Noted: The Entrepreneurial Generation

The idea of an entrepreneur being a sellout is fascinating. thanks for great read!

I see etsy as a place where art and commerce can coincide without a feeling of guilt but of great artistic satisfaction!

Such a great article! Thanks so much for sharing! =)

Great article...I remember having the entrepeneurial spirit from as far back as grade 3!!!

Great article, short and to the point!

At first I though I was biased with my involvement in entrepreneurial education programs, please with the attraction of current college students. Then I see so much more examples. Return of the entrepreneur. Just in time! I used to be weird, now feeling a little more normal...time to shake it up even more!

Great article!

most people are sellouts because they take shortcuts and they jump on other people's ideas and really don't make it their own. you won't often get etsys and facebooks and napsters and amazons and the hard work that goes with it. people want to use what these people make and call themselves genuises after reading a little goldin and gladwell (they want you to feel that way, too, so you buy more of their books and hire them to speak at your conferences): goldin and gladwell - theyz smartz. i don't think the originals were/are networkers nor the first crop of collaborators like what is still occurring more or less at etsy. they were/are visionary. huuuuuuge difference. most will fall into the new borg or nouveau gestapo monolith. problems won't be the govt. intrusion so much as the marauding masses on the internet repeating the same thing over and over (and hacking and spinning lots) because they don't take the time to nurture and develop their own content. that's how it always has been. technology doesn't change that.

Fascinating topic. Many of the featured sellers that I have read recently seem to be Mums who want more flexibility, choice and money for their efforts when it comes to working. I would also say from a female perspective that there is no glass ceiling when you are a self employed person. But for women in the UK your salary is capped in many industries and does not match the salary of your male colleagues. So if having more creative and financial freedom is selling out I am perfectly ok with that. I would argue though that instead of selling out it is possible that we work within the system to change the system for the better and that we get a fairer society.

Well said....great article.

Great article ~tho don't like that cell phone next to the little babies head it seems counterproductive and almost outdated.

Wonderful information thanks for sharing.

In this economic climate where the guarantee of a job is not promised, more individuals are having to depend on marketing themselves and their skills by whatever means they can find. More and more people are opening their own businesses, selling product and craft online or inventing online businesses that weren’t imaginable 20 years ago. It’s the cyber version of the butcher, the baker, the candlestick maker. I don’t call that commercialization, but rather self preservation.

Is it a sellout or just another way to make a wage in this ever changing world?

Thought provoking!

I read the article and thought it was spot on. I majored in business and also took a lot of art classes because I thought I could never make it as an artist. My original dream was to be a full-time artist which always seemed to be something that pop culture said that only a couple superstars and a bunch of sellouts could do and I never considered myself a great artist. So my dream in college was to be a sellout.

In a world where Huge Multinatiional Corporations have more power than National Governments, where corrupt bankers encourage us to take on more debt than we can handle (and all the subsequent international financial fallout of thier shady dealings), where mass manufacturing disenfranchises us all (including the souls who work in those factories, whose day consists of soul destroying and mindnumbing repitition - I know, because for many years I worked as factory labour)....I think the only way to slip the yolk is to go into business for oneself. I don't call that "selling out", I call that taking charge in a world where so much of our world is way beyond our control. Also, when you think of the small scale that most Etsy businesses run on, and the fact that they are keeping alive many craft traditions that have been in decline ever since the industrial revolution...that is to say they are keeping a valuable knowledge base alive in our communities (how empowering is that, when you can make what you need from scratch, rather than needing to rely on buying from large companies who thrive on inbuilt obsolescence of thier wares, and don't care about the waste this greed driven attitude creates)...well I think you get my drift :) (Amazingly difficult to make sense at this hour:)).

came across the children's book "Goodnight iPad" today. Found it both ironic and telling.

Our society is so very commercial and material driven at this time, but I feel like the those who have the drive to develop careers and support themselves through their entrepreneurship and skill-sets aren't selling out, but rather aiding in a movement to retreat back to a more human, more organic, form of trade. And bustling marketplaces are nothing new. I like to think of the sellers here on Etsy as modern-day gypsies, peddlers, and merchants, and I'm proud to be one of them! And as part of this generation who was accused of having no direction a few years back, I am glad to finally start hearing at least a bit of praise for how we are going about entering the real world while it's in such a state of duress.

If you are interested in the characteristics of generations, a great book is the "fourth turning", Describing 4 cyclical generational patterns. Super interesting, it shows how even the depression & the current recession are part of a historical string of societal catastrophes, going back to our roots in europe. highly recommend.

I certainly don't consider starting a business selling out. I think networking and a sense of self sufficiency is necessary these days. I agree with VolenskaVintage.

baybez on face book... just what we need

I would never call this selling out. This revolutionizing the way the world works. The generations before us have proven that their way of thinking and doing things just doesn't work anymore. So instead of going down with their ship, we're finding our own ways of doing things. We're the visionaries of today and the backbone of tomorrow. So lets show them what we're really made of!

It's always endearing to meet people who work with their hands. At least, that's the way people have treated me when they realize I can make clothes. A woman once said that in disbelief, "You make CLOTHES?!" I should be more proud of it, but I don't want to come off as a trendy little girl designer...'O of course she sews, she's Asian and it's in vogue now...' There are so many stereotypes, and being someone who's been laid off twice before I even turned 25, well, whatever works to maintain a happy home life, I say go for it. Let everyone else call it what they will, be it a sellout, a craft, a hobby, or just a weird girl with glasses who colors in coloring books to debase herself from her stressors. I have to say I like what Parachute425 said "It’s the cyber version of the butcher, the baker, the candlestick maker. I don’t call that commercialization, but rather self preservation" as well as WagstaffJewels "they are keeping a valuable knowledge base alive in our communities." Yes and yes to all of that!!

I think many creative people realize that while it should not be seen as an end, money is a vital part of what it takes to live a fulfilling and productive life! (At least, if you plan to live that life anywhere within mainstream society) Money is often necessary for putting creative ideas into motion and seeing them through. Everyone needs to make money one way or another, and I believe that doing it by employing creativity to share a product that is new and special is a wonderful way to achieve that. The more entrepreneurship the better! As consumers, we can say and accomplish a lot with our decisions as to how and where we spend or money. Etsy provides such a wonderful environment in which we can support each other and share our creative ideas.

I think what Deresiewicz is talking about when he wrote "That was selling out" is that the generation that became the Hippies believed that a person was selling out if they became part of the "Establishment" by going to work every day and focusing on coming to conservative values to make money, rather than pursue a ideology of peace, love and personal freedom. Back then, life was good, the middle class was thriving, Unions were strong, and people took care of each other. One didn't have to worry about survival, or diminishing resources like peak oil, and climate change was a distant concern. I don't think he meant anything derogatory towards today's youth. Everything is different today. You have to be a lot more creative to make your way in the world, it's a lot harder to find fulfilling work and avoid being exploited by an employer and there certainly seems to be less abundance and more fearfulness in society these days. The current environment is inhospitable to Hippies; they (or their children) had to evolve. Etsy is a place that allows that evolution to occur and for creative people to find a balance between survival and pursuing a life of peace, love and personal freedom.

Maybe it's because I live in a rural community, but what's known these days as "micro-business" has always been the main way for people to make a living. Almost everybody is self-employed, with maybe up to about 3 or 4 employees at the most. They range from farmers & fishermen through plumbers & mechanics to the "classic" stay at home mothers making tote bags & pies, but the way to provide for your family has always been to produce something saleable & sell it successfully. The internet has made it easier to find a niche market large enough to sustain a business because you can reach more people, but the principle has always been there.

What an interesting article! I think the intent behind one's actions determine if they were "selling out." There are some bands, for example, that completely changed their style of music, just to sell records, and I believe that's selling out. But if you believe in your product and love it, then feel free speak your mind! :)

Could Willy D. be an idiot pig? I think what this country needs is more entrepreneurs! How the heck did this country get started anyway?!!! Everybody was an Entrepreneur!!! Now, instead of ambitiously trying to make a living by your own means, people are encouraged to live off the fat of the land. What the 'F' does the jerk think got this country into such a mess ecconomically?!, in the first place, besides fat (filthy rich,) corrupt politicians! Thank God I don't read the New York Times, 'cause I'd be pissed off every day. What does he think caused the stock market to crash? Instead of making our own country's economy strong, the fat cats with all the cash invest in the work forces abroad, instead of making more jobs in this country, and now our grandchildren will have to pay the price of the next depression. Good article, by the way. Very thought provoking. Just don't censer ME. THAT REALLY makes me mad! Oh, and I'm slashing my prices BEFORE Christmas! Isn't THAT a kicker!

Great article!

Starting my own business as part of the handmade movement embodies my values as a member of this generation. It's a step towards independence from working for "the man," and it allows me to create a life based on local, sustainable, human-scale activities. I think our generation is more interested in transforming our economic culture, rather than seceding from it.

Love this article : )

Hey DesignsOfDeLand, I'm working on being a "sellout" right now by attending university (for commerce no less!) and honing my crafty skills on the side. I don't think it's smart to define yourself by one "trade" only. Having a wide variety of skills & interests is useful! Also, the last word I think of when I'm thinking about entrepreneurs is bland.

Interesting article...of course things change so rapid that this too will have a complete new meaning even next month.

I see my brother's kids - at the age of 4 they are already computer savvey. The rule the iPhone. I always wonder how this generation will grow up.

My grandfather loved farming but it wasn't the easiest way to support his family so he would start and run a business for a few years and when he had build up a reserve, he would sell the business and go back to full time farming. No one called him a sell out for having a meat locker, gas station, or farm machinery dealership. His rural community needed these businesses. When I was in art school I asked one of my professors to show us how to fill out grant and exhibition applications, because I felt this was a practical skill needed for the future. He brushed off my suggestion, said that we didn't need that. There simply isn't enough space in the traditional "high art" market for all of us graduates to make a living. I can only find a couple of examples from my school who live only off their art sales. Everyone else either went into teaching, or have other full or part time jobs.

I love his t-shirt! AWWW~

Selling Out is to participate in ripping people off.......Selling your handmade or found goods, or supplies...at a fair price, is normal natural human behavior. One human cannot do everything for themselves in a modern world, so buying good stuff from others is a delight! yes, we could all go live in the country and grub for food and never buy anything ever....that's a real stupid idea. How about we think of work with dignity, and insist on human rights, and environmental concerns?

I actually just wrote a post about the idea of selling out the other day. For some people it's still the idea of working for a big corporate team but for many people in my generation (Y) the idea of selling out is when you cross your moral/ethical boundaries to make money or placate a boss. I think this is why so many of us are wanting to be self employed because we can feel good about the decisions we make, as they are totally ours to own.

my friends 2yr old daughter knows how to use the iphone! cute little finger just scrolls through what she's trying to find.

I don't consider it to be selling out. I think of it more as utilizing the sources that are available. As much as I have been resistant towards using social networking sites as a means of generating business, I see more than ever that if you want to success, you have to be willing to be flexible and to make adjustments. As long as it does not effect the integrity of your product...

I don't consider it "selling out", I started my Etsy shop to be with a community of makers because that is what I like to do. I think that's what we all want, a community that loves doing the same things we do. Making money, is great but it's only a byproduct of having creative minds together and it helps spread and inspire other's as well.

such a great article thanks for sharing

To "commercialize one's own ideals" is certainly NOT "selling out;" (perhaps "compromising" one's ideals/values, etc could be considered selling-out)... Deresiewicz seems to be comparing apples to oranges... (i.e. comparing, [and criticizing], the millenial generation to those of 20, 40 years ago)... Let's not forget, each generation is the result of the actions and choices of those preceeding- The entrepreneurial spirit of today has been spurred, and necessitated, by the outsourcing of jobs, corporate greed, skyrocketing college tuition, etc. And, the global market of the world wide web was not available 20 years ago... To suggest that "starting a business" was considered "selling out" is simply ludicrous! I'm sure the hippies and punksters would have done the same thing if the internet had come along 30 years earlier... What I see, is individuals tapping into their own creative psyches to develop a viable product or service... in other words, SELF-SUFFICIENCY... So, fellow "Entrepreneurs," ... keep up the networking, marketing, and... "Stay positive, focused on others, and keep smiling!"

As a person firmly rooted in this "Millennial" generation (born 1987) and also a full-time artist/ Etsian, I can definitely say that I don't see it as selling out at all. To me and to many of my generation who I talk to, "selling out" is when you take your own beliefs and ethics, business or personal, and compromise them in favor of a get-rich scheme especially at the benefit of corporate megalomaniacs (similar to what Elsa said about 5 comments up). I see this as an ambitious generation whose primary focus after years of "You are your own unique rainbow" training is to go out and be that unique rainbow. To somehow make our mark and do it on our own. More and more, I see my generation grasping on to a new American dream: Self-reliance.

Totally agree that "selling out" refers to something different than being entrepreneurial (sp?). I was a kid in the 60s, and that's what it meant then, "selling out to The Man," by compromising your ethics to get ahead. And Etsy is an outlet that definitely allows people to be their own business--thank you very much! But let's be honest about something else...Etsy is also home to a surprising number of pseudo-artists and businesspeople, who fake being a mom-and-pop, or have their "designs" made by the hands of others, or are instead fronts for bigger companies or even scams. I do love that Etsy allows people to be their own boss. As tuchooandmoocow said, "grasping on to a new American dream: self reliance." It's an awesome dream, and I hope that this marketplace focuses on that.

Great post. "So in the thoroughly modern context that we find ourselves, does the commercialization of your own ideals still count as selling out?" makes me really think about it.

I clicked over to read the Times article in full and really wish I hadn't. What a warped perspective. Being nice is being sales-y? I feel like I was just told that my entire generation is a bunch of phoney used car salesmen. Can we put a little more positive energy out there?

In a time where jobs are scarce - we need people who are making their own jobs! Way to go, all those of you who are making a life for yourselves by being innovative and creative, not waiting for the government to fix things!!

I truly believe that we have to make our own way and on our own terms to do what we love to do. Scary? Yes! But what a journey!

Awesome Picture!!

We must love what we do! I love this. :)

I see the hand made movement as the alter ego to the free trade, globalization that is happening on a more corporate level. If you hate the idea that capitalization is a race to the see who can make the most, the cheapest, and the fastest then Etsy provides a market place to buy a conscience and in more of a one of a kind artisan way from people all over the world. As a seller- you can make what you want, when you want and then put it up for sale on your own time table. To move to a corporate type of distribution is a whole different ball game with their time table and the parameters.

A young person's first thought is rarely to start a business. Most of us came to business *after* we came to our craft and were looking for a way to spend more time doing what we love. That applies to entrepreneurial artists anywhen. People have been starting businesses forever. Some of us were raised by entrepreneurs or would be entrepreneurs. Were they all sellouts or is is just us? What a ridiculous notion. The internet has simply made entrepreneurship easier and more accessible than ever before and members of society growing up with the net have responded accordingly. Worth repeating: itselemental says: To "commercialize one's own ideals" is certainly NOT "selling out;" (perhaps "compromising" one's ideals/values, etc could be considered selling-out)

My father left his corporate job in packaging to start his own business in 1969. He bought an answering machine ( as big as an old VCR) which was a very creative approach for his time. He could be on the road on sales calls or fishing at the beach-- as long as he could get to a phone (pay phone) to retrieve messages and return calls. It was genius -- and this was my role model. Likewise, I have structured my work around my "millennial" children who thought everyone's mom 'made stuff' at home while they were at school. It is the Internet and sites like Etsy, that has opened up commerce for independent makers of all ages. It isn't only Millenials that are finding opportunity as entrepreneurs. Funny-- my millennials are looking for jobs!!

In my opinion, the only true job security that exists does not not lie in working for other people but starting your own business and making money from it. The idea that somebody can support themself by creating and offering a unique product or service that people are willing to pay money for, to me is absolutely exhilarating and liberating.

I wouldn't even look at it as 'commercialization of ideals' - it's capitalizing our our ideas! We are truly the first generation to have REAL control over what happens in our lives. Being the 'internet generation', we are privy to more information and have more power than anyone before us. We have virtual relationships that span the globe and networking abilities like never before. So many people today are taking charge of their career and future in a way previous generations couldn't. I am an artist in so many aspects and I am not selling out. I am building a future for my family based on my passions as opposed to settling for a job that gives me no joy. I feel so lucky to live in a time where that is possible. If I have to take the derogative description of the Millennial from people who truly don't get it in order to have the world and the future at my fingertips... so be it. We still win. Fantastic note Chappell!!

The difference between the "beatniks, hippies, and punks" and the millennials of today is that the former lived in an era where anything fabricated by man represented "working for the man" and thus squelched individual efforts and creative ideas. Today the Millennials are the children of the hippies and the punks who grew up and realized that a better tactic than fighting is to take away the weapons. By changing the philosophies of how employees are regarded (for the most part), the former hippies and punks have provided for their children a less threatening work environment that at least preaches value of the individual, and the Millennials are thus not afraid of a little capitalism in the right hands. Their tactics for responding to corporate greed are to leverage balance between quality and GPM, educating the buyer, and providing what big business cannot. Unfortunately, the parents were not all hippies and punks, nor are the children all purveyors of a small business economy...but at least we're working on it.

I don't understanding all this "selling out" stuff....When I decided to leave the soul numbing job search and go into business for myself I felt like FINALLY, I'm persuing the right path! Yes, business is about selling a product your customers see value in and offering those products at a profit to your company....but it's also about TIMEING and capitalizing on ideas. America is the land of ideas.....Everything was an idea first. Back in 1981 there was a little company named Xerox. They were marketing a copy machine called the Xerox 8010 Star Information System. It was controlled by a little device called a mouse, used to navigate the system. Apple computers caught hold of this idea from Xerox, and adoped the idea to create the first "Lisa Mouse" used with our first modern day computers....It revolutionized our world today...not to mention created a mulit billion dollar company and wake of billionheirs through the last few decades. All from an idea that some may say was "stolen"....Some might call that "selling out", but I think Apple just made the idea they're own and adapted it into new parameters....that's my version of the American Dream.....Taking an idea and making it your own, seeing new possibilities and capitalizing. For me, being an entrepenure is about taking control of my life and furture to create generational wealth and deversfied income streams from my various Ideas ....and turn those ideas onto profit centers. That creates a life style and a means to not only give you and your family freedom, but to be in a position to help others. If we have only one income stream in our household in todays economy we are our own liability.... I think as long as we strive to conduct business with integrity, take care of our customers as though they were friends and trust that the Lord blesses the works of his childrens hands....there's no such thing as a sell out. If you work hard enough you'll eventually find your market if you just don't quit....no matter who the "Big Guy" is.

My name is michal and iam new in etsy , I find it very difficult, not like pepole told me.

It has become a great source of pride for me that not only do I run my own business, making things that I feel are worth putting into the world, but I am also part of a growing community of people who are resourceful enough to go out on their own. Yes, most of the people I know who are doing this are "Millennials" like me, but I also know lots of older people who are starting or further developing small businesses (my wonderful parents included!). And in some ways I feel like we are returning at least a little bit to the days of family businesses, when someone had a trade and the rest of the crew pitched in relevant skills and elbow grease.

My family are all artists and crafters. We make what we like and decided to try to make some money to keep on making art and crafts. It's not selling out unless you're only doing to make money. I had a different Etsy store and use EBay on and off for both crafts and other things. We're scaling down our household in hopes of being able to move. I would love to sell enough to not work at all or only to work part-time. I don't like where I work much, but have bills to pay. We're just getting into craft fairs too, but it's hard when you don't have a truck and only make $8.00 an hour.

Interesting article. "Selling out" meant something completely different to me. A sign of the times perhaps?

Thought provoking, as always. *wink* I think that making a living creatively has nothing to with 'selling out', though I think these comments were meant to be construed as the sentiments of 30-40 years ago. Does an artist have to be starving, in order to be a real artist? I don't think so. In this day and age, there are so many different tools at our disposal to get our creations seen by others. And we are Renaissance-Men and Women. We must not only be good at our craft, but everything else as well. I feel like I have a part in this Pioneer Spirit that is slowly pervading people right now. The economic times are pressing in on us, and we are all finding ways to deal with them creatively. Kind of like 'living off the grid'. Finding ways to keep food on the table, and the house warm without having to feed the system. We are creating our own systems instead. So I find this observation about the 'Millennial Generation' very off the mark. If anything, our Generation is learning to simply stand on its own 2 feet. I reject the Big Box take-over, and choose to buy/trade/support smaller entrepreneurs instead. Does that make me a sell-out? I think that makes everyone else who feeds The System, a sell-out actually. Just my 2 bits. :D

Interesting points. I love HouseofMoss' comment though - that pretty much sums up how I feel. But to each his own. I think selling out is personal: just doing something that you're indifferent about, or actually hate, just for a dollar. Somebody else might consider your job their dream, who knows. Getting to be independent, to make a living from doing something I love - that is my dream. To me, selling out was working in an office I couldn't stomach.

Excellent article. Thanks for posting!

I think the concept of 'selling out' is dwindling - except maybe in the academic world of art. But overall, I feel that this is a time of opportunity - harkening back to history - many of today's most successful businesses began in times of economic distress through the spirit of the entrepreneur. So why not us, and why not now? I feel this generation of 'makers' is motivated and capable - so here's to our hard work and success!

very interesting and thought provoking read. Thank you

Well said. Thank you for those thoughts!

I think the dichotomy of "starving artist" vs. "selling out" was quickly followed by the concept of "right livelihood", a term that was tossed around a lot in the early 80s, but is actually an ancient concept--the principle that each person should follow a fulfilling and honest occupation that fully respects other people and the natural world. And the internet has allowed right livelihood to go global. I think it's a very good and exciting thing.

I think that all artists and artisans, designers are not paid what they are worth, it is certainly noticeable when your bosses drive around in fancy cars and exploit the very people that work for them, make them feel bad about not doing FREE overtime and always ask for more, never giving anything in return. this is why a lot of people trade a steady paycheck for working for themselves. it is much more rewarding and you get to play by your own rules.

Small business has always been the heartbeat of this country. Creativity has formed from this current economic crisis. Individuals have turned to their dreams and talents to form their own cottage industries.

So many thoughtful responses - I wish there were "Like and Dislike" apps to press so we could respond to the responses - I agree with many that this generation is not "selling out" - they are carving out their own existence as best they can with what tools they have and moving forward - our economy is shifting and drastically changing - if we can learn to flesh out an existence that is soul-fulfilling and is productive - then why not? Right now we're in the midst of huge mind boggling change and its happening so quickly, the hand-made movement I think helps to centre our souls and keeps the heart in our work and society.

I don't fit into the age and I have always done it myself. I also had a mother who sold her sewing skills so she could stay home with her children. It is very talked about and maybe more do it now but I think a lot of folks have always done it. But it is great that young folks are getting excited about this. The world will be better for it. Diverscity rocks

Now we have to teach America to buy handmade art/crafts, buy American and buy from the Micro business. "the hand-made movement I think helps to centre our souls and keeps the heart in our work and society." Nicely said!

Nice post :)))

Very thought provoking concept. As a 50+ single female trying to survive in today's economy, I had to fall back on what I knew, which is sewing. I majored in art, & business in H. S., but no higher education, because I had to work too much. I have spent my life working for someone else, & making them $$$. Now I can't buy a job..... Starting a business doing what I love has always been a dream for me, & I was actually forced to do it.....I may not have taken the plunge otherwise. I just wish I had taken photography LOL! The kick in my pants though seems to be everyone's fascination with quantity, & not quality. In a culture where everything is disposable, & cheap to replace sickens me, & it's hard to find anything made in the USA anymore. I am sticking to my guns regardless. I don't make crap, & I'm not buying it either~if that is all there is~then I will go without. Why??? Because I can, & I'm used to it already.

This generation has a unique blend of technology resources to explore and make things happen, a drive to not settle for less than what we're capable of, and a fear of falling into the trap of complacency. Combine that with a complete lack of stability in the job market, and we have so many reasons encouraging us to take a risk (because any other job is just as much a risk these days). The only difference is we might create something incredibly rewarding and fulfilling. And it's not just the millennial generation - this is a great time for most to start a business, and I'm so inspired by all the artisans and entrepreneurs I see on this network, and in New York City where I live, and creatively around the world. So exciting to see what we can create from our minds and efforts.