

On the actual rejection letter- personally, I prefer not to get one, I don't need a reason, just show me the list of who got it. :) And that feeling comes from being on both ends of a CT call at one time or another!

[digideb]

Fizz, all I have to say is I know exactly how you feel! I am the head CT person for one of the girls I create for & I'm in charge of any calls we do. It is SO hard! I didn't realize how hard designers had it! It sucks! (((HUGS)))

[Jennifer]

I voted for the combo. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't bummed for a bit...I do get over it though. I'm past the stage of applying for just any call, so if I'm applying, it's because I really want it...kwim? So I'm invested in any call I would ever apply for. Rejection stinks, even if you logically understand why...how you feel and what you know can be two totally different things. I'm also pretty sensitive, so I do tend to take it personally and wonder "what's wrong with me?" but I do realize, as Shannon said, that it's a risk I take by applying in the first place.

Whew, that was all over the place. Maybe you can make some sense of it? :blink:

[SamaraGugler]

Gosh, it totally depends on the call. I go through a whole range of emotions. Depending on how much I wanted the gig, my emotions may run a little slower or faster.

[heatherdumas]

GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! OMG.... coughhackwheeze AAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

Where is Lizzy's inhaler? I think you might need it.

[newfiemountiewife]

I think for me it depends on who makes the team as to how I feel..yah I know normally you don't see the team until after you've read the letter but still..makes ya feel better IMO when it's not the same people over and over again on the same teams. I think it's great to give others a chance. I know for designers you want to showcase your work in the best way possible, but I also don't think every CT should be made up of just great scrappers and nothing else. I think a well rounded team with people that are EXCITED to give you their all and promote and make your designers better make a huge difference.


Yes, for me it almost always depends on who is chosen. I have been rejected a lot. When you have your heart set on something, and you really want it, it hurts. You feel like you suck, you feel like no matter what you do, you'll never be good enough. I only apply for those now, that I have my heart set on, and that's why it takes me longer to "recover".

What I don't like it, applying for CTs and then the same people over and over make teams, because I feel like, we all have different things to offer. It's nice to switch things up within a team, IMO and have everyone contribute in their best way, rather than, as Meg said, have a bunch of great scrappers with no team loyalty, etc. Yes, there are great scrappers out there, but there are also great team members too.

But, that said, after a few days, I am ok, and I just move along. I do like an email prior to announcement, so I know ahead of time, rather than having my hopes up when I see the post.

[melmos75]

Here is my coping process:
1. Run off and vomit
2. Scream at the top of my lungs - WHHHHYYYYYYYY!!!!!
3. Get this really huge hatred for Miss Jane Blow that gets on every team
4. Vomit again
5. Disappear from civilization for 2 days
6. Come to realize that I am better than all of those that got picked anyway
7. Finally get over it and apply for another CT.

Just kidding!! And so sorry if your name is actually Jane Blow - pure coincidence!

In all honesty - I feel a little hurt at first but get over it quickly. I realize that it must be a hard choice and I know that I am not the best scrapper in the world. A straight and to the point letter helps.

[wvasweetness]

I think for me it depends on who makes the team as to how I feel..yah I know normally you don't see the team until after you've read the letter but still..makes ya feel better IMO when it's not the same people over and over again on the same teams. I think it's great to give others a chance. I know for designers you want to showcase your work in the best way possible, but I also don't think every CT should be made up of just great scrappers and nothing else. I think a well rounded team with people that are EXCITED to give you their all and promote and make your designers better make a huge difference.

I agree 100%.

I don't envy you girls who choose the CTs AT ALL! Good luck with the call!

[rach3975]

I voted for the "I didn't really expect to get it" option. I don't know if it's a healthy dose of realism or a lack of confidence in myself, but I think there are sooooo many scrappers out there who are better than I am that it never surprises me when a designer picks them instead. I'm disappointed, but not surprised. (Though I stick to 1-2 CTs at a time by choice, not because everyone else rejects me, LOL.)

I agree with the earlier replies about liking a short private rejection email, form letter is fine. I'll also put in a plug for choosing a variety of scrapping styles for a team. There have been many times (not here at SSD) that I've looked through the previews for a kit and thought, "Every one of these LOs is in the same style and it's not my style--maybe I'd have a hard time working with this and shouldn't buy it."

Good luck, Lizzy and everyone else working on calls right now. I don't envy you having to do this!

[wildblueeyez]

Hehehe I won't tell you what I think - I chose the last option LOL....

it's just the competitive nature in me knowing that there are so many outstanding scrappers here at SSD that I have no change in H-E-double hockey sticks!!! I am a very green with envy person when I KNOW someone is much better than me.... LOL

I'm so in awe of those of you gals (and Aaron) that are on more than 2 CTs - I just can't scrap that fast!!!

[jessica31876]

It sucks and it takes me awhile to want to apply to another. There are really only a few designers I want to be on a creative team for. Ive been rejected by one three times now and each time I debate on whether I want to apply again but I apply each time with the thought that I most likely wont get picked because there are so many awesome/creative scrappers.

[kscwgirl]

I also am very happy when the list comes out of who made it, if I see that AWESOME scrappers who don't make EVERYSINGLETEAMKNOWNTOMAN, get a position.

I'm a mixture, but I feel this way too.

[digideb]

I guess I didn't really answer your question...lol I used to get hurt when I didn't make a team, but after hosting a call & I know what it's like on the other side, it doesn't really bother me anymore...I totally understand that I can't get every spot that I want. Oh well, I'll just apply again next time! lol :)

[Brandy]

"Kinda what I figured but eh what ever."

[amandabarugh]

It depends on the call. There have been a few that I've been pretty upset over, but kept it to myself, and there have been others where I thought to myself "well, did you really expect to make it?"

[Megan Turnidge]

Hmmm... it depends HOW BADLY I really wanted it! There have been two spots that I got kinda upset over... wanted to boycott the store, but came back the very next day and shopped. :p Hhehee.... j/k. I gotta say, calls suck. I HATED sending out rejection letters. I ended up giving them a free kit to soften the blow. lol

[AmyM]

rejection is my middle name. You see, I have this obsession with always sending in an app for sugar babe although I KNOW it would never in a million years come back "approved". LOL. It's a little of a let down, sort of a frown, but no biggie. This too is a business so you just move on and keep going, remembering why you scrap.


so i voted kinda what i figured. eh. no biggie.

[chastml]

Honestly, I never think I'll get picked. There are so many people who are better than me and I know it. If I do get chosen, fabulous. If not, oh well, life goes on. At least I tried.

[Nettio]

On the actual rejection letter- personally, I prefer not to get one, I don't need a reason, just show me the list of who got it. :) And that feeling comes from being on both ends of a CT call at one time or another!

This is pretty much me too. I don't really care how they reveal the team as long as they say in the call where and when it'll be. I'm not really a fan of rejection emails, usually they're just generic ones anyway or I've had them come after the list is already posted. Then it's like being rejected twice. :D

I don't know that I've ever been too disappointed by any CT calls. I just see it as if it's meant to be, it'll happen and if not, then it probably wasn't the right fit for me anyway. Something better almost always comes along anyway.

[tuneskids]

I think the only rejection I had a hard time with was the Babe Call here. hehehee I know I am still learning (on a daily basis), one day I WILL be picked (maybe by then all my kids will have moved away from home, and I will have a computer implanted in my brain and fingertips, but whatever. hehee).

When I first started out, I would apply for any and all calls, I didn't care. As I've developed in this passion of mine, I am a wee bit more selective - I will not apply if I don't love the designers stuff!

[Nikki Epperson]

I think the only rejection I had a hard time with was the Babe Call here. hehehee I know I am still learning (on a daily basis), one day I WILL be picked (maybe by then all my kids will have moved away from home, and I will have a computer implanted in my brain and fingertips, but whatever. hehee).

When I first started out, I would apply for any and all calls, I didn't care. As I've developed in this passion of mine, I am a wee bit more selective - I will not apply if I don't love the designers stuff!

I find this more and more true every day. I only apply if I KNOW I can work with something of theirs and I love what they do!

[amandabarugh]

I think the only rejection I had a hard time with was the Babe Call here. hehehee I know I am still learning (on a daily basis), one day I WILL be picked (maybe by then all my kids will have moved away from home, and I will have a computer implanted in my brain and fingertips, but whatever. hehee).

When I first started out, I would apply for any and all calls, I didn't care. As I've developed in this passion of mine, I am a wee bit more selective - I will not apply if I don't love the designers stuff!

I applied for to be a babe here once. LOL. It was a "what the heck," and I knew that it was a doubtful chance. That being said, I used to apply to any and all calls, but now I really think about them before I hit send. I think that's why the rejection stings so much. They're teams that I really want.

[Laura_A]

I don't apply for a call unless I REALLY want it, so if I don't get it, I'm pretty bummed, but it doesn't last long... and I definitely don't hold against the designer... EVER. I've been on that side of the decision making and it really is HORRIBLE. It's impossible to explain to everyone why you didn't chose them.

[Brooke W]

I shall refer back to Shannon's post (ZaCola), but will add that I used to apply for all of them and honestly i wasn't that good at all yet,lol. Bless em for even looking at my gallery,lol. But it still stung a bit and I got over it fast.
I haven't applied to very many at all, only to ones I think I could really work well with their product. It'd be fab if I could make their CT but I will get over it if I get rejected,lol. I can't imagine how hard it is to have to say, "no" to so many. And frankly I'd still much prefer that letter than to find out who made it by having to search thru announcement threads about who *did* make the team,lol.
All that said, bless ya Lizzy for having to go thru all this.

[jomi]

I am always a bit sad, but I have been on a few fabulous teams over the years so I keep that in mind; you can't have it all right?

I do like to get a sincere rejection letter though. Having to hear it through a public forum is something I don't like. We take the time to apply and a designer should take that time as well.
But I think getting out those rejection letters were the worst part of being a designer.

[pbumbaca]

Fizz I totally admire you doing what you did as a CT member. I have been asked to provide input for calls but I don't think I could have done the actual letter writing as you are so right about it being way hard. I realized after a recent call for one of my designers that I'm very glad I quit designing before I ever had to do a call!

I voted all for the mixture because I seriously have everyone of those feelings at some point. I honestly like a personal letter, not a form letter, that lets me know that the designer seriously looked at my application and gallery. Oh and a gift always helps soften the blow for sure! ;)

[Angie4b1g]

It doesn't bother me at all. I've been on both sides of the fence, so I know how it is. Plus I've been rejected so many times I've built up an immunity to it. LOL

The first few were hard, but I'm totally over it now.

[Stacey42]

I have an immediate feeling of disappointment followed by 'oh well, I didn't really expect to get it" and then I am over it. I only apply to teams I really want on & it is disappointing not to get it on them. But I figure in general I am one of dozens who applied for maybe 5 spots, most of us are not going to to get on the team, so I am in good company. :)

I like to get a letter before the actual team is announced. Assuming I got a letter saying my application was received. If I get neither of those I do spend a lot of time wondering if they even knew I was applying

[stayawake]

This is kinda why I don't apply for calls. Um, in fact the two ct's I'm on right I didn't actually really apply to in call form... I just said "dude I'd love to be on your CT!" and it just happened. Wow. The other three CT's I've been on all asked ME. If I did apply I wouldn't get my hopes up too high, and I know calls are looking at all sorts of things - style, activity in the community, personality, etc. and I'd be okay if I wasn't the right fit... (by the way, I SOOO would have applied for lauren's team if I thought I stood a chance - everyone here is just sooooo good!)

[Becca Bonneville]

I am on the same page as Sara (scarletsierra). I totally go through the range of emotions from what is wrong with me to I didn't expect it anyway. I always am truly happy for those who did get it and it doesn't take too long to move on and get passed it. I know when it comes to choosing they have to pick who they think is a right fit for their team.

Oh and I would prefer a sincere letter too!

Good luck with the call Lizzy! ((hugs))

[Denise Umlauf]

I usually don't apply unless I really love the designer stuff. And I'm quite used to rejection mails :) La was the 4th I got this year and it's no biggie. I know she picked some awesome scrappers and they will do an amazing job along with the other girls.

<rant mode ON>
But I have to admit: I got rejected for 2 guest calls, lost to the same girl and that hurt. On both calls, it felt like if you use "Jofia like" stuff on your layouts, you get an extra point. Meh... I don't use it because it's not my style and I don't like it.</rant mode OFF>

[Emmy]

I think it's a tougher situation when you are "friends" with the applicants. The best rejection letters I've ever rec'd were ones that specifically mentioned layouts in my gallery - I want to say Meredith Fenwick did that the one time I applied to her team. I will second the opinion that Robin writes a nice rejection letter. :) I think my response depends on how much I wanted the gig and how much of a fit I think I am.

I think the hardest one I ever got was one from a major site where they put a note at the bottom saying that I was really close ight on the line really - and that they planned to have me be a guest soon. I really didn't want to know I came that close - ha! I am probably more embittered too because they never followed up with that guest promise. :)

[pewtertm]

I voted for the "I didn't really expect to get it" option. I don't know if it's a healthy dose of realism or a lack of confidence in myself, but I think there are sooooo many scrappers out there who are better than I am that it never surprises me when a designer picks them instead. I'm disappointed, but not surprised.

I agree with the earlier replies about liking a short private rejection email, form letter is fine. I'll also put in a plug for choosing a variety of scrapping styles for a team. There have been many times (not here at SSD) that I've looked through the previews for a kit and thought, "Every one of these LOs is in the same style and it's not my style--maybe I'd have a hard time working with this and shouldn't buy it."

I figured it was easier to quote Rach than to type out basically the same answer! I'll also be honest...I've only gotten a no once...I would have LOVED to have made that team but didn't think I would, and I didn't. There are some calls that you know will have hordes of applicants (lol, every one here no doubt), and odds are you WON'T get picked. So it's a bit disappointing, but not a huge let-down (and the little prezzie that was put in the rejection letter eased that sting LOL).

[SeattleSheri]

I can honestly say, I'm always genuinely happy for those that made it, but I do throw myself a pity party, lol. I very rarely apply for teams anymore, so if I do, it's a team I really, really want to be a part of. I do often wonder if there was something I could have said differently in my application, etc ....

[tkelley]

Sure disapointment....I try not to expect anything. Maybe it's not good to talk down to yourself....but there are SO MANY amazing people that apply. I am so blessed to be on the teams I'm currently on...sometimes you can't help but crave more but I know it's tough on the choosers. Anyway, a token thank you is always nice. I once had a designer that praised specific things about my layout(s) and still said no, but at least I knew she looked.

[MamaK]

I understand that it isn't a matter of my stuff isn't good enough, just that there are SO MANY of us applying that are great, we can't all get in. Just cause I get turned down doesn't mean I suck and maybe that designer was just looking for that little *oomph* that my style doesn't have. so I selected the "no biggie" answer. :) I've been on both sides of the process so I completely understand

[schock77]

I think rejection is always part of the equation... I don't know ANYONE (even some awesome and fabulous gals here) who think they'll FOR SURE get a gig... I voted Eh, no biggie.

P.S. the thank you for trying gift helps too! :)