Monday, October 28, 2013

Creative Memories Blank Refill Pages

 (Requesting permission to use above illustration from the talented Hannah Flinn at http://handrawn2011.blogspot.com/ )


Ahhhhhhhh!!!!!  Run from the Blank Page!!!!!!!

I have tried to be patient and understanding. 
I really have.

Is the reason CM is no longer offering blank refill pages really because they are 'scary' and require unlimited funds? Or is it something else?  Because in my opinion, blank refills are the SIMPLEST form of scrapbooking. It's what our great grandparents used to do.


No paper, no fancy scissors, just....

Tape. Write. Done.

Seems to me it would fit perfectly into the new Ahni & Zoe line.

But today CM issued the following public statement on why they are no longer offering blank Refill Pages (as posted on their Facebook page). What are your thoughts on this?  

Coversets & Blank Pages

October 28, 2013 at 12:01pm
Hi everyone -

There have been many of you who have made what seems to be a very reasonable request – for coversets and blank pages.  

Hopefully this will provide you with an understanding of our situation and our decision. Our go forward business must start with a clean and simple product line that can be used and sold by anyone – with little need for detailed explanation. Many of you are quite comfortable creating an album with blank pages. But the reality is, many people are not. In fact they’re intimidated by a blank page. They don’t know where to start, and they’re concerned the album won’t look good. This prevents them from doing anything.

We need to be able to reach out to as many people as possible to help us build this business. Our positioning must be clear so people understand what we’re about. And we’re going to be about easy completion of albums.

Now some of you may understand, but ask why can’t we just add the pages? Unfortunately we don’t have unlimited funds at the moment, and we’ve had to make the tough decision to start with the products that the average person finds easiest to get to completion with.

We do have some options for you. They may not be perfect, but they’re options.
 - We made sure that old and new coversets were interchangeable. And that’s true for all refills as well. And there are many consultants who are still selling coversets and blank refills.
- You can use your paper and put your page into our large slide in pocket page.
- There’s also the option to take the Fast to Fabulous and add your own paper. These albums are significantly less expensive than before.
- And of course, we’d like you to try the Fast to Fabulous. You can make it your own. You don’t have to follow the template. There’s plenty of opportunity for creativity.

It’s very easy to get caught up in the emotion of this particular topic. We’d just like to share one last thing. We’re a much smaller team here at the home office now. We’re moms, and dads, sisters, and brothers. If it were at all feasible, we’d grant every request. We take no joy in upsetting the very people we love. This has been a stressful journey for all of us. We’re still here because we’re devoted to this company and all it stands for. And we’re proud to play a role in helping to provide a business opportunity.

It’s becoming easier and easier to be positive because Ahni & Zoe is becoming real, and we see where this can go.   And though there’s a lot of concern being expressed, there’s also a lot of excitement and optimism for the future...via this fan page, and the emails and calls we’re receiving. We all have to move forward. Hopefully this at least provides some insight. Let’s get this business going, and the future may be filled with all sorts of possibilities.

Thank you.
Your Ahni & Zoe Home Office Team



2 comments:

  1. They are making a big mistake! They had a very large customer base of people who LIKED blank pages! What's wrong with catering to both?

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  2. Nothing is wrong with catering to both but I think that they currently can't afford right to cater to both. It's also a matter of a much needed makeover with their systems and their product line. Having a traditional line would be the best of both worlds, but for some reason it is not an option right now.

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