Creative Memories to become Ahni & Zoe by Creative Memories. NEW PRODUCT LINE

Here it is – what the new version of CM will be offering.

That tape runner looks just like the old CM tape runner – but since learning that 3L makes the adhesives for CM I will be using those after I’ve gone through my stash of CM Tape Runner refills.

update:  Looks like it’s the same as the blue CM TR.  I am stunned at the prices.

UPDATE:  This adhesive is tabs (larger, square pieces), not small strips like the old CM Tape Runner.

You should be able to view the full PDF here http://www.creativememories.com/uploads/2/2/0/8/22088492/2._party_products_hosting_final_ii.pdf

Link to newCMs catalog 

Same *stuff* - different packaging & names.

They kept the wrong stuff! Ditching loyal customers to seek out new, “time-starved Moms” = not such a good idea, in my opinion.

Information about CM’s name change:

(Click on image to make it larger)

A friendly word of advice:  Don’t Google “Ahni” with the kiddos around, especially if you’re using the image search feature.

(Seriously, who re-launches a company without researching the name?)

It looks like the Fast 2 Fabulous albums are still 12x12 and at least the pages can be wallpapered for those that don’t like the pre-printed pages.  It makes no sense to me why CM wouldn’t offer plain, unprinted pages to keep it’s loyal customers happy – but then, much of what CM has done recently makes no sense to me at all.

When CM notified me that they were going to release all CMCs from their contracts at the end of August I was sad but knew that even if the company emerged from bankruptcy it would be a far cry from the company I had signed up with.  I’m not just talking about the product line, but the (lack of) ethics, morals and simple business sense, too.

CM may have changed their mind about releasing me (and other) CMCs from our contracts but I find that unacceptable and haven’t changed my mind.  I know CM isn’t a good fit for me and will not partner with them and their new venture.  I feel this was not a decision I made but it was made for me and although the new very limiting, simple, cookie cutter product line may or may not have tipped the scales in favor of my leaving CM I’ll never know because what I’ve learned, witnessed and experienced since April has forced my hand.  I could not sleep at night if I was in business with this company.  I am fortunate that I’ve never depended on my income from CM (although I have appreciated it) and my heart goes out to those that do.  I don’t begrudge any consultant that chooses to stay with the company, or anyone that wants to sell these new products.  I just have one bit of advice:  This is business, keep your eyes wide open and information is knowledge and power.  Anyone that tells you something different is probably hiding something from you.

I am thankful for all the great people I’ve met – in real life & virtually – as a Creative Memories Consultant.  One of those people, Nicole S. - a sister CMC, has been very, very instrumental in keeping a great group of CMC, former CMCs, customers and others informed during this mess – even when CM tried their best to limit access to information and discouraged CMCs from looking elsewhere for information.  Nicole was on the receiving end of some very hurtful, unprofessional & unkind words from one of the Co-founders of CM, simply because she dared to share speculative information about what the new CM would carry. This information was given to her by a reliable source and included that newCM would offer Fast2Fabulous albums, Picfolio-type albums and just a black pen.  The Co-Founder really latched on to that part about a black pen – and chose to eliminate almost all the other information that was being discussed (and now seems to be spot on.)  She called for CMCs to become “rumor squashers” and help her out by correcting those that speculate.  She deleted posts from those that tried to set the record straight and unfriended anyone that dared to post anything but praise for her and her rant.

When I saw the contents of the newCMs consultant kit I had to chuckle. 

(some of the contents shown below)

Lo & behold, just a black pen.

Thanks to Nicole and our great group we have armed ourselves with information and are empowered with knowledge. We’ve been able to help each other through this transitional time – even when CM has done their best to keep us in the dark.

It’s Here! Update Artisan & Use CM Content!

 

Click on the link in Artisan to download the upgraded version!

This is the prettiest thing I've seen in a while!

If you encounter an error when trying to install the upgrade (I did - most are, I think) just uninstall Artisan then install the upgrade.

My activation codes didn’t transfer over with my content.  Here’s the easiest way I’ve found to bring those in. 

If you open the text file of codes into a spreadsheet you can do this much easier. I still get a ":" at the end of some of my activation codes that needs to be deleted but that's easier than deleting the whole kit description. Here's how to import a text file into Excel. http://office.microsoft.com/...

Be sure to tell your computer to open a text file (select "text files" from the dropdown menu

Choose the "fixed width" option then click finish. Your codes will be in one column and the description in another. You can then copy & paste the codes into Artisan. Delete the : at the end first if that came over with the activation code.

There has been quite the fuss made from many well connected to CM about switching over to Panstoria. It seems that now that these programs are out of CMs hands certain people seem to think the program isn't as good as they had said it was just a short time ago. I disagree - and will add that it's even better now! Sadly, this attitude is nothing new - we were warned not to be swayed by "shiny objects" some time ago. The CEO of Panstoria ironically gave this freebie and I'm happy to share it with you!! It's the 'Shiny Objects' kit, complete with twelve shiny objects and one shiny (silver glitter) alpha set. Enjoy, and feel free to share the link
http://download2.panstoria.com/content/Shiny%20Objects.pakit

Don’t have Artisan yet?  Click here to purchase it!  It's like SBC+ only better!! Artisan has fantastic photo editing tools within the program and you’ll be able to upload directly to Panstoria’s Print Shop soon!!

Remember – SBC+ and MM is not being supported by CM any longer and Panstoria will only support them until the end of this year. 

You can get more information about why you should switch from SBC+ & MM to Artisan & Historian in this post.

 

CM Digital Content Will Work in Panstoria’s Artisan!!

The motion was approved! 

Monday 9/30/13 there should be an update available so that Artisan users can use their CM content seamlessly!!

There is a lot of information about why you should make the switch to Artisan in this earlier blog post.  There is absolutely no reason not to switch to Artisan and Historian if you wish to continue using SBC+ and/or MM.

Learn more about  Artisan – and Historian. 

If you are interested in becoming an affiliate for Panstoria you can learn more about that here.  No contract required!

Why you should purchase Artisan & Historian. Now (or at least before 9/27.)

 

UPDATE:  CM Digital Center has experienced system issues – they have extended the Digital Center’s last day to Thursday, September 26, 11:59 p.m. Central Time.

There is a motion before the bankruptcy court that, if approved, will impact users of SBC+ and MM.   The motion has been endorsed by the UCC and CM…I think this means it has a very good chance of being approved by the Judge.

Here are some of the highlights SBC+ & MM users should be aware of .

If this motion is approved:

Panstoria will support SBC+ and MM until December 31st, 2013  with software updates as needed.  Software can be activated (even on new machines) until this date with support for software activation from Panstoria.

You will be able to download an update that will allow you to upload directly to Panstoria’s Print Shop to print your digital items.  This will be similar to CMs Digital Center but not identical – offering different products. 

Pending approval by the court of this motion, your CM content will work with Artisan.  Memory Vaults currently work with Historian.

You can use your SBC+ projects in Artisan.  They need to be saved as a SBC+ file in order to use them again in SBC+ (until the court motion is approved.)

Here’s why you should invest in Historian and Artisan if you want to continue to use these programs:

From pixels 2 Page's blog: "Panstoria will not be providing tech support, bug fixes (other than for printing issues), updates (again, other than for printing), or upgrades (to new versions of the software) for Creative Memories programs, Memory Manager and StoryBook Creator.  They will be providing all of those things for their programs, Historian and Artisan."  (LOTS of great information regarding these programs & switching from CM to Panstoria on the p2P blog!!)

So - you're fine using CMs programs until you need help, either moving to a new computer, if your computer crashes or if something goes wrong. If you need an activation code or other help you’re out of luck.  There will be no support for SBC+ or MM.

I think every SBC+ & MM user should invest in the Panstoria versions of these programs (assuming you want to continue using these programs.) I know it's an added expense but if you want to continue to use them then maybe looking at this as "insurance" will help. Thankfully, the programs are affordable.  Both sell for $39.95.

BONUS:  Artisan has fantastic features that SBC+ doesn’t.  Here’s a link to p2Ps video showing a bit about this.  My favorite new features are the in program photo editing tools!!! 

So, if  you’re using SBC+ and/or MM you’re going to want to invest in Artisan and Historian. 

Here’s why you should do this before  September 27th:

If the current motion before the court is approved:
If you purchase Artisan after September 27th, Panstoria will be obligated to pay CM 20% of any printing you choose to do via the Panstoria Print Shop.

CM got my money for SBC+, MM and TONS of digital content.   LOTS of it over the years.  CM has made it quite clear that they will not be supporting these programs, or me (a very loyal user/promoter since they were introduced)   or any other SBC+ or MM users any longer. 

What I know about the owners of Panstoria really, really makes me thrilled at the thought of doing business with them. Looking at this latest court document it's obvious that they took a big financial loss (or will if this is approved by the court) to ensure CMs customers can continue to use their products. It's a gamble & I hope it pays off for them!

I'm hoping that the extra 20% I’m giving to Panstoria by purchasing Artisan & Historian before Sept. 27th adds up & allows Panstoria to create some great new content, features & support!

Hopefully the motion will be approved and we will be able to use CM content in Artisan. If not there are work arounds. Time consuming but if a bunch of us get together we can make quick work of it. I'm already a member of a group dedicated to this topic - just in case!

Winding down with CM.

Here is a bit of info from CM regarding the closing of business:

Digital Center
The Digital Center website will shut down at 11:59 p.m. CT on September 23, 2013. All orders for Digital Center or StoryBook Creator projects must be completed by that time. If you’ve uploaded photos to Digital Center, your photos are available to purchase as prints or downloads through 11:59 p.m. CT on September 23. After that they will be removed from our servers and will no longer be available. Please note that we’ve reduced the fee for downloading your photos to $0.05/photo to make it more affordable for you to retrieve any photos you don’t have backed up elsewhere.

Unfortunately, there’s no way to download projects that have been uploaded to the Digital Center.

Project Center
The Creative Memories Project Center website will shut down at 11:59 p.m. CT on September 30, 2013. If you’re interested in preserving any of the project ideas that are on the Project Center, you can copy the images and instructions and paste them into a Word, PowerPoint, Pages, or similar program, then save them to your personal computer for future reference.
We can't thank you enough for your support and input over the last several years.
Sincerely,
The Creative Memories Home Office Team

Promising news from CM about digital

We’ve reached an agreement with Panstoria (the creators of Memory Manager and StoryBook Creator) which has been put before the Court.

Here are the highlights:

Both Memory Manager and StoryBook Creator software will continue uninterrupted. Software can be activated through December 31, 2013, and Panstoria will continue to provide software updates as needed. This means that software purchases you or your customers have made that haven’t shipped can be activated without any trouble, even if they ship beyond September 23.
Memory Manager and StoryBook Creator users will be contacted by Panstoria, and will be given access to printing and other features through Panstoria. The plan and timing for printing has not yet been finalized, but will be forthcoming. Please look for Panstoria news and updates in the Memory Manager and StoryBook Creator news feeds (right side of the main page).
Any Creative Memories digital artwork you’ve purchased can be activated (without an end date) on any computer.
Anyone who’s made an investment of time or money in software, projects or artwork can continue to use them uninterrupted.
It’s important to note that the agreement is subject to Court approval, so it is not yet final. But because the motion is being filed today, we wanted to ensure you had the information today. We anticipate a decision from the Court the week of September 23.

Also important to note: there are additional conversations happening between Panstoria, Creative Memories and a third interested firm. If that negotiation is successful, it will supersede this agreement between CM and Panstoria, but it will only improve on the above.

As a reminder, the last day to order Creative Memories digital products is Sept. 23. Any unexpired Product Credits, Print Plans, StoryBook coupon codes and/or Host Rewards coupon codes can be used on the Digital Center through that date. And while September 23 will still mark the final day for Consultant compensation on Creative Memories digital products, we are pleased that customers and Consultants can continue to use the digital software they've come to love. Here is the update from Panstoria:

I have to say that what I know about the owners of Panstoria really, really makes me thrilled at the thought of doing business with them. Looking at the latest court document it's obvious that they took a big financial loss (or will if this is approved by the court) to ensure CMs customers can continue to use their products. It's a gamble & I hope it pays off for them!

CM Bankruptcy Update

Last Chance Ordering ends JULY 31st!!

August 31st I (and all CMCs) will be released from my CM contract. When that happens I'll be able to share with you lots of great resources for various products that will compliment or replace some CM favorites.  I'm very excited about this - but until then I'm committed to finishing up with CM and helping you do the same. Only 6 days left for the Last Chance Offer!

Shipping:   The shipping department is SWAMPED!  Latest word from CM is that they will be splitting June orders to get out the WSL items now instead of holding them until the LCO products are available (if you have both in your order - even if it was placed before the LCO.)  This is great news - I know many of you are like me and have orders in limbo and, hopefully, this will get some of those out the door! 

A Customer Service Rep at CM said today that there are 320,000 orders IN PROCESS with new ones coming in continuously and they are shipping 20,000 each day!   These numbers are way above “normal” volumes for CM which were 12,000 – 14,000 per month before this mess started.  I know it’s hard to wait so long for products we love but the CSRs and those in the shipping department are doing a great job!  A wonderful group I’m thrilled to be a part of (the one that I get most of my information from) has sent treats and cards to those in these departments to show how much we thank them for their hard work. Many will not have a job in the near future and are working overtime to help get our products into our hands and answer questions.

 

Important Dates

July 31 ~ Last Chance Ordering ends
Aug. 9 ~ Persona orders must be received at CM
Aug. 21 ~ product credits, host credits, Rewards Club credits must be used up
Aug. 21 ~ last day to order from www.mycmsite.com/lisagraham 
Aug. 31 ~ CM contracts end for CMCs
Sept. 1 ~ CMCs are released from CM contracts
Sept. 23 ~ Last day to order digital
Nov. 1 ~ target date for launch of CM’s new company

August 31st - I (and all CMCs) will be released from my CM contract. When that happens I'll be able to share with you lots of great resources for various products that will compliment or replace some CM favorites. I'm very excited about this - but until then I'm committed to finishing up with CM and helping you do the same.

*****PLEASE DO NOT WAIT UNTIL SEPTEMBER TO ORDER DIGITAL IF AT ALL POSSIBLE***
Things are always crazy at the end of a sale or promotion.  I can’t stress enough how important it is to order well in advance of this end date. 

I recommend having all digital orders in by  AUGUST 31st!!