Friday, August 11, 2017

It's a Problem

I have been inundated with emails and calls this week from subscribers who could not open their free block of the month in the August Newsletter.

Let me just say for the record, I feel your pain.  Now, go read this post.

Yup, there are those who come back and say, "it's still not working, what should I do?"

I gotta tell you this really gets me frustrated (RANT BEGINS HERE) because I take each of these calls and letter seriously and try to help them troubleshoot the problem.  Sometime I even revert to sending the file cuz I am so tired of typing the same thing over and over.  But that has burned me to, because i get countless requests to send files and I don't have the time to do that.  Plus, My work is copyright protected and it gets passed around from friend to friend when it is free and easy to get.

 I get ripped off every day by otherwise good people who ignore my copyright and share my patterns with friends, or shops that copy a pattern and sell it without paying me for it. Good hearted people just like you.  Of course YOU don't ever share my patterns with others.  You tell friends to go and download their own free copy!

But I am not a computer geek and I cannot troubleshoot your computer.  I am a pattern designer that provides a free service for my subscribers.  I am constantly on the phone with my web site tech people trying to find out why things go wrong at times and beg them to fix it fast.

For example I just found out yesterday that when people write to me from the CONTACT REEZE page on my website that the emails do not come to me!!!!  I get angry customers on the phone who ask why I did not respond to their email, and I dumbly respond, "What email?"  Sheesh, I finally went on the website and found out how to locate those email in the site archive and there 156 of them!!!!  LET ME REPEAT. . . .156 emails to me with questions and problems, and even some store orders that I never got!  I was sick. As in wanna puke sick because that was 156 people I have let down.

I was on the phone with my website faster than you can say WTF, and asked them to fix it ASAP.  In the meantime I tried to trouble shoot the form myself and it all looked good and was pointing to the right email!!!

So if you have written me from my contact form on my website, and I have not responded, I am sorry.  I did not blow you off.  I just never got your email.  All 156 of them.   &%($%#*&^&)*&^.

END RANT.

Now, I know it is NOT YOUR fault and I should not vent my frustration on you, my faithful and loyal subscriber.  So if I have managed to not piss you off yet, I want to tell you what I have done to try and fix at least one of the problems you are experiencing.

I set up a page on my site with a "secret link" for subscribers only to click on and download my free blocks.  How do I get the "secret link" you ask???

I will put it in every newsletter rather than the current blue buttons which go through my email service.  It is nice to get the stats showing how many people clicked on each button but it is nicer to have happy customers!

Thanks!

Reeze

55 comments:

  1. I have no trouble to download your pattern on my computer. Lucky me! Sorry for all the troubles you got.

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  2. aucun problème jusqu'a présent. Désolée pour vous soucis. Bon week end.
    Amicalement

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  3. Thanks Reeze for all the great free patterns. I've never had a problem but feel the pain of those that do and appreciate all the work you put into this

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  4. I never have problems downloading anything from you..Sorry for all your grief, I know it can be very frustrating! Hopefully things will be OK from now on..

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  5. Hey Reese. Thanks for ALL your FREE patterns. I so appreciate this. Blessings

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  6. Boa noite, não tenho problema para baixar os arquivos, eu gosto muito dos seus padrões. Muito obrigado.

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  7. I can understand your irritation; I feel that many times when I deal with computers. :) You do a great job and I, for one, am very appreciative of your free patterns. Thank you so much. Several months ago I was having problems with the downloads and you wrote and suggested that if I used Chrome, it might work better. That was fabulous advice and whenever I have a download problem on my desktop which uses Windows 10 and Explorer, I remember... I go to the laptop and use Chrome and it works like a charm. Not just for your downloads but also for other downloads. A GEM of advice from a gem of a designer. Thank you, thank you...

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  8. As a designer, I know exactly how frustrating and hurtful it is to have people rip you to shreds over something they're getting for free. I actually stopped offering free block of the month patterns because of how ugly some of the people got. I had one woman call me and scream at me because the block was late going out. Why was it late? My father was having open heart surgery. So you're a better woman than I am, just for sticking it out. I adore your patterns, and I'm hugely thankful for all of your hard work!

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  9. Although I never have any problems downloading any of you patterns, I had no problem with this new way. Thank you for all you do.

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  10. I was having problems with the pdf files not opening. Then I right clicked on the link and all was well. Thanks very much for your designs. Your applique is especially Awesome!

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  11. Talk about uplifting, absolutely love your smiley flower! Love your free BOMs and I have not had any problem downloading them. One day I may actually get one made! lol Keep your chin up, girl; there are more fans than foes out here.

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  12. My sympathies for your frustrations. Sometimes, people are too quick to say help instead of trying to fix the issue themselves. Hopefully this will help minimize the help requests. Have a great weekend

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  13. Thank you for all you do for us who don't have much of an imagination. Never have had a problem downloading your work, and I appreciate you.

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  14. Io non ho mai avuto problemi a scaricare i tuoi modelli, o forse una volta ma per tutti, e tu avevi risolto. Per cui ti ringrazio tanto per tutto quello che fai per noi. Silvana

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  15. Although I have slowed down in getting downloads-I did not have an issue with your site,and I appreciate all that you generously offer. Technology is helpful and awesome- except when it "ain't" Then is it a giant PIA! Now, if they could just fix Spellcheck issues when I type...LOL.

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  16. I have never had a problem with downloads from your site. Thank you for the great designs you so generously share with us!

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  17. I have never had problems downloading your paid for or free BOM downloads and thank you for all you do! I am so sorry to hear some people do not respect your copyright, particularly as I live in the UK and without digital downloads, I wouldn't be able to buy your patterns. I recently purchased a quilt pattern from Australia and it cost me £120 once I had paid shipping and import duty! xx

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  18. Thank you for sharing your beautiful designs. You can only do what is humanly possible and so things are out of our control.Take care of yourself and don't stress out it will all work out.

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  19. Peace and Prayers are sent your way. You do a terrific job. Every thing works as it should(either way). Thanks so much for all your thoughtfulness in sharing your work and talents. I am a big fan of yours and have been for years. Hang in there, your reward is yet to come.

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  20. I'm sorry you are having so much trouble with this. Mine came through the first time and beautifully. You are such a generous and wonderfully creative designer.

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  21. I feel your pain. Technology isn't always our friend. My husband works in the IT field and I get so frustrated when things don't work like they should And often the solution is some little bug that just didn't want to play nice. I'm sorry that some of your subscribers send bad vibes to you when things don't go as they are supposed to. Thank you for your time and efforts to address these issues. Your patterns are amazing and posting them for free is a gift to the whole quilting community. Please don't take the rants of others personally.

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  22. I am so sorry you have had to go though this. I love your patterns! Keep smiling!😘

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  23. I have ordered all of the Deco patterns and free block patterns, and believe me, I have never experienced any problems downloading them. Love all your patterns and look forward to your emails. Thank you so much!

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  24. I've always been able to download blocks and patterns. If it doesn't work the first time, it's usually just a glitch and works on a second try just a little later. I appreciate all that you give to us and hope readers will use a little patience. Thanks Reeze!

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  25. I checked out your link and it works wonderful! I was able to receive my blocks the other way also. I want to thank you so much for all the nice things you do for us and I am sorry for those of us that think it is their right to be rude. (NEVER). I have loved all your patterns that you so generously give to us and hope all the computer problems are past. Have a great awesome day!!

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  26. Just want you to know that I have been able to download your patterns all along, but perhaps others couldn't. Thanks for all the work you put into this project. Very generous of you to share your patterns with us. Thanks again.

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  27. I have had no problems downloading your patterns and really do appreciate your generosity. Once or twice I have had a problem and you responded immediately. I also see the patterns you contribute to The Quilt Pattern Magazine. Thank you for being such a giving person.

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  28. Both ways worked for me Reeze. Sorry you are having to spend so much time on tech support when you have all these wonderful designs floating around in your head screaming to be released for all to enjoy.

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  29. I can count myself as a lucky one also - haven't had problems in the past and "just for the heck of it", I clicked the link provided in this note and "boom" right to the subscriber downloads. Easy-peasy. Hope this will help those who have problems. THANKS for always going the extra mile.

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  30. Reese,
    I, too can count myself as a lucky one also who hasn't had any problems in the past or present downloading your patterns. Thank you so much for your generosity to share your creative talent with us despite the ingratitude that you have seen and felt by others. Continued blessings to you!

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  31. Thank you for all the hard work you do for all of us and I am sorry that there are people out there that are not following the rules when it is so simple to subscribe. Please take care of yourself, your health should come first. Thank you again.

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  32. Sending appreciation for your patterns and all that you share. Sorry that you have had issues with the computer and with some of your subscribers. Know that there are a lot of silent fans out here. Hugs and warm thoughts.

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  33. Hang in there! We all know that you are only one person doing an amazing job! It will get better............

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  34. Just want to send you a big HUG & thank you for your beautiful patterns. I have on occasions had download problems & you have ALWAYS fixed it very quickly, thank you. I must have been lucky this time as I had no problem with August. I am a techno clutz & have issues when others don't. I always think it's me that is the problem but am becoming convinced that technology is just another way of spelling headaches! Time for chocolate & something strong in your coffee, count to 10 & breath deeply. OXOX

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  35. I have not had any trouble downloading the blocks. The only problem I have ever had is I sometimes don't get the email with the actual link. And no, it isn't in my spam mail box. I check that regularly. I am not sure it is your fault. It could be Yahoo.

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  36. Your work is superb and I certainly appreciate all the work that you put in to your patterns and your generosity in giving them to us. I haven't had a problem with downloading and I am a computer nerd. You are amazing, thank you so much. Hugs! virginiakeast10@gmail.com

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  37. Sometimes I have trouble getting to the link in the email. I go to the Web Version of the email, and then the link works. I figured that was just a problem on my end with my email application on my laptop. So maybe if a person clicks on the Web Version, they will get where they want to go.

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  38. ho-ho! got this month's pattern downloaded! had to download chrome to open the links though. they did not work on my edge browser ... not sure i got everything right on chrome, but as long as i got my pattern, i'm happy! thanx muchly for your projects! love them!

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  39. Your secret link is working well, and I'm really sorry you have had to deal with "computer" issues. Really, who has time for that!! Thanks for everything you do.

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  40. I have never had a problem downloading your PDF files. I do understand that a lot of people are not very technology savvy. It is common for people to have web designers and techs to manage their sites. I'm so glad they do because that is what my husband does for a living :) I do know exactly what you are talking about when you say you don't get the emails from your contact form, again that's a very common practice when your site is managed for you. Don't stress too much, sounds like you have things well in hand. Thank you so much for all you do! I love your designs and look forward each month for a beautiful new block!

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  41. Hang in there!!!!!! I am so glad that you published a RANT because sometimes it is needed for your peace of mind. It also gives me peace of mind that someone who does such beautiful designs is also human. Keep up the good work and know we are 100% behind you!!!!! I enjoy your patterns so much. Thanks for sharing them with us.
    Elizabeth in Silverdale, WA

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  42. I am so sorry that you are having "issues". Sometimes venting really helps your inner self. I haven't have any problems and thank you for your wonderful patterns. They get better every season.

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  43. Loved your RANT! I hope all of those small minded, rude people who want instant gratification feel very small after reading your RANT> Sometimes if you do not let it out, you will explode ! Good for You!

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  44. Reeze, I've never had a problem with any of your downloads. Thank you for your free patterns. I love your work.

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  45. Oh, doesn't it feel good when you get thru ranting! Good for the B.P. Anyway, love your free patterns and although I did have trouble with one of the bonus blocks but it did come thru the next time I tried , figured was my computer,. Keep the chin up and we all appreciate what you do.

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  46. I've never really had any major problem with your downloads either - if I didn't get it right away, I figured it was a glitch (read: user error) on my end not yours! You are a designer first - and a darn good one at that - the fact that you make so many of your designs available for FREE is quite simply awesome. Technology is great in many respects but has its challenges too - especially on materials that are being accessed by such a variety of end users. I'm sure there are others out there who are as technologically challenged as I am. I appreciate all that you do. As for the 156 emails/messages, I am sure you will deal with that unexpected "surprise" with your usual grace, efficiency and humour! Thank you for all you do!

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  47. I guess I have been one of the lucky ones to have never had a problem with your downloads! I want to thank you for all the time and effort you put in making these patterns and offering them to us, free of charge.

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  48. Thank you Reeze for the great patterns you design. You are very generous with your BOM and bonus patterns. I did not have a problem downloading your pattern, and I thank you for it. BTW I met your niece at the Costal Quilters Guild.

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  49. Hello Reeze, I never had a problem in downloading and love your designs. Now to find time to use them, lol.
    Margie

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  50. It is a lot of work to provide these patterns to us and especially for free. I have really enjoyed them. I am sorry there has been so much hassle for you. but there are quilters who do very much appreciate what you do. Thank you so much

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  51. Hey there in Ottawa- I want to thank you for the time, energy and thought that you put into your designs. Also providing free patterns is a privileged for us and should not be abused. Let the sun continue to shine on your awesome talents.

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  52. I've never had a problem downloading either, but I do share your frustrations in that some people just don't get how to download, or don't realize that things like ipads, cell phones and even kindles or other small devices may not download there file. I to will not email a pattern to someone, I do not have the time, so I can share those frustrations with you in that respect. Sometimes I think we work harder to please our visitors than it took to make the pattern itself and I know a pattern can take me days to write and then get tested, fix, test again, rewrite and finally release. While I don't consider myself a computer geek, I'm not inexperienced either. I can put an entire desktop together and I am pretty good at figuring out new software when I have it. I don't have a webmaster, I do it all myself, but there are still things that also confuse me...

    As to sharing, it is frustrating. There are always going to be people who feel it's ok to share, copy and even steal. Unless we can find some way to stop it, it will continue to happen. Fortunately some people do honor copyright.

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  53. I've had no real problems. Every once in awhile a link doesn't work but if I wait a day or two things work out or you send an oops e-mail. Things happen that you have no control over. I'll only bug you when there is only a day or two left to download and it's still not working.

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  54. I am so sorry that you are having "issues". Sometimes venting really helps your inner self. I haven't have any problems and thank you for your wonderful patterns. They get better every season.

    ตารางคะแนน

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  55. Beautiful Patterns. Thank you so much for all the freebies you share. I share your enthusiasm for retirement and for quilting.
    Neame

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I'd love to know what you think! Thanks for sharing your ideas.