GRRRRRRR they cancelled Glenda

[Phree]

Yep they cancelled all the live shows originally schecuduled for the 6th of October. As yet there is no replacement dates.... GRRRRRRRRRRR and well if I said what I really thought Graham would have to ban me cuz I don't think we are allowed to say bad words on here.

NIGEL?????

.... if your lurking out there please tell your bosses at Ideal World that they have pissed off a LARGE number of CUSTOMERS....... perhaps you might like to remind them that it's CUSTOMERS who pay all of their wages so it's generallly considered bad for business to piss of CUSTOMERS

[Jeanette]

What? Poor Glenda. Do you know why she has been cancelled?

[Sandra]

OH NO!!!!!!! That's dreadful!!!!!:mad::eek::(:confused:

[Chess]

This is just typical of the utter contempt they have for people - and clearly not just customers. I think I posted a while ago about speaking to a one-time guest from IW who left after Alan & Barry left because of the way she was treated by them, and she said she wasn't alone; and if you think back, we're missing several experts and seeing very little of others. Of course that might be to do with the fact that they don't dish up badly done die-cut decoupage! I reckon that things are even worse now, too, because if you actually analyse the live shows there is less and less demo time given to guests, so you couldn't blame them for not wanting to stand there waiting for ages for the drivel to stop!

It's a pity we couldn't do something organised, like a petition or a "Letter to Ideal World" that anyone could sign. We get loads of people viewing this site, after all!!

Jeez, they make me angry!!


PS I doubt if Nigel will rock his comfy little boat to do anything - he certainly doesn't pay attention to the other stuff written here!

[satincollie]

Poor Glenda all the work she must have been in the process of doing for this day. Do they not recognise a real craft expert when they see one and a lovely lady into the bargain.:mad::mad::mad:
Gill

[SUPERCOOLWILLOW]

ohh damm i was so looking forward to it as well

[Spendsloads]

Don't think I have ever seen a Glenda hour, but I only have Freeview so don't get C&C and in any case, am not buying from IW at the moment anyway. Sadly these guys don't seem to think that the words "customer" and "keeping them happy" go together and I can't see them taking any notice of a petition. I can't believe the IW is still going (and expanding the number of channels) ... mind you with £1.2m losses this year, if I was an IW supplier, I wouldn't be too keen to give them much in the way of lines of credit at the moment in case I never got paid.

You never know Phree, maybe Glenda is defecting to QVC?

[Wellington]

You never know Phree, maybe Glenda is defecting to QVC?

As unpopular at view as this may be, I'd hate that!!! She really wouldn't be given the demo time on QVC...

Glenda says on her blog that IW gave the excuse that the slots have been taken by Home - & that's all she knows. She's not amused & is contemplating not doing any live shows again, just the pre-records for C&C. Pop over to her blog via the Graphicus website for her full post

[crafty anne]

Well I'm going to be unpopular too! Ideal World are a shopping channel, not an entertainment or educational channel. They exist to sell and if we are entertained or educated at the same time then that is a huge benefit to us but I doubt it is the drving force for Ideal World. Don't get me wrong, they pee me off at times as well. However how many of you buy Glenda's stuff direct from her? This means that Ideal World's sales must be hit therefore Glenda's sales figures must be the poorer for it. I imagine that Ideal World will give TV time to the best sellers and that is it.

As for the guests from Holland like Petra, sorry but I'm not fussed that they are not on anymore, I'm not that interested in them. I bet if they had sold loads of stuff they'd get plenty of shows.

[Chess]

At least there was a bit of variety when there was a wider range of guests - not just endless derivative CD's and decoupage, die cut or not.

[von 2]

I had a newsletter a few days ago - I can't find it now but I'm almost certain is was Stampaddicts, saying they were no longer being featured on new shows at CAC/IW but that they were still showing repeats of the previous pre-recorded shows.
Looks like they're looking after their 'guests' so well that they are all leaving, or else they have decided that badly cut decoupage and cd's that don't work are their best sellers.
I know I bang on about this a lot but they sent me an email inviting me to veiw their 'new look website'. One of the items on one of the programmes today was the jump rings - 200 at almost £9 with p & p of £4.90!!! I know someone has commented on the price of these in the past - please could someone tell me the best place to get some? - but I think they could probably be posted with a first class stamp - that is my biggest gripe with CAC/IW, their postage charges are ridiculous. At least QVC's p & p are more in line with the weight of the items.

[Seraphina]

Von 2, I bought 200 jump ring - 100 silver, 100 gold - from Ebay - 99p per 100 and I think p&p was about 50p. I am amazed how many times they sell out on CAC and that ridiculous price.

[Sharon Duncan]

I do feel for Glenda, so much time and preparation goes into doing a tv show and to have it pulled without warning is so darn frustrating.

Sadly IW/CC pick you up and put you down when it suits them. I've not had a show for over a year now, no communication, no explanation just shut out in the cold. I loved doing the shows, I did 2 shows a month for nearly 3 years then ...................... zilch. I'm not bitter........much;).

Seriously I'm so over it, my business is doing really well and the support and friendship I get from my many loyal customers keeps me going day after day.

I got on really well with the staff and presenters and I've made so many new friends along the way, their friendships will last a lifetime.

I'm looking forward to meeting many of you at the Hobbycraft shows in Glasgow and Birmingham.

Sharon
x

[sugarplum]

I do feel for Glenda, so much time and preparation goes into doing a tv show and to have it pulled without warning is so darn frustrating.

Sadly IW/CC pick you up and put you down when it suits them. I've not had a show for over a year now, no communication, no explanation just shut out in the cold. I loved doing the shows, I did 2 shows a month for nearly 3 years then ...................... zilch. I'm not bitter........much;).

Seriously I'm so over it, my business is doing really well and the support and friendship I get from my many loyal customers keeps me going day after day.

I got on really well with the staff and presenters and I've made so many new friends along the way, their friendships will last a lifetime.

I'm looking forward to meeting many of you at the Hobbycraft shows in Glasgow and Birmingham.

Sharon
x

Interesting post Sharon I think it confirms what most of us thought about the way IW treats guests anyway. Glad to hear you are doing well without them. I'm still humming and hahing about whether to go to Hobbycrafts at the SECC but will say hello if I'm there.
Think Glenda must have had her fill by now I remember her being treated very poorly in a show that also featured Gwnynth :eek: (She was rushed through her bit and then basically ignored then finally asked to comment on how good that awful womens product was!!!) She must be so tempted to tell them to stick it

[Dips]

It will be interesting times ahead for IW/CAC in the current economic climate. Whilst so many of us have been driven wild by the poor service and incompetence, they continued to grow their profits as their customer base was be significantly increased every year by the expansion of freeview over the last five years. They could carry-on with their cavelier ways almost with impunity as they were (almost by accident) recruiting more customers than they were losing. However, times are a changing and the true test of any company is how it prospers when times are hard. Let's wait and see.

[Sharon Duncan]

"(She was rushed through her bit and then basically ignored then finally asked to comment on how good that awful womens product was!!!) "

I saw that show and was speechless for the first time ever, a very bad TV moment.


It will be interesting times ahead for IW/CAC in the current economic climate. Whilst so many of us have been driven wild by the poor service and incompetence, they continued to grow their profits as their customer base was be significantly increased every year by the expansion of freeview over the last five years. They could carry-on with their cavelier ways almost with impunity as they were (almost by accident) recruiting more customers than they were losing. However, times are a changing and the true test of any company is how it prospers when times are hard. Let's wait and see.

Getting thousands of new customers is one thing, keeping them is a whole different ball game.:rolleyes:

[maisie*daisy]

Sharon I cant beleive its a year since you were on TV. I cant wait to see your new CDs at NEC.
At the risk of sounding like a stalker lol I have been a fan for years before you went on TV. I still use the CDs I bought from eBay especiallyTartan Scotties lol. Cant think why lol
Your right if you have a talent you keep your customers :)
Keep up the good work Sharon :)

[Sharon Duncan]

Thanks for that Maisie Daisie, I still have most of my ebay customers which means I must be doing something right :)

I love what I do and I do what I love.

Last Nov at the NEC I was only there as a guest, went along to meet up with some crafty friends and just have a break, I was feeling very very low due to the whole IW issue and reckoned my time was up and no-one enjoyed what I did anymore. That all changed at the show everywhere I turned I met people who told me how much they enjoyed what I do, I even bumped into people in the public loo which was quite funny in a weird sort of way:cool:

All of these people raised my spirits and gave me the get up and go I needed to carry on. I take a great deal of pride in what I do and I know that without customers my business would be nothing.

I just hope Glenda knows how special she is too and the support she recieves from her many many loyal customers keeps her going.

We need you guys.:o

[Gemcrazynan]

Just remember Sharon (and Glenda if she reads this)
that IW/CC need you, You on the other hand DO NOT need them as you are the ones with talent
good luck girls and keep smiling

[Little Jan]

Just remember Sharon (and Glenda if she reads this)
that IW/CC need you, You on the other hand DO NOT need them as you are the ones with talent
good luck girls and keep smiling

Well Put:)

[maisie*daisy]

Just remember Sharon (and Glenda if she reads this)
that IW/CC need you, You on the other hand DO NOT need them as you are the ones with talent
good luck girls and keep smiling

I'll second that :)

[von 2]

Thanks, Seraphina for the info......Sharon - I'm really glad that you're doing well with or without them. I must have a browse of your website.

[Rentochops]

I actually thought that you (Sharon) has chosen not be on C&C anymore, it is not good business to ignore your suppliers - your products are excellent! Well you know I'm a fan or I wouldn't order - I haven't re-newed my C&C membership cos I am fed up of C&C's attitude to everyone.

[Sharon Duncan]

Thanks all so much for your support, I've been reading Glendas blog and its great to see her receiving so much support also.

[Phree]

Reading this thread has got me thinking, and thinking rather a lot about what may be going on at Ideal World. Recently I seem to be seeing new demonstrators who didn't used to be on - the Cupcake CD lady, that awful Gwynyth, the one I saw today with the 4-day deal, and the old favorties - where are they? Audrey Sibbert, Wendie Rhodes and of course Sharon is another. I am coming to some rather unpleasant conclusions too!

Look at what they are selling these days - it's nearly all easy beginner stuff and if you think about it.. why would they want to sell to us, the more experienced crafter? We publicly admit on here we think twice about buying because we KNOW we can get a better deal elsewhere - going direct to Sharon for her CD's being just one example. So who is their target customer? I am thinking they are now far more interested in targeting the newbies - the people who like me got interested in crafting BECAUSE they discovered it on the shopping channels - but who, because they are newbies, are also still naive enough to BELIEVE the bullshit they are told about how fabulous the prices are etc.

Eventually they, like many of us already have, will find their way to forums like this one and start to realises that they can buy better deals elsewhere and that some of the stuff IW sell is just tat - I mean look at the quality of the images on some of the CD's they are punting these days - but hey do IW care - I am thinking probably not - because as each batch of new crafters starts to savvy up to them the next batch has aleady been sucked in.

Sorry I guess I am being cynical, but I can't help but wonder if the days of real talents such as Glenda are numbered. I guess Joanna Sheen hangs in there because she has such a HUGE fan base - the evidence of that is clear online - you all must know the web site I mean that I cannot name here because of this forum's rules.

[Anne]

The thing is though - whenever Glenda is on, her stuff always sells out. Surely that should say something to Ideal World? Or maybe they're just thick! :D

[Wellington]

The thing is though - whenever Glenda is on, her stuff always sells out.

That's the bit that got me too - as Glenda & Lynn tend to use the Live shows for brand new scrummy products they go like hot cakes (even when they don't get to demo them properly).

It just seems like such an odd decision, quite apart from how they've treated Glenda anyway. Unless they've been taking notice of ST (& on here too to a certain extent) with everyone complaining about too much craft on IW when they've already got a dedicated craft channel.

I know I'm biased cos I adore Elusive Images & Artylicious designs, Glenda & Lynn always strike me a those experts that people just like to watch even if they don't particularly like/want the product.

[LorraineJ]

Surely Glenda's kits that feature sell out and are for relatively beginners. She now is pretty well known in the crafting world, has come to our notice through Ideal World and now is presumably thinking, "they have outlived their usefulness, I can do things on my terms and how I want to". Ideal World are there purely to sell as many things as poss to the public, some ranges come up like bad pennies, they have Glenda and other crafters demoing them and so they think, we can get the sales without making further programmes, so why bother having to pay the experts for more programmes?

I think its more a case of seeing Glenda demoing a newish technique and taking yourself along to one of her weekends if you are lucky to learn of the technique in depth. We can rant and rave as much as we like, but Ideal World will carry on in their own sweet way anyway.

[Phree]

Hmmmm Welly, you have a point about "just watching"..... I do that with Christine Coleman. I adore watching her demonstrate because she creates some truely beautiful things but I also know that I would never be able to stick at parchement crafting - it's just too time consuming. However what scares me is that while Glenda's stuff may sell out when she does a new product launch on a live show that may be down to them getting the stock levels right. By "right" I mean they only stock what they are sure they CAN sell in the hour. It does not mean they turn over as much profit however as they do from the beginner stuff.... and if that's the case then I AM worried they are going to abandon people like Glenda who show us more advanced ideas in favour of making a fast buck from new crafters - let's face it I think we all are pretty much agreed that this is the approach QVC take to crafting.

[Prudence2]

That's the bit that got me too - as Glenda & Lynn tend to use the Live shows for brand new scrummy products they go like hot cakes (even when they don't get to demo them properly).

It just seems like such an odd decision, quite apart from how they've treated Glenda anyway. Unless they've been taking notice of ST (& on here too to a certain extent) with everyone complaining about too much craft on IW when they've already got a dedicated craft channel.

I know I'm biased cos I adore Elusive Images & Artylicious designs, Glenda & Lynn always strike me a those experts that people just like to watch even if they don't particularly like/want the product.

I too would greatly enjoy far more demos from these two talented ladies also from JN - I think from what I understood from her blog Glenda is making a DVD - I am sure a lot of people would be interested in that.

I suppose that the shopping channels are there to make a living and so they sell what the masses want. A lot of crafters want nice easy to make and quick cards that need little thought. So why cater to the few who want something a bit different - a great shame but I assume its down to market forces, especially in a credit crunch.

[Humpty]

That's the bit that got me too - as Glenda & Lynn tend to use the Live shows for brand new scrummy products they go like hot cakes (even when they don't get to demo them properly).


Unfortunately "selling out" is not the only criteria... due to different mark ups / profit margins IW can make more from some products which sell 40% or 50% of the stock than those which sell out... I think we can all guess which products have the best mark up for IW .

I've no doubt that Sharon (sorry not ignoring Glenda but I don't know her stuff) will continue to do well, her products stand on their own merit. Always better by direct off Sharons site anyway, at least you can be sure of delivery and customer service :-)

[Wellington]

Glenda's had an apology from IW - she's quoted some of the email on he blog....