Blog Contest - What do you want?

It is time now to make this blog a little more "interactive". We'd like to have your comments and suggestions on a regular basis here.

So starting Wed April 1st (actually starting now as soon as I post this) , until Tues April 7th at 12pm, we are running a "blog post" contest.  Leave a comment on one of the posts and you will be automatically entered to win 100 FREE 4x6 prints from our Foto Depot.  Woohoo! That will help you start to get through your backlog of photos that need to be printed.

I'll start this contest off by making it easy to respond to this post:

What would you like to see on the PE blog?

What are your favourite types of entries?

What kind of information is helpful for you to have here?

How can we make this a "go to resource" for you?

What should we not put on the blog?

etc etc.  Any information you can share to help us make the PE blog better for you, is very helpful.

Thanks!
Michele

Comments

[Josie]

To be honest, I like the blog as it is.... My favorite type of entries are those glimpses into your life. I like the archives and the Creative corner and most certainly all the links. OK...too many questions not enough answers. It is almost 11:00 p.m. and my brain is mush...and I like you can't believe tomorrow is April...the last 3 months have gone way, way, way too fast. Sending you HUGS.

[katherine]

love to see archives, what new things are arriving at the store, the many links and something to consider maybe some tips or suggestions,or ideas from customers or staff for example the last one from christina the mirror image one.It seems like everyone has some sorta hidden idea to share with us all. can't wait to spend 40% off coupon tomorrow.

[gloria]

I enjoy seeing samples of cards and layouts. I also love seeing the latest items to hit PE - it gets me even more excited to visit you guys :)

My favorite types of entries include samples, contests, giveaways and photography tips.

Most helpful blog info are scrapbooking tips and info on how to use new products and/or how to apply them to card making or scrapbooking. Also tips on organizing your office or how to create a space for crafting. Photo examples for any tips are always inspiring.

What would make this a 'go to' resource for me? I enjoy reading what inspires people. Helps the creativity juices start flowing. Also, blog giveaways for dedicated blog readers :). (Plus all the things mentioned above).

Thanks PE for all you guys do! :)

[Sharine Pridham]

I really enjoy the samples of scrapbooking and cardmaking ideas which continue to inspire me. I love learning about the new products and helpful ways to use them. I often refer to the archived items and the links that are provided. I would like to see even more examples of ways to utilize new product. Thanks for providing this resource.

[Carol]

I appreciate any info on scrapbooking or card making...love these two crafts...and it is interesting to get others ideas...

[sheri Morrow]

Love it all. Thanks for sharing. I have a blog as well where I like to ramble and post some of my photos. Check it out [email protected]
Thanks so much for having such an awesome store :-)
Sheri Morrow

[Linda]

I enjoy receiving your emails but have never really paid attention to the blog until now. I enjoy the contests , free coupons and card and gift ideas the most. I find your site very informative and it entices me to take the short drive to Maple Ridge to check your store out more often . Thanks for all you do .

[Vanessa]

I like seeing new ideas and techniques, and new products. Thanks :)

[Tracey]

I love to start my day by checking the blog while my tea is brewing! I especially enjoy the ideas and new techniques...like Cristina's "mirror it" samples and Renee's mini-album. It's always inspiring to see new ways of using products we all have...particularly for those of us who have too many of those products!! I also like to see what's new in the store so I can look for it when I'm in. Thanks for keeping us motivated and inspired :)

[Christine N]

I like the new product release and creative corner posts the best.

My only wish for the blog would be more frequent posts!

[Lynda M]

I like the tips and tricks. A 'what do you do with' recycle spot would be fun too. It would be nice to see a section where readers can share their ideas. I'll start! Ever look at the box from your latest quickutz die and think that you should be able to use it for something? Shaker boxes! You can even use the whole thing (before they started heat sealing) to make a cool gift card folder. All you need is some paper, some double sided tape and some stuff to shake. Have fun!

[Carolyn]

I really like your blog. I love the creative corner. What about videos of how it's done. It would be interesting to see the steps that Tanya had done with the Bisous paper.

[Rose]

The blog is great. Seeing the new things that are coming to the store, seeing what new things you guys are trying is always helpful. It's always good to see how a product is used , gets the ideas flowing. I like the little quotes that you put in sometimes, makes you stop and think. Photo tips are good too for those of us who have our hand in a little bit of everything! And any organizational tips are good. I check it daily, just don't always comment... You all are doing a great job

[Leah Dixon]

I love seeing idea samples, new techniques and new products posted as I can't always get in to the store - but will make the drive if there is something I know I want/need.

[Sabriena S.]

Being honest, it is not very often that I visit the PE Blog but when I do I am always amazed.

I love seeing posts about what the staff have been creating and what new "toys" PE has in stock.

Project ideas, Coupons and Freebies are always a good way to get people to check out the blog more often.

A fun idea might be to "hide" a freebie coupon somewhere on the blog site so that it encourages customers to "Search" the blog for the freebie coupon. Once they find the coupon it they can print it out and bring it into the store to return it for... A free take home project? 12x12 Paper? Stickers? Embellishments? Etc....

Sabriena

[Candy N.]

I love checking into the blog every day to see What's NEW...that's my favourite thing. But I also love when you post sample layouts and cards, or samples of new things.

I like the blog as it is.

[Dorota]

I really like the blog & the mix it provides. Always love the ideas and tips, can never have enough "ideas", especially for us creatively challenged, straight lines people. I like to see what's new coming in and what to do with, gallery style.
To make it more of a resource I'd like to see a reference section - which you have some of already, but maybe index style or something. The other day I was asking "how do you emboss again ?" and "what's the diff. between dye and pigment ink" - so maybe a how to glossary type, anything from basics like above, to new techniques / lingo.
I really love the inspirations and the get stuff done encouragement.

[Patti]

You seem to have everything covered in your blog. I love the photography and scrapbooking tips, especially since I am just getting back into the scrapping thing. I also love the tips and inspiring layouts that are offered and absolutely love the contests and coupons! You definately have my attention as a resource.

[Kristina]

I've not really ever checked out the blog before but because of your contest I just did. I seem to have the shared opinion that the page layout samples, cards samples and new product info is really great. I will be back to check it out again :)

[gaylene]

I love to look at the new ideas for pages and cards, if I run out of ideas, so to go to the blog for ideas would be great. I also like to see the new products that hit the shelves.

[Tammy]

I wish that I had more hours in the day to do all the things that I would really like to do so I don't get much of a chance to read the blog. Every so often I do get an opportunity to sit down and scan through the blog and catch up on the PE emails. Its a great little escape. Thanks and keep up the great work!!!

[Donna]

I enjoy the blog the way it is even though Iam new to blogging.I like to learn new things specialty things to do with scrapbooking and cardmaking.

[Shona]

I like the photography tips, and the personal stories the best. Especially the reminders of why we scrapbook. Those are my biggest motivation.

Otherwise, love it just as it is! Keep up the great work, Michele!

[Laura Rowlett]

I never really have had time to peruse the blog, but, I finally did this morning and I think its pretty awesome the way it is!! Keep up the good work and I will now surf this blog while I have my morning cup of tea!

[Stacee Brown]

Michele, I enjoy everything you put on your blog. From all the new products to your inspiring life quotes. I look forward to checking it every day, so when you go a while with no blogs, it gets very lonely:( Your store is my favourite place to shop. Keep up the great work.

[Lorna]

I love your blog for all of the layouts and creative ideas. When I get stuck for ideas I know that I'll alwyas find some here. I also enjoy the product showcasing, as I live out of town. And now that your website has online shopping it's even better.

[Denise]

Personally, I'm not into blogs. I preferred it when we received a weekly newletter with the important information that we all wanted: class lists, new stuff at the store, ideas, coupons, info about crops, tips,that sort of thing. I do like the archives and the ideas. Blogs tend to be just a lot of "stuff" that people want to write about and no one has the time to read. I simply don't have the time AND I spend 8-12 hours a day on my computer for work, so when I'm home...I just want the quick and easy. The last think I want is to spend a lot of time on the computer - which blogs tend to necessitate. Sorry...but that's my opinion.

[Michele]

Thanks everyone for the wonderful comments, and we will keep putting in all the new stuff and creative ideas that you love.

[Diane S]

I love all the great ideas and also love seeing any new techniques. I would like to see anything TIM HOLTZ in the store. Particularly the stamps and masks.

thanks for everything you do!!

[Shona]

I don't have a new product to suggest (cause I think you guys have trouble finding room for everything already!) but I'd like to give kudos to Colin for trying to be a big kid! Paul must have laughed like crazy...until he realized his dad was actually hurt. :) Thanks for keeping us in the loop, Kate!

[Barb]

I look forward to reading the blog, to seeing new product, new ideas, and news in general - I think you are doing a great job. I would love to see more storage ideas (as the storage goes hand in hand with this hobby - never enough of either storage or supplies). I would love the odd tutorial - we often forget some of the techniques that have been around forever eg. what to do with alcohol inks?

[Sharon Hack]

I enjoy everything, I get disappointed when it's not updated !!! How sad when constantly signing in to the computer to check the Photoexpressions blog...you know you're hooked when. The "how to's are awesome," they always follow the KISS principle, which is great for me. I really enjoy seeing the new things that are coming into the store, my bank account however is having some issues with it.....And of course I won't deny that hearing about the specials, sales and coupon are definitly a perk. All in all, love it. The way it's presented is really great to, it's very warm and personal which makes it feel like one big happy family.

Thanks so much,
Sharon H

[Lesley]

I usually check the blog to see what new products are coming to the store. I love the coupons! Thanks for a great blog.

[Janet]

I love to see the new products & idea samples, new techniques.

[Rebecca Austin]

I really enjoy all of the new products that are shown to us and the sample projects.

I would love to see more contests that encourage us to create things to show you what we have done, like what was done a few years ago. It's great to receive all of the information but we sometimes need that extra push to use it.

I would like to see a reference section for cards and projects where we can go back and find tips that have been posted on the blog.

I also love the new you tube posts done by Kate. They are awesome and could b used to show us so many new things and demos! They are so funny!

Thanks!

[April]

I love to visit the project gallery when I need some inspiration. Is there a way that customers can upload their own projects to add to that gallery? I would love to see what others are doing : )

[Shelby Ezart]

The Twoonie projects are great!!!

[T-L]

I like the blog the way it is but everyone's ideas are great! I love the tips & tricks and seeing layout & card ideas.

I think Lynda M's "Recycle Spot" is a great idea! I saved all those little folders, thinking I should be able to do SOMETHING with them, but couldn't think what. Now I'm so glad I did! Thanks Lynda!

[Andrea Fakaro]

One of the highlights of my day is to go on your blog and see what exciting new thing(s) have been posted. A favorite is when you show different page layouts. I am always looking for new ideas.
Something that would be fun to see on your blog is if some of your staff show us what their scrap space looks like.
I was at a crop on Saturday for a fundraiser that my sister's school was having in Coquitlam. It was nice to hear that some of the ladies had already chosen Photo Express as their favorite scrapbook store and others were really interested in knowing where you were located. I'm thinking that once these ladies come and check out Photo Express they will have a new "favorite" scrapbook store!!!!
Great Job!!

[Lisa Miller]

I honestly like the blog as it is! It's great. I like seeing lots of ideas of pages and cards that people have made and I love seeing new exciting products that I have to have! I can't wait for the new Bridge to open so I can come to your store so much more often!!!! It's a great place and everyone is so friendly.
Keep up the good work.

[Janice]

Very informative blog. I love getting tips & techniques. Even the old ones need to be revisited as I can get in a rut very easily. Really looking forward to seeing everyone at the Hollywood Gliz night.

[Nicole Jahraus]

I like the random ideas best, and the photography tips, as that is what I am most interested in. But really, I enjoy it just as is! I just wish I had more time for scrapbooking!

[scrapexpress]

I find it helpful how you have the links and categories along the side to help navigate to wherever else you need to go. I also really enjoy your photo tips, product tips and how to (ie keep lens clean) tips

[Kelly Kitsch]

I like the blog a lot, lots of helpful info, although I find it confusing in it's layout and end up (unknowingly until I click on links) that I've viewed some of the info already. So it's hard to know what's new and what's old, for me anyway - since I only have limited time to look through the site.

[MARY NEIL]

I would like to see googly eyes and pom poms for 2 x 2 rabbit die. Also I would like to see some comfortable chairs for us big and beautiful customers that do not have arms and no rolling casters.

[Judy Williams]

I like to see a bit about the classes that are offered. A picture, a comment or two about it and why the instructor thinks it's cool is helpful. I really like the blog's friendly, chatty tone. It reflects the fun people at the store.