I'd like to be included in the blog hop too.
Christina- do need more templates for this? I know you had a bunch of people drop out, didn't know if you could use another template, I'd be happy to make another. Thanks!

Does the blog hop need to be another template or can we do anything?

The blog hop freebie can be anything you want it to be.

I'm torn on whether the blog hop should include people who don't participate in the design challenge. On one hand, I don't want to leave any of you out, but on the other I don't want to open a can of worms by allowing non-participants in the blog hop (where do I draw the line if anyone can join?). I think I like that only participants get to be on the official blog hop list. What do you think?

I completely see both sides of this. Many of us have taken part in every challenge and this is the first we won't because we don't really create templates-or at least to the level of being included in a collab that will be available for purchase. So we're really disappointed about being left out of the monthly blog hop.

On the other hand, I completely agree with you that we shouldn't start something that doesn't apply to every challenge. The blog hop is a privilege that goes along with taking part in the design challenge. So ultimately, as much as I don't want to, I have to agree with not allowing those of us that are not creating templates to take part (So much so that I'm thinking of running off and creating a template right now just so I can take part. Do I still have time?)

Here is an option that might work. How about making the templates available to the those of us that want to take part in the blog hop. As long as we create a Disney themed layout with one of the templates (that we can showcase on our blogs the day of the hop), then we can make a freebie to go along with the blog hop? Just an idea.

Something to keep in mind, you're having a lot less "entries" this month, which means a lot less blog hop freebies. A blog hop with only a few stops might deter some people from coming back next month.

I'd say if you don't participate in the DC you can't be in the train. Easy peasy. There were a couple times I couldn't do a mini for DC and thought of being in the train, but it didn't seem fair to me, when the train is for providers of the DC.

Anyone can post freebies on their blog at anytime and match the MS theme. They can even post in the announcement section they have a freebie, so they can be kind of a part of it, but unofficially.

Sounds good (about the announcement part). Where is the "announcement" thread? I had no idea about it.

I think Fran is referring to the DC reveal thead where I put the collab previews and the blog hop list on the day of the reveal.

We'll keep the blog hop closed to everyone but DC participants; although, I do like Fran's idea of letting people know about blog freebies you have if you are not on the DC blog hop. I create the reveal thread at about 9 am central time on the day of the reveal. Feel free to post in that thread after the previews are up.

Mine should be converted to .page files tomorrow and I will get it uploaded and dropepd to you. I will not be doing the blog hop this time. sorry, just too busy.

Count me in this group. :sad2: I'm disappointed I can't take part in the blog hop, since I don't expect to get the DC templates for free in return. I'm just giving away my freebie, that's all.

Christina, so we can post our freebie announcement in the reveal thread? Is this right?

I sent a message to Frogfish, but I wanted to post here in case you ladies have a suggestion for me....

I have my template ready. I have 4 files (TIFF, PSD, PNGs and Page files) In each file I ONLY have the preview, TOU and the actual file, but 3 of the 4 are above the 75MB limit. What should I do?? Is there a way to save them so they are smaller???