We're in freaking Forbes - crowdspring Blog

You know – I really debated whether to approve this last comment by JWG. To be clear, we have absolutely no issues with disagreement and debate. In fact, we welcome it. We knew we’d be ruffling feathers when we started this business, we see all the comments about us in blogs and we’re absolutely no strangers to the controversy.

But, with all that said, there’s something sort of lame about throwing eggs at someone’s house and then running off. It seems sort of sad and desperate to me, so I decided to just go ahead and let the comment stand.

I mean, there are comments that support a view, there are comments that disagree with a view and there are comments that move the discussion in new directions. This is none of those. It’s purely an attempt to egg our house. And while I could put up a vigorous defense of why I think we’re changing things in the industry, why established designers are in such a panic and where I think the logic in many of these posts is flawed – I’m going to save my breath for another day.

Instead, I’ll just throw an egg of my own. Because throwing things at one another always accomplishes a lot…

http://prototypen.com/blog/falk/archive/design/communicationdesign/crowdspring-the.html

Janny B Mom

That’s so freaking cool, son! Dad & I are all atwitter. Congrats to all of crowdSPRING. I actually thought that “Hi Mom” shout out I’vealways dreamed of would come on TV, followed by heaps of praise and your conclusion of “Well, next on the list is to build my mom that house on the beach she’s always wanted” (you know, the one you designed in junior high when you were going to be an architect). But this is good, really good. Wow, you’re burning through my dreams so fast I can’t keep thinking them up! Oh, well, umm, there is one little thing that could make me prouder at this very moment (but barely). Yeah, you know what I’m talkin about……………….

Janny B Mom

That’s so freaking cool, son! Dad & I are all atwitter. Congrats to all of crowdSPRING. I actually thought that “Hi Mom” shout out I’vealways dreamed of would come on TV, followed by heaps of praise and your conclusion of “Well, next on the list is to build my mom that house on the beach she’s always wanted” (you know, the one you designed in junior high when you were going to be an architect). But this is good, really good. Wow, you’re burning through my dreams so fast I can’t keep thinking them up! Oh, well, umm, there is one little thing that could make me prouder at this very moment (but barely). Yeah, you know what I’m talkin about……………….

JWG

It wasn’t so much as throwing an egg at your house. It was more like giving the article a fair balance because thats the one thing it seriously lacks. And no one is running anywhere. I’m right here to read your comments and finish my projects. I actually almost talked myself into entering another project yesterday, but then I came to my senses. In my first comment, I wasn’t trying to stain your shirt or anything. I was simply showing the community what other designers and business think about this business model, since the writer didn’t care to. It not so much an article but more of an Ad. That’s all. And sure I get called out for “throwing eggs” or as I like to say, educating those not in the know.

Thanks cS.

Eric Hillerns

Pete; I’m pleased that you granted JWG the opportunity to let his comment stand. Not entirely certain where the egg-throwing defense comes in, because crowdSPRING suggests that they are “democratizing” the design industry. Perhaps that was Forbes’ terminology, but it just doesn’t seem too democratic to feel the need to monitor valid arguments and then “throw an egg of your own.”

Now with that said, and somehow, I’m feeling that my request is going to come off as snooty, but would it be possible for you to also allow JWG’s outbound links? Perhaps they were entered incorrectly, but all of them? Curious. And if the following link (which works) is at all related to crowdSPRING, or is yours, you might want to check the spelling. We all miskey, of course, but “business” is misspelled twice. http://idek.net/2Jr

Eric Hillerns

Pete; I’m pleased that you granted JWG the opportunity to let his comment stand. Not entirely certain where the egg-throwing defense comes in, because crowdSPRING suggests that they are “democratizing” the design industry. Perhaps that was Forbes’ terminology, but it just doesn’t seem too democratic to feel the need to monitor valid arguments and then “throw an egg of your own.”

Now with that said, and somehow, I’m feeling that my request is going to come off as snooty, but would it be possible for you to also allow JWG’s outbound links? Perhaps they were entered incorrectly, but all of them? Curious. And if the following link (which works) is at all related to crowdSPRING, or is yours, you might want to check the spelling. We all miskey, of course, but “business” is misspelled twice. http://idek.net/2Jr

bhusterdesign

Very cool!

davidharris

What’s interesting is I never even thought about the effect cS can have on the design industry. I work as a Graphic Designer through the day and do a little cS at night. As some of those articles suggest I could be the architect of my own destruction, Profession wise anyway.

SparkCreative

I think the article is very slanted in cS’s favor and it’s poor journalism for the author not to have explored opposing views more throughly. Forbes’ editors were sleeping at the wheel on this one.

ArtbyAudree

I think what Forbes meant to do was a profile piece on a new up-and-coming company. I don’t think they had any idea what kind of response it would bring from from the world of professional designers. Perhaps they will do a follow-up story.

gosquared

Congrats CrowdSPRING – regardless of the conflicting views – you’ve built a successful business and have enabled thousands of designers (and others) earn money that would otherwise have been impossible.

You have every right to be the proudest people on Earth – I know that’s how I would be right now.

Enjoy the moment, I’m sure there’ll be plenty more like it to come.

fredK

Nicely worded post. ;D

I’m not even going to bother commenting on whether the article itself was slanted or not, or if the cS model is destructive or not, this isn’t the place.

Keep disrupting cemented models, please! Power to the people and all that. ;D

David Airey

As Eric says, Pete, I’m glad you allowed JWG’s comment to stand.

It’s surprising you label it as egg-throwing, because the reason for my thoughts on the matter (which JWG refers to) is to prompt a rationale debate.

Ross Kimbarovsky, crowdSPRING co-founder, left a comment on my post saying: “I’d love the opportunity to talk to you about it personally.” So he clearly welcomes the communication.

Calling JWG “sad and desperate” is unappropriate.

David Airey

As Eric says, Pete, I’m glad you allowed JWG’s comment to stand.

It’s surprising you label it as egg-throwing, because the reason for my thoughts on the matter (which JWG refers to) is to prompt a rationale debate.

Ross Kimbarovsky, crowdSPRING co-founder, left a comment on my post saying: “I’d love the opportunity to talk to you about it personally.” So he clearly welcomes the communication.

Calling JWG “sad and desperate” is unappropriate.

ArtbyAudree

I forgot to say congrats cS. You’re in freaking Forbes!

Pete

David – thanks for stopping by and I certainly appreciate the comment. You’re absolutely right – we welcome the dialog and we’re more than open to it, and I do apologize if I’ve given the impression otherwise. Really, I do.

That said, I’ll admit that I think my opinion of JWG’s is tainted by the fact that he’s accused me of fondling and molestation on your very own site. While mildly amusing, it’s probably more so just disappointing and discouraging – and that’s what you’re picking in my response to his post. My toleration and ‘benefit of the doubt’ was simply wearing thin. While we’re open to controversy, anxious to engage on the topic and share our views, and are hopeful that we can have a meaningful dialog with the creative community – to me – this isnt’ someone who’s truly interested in debating the issue on its merits. To post filth on one site and then an angelic claim of simply wanting an open and fair dialogue on another is far fetched at best and duplicity at worst.

In any event, again, it’s been a long week and, in retrospect, I probably was indeed short with JWG – for that, I apologize. I had so truly hoped that this article would spark a meaningful debate within the creative community – one we’ve SO been wanting to have – and yet, it so quickly devolved into name calling and mud slinging (perhaps, me included). I’m just disappointed and I hope we can find a way to do better. This is an issue that’s not going away and has little to do with us in the end – there are numerous others out there already and undoubtedly countless others planning their launch as we speak. I truly, truly hope that there’s a way that we work together as opposed to just writing one another off as molesters and egg throwers…

fredK

Couldn’t resist it … had to read David Airey’s post. Not all that interesting although I can see where he’s coming from. But the comments… Oh. My. Can you believe it? Had to put in my own 2 cents.

@Pete: Keep it up. We gots yo’ back, man.
@JWG: if a system doesn’t work, tearing it down from the outside won’t make it work better. Working to improve it from the inside usually gets better results. Again, just my 2¢, fwiw.

JWG

@fredK: From reading the forums, it would appear as though (my) main issue with CS is common and from the replies, they like the ay their model is set up. Level playing fields and all..

@Pete: Apology accepted. I too apologize for some of my rather unfavorable language on the other site. I guess that day I had just hit my wits end. Anyway, I still want to be a part of this community. There are some great designers here and I know wether things change or not, CS will be a success. It actually bothers me how addictive this site is. No matter how much I don’t want to upload to a new project, it’s really hard to keep from doing so. I guess it’s the endless project briefs to work from. Now I’m ranting. Best wishes and no hard feelings huh??

David Airey

Hi again, Pete.

You’re very welcome for me stopping by.

Regarding JWG’s retaliating comment about you on my blog, I agree with you, and fully condemn it. As soon as I saw it submitted, I removed the offending sentence, and immediately informed JWG that it was unacceptable. For what it’s worth, he did apologise, and I appreciate you doing likewise.

I wish people involved wouldn’t resort to such comments, but it also shows that those talking out against cS aren’t just ‘established’ designers, but youngsters and inexperienced people who are both caught up emotionally in the issue, and aren’t quite as adept at putting forth their perspective as some. The very ‘little people’ cS claim to be championing.

You mention that established designers are in a panic over cS, and how it’s ‘changing the industry’. Personally, I’ve not met one who is panicing, and if you’d like to introduce one, I’ll gladly tell them why they shoudn’t be. It’s more a sense of deep disappointment within the community.

Thanks again for taking the time to reply.

David Airey

Hi again, Pete.

You’re very welcome for me stopping by.

Regarding JWG’s retaliating comment about you on my blog, I agree with you, and fully condemn it. As soon as I saw it submitted, I removed the offending sentence, and immediately informed JWG that it was unacceptable. For what it’s worth, he did apologise, and I appreciate you doing likewise.

I wish people involved wouldn’t resort to such comments, but it also shows that those talking out against cS aren’t just ‘established’ designers, but youngsters and inexperienced people who are both caught up emotionally in the issue, and aren’t quite as adept at putting forth their perspective as some. The very ‘little people’ cS claim to be championing.

You mention that established designers are in a panic over cS, and how it’s ‘changing the industry’. Personally, I’ve not met one who is panicing, and if you’d like to introduce one, I’ll gladly tell them why they shoudn’t be. It’s more a sense of deep disappointment within the community.

Thanks again for taking the time to reply.

David Airey

Oh, and whilst I’m here, I don’t mean to suggest that JWG is inexperienced. Not at all. He has got many years ahead of him, though, hopefully many more than me.

David Airey

Oh, and whilst I’m here, I don’t mean to suggest that JWG is inexperienced. Not at all. He has got many years ahead of him, though, hopefully many more than me.

il padrone

First let me say, congrats to cS, great idea! I wish I would have thought of it myself! Wwhich is what everyone on hear is probably thinking. To use the vernacular of the blvd, “if hey are hatin’, you must be doin’ something right!”

In the future, you should make sure that your logo is ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS featured somewhere in the article. (would have been great to see it somewhere in the photo of you two at your desks)

As stated previously, Forbes article on cS is a profile on an up and coming business. It was not meant to be a in depth look at “the fall of graphic design”, “the death of a profession” or “to provide a fair and balance look at the cause and effect of this particular business model.” Simply stated, the article did exactly what it intended, which is present the business, why it was started, who started it, and what the owners hope to accomplish… anything else would be an entirely different article.

Furthermore, as a few have stated, participating in this particular business model may be foreshadowing your own professional death as a graphic designer, much as blogs have contributed to the down fall of the printed news. Knowing this should make you think about how to construct and modify the current graphic design culture so that you will not go the way of the dinosaur (printed news)!

We are in the era of “niche-sourcing” and cS is set to is at the forefront of what may be any exciting market. I don’t believe it will be anytime soon that professional designers have to worry. But let this be a wake up call to you. Who ever thought that Tech Crunch, Perez Hilton and The Huffington Post, an Google, would be the players they are in our world 5 or 10 years ago? Not me.

il padrone

First let me say, congrats to cS, great idea! I wish I would have thought of it myself! Wwhich is what everyone on hear is probably thinking. To use the vernacular of the blvd, “if hey are hatin’, you must be doin’ something right!”

In the future, you should make sure that your logo is ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS featured somewhere in the article. (would have been great to see it somewhere in the photo of you two at your desks)

As stated previously, Forbes article on cS is a profile on an up and coming business. It was not meant to be a in depth look at “the fall of graphic design”, “the death of a profession” or “to provide a fair and balance look at the cause and effect of this particular business model.” Simply stated, the article did exactly what it intended, which is present the business, why it was started, who started it, and what the owners hope to accomplish… anything else would be an entirely different article.

Furthermore, as a few have stated, participating in this particular business model may be foreshadowing your own professional death as a graphic designer, much as blogs have contributed to the down fall of the printed news. Knowing this should make you think about how to construct and modify the current graphic design culture so that you will not go the way of the dinosaur (printed news)!

We are in the era of “niche-sourcing” and cS is set to is at the forefront of what may be any exciting market. I don’t believe it will be anytime soon that professional designers have to worry. But let this be a wake up call to you. Who ever thought that Tech Crunch, Perez Hilton and The Huffington Post, an Google, would be the players they are in our world 5 or 10 years ago? Not me.

Ross

il padrone – thanks so much for your kind and pragmatic words. And thanks too for the suggestion about including our logo. When we realized we should have something on our whiteboard, I drew…an elephant’s butt? Yeah – that’s what it is behind me if you look at the print version of the article (the photo is cropped in the online version).

I agree with you about the changing times. In fact, if you haven’t seen yet – Mike and I presented a talk on this subject this past fall. The video is here:

http://crowdspring.wpengine.com/2009/01/12/beware-the-underdog/

Ross

il padrone – thanks so much for your kind and pragmatic words. And thanks too for the suggestion about including our logo. When we realized we should have something on our whiteboard, I drew…an elephant’s butt? Yeah – that’s what it is behind me if you look at the print version of the article (the photo is cropped in the online version).

I agree with you about the changing times. In fact, if you haven’t seen yet – Mike and I presented a talk on this subject this past fall. The video is here:

http://crowdspring.wpengine.com/2009/01/12/beware-the-underdog/

Char

I think in letting Forbes call the design business ‘snooty’ you are insulting one half of your viewers/clients.

Char

I think in letting Forbes call the design business ‘snooty’ you are insulting one half of your viewers/clients.

Ross

Char – we don’t dictate Forbes’ editorial policies or those of any other publication (wish we did).

Ross

Char – we don’t dictate Forbes’ editorial policies or those of any other publication (wish we did).

filo

I have a free subscription to forbes this year and this is where I learned about crowdspring. Very cool! I have yet to win anything here but this is incredibly addicting. You guys will be huge in no time.

Ditialus

. I admit, I have no formal education in design, no fancy degrea, no fancy company name, no big box outfit I work for. Some of my work is good, some, by my own admission, is arse. I got out of it for a while (as is apparent from some of my work upon first starting up here on CS) but I quickly got back in to it. The reason I got out of it was I felt I was out of my league, a belief that was fed by the proffesionals in the field who led me to believe that it takes years of school, training and belonging to a professional company to be a designer and that I was just cheapening the business by charging “mom and pop stores” thousands of dollars under market price for design work. I have been doing computer graphics since the days of the commadore 64. Still, the “professionals” convinced me I was in over my head with out all of the above mentioned credentials and being self taught wasn’t enough. I discovered this site after my lady had read the write up in Forbes and I decided it was at least worth a look. Thank you CS, you have restored my faith in the field and I am sadisticly enjoying the swift kick in the groin it gives the over stuffed corperations out there duping the public in to believeing you need a PHD and a big company and charge thousands to be an effective designer. This place allows me not only exposure and opportunity for work, but also an oportunity to learn and grow in this field. There are some great designers here and I hope to learn a lot from them. Thank you CS and thank you Forbes for letting the me and the world know about it.

SEO Expert Steve Wiideman

Pete et all @ CrowdSPRING, we’d love to get your participation in a similar thread where a competitor has already submitted some feedback on UI and crowd-sourcing.

Here’s the post: http://www.seoexpert.tv/do-it-yourself-seo/crowdspring-vs-99designs.html

Thanks in advance for your time and participation.

SEO Expert Steve Wiideman

Pete et all @ CrowdSPRING, we’d love to get your participation in a similar thread where a competitor has already submitted some feedback on UI and crowd-sourcing.

Here’s the post: http://www.seoexpert.tv/do-it-yourself-seo/crowdspring-vs-99designs.html

Thanks in advance for your time and participation.

Phatteinvethy

I’m newbie at this board n’ Ive desired to say hi to everybody =D

I have been following this website for quite some time and it looked like a really nice place to be a part of.

Phatteinvethy

I’m newbie at this board n’ Ive desired to say hi to everybody =D

I have been following this website for quite some time and it looked like a really nice place to be a part of.

Snooty_Designer

Dear Mike Samson and Ross Kimbarovsky.

I sincerely hope you both die of cancer. Very soon.

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