I was just wondering what everyone here prefers.
If you download a set of elements/embellishments, do you want there to be a drop shadow already added to them?
Or do you prefer having a "flat" image without any "3d" shadowing effect?
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I prefer no shadow unless it's an layered item, like a flower with 2 layers or a flower with a button in the middle. If there is a slight shadow just on the layered part it looks realistic. Otherwise it would look flat. Also, if something comes shadowed I always have a hard time figuring out where the light source is to match my other shadows.
That's a very good point, Melanie. I hadn't thought that people may want to change the light source angle, and if the shadows are already there it can cause a mismatch.
Thanks for pointing that out.
I like a layered element to have a drop shadow for depth...
In PSP you can add the shadow as a separate layer, which I really love. Then if your shadow extends beyond the outline of the merged element, then you can easily erase it.
I don't like my elements having a drop shadow because usually when I'm working with stuff, I have a specific drop shadow that I prefer.
If the shadow is on a separate layer, yes - this way it can be removed if it doesn't match the lighting angle you wish to use in your layout &/or it allows you to manipulate the shadow to your liking. But in general, no. I once asked someone that same question, when I was first starting out, and they brought up another point I wasn't aware of - that not everyone quality checks their items & it's harder to clean up (if you can at all) if there's a shadow added.
I agree with the views already mentioned.
Layered - yes on the image
Light angles on the actual project might be a problem.
I would prefer flat. It's more modern in design.
So you can add the shadow yourself in your program if you want to.
The standards are what people are saying above: If it´s an element with multiple layers, you must apply shadows between the layers and them remove exterior shadows. For elements that aren´t layered you mustn´t include shadows. If for some reason you want to include a copy with exterior shadows on your kit you need to include another one without them (usually you name them "Flower01" and "Flower01_Shadowed" or something like that).
Thank you everyone who has put there two cents in. Normally I do leave off the outer shadowing, but the other day I sold a 3D us map graphic (pic below), and the person got mad that there was no shadow. "It's not 3d without a shadow!" I did fix it for them (put the shadow in) and sent them that copy, but it did give me pause. Was I wrong to leave off the outer shadow? Was I depriving my customers of a 'vital' element by going with my instincts to leave it off?
Then I thought about PS and thought I'd ask here, among people who use graphic elements all the time. So it's gratifying to know that I was correct with leaving them off as the majority of people don't want them, or will add their own if they do. 
First, I LOVE anything American Flag, so nice job! Second, to me it looks 3D just from the bevel and inner shadowing. I have learned from selling things in the past, that you can never please everyone. Inevitably, there will be someone who expected something different, so I think you did the right thing by sending her a shadowed version. With that being send, to avoid the same thing in the future, I would add to your listings "does not include drop shadows" or something similar, or add a shadow on it's own layer like others have said.
So sorry you had such an experience, Chyina!
I prefer them to come without shadows.
Well, seems you´re not selling for digiscrappers, right? What I told you are the standards for digiscrapping... If you are in other area you should try to check with graphic designers that have the same costumer base as yours.
But your map seems 3D for me too. It´s a great one
Thanks Melanie, I'm glad you liked it.
I sometimes do actual detailed graphic design, such as websites or branding, but for the most part I sell pretty pictures, lol. In the case of the map (above) it was in a 4th of July packet with other elements.
It's okay Retha, it comes with the territory sometimes, not that that makes it any easier.
Lorien, I sell to whoever buys it, lol. I have a number of digital papers and clip art, but I know DigiScrappers aren't the only people who buy from me.
I like them without the shadows as well. I want the freedom to decided to do shadows, or emboss, or stroke....
I prefer my elements not have shadows. I will add them if I want them.
I also prefer to add my own shadows, as I often make digital or hybrid cards (using paper, ink and digital elements together) and if I don't shadow the elements myself, there may be a problem with matching up my light source on the rest of my project. I a working with PSE12, so am limited with templates and other items here on the site.
I prefer my elements without shadow too, as it looks more modern (as pointed out by Pichi)
Was the question about how I want to receive them in a kit or how I'd use them?
I guess it also depends on what else you are using in the layout. When there's a combination of stamps/layovers and elements, drop shadows often make no sense.
Since I can't import drop shadow layers into PSP, I need to create my own anyway, I wouldn't like for shadows to be "attached permanently", so I'm with about everybody here - and I throw out the bits that come with shadows immediately.
Where usage is concerned, I guess it really depends on what type of kit I am working with: As Pichi and Riz said, a shadowless layout can look bold and strikingly modern. I'd be tempted though to add some highlights like an acrylic layer or such - which'd just be shadows in reverse, right? But on most layouts, I love shadows - not on every element maybe, and sometimes ever so slight. So I do add them (see my lamenting about that tedious task and the solution to it in another thread ...
i like when there is 2 versions: one with shadows (and real effect) and without
Having shadows on elements could save time to some but will also limit the element use as you can no longer rotate or flip the element since the shadow would end up on the wrong side. OR, if someone works with shadows in a different direction for a specific look, shadows on an element might just be at the wrong angle.
I prefer them without shadows... unless there is a dimensional layering to the element... then those layers of shadowing I like, but I prefer to do my own outer shadowing for the same reason Carole mentions (rotating, flipping, etc).
I don't mind if it came with or without a shadow, but, if it's an element by itself to be rotated, I wouldn't mind if there was a "without shadow" option to work with. to me, the things that are more important shadow-wise are if it is a template in photoshop. I do like my templates with shadows on them, so that way I can copy a layer style, and paste it onto the layer containing the element I'm going to use in that placeholder's area, and then right click and adjust my blending options from there.
Some I use with shadow, some without.. mostly without though I think.
Definitely NO pre-shadows!
I prefer no shadow - it's easier enough to add one if you want but harder to remove
I prefer no shadow as well. I agree with Jodie's answer.
I prefer no shadow so I can do that myself. Depending on how/where it's used/placed, I may need the shadow to go in a different direction.
I prefer it when kits include both versions - with and without shadow. I saw a designer that separated their kits into two zipfiles, so you could download whichever one you wanted. I thought it was a great solution.