I believe as long as your giving credit where credit is due and changing a few elements it should be fine. just like all the freebies everyone uses out there and wins challenges with.
Aug 28, 2007

As challenge owner I did intend for everyone to make their pages from scratch and did say to create your own magazine cover, but I guess I didn't explain it clear in the requirements section. I do feel if you are using someone elses templete and only puting in your photos that does not really fall under the description of making your own magazine cover. I really do not know which covers came from the program you mentioned and would hate to delete anyones work so I guess I will ask everyone in the challenge what they think. If you have a say, please post it here.
Aug 28, 2007

My magazine cover is made by myself. The only thing I found on the Internet was the word "Magazine"..... everything else is pictures takes by me and my friends from our party and different elements. Even the little blue sign I have made in photoshop all by myself and I am very proud of it... LOL
Hugs from Snug
Aug 29, 2007

I created my page completely from scratch, and I think that it is somewhat not fair to enter a page that you just took from a program and added your pics to (even if the pics are totally cute, lol)! I am totally not trying to be a cow here, I just wanted to say my piece! :) I think freebies are a different situation because they are just like using elements you paid for, no different. But using quick pages and pages from scrapping programs isn't fair because you aren't using your own imagination with embellishments and such. I have used quick pages for a few pages that I have made for printing out, but have never entered one of them in a challenge because I don't think it would be fair to those who chose their own elements. OK, off my soapbox, lol!
Aug 29, 2007

I did use a template not a quick page! but changed many things. I will be removing mine from the contest. It is no fun anymore. Every challenge I have seen people use freebies. So I think this is kind of rediculous. Good luck to you all. Danielle
Aug 29, 2007

I'm sorry if everyone is not having fun. I thought it was a good idea. I understand everyone's point of view and I feel bad if anyone got their feelings hurt. I do feel rules are rules and following them makes it fair for everyone but my not making myself clear in the beginning does cause a problem. I truely hope everyone enjoyes the remainder of the challenge and maybe even invites a friend to join as well. Wishing you all a wonderful day.
Aug 29, 2007

I think it's great you started the challenge anyway, please don't stop challenges. I understand both sides as well. Personally, I enjoy the challenge of making my own from scratch, as my magazine cover shows, but I know that not all people have the programs. Personally, I don't vote for anything that is a quick page or template simply because of the skill factor, but it is REALLY hard to figure out in some cases.

So, I think the best bet is to vote for the one you think is the best based on your own personal criteria. I have seen MANY layouts win on other challenges that seem to be more of a popularity vote, so I am sure to vote often based on skill.

Just my humble opinion, remember what we joined this site for.
Aug 30, 2007