Kristina Contes finally speaking...

[floryst]

I have been lurking the boards on this subject for some time now. I have mixed emothions on this. I have entered the HOF in the past --of course was never picked. When I have done my entries I read every last detail of what I am entering so there is no chance I would be disqualified for some stupid reason (like using someone else's photos). It's great that she brought it to CK's attention that she used someone else's photo but she should have done the right thing and taken herself out of the contest at that point--not left it up to CK. I have been discouraged about entering the HOF contest because I feel that many of the winners are already being published in many books and have had their shining moment. It's those of us who have tried to get published--even for general page calls and haven't --that this contest may mean more to. If she was just going to throw pages together obviously she didn't really care about the contest much. Winning the contest for me would be a great honor but I know its not everything. Even when I scrap for the contest, I am scrapping for myself and my family. I always treat every page like a piece of canvas and create what I call my artwork. What really means the most to me is what my husband and two girls think of what I have said or done on those scrapbook pages. I guess what really gets me angry is that she didn't follow the rules, realizes that she is going to be busted, fesses up and leaves it at that. I have tqo dsughter's that are 7 & 9 yr old and had they broken the rules they even know that they would have to resign from the position they were given because it would have been wrong.

Some one stated on an earlier post about those who have been published before seem to be those who win the HOF. They also said something about KC teaching classes and being affiliated with CK. Isn't that in itself breaking the rules. If you have any affiliation with a company that is putting on a contest you are not allowed to enter? Just curious?

In KC's defense at least she did bring it to CK attention but she shouldn't have just left it up to them to DQ her.

Nicci

[scrapchickee]

I think her point was to make it clear how insane the accusations against her have gotten, that they defy common sense. I also think it is her effort to have a little bit of humor (though possibly misguided) through a situation that, while of her own making by at the minimum neglect and irresponsibility, must be pretty tough.

[Veruca Salt]

I sincerely believe that no matter how CK and Kristina handled this, some would still not be satisfied, but all parties definitely could've handled this with a little more grace, empathy and courtesy. Acknowledge the error, sincerely apogize and offer to make ammends.

Sure, absolutely.

The thing about it is that everyone wants CK and KC to suffer for this, but if we don't get over it and move on, we are the ones to suffer the most. If you choose to still subscribe, do you want to pay double the subscription price every year to make CK pull all HOF merchandise, reimburse people who've bought it and want refunds, etc? That costs money to do and if CK feels that is what they must to to appease the masses, we the readers will eat it in the end. Sure, if you cancel you don't pay in that way, but if you've been inspired by Elsie, Ali, Becky, etc in all your years of scrapping then you won't get that ever again and for all the issues that would be a shame. My vote is for amends through action -- it is Oct 2007 and 2007 is practically history. Let CK focus on being proactive in finding new talent for contest and regular contributions. Let CK be proactive in making sure everyone follows the rules or amend the rules so people can just have a photo release if it is so difficult to keep track of.

Save your cash and visit their blogs instead. I love Ali E's work, but let me CK sub go earlier this year. Don't miss it at all and when I need an "Ali Inspiration Moment," I pop over to her blog.

[scrapperlisa2007]

Alright, I just have to say...IF this were me and I was caught cheating on a contest, I would totally apologize and step down. I would definitely not act/write like this woman with such sarcasm and hostility. I would be humble and apologetic. Not rude and cold. But, then again, this would never be me because I read all the rules of contests I enter and follow them because Im not a cheater.

Lisa

[c2d!b]

Seriously?! I got deleted for posting this, and to think it somewhat defends CK and KC...I'll repost it giving CK the benefit of the doubt that they wouldn't purposely delete something that gives them all some credit...maybe it is because I don't buy into the scrap celeb worship. I go to the conferences and buy the mag for the inspiration and skills these chicks bring, and I don't care if they've won a contest or not. Anyways:

I actually was okay with her post. She could have ignored the whole situation and let it pass, but she stepped up and said something to you all. I don't care about HOF or the supposed glory of being a CK celebrity, and she doesn't seem to either.

If you read every contest rule, term of use, etc that you come across in your life, well good for you. She says she didn't and it was an accident and she says she stood up where she could. When will it be enough for you people? Was she ushered into the HOF because of her connections? Who knows, but all the people complaining about that seem to think there's some conspiracy about every published piece in this magazine. If you are one of those theorists, it will always be something with you and you might as well leave now. If you are like me and you just want to be inspired by a sketch or two or some layouts in the issue, then none of this really matters and life goes on just the same. I don't care if she scrapped the Mona Lisa, as long as it inspires me.

And CK, be smart and don't delete this. I am giving you and your HOF'er the benefit of the doubt here. Focus on the crazies who want to burn your issues and waste the time and energy of your sponsors by bombarding them with emails.

Amen

[just_me]

I think part of this (legal issues aside) is that we all understand KC's words differently.... I don't think she's finger pointing necessarily. My take on it is that she knows people are upset with CK and says that CK should have disqualified her in order to acknowledge how upset people are about that aspect of the issue. kwim? I feel terrible for the people that did follow the rules and weren't selected but I don't think she did it in bad faith. That's my two cents.

I would attribute this to a mistake on her part, if she had withdrawn when she caught the mistake. Once you know you've broken the rules, how do you feel good about the win? How do you accept it without it even occuring to you that there are others who followed them? Where is the conscience?

[scrappinvoice]

This is a messy situation!!

I have never entered HOF (and don't imagine ever doing so in the future.)

I don't know KC (or her work) but read her statement on her blog and feel sorry for her. I have (thankfully) never been in her shoes. To know you broke the rules but not have the inner strength to step down- it's sad! She has been attacked but she broke the rules - it's not a national catastrophe but the way it has been handled reflects on the scrapbooking industry. I look at HOFers as regular people, like me, who love to scrap. Her response made it very clear that she and I are not alike.

CK will hopefully remedy the situation (or they might feel that they have done so already.)

We each can choose to hold on or move past. Life is too short.

[Kbird77]

I just got done reading the comments from Kristina's entry and of course they are all on her side. I wonder where the comments from everyone else ended up. Also, some of the comments just ripped us message board people to shreds by calling us very innapropriate names. One girl even said the rule was dumb.

[jknapp00]

I just got done reading the comments from Kristina's entry and of course they are all on her side. I wonder where the comments from everyone else ended up. Also, some of the comments just ripped us message board people to shreds by calling us very innapropriate names. One girl even said the rule was dumb.

I happen to think that the rule is dumb also. It is a scrapbooking contest - not a photography contest! However, it is a rule and must be followed.