Positive Space: 99Designs Stoops to a New Low


Tony of Positive Space has a decent conversation going in his post: 99Designs Stoops to a New Low and Attempts Propaganda.

If you have been following Positive Space for a while, then you undoubtedly know that I have a problem with both spec work and 99designs (previously sitepoint contests). However most recently the minds behind sitepoint have stooped to a new low. I say this because the article Design Contests Made Me A Better Designer that was recently published is nothing more than a piece of propaganda literature.

It’s an interesting read so check it out when you have the time.


6 responses to “Positive Space: 99Designs Stoops to a New Low”

  1. Looks like 99 Designs and Sitepoint is at it again!

    99 Designs is sponsoring a free pdf version of the book, “The Photoshop Anthology: 101 Web Design Tips, Tricks & Techniques.”

    The book looks more like for newbies. This is their way of suckering newbie designers into their Spec Contest web site!

    In order for you to get the download link. You need to enter your email address. Yet another way to get you on their mailing list.

    – Cal

  2. Seems someone is spamming 99designs with NoSpec logos as contest entries – you may want to distance yourselves from that with an announce as I’m sure you don’t advocate it.

  3. Not that I condone attacking 99designs, I do find spamming them with NO!SPEC logos kind of funny. You might call it vigilante justice…

  4. Maybe, but for something that’s a pretty noble movement, it kind of detracts from the whole idea that No Spec actually benefits the client. It actually crossed my mind that someone would do it because they don’t support No Spec and want to create bad feeling towards them.

  5. Hayley I see what you mean, I had not thought of it that way. I can see how it could tarnish the NO!SPEC name. However it may also cause a number of contestants or maybe even contest holders to google NO!SPEC. But we are getting into to an ethical discussion about what actions are justified then, and I agree that attacking 99designs is probably not the best way to raise awareness.

  6. Hayley,

    We do NOT support spamming.

    And it’s right there on our home page for everyone to see –>> What you can do: Read NO!SPEC’s Protocols.

    The protocols are here –>> http://www.no-spec.com/what-you-can-do/nospec-protocol/

    And yes, I already said as much on 99Designs blog.

    Will they listen? I seriously doubt it.

    And no, we will not design flashing red neon lights pointing to our protocols.

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