I miss those times all day long. Unfortunately, this site is a shell of what used to be. I know that Jackie and Heath( (I think) are/were the owners and worked so hard for a long time to upkeep it. And boy in the heyday it was an AMAZING site, with massive information, people of all levels and abilities, from the most humble beginner to the most prestigious decorator/business caker. And the past information it contains is truly invaluable. But that was before the rise of popularity in sites like YouTube and Instagram and so on, where every technique and short cuts to techniques are provided and easily accessible. Couple that with a spike in home based businesses nationwide, and that has lead to sites like this who do not evolve so to speak into upholding this newer generation of caking that has the mystery removed to limp along as it does now. Do note, this is not a dig at the site or any operating as a CFO business, as I am one myself in my last state and my current one. I have specialized for a market not found normally among CFO's and even store front businesses rather than a general caking/baking site, etc. I think that only specialty businesses can truly survive under CFO, because literally everyone is baking who can under most CFO laws and pricing is all over the place. And market dilution ensures that it is extremely difficult to charge a rate for profitability.
And that circles back to this truly wonderful, dying site. As recently as three months ago, I have seen CFO's transition from baking to creating similar sites but doing so in methods that work with those seeking to enter CFO as well as technique sharing. And some of these offer lots for free but then membership for expanded support, coupled with online video content and live meetings showing technique, etc. They also sell products that are supported through their video and live content. Sadly, almost all of that has been provided here for years at no cost. But with out dated views coupled with a lack of support, this draws no one in. It would take a massive overhaul along with likely some tiered offerings ( some paid) with live and recorded content along with matching product and product support. And a huge campaign on all social medias with baker content and noting online classes/live content, etc. I think the need still exists (and likely at some point always will), but without the noted updating, this once lovely site will not be competitive enough to survive. Even against content that requires payment, because those payment sites have created perceived value to many caking at all levels.
I continue on here, reviewing the save database information that is still effective and useful. I try to answer questions when I have the knowledge to do so. And I value everyone who still posts here, because we all take the time to post even today. But I fear that one day, i will log on and it will be gone. And it will be a huge loss when that happens.
ASiimpleBaker
You pretty much nailed it. Back in 2005 when I joined CC, they were IT. Nothing around. Now it’s mostly facebook groups. Free or paid. And YouTube.
I’ve been bumped out of CC for the last couple of months. When I start typing a response, the page refreshes and my post disappears. So you can’t access information if you can’t stay logged on to the site. And honestly, not being able to post cake pictures??? For over 4 years. That’s ridiculous for a cake site. It’s unfortunately a dinosaur. I have to copy and paste my post because CC won’t let me type my response
We used to have a lot of fun here back in the day! So sad that it's largely defunct. Glad to see a few "old timers" still hanging in! I come back every now and again just to see if anything has moved. Hoping that the sight is "alive" again! Hopefully someday that day will come. The new FB groups are so impersonal and everyone gets so easily offended. I don't even go on those anymore. YT, IG, TikTok offer no sense of community...
I do miss this site as well. I often come to get ideas, Seeing as a visual learner, I need to see an idea vs trying to come up with something in my head, which is usually nothing, lol. This was a great site, and sad to see that it's not attended. All I get is one ad popping up as soon as I close it. I guess that's how they are paying to keep it up and running somewhat. But maybe they could see it and see if someone who has a passion for it would take it over. But with a lot of the cake schools, they are either burned out or retiring, which I understand as a cake decorator and retired myself. But one day, I hope it can come back to life, even though some of my may not be decorating it's still fun to see what others have created.
I do miss this site as well. I often come to get ideas, Seeing as a visual learner, I need to see an idea vs trying to come up with something in my head, which is usually nothing, lol. This was a great site, and sad to see that it's not attended. All I get is one ad popping up as soon as I close it. I guess that's how they are paying to keep it up and running somewhat. But maybe they could see it and see if someone who has a passion for it would take it over. But with a lot of the cake schools, they are either burned out or retiring, which I understand as a cake decorator and retired myself. But one day, I hope it can come back to life, even though some of my may not be decorating it's still fun to see what others have created.
I miss this site soooo much!!! I tried to ask some questions on Facebook, and some of the folks started attacking my morals because I asked if anyone had a buttercream that they buy and like.
ShaunaNicole You should never be shamed because you want to buy buttercream!! A few fb groups I’m in, you’re not allowed to debate box cake baking as opposed to scratch cake baking. Ditto homemade buttercream or purchased buttercream. Admins will shut down the post. Because we’re individual bakers and do what’s best for ourselves. Doesn’t make it right or wrong.
I'll try to make this short. I signed up about 15 years ago. I met a group of women from all over the country. about 10 years ago 5 of the girls flew into Michigan and stayed about a week with me. We had so much fun on this site, there were no ads back then. Time goes by and people move on. I'm still friends with 3 of them. One especially, she has flown in several times for a visit. I haven't been here in a few years, I came here today to look at the gallery. I was overwhelmed with ads. I can't look at anything without pop-ups. What in the world happened? Where is the couple that maintained the site?
Since this WONDERFUL site is not what it used to be I forget to check in now and then. Like most others I sooo miss the wonderful community we had here. Today I came here to find the post my I think Mac’s mom where sho gave 100s of flavor ideas using my WASC recipe. Seeing this post side tracked my search. I’m having trouble posting not only on this site but on Facebook too. If I make paragraphs it only posts the 1st one so this post is running on & on as 1 thought.
Janette Unfortunately CC has been replaced by Facebook and Instagram. That’s where everyone posts their cakes. Usually in specific cakes groups. And since CC hasn’t been maintained, there’s no joy in coming to the site. The cakes posted on the main page have been frozen in place for about 5 years. You can’t posted cake pictures nor retrieve information
I have been a CC member for a long time, as far back as when we used to get their magazines delivered through the mail. (lol) But speaking for myself, I didn't leave CC because of the widespread popularity of other cake related social media forums. I left CC because it became a collage of junky advertisements,"click bait" ads, and tacky pop-ups. CC has lost its credibility because of all the obnoxious ads taking over the page. You have to constantly keep closing them out so you can read the information you've actually searched for.
Also, I don't feel like the info or concept of CC is outdated. I just think it lacks the technical maintenance that it needs. CC had (and still has) so much valuable information from so many professional and home bakers. This site used to be my "go to" site for cake information. Even the newer cake blogger sites contain links that take you to CC to answer your questions. I'm sure it probably takes a lot of money to keep these sites up and running, which is why sites like these rely on ads. But you have to have the right kind of advertising support. As I'm typing this, I'm distracted by a large ad for athletic shoes. And who wants to see a huge photo of a giant zit pop up on a cake site? Gross! Once the reputable companies start pulling out, it's down hill from there. I rarely visit CC anymore. I think the same things happened with Craftsy when they started constantly changing ownership.
With Cake Central, It's hard to navigate through the site anymore. It's difficult to post photos, and when you search for a particular type of cake, sometimes you can't even view all the photos...just empty blank squares. I'm not tech savvy or I would try my hand at making sure the site was maintained and get rid of the distracting "junk" ads that have taken over.
Well, it was good while it lasted. I hope it CC comes back soon, but I'm not holding my breath. I'm moving on.
I will always love this place! You all inspired me so much, I learned from everyone one! It would be great to save all of the data long term. It's always sad to think we will loose all of the treasure trove of information shared here. Thanks so much to everyone, and MacsMom's post was one of the funnest!
Just a thought, it would be fun to do a "where are they now" post. I ended up baking from home for a while then I opened up a retail store front! It did great and I loved it. I had to close after some health issues prevented me from working for a bit. I am all good now, changed careers after 20 years and now I am in IT, write code and help people build on the cloud! Go figure!
I “retired “ when I moved back to CA after only 2 & 1/2 years in IN. About 2 yrs ago I learned about Cakes4kids.org and have gotten very involved there. I sometimes make several cakes a weekend. Some health issues are slowing me down now but I just can’t stop. As long as I can squeeze icing through a tip I guess I will.
UPDATE:
I have had a stroke in my eye.......I'm now a pirate :( lost about 80% of my sight and depth perception :( Makes decorating hard and sloppy. Guess I'm going to have to hand up my decorating bags -- much to my disappointment. I wasn't ready for this.
Would love to hear from you others.
Oh dear Lynne, I'm very sorry to hear of your stroke! My mom had several eye bleedings but never lost sight. I can just offer my humble prayers and if you allow me, I'll ask the community of nuns where my daughter is to pray for you. Prayer will help you find peace and some comfort in the middle of your hardships. God is always in the other side of the line. Do you have someone to help you dear?
My dear Lynne, who is ever ready? Even Our Lord had a hard time while praying in the garden... But at the end, every cross comes with redemption... not necessarily in this life though. A warm hug to you, again, count with our prayers! Please, keep us posted.
Hey ladies…Lynne & Regina
Haven’t been on CC as I usually get bumped out. I can’t type a message because after a few sentences, again, I get bumped out. So I’m typing this in my notes on my phone. Then I copied and paste.
So many ads and videos popping up on CC, crazy.
Lynne I’m sorry to hear about the damage to your eye. And as Regina said, not sure any of us are prepared for the bumps in the road. My arthritis has worsened in my hands, so I stick to strictly cakes for family.
And our daughter has been in a difficult marriage for some time. Husband with bipolar that hasn’t worked for years. And he’s become increasingly abusive. Daughter is carrying the whole load, especially financially. So myself and husband do a LOT with our 2 grandson’s. That I know is God’s mission for us/me now.
I wonder why you get bumped but I don’t and how many others do?
Yes all the pop up adds are very annoying but since we are on here short time I can over look them for the most part.
I will pray for your daughter and family. Yes dear old uncle author loves to slow me down also. Especially bad in neck & hands. The pain meds help very little. Just ignore it as much as possible. This getting old is not fun. I’ve been to more doctor a in the last few months than I had over the last year .
I wonder why you get bumped but I don’t and how many others do?
Yes all the pop up adds are very annoying but since we are on here short time I can over look them for the most part.
I will pray for your daughter and family. Yes dear old uncle author loves to slow me down also. Especially bad in neck & hands. The pain meds help very little. Just ignore it as much as possible. This getting old is not fun. I’ve been to more doctor a in the last few months than I had over the last year .
Hi All,
I haven't been on in awhile either.
Lynne I am so sorry to hear about your eye and I see you do so much in the cake-gifting area too! That's frustrating and upsetting. Glad you are finding a way to manage but I'm sending my prayers and positive thoughts your way.
June, I am sorry to read yours too - both the arthritis part and the family part. My husband and I's business is working with the Courts here evaluating families with respect to custody and visitation. It's often very hard for women to separate from abusive relationships and it's hard on the kids who know enough to know something's wrong. I pray for strength for you all. Yes, this is why I bake, I need relief from my day job!
We seem to be similar in that we are always moving and doing something, a lot for others. I sure didn't get the memo about this growing older with more problems. I just got my Medicare card last month but I refuse to believe I can possibly be this old. But my body parts tell me otherwise!
It is nice to see some of you back - even for a moment! xoxo
Theresa
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