What do you think members ?

Never hurts to have that type of info Steve,
It would definitely have an impact on traffic. Hopefully, someone in admin will add those links and Newbie's will come back for more info. I like this site and would like to see more people here.

Greg

It couldn't hurt. I am amazed at the number of people looking to get into this business. I'm looking for an excuse to get out!!! LOL. More people means more ideas and that's never a bad thing.

I've read that over fourteen screen printing shops open daily. More than 60% close shop in the first few months to a year.

There is a reason that your guidance counselor at school never told you about this industry!!!! LOL

Hello Steve, Greg, and Matt :)

Apparel sourcing, software, and stock design sections do exist already although they are not labeled as such. For example, apparel sourcing can be in the General Discussions section, software can be discussed where appropriate i.e. embroidery software in the Embroidery and Digitizing section and screen printing related software in the Screen Printing section, and stock designs can be discussed in the Embroidery and Digitizing section. Other topics would just go in the General Discussions section.

I can see adding an Apparel Sourcing section, but do you guys really think it's necessary to add Software and Stock Designs sections?

Thanks Greg. I like this site too and would like to see more people as well :D

Those 60% are probably the ones who didn't do their research. I wonder what percentage actually make it.

Embroidery/screen printing can be pretty stressful, but it could be worse. Yep, more info is always good.

LOL

Oh one more thing. I will be updating the whole site soon (probably not at once). Do you guys have any other suggestions or ideas? Maybe you'd like to see a feature added, removed, or even improved? How about your thoughts on making the site more active; more like a community?

Your input is much appreciated :D

Hello Marc,
Perhaps if there was links to suppiles visable on the front page people would have more reason to come here. You could list the site as a source page as well as a forum. That might also help to put a little jingle in your pocket from the suppliers you list. When I first came onto this site, I was looking for printing supplies but found none available at first glance. I would assume it is the same with embroidery, transfers and DTG. People will turn away if they don't see what they want at "first glance"...I almost did.
Other than that...you have a good site that I enjoy coming to just to blab my big mouth on and on and on about the simple things that stick in my mind. Hopefully I help others. More likely, I confuse them even more. LOL
I have noticed that alot of people want to start out small, "Like build your own" stuff. That might be something good to add. A page of downloadable ideas and plans from folks that have built and use those items. Personaly, I get quite a few e-mails from this site from people wanting to know the processes of different types of printing and plans to build drying racks, exposure units and printers. I give them what I have and they seem to be happy. But that's just from me...I'm sure someone else has better.
OK, I have a brain sprain now and will shut up. I'm sure everyone else is tired of my jaw-jacking as well. I hope this helps, and I would be glad to help out with a page of plans a details on printing processes. Just e-mail me. It would take a load off my computer and my "pecker typie fingers".

Best wishes...............Greg

Just to let you guys know what's going on :)

Suppliers List

I find that people want specific products like a certain type/style of cap. People want excellent quality products and they want to do business with good companies and avoid the bad ones.

I started making a suppliers list in directory format. Obviously, it's impossible for me to vouch for every company as there are thousands of them out there in many industries. This is a problem because I don't want to send visitors to companies that 'suck' (for lack of a better word). Also, companies add and remove products all the time and therefore, it's not feasible for me to maintain an updated product list per company.

To solve the above problems, I think I'll just create a "Product Sourcing" section that covers all industries. Members can share their experiences with certain products and companies. Posts are dated which serve as reference to members' experiences. Like all other section, there is a "Search this Forum" feature for finding info quickly.

What do you think, Greg?

The Fun Stuff

Ok maybe not so fun, but it must be done. I will be updating back-end systems (server stuff) and the software the runs this site as well to their latest version. I will also be redesigning and restructuring the front-end of the site. These will be done by the end of the month.

After that, hopefully, Greg will not change his mind about helping out with plans and details on printing processes :D

I'm not going anywhere Marc.
The product sourcing page sounds like a winner. People get very frustrated when trying to find products and that will be a BIG help to everyone here. My hats off to you for that one.
I'm going to get started on "re-writing" those detailed instructions on printing, covering the start-up basics to printing four-color-process with discharge. Also instructions on building basic equipment such as exposure units, drying racks, a back-lit wash out booth and a simple adjustable head printer.
Thanks a million for taking the time and thought to do this. You and this site are going to get very busy.

Take care all.........................Greg

This is an update for anyone that cares :D

• 95% of the back-end stuff is done.
• 90% of the front-end is done. Of course, it doesn't look like it 'cause I'm the only one who can see it for now. I'll make the new design is 'live' in a few days at the most along with a new FAQ section and other stuff.

I'm going to send you a message, Greg. :)

I'm not sure if my imput is worth anything right about now, especialy since I am new to the site. But my husband is been with digitsmith since August." Joedesign" Has anyone checked out tshirtforum.com and seen how that site is set up? maby some nuggets from their will help. Also Im not sure if I saw any where to see other peoples art work and thoughts on them u-know critique collum. Also there are issues to help other printers whom want to legaly copyright and trademark their work where to get the best advice to where to get legal help or assistance for those issues or how obout Idenity theft porblems, credit card fraud. We got hit hard with that and We would like to help others who may need the information for those that cant afford the regular cost of an attorney , we would like to dicuss those type of issues and may also bring in more traffic. I hope I didn't go to much with this, but I just wanted to help.
Thanks for the imput. Regina Sena