Dear Rokali, Etsians seriously need your help . . .
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Original Post
Rokali, I'm gonna make a quick post, since I know you are following a thread in bugs right now. I have actually been avoiding posting in the fora over the weekend, because I’ve honestly been wondering, what’s the use? But, since I know you are around, I’m taking a chance that you will care enough to respond here. I hope you will take a few moments to ponder the increasingly stormy climate in the fora – and the reasons behind it – and then perhaps address some of our concerns.
When you say
"Trust me, we're right there with you -- we want all this stuff to work flawlessly, and we do our absolute best to make sure of it." (quoted from bottom of this page www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5687775&page=9 )
are you referring only to the particular DNS/ISP issue, or are you referring to the Etsy experience as a whole? Because there are a lot of issues needing attention.
Have you taken a stroll through the rest of Bugs? Through Site Help? Through Ideas? Have you noted the many frustrations and requests for help, clarification, fixes? So much has gone wrong lately, added to the accumulation of many longstanding 'little' concerns (some are actually not little at all,) that users are at their wits end.
We have loved Etsy, been loyal and supportive, advertised and assisted in countless ways. In addition to promoting the overall site, here's a little tip-of-the-iceberg list to give you an idea of how devoted and committed Etsians are:
** flagging
** site help and bug-hunting
** newbie info (courtesy of sagittariusgallery, and a host of others)
** answers to FAQs
** contributions to the EtsyWiki ( www.etsywiki.com/ )
** Etsy Mini gallery of shops ( etsymini.blogspot.com/ )
** relevant search ( www.bestysearch.com/ )
** front page treasuries ( www.flickr.com/groups/etsyfrontpagetreasury/ , frontpagers.blogspot.com/ )
** 'hearts me' info-at-a-glance (Majaba - www.majaba.org/heartomatic.php )
** site news (UEN - etsynews.com )
** site stats (EtsyTools, RIP)
To name just a *few* ways Etsy users - sellers *and* buyers - go the extra distance to benefit *everyone else* here.
As you can see, the community has a great way of pulling together and helping one another, but there is only so much we can accomplish. None of us are paid to do these things. We do them to fill gaps in Etsy services and features, because we NEED these things, and many more besides. How about a little Etsycorp love in return?
It appears as if Etsy has strayed far afield of its original mission statement, which is having a snowball negative effect. And it isn’t just the usual ‘vocal’ users who are dismayed – many members are coming out of the woodwork to voice their concerns. Etsy, for many, seems to be going to hell in a hand(made)basket. What do you say, Rokali, to those who are feeling demoralized and disenfranchised?
To quote a much-espoused sentiment:
"hope breaks your heart on this site."
Posted at 1:54pm Jun 29, 2008 EDT
Responses
sagittariusgallery says:
quirke says:
I'm guessing you've missed some of the real gems put forth by various admins in the forums. Everything from saying they don't care about a particular seller's opinion, to that being professional went out in the 80s, or making and posting a graphic calling a seller "insane", or creating an off-site blog mocking sellers. I'm also guessing you haven't been on the receiving end of nasty, intimidating convos sent by admins who don't like what you've posted.
****
Heh. Remember the time one admin. posted a thread making fun of a newbie who posted all in caps? That was a shining moment, truly.
--------------------------
Shining!
I also love the comment from one of the newer admins that if someone doesn't love Etsy it must be because their product sucks and they can't sell anything. Of course, they said that before they were made an admin, but really, is it such an awesome idea to hire people who say things like that?
Posted at 3:06pm Jun 30, 2008 EDT
LilWitchy says:
Keep your chin up Polkadot ☺
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Trying to. But I can't help but wonder that if this is what is going on right in front of us, what is taking place, during the "we are discussing this internally" conversations.
I also think of those many many people who I have directed to Etsy telling them of it's wonderful, positive, upbeat nature.
Posted at 3:11pm Jun 30, 2008 EDT
dmriceart
dmriceart says:
Minu,
You say...
"Etsy is very much like a whirl wind courtship filled with promises of building a life together and you are eager for the union."
Wow, ...
Now see, that is that Expectation level...thing...
I never saw (right from the beginning of being here)... Etsy as a place to build a life... It happens to be one port of many...
For those that actually thought Etsy would become their dream maker, ... it is sad ... but realistically... did you really? I know, the marketing of Etsy is "all handmade"... and "quit your job" ...but ... Do you believe all the commercials you see? ...No,
*********************
I have no expectations of Etsy. It has been very clear for me from the first day that Etsy is first and last a business that has their interest first, last and always. Does that make them bad? No it doesn't.
I'm also not delusional enough to think that how to make tutorials are being implemented for any other reason than to bring more sellers to Etsy. I don't have a problem with Etsy doing this. It is a way for them to build their business. If they don't build their business they won't be a business for long and everyone will be out.
At the same time if you don't maintain what you have already acquired it will eventually leave.
Art, crafts and handmade is not something that that came into existence because of Etsy but the other way around. These are time honored traditions that have many patrons and collectors. The patrons and collectors will not come to Etsy for the person who has just learned to make a simple widget. They will come, if you reach out to them, for those who are unique, original and offer a quality product.
The trick for Etsy is to maintain those sellers who have drawing power while reaching out to those who are new with now experience.
In the end the market place will decide which sellers and what venues will be successful. Without quality and service the market place has unlimited options of where to spend their money.
Posted at 3:17pm Jun 30, 2008 EDT
Oh, my... I do remember that one, Quirky, but really...
No one would EVER be hired for anything, if all our past was taken into account... (at least anyone I know !
Posted at 3:19pm Jun 30, 2008 EDT
I wouldn't take the "we are discussing this internally" comment as negative. It is just that. They are discussing it.
Now Keep your chin up Polkadot ☺
Posted at 3:19pm Jun 30, 2008 EDT
At Green Mamba's suggestion, I'm posting my comment from another thread here, because it seems to fit. I've been struggling with my feelings about Etsy for a while, but really wanting to hang in there because I love so much of what I see here. But this was really disheartening for me.
******
I had a meeting with a local gallery owner over the weekend. We were finalizing our consignment agreement and reviewing my artist bio for the shop. I'm pretty excited to be in there, because it's a gallery that's been around for a while and that sells some work by very well established fine craft artists.
When I mentioned my Etsy shop, the gallery owner suggested it might be wise not to mention it to other retailers or in applications for higher end shows, as in his opinion and that of many of his colleagues, Etsy is not a place for fine craft. He said he was very excited about the concept when the site first appeared, but that now he feels it has opened itself up to far too much poor quality, mass produced and otherwise poorly presented work. He said that he doesn't take Etsy seriously anymore, as disappointed as he is to feel that way.
Interesting, and sad.
Posted at 3:24pm Jun 30, 2008 EDT
Minu says...
"if you don't maintain what you have already acquired it will eventually leave.
Art, crafts and handmade is not something that that came into existence because of Etsy but the other way around. These are time honored traditions that have many patrons and collectors. The patrons and collectors will not come to Etsy for the person who has just learned to make a simple widget. They will come, if you reach out to them, for those who are unique, original and offer a quality product.
The trick for Etsy is to maintain those sellers who have drawing power while reaching out to those who are new with now experience.
In the end the market place will decide which sellers and what venues will be successful. Without quality and service the market place has unlimited options of where to spend their money."
********************************
I Agree completely!
Posted at 3:24pm Jun 30, 2008 EDT
Chin up, PolkaDot! I have faith that we'll get somewhere!
quirke said:
"I also love the comment from one of the newer admins that if someone doesn't love Etsy it must be because their product sucks and they can't sell anything."
Or it could be that they don't have a proper place to list their items. :)
Posted at 3:27pm Jun 30, 2008 EDT