Etsy's Handmade Blog
Etsy Launches the Virtual Labs!
Story by daniellexo, EtsyStore
Published on January 21, 2008 in Etsy News 		Photo by

http://www.etsy.com/virtual_labs.php

We created the Virtual Labs in an effort to bridge the gap between the physical Etsy Labs and the greater Etsy community. The Virtual Labs will allow us (and guest hosts) to chat with you, the community, in real time! The cool thing is – we do all the techie work, you just click into a room and hang out with us virtually.

The Virtual Etsy Labs are a multi-user online space with various rooms. We use the Virtual Labs to connect with our community, host events, put on streaming webcam how-to's, invite special shopping guests showing off their picks, host team meetings, demos, and shop critiques!   

This video is a behind-the-scenes look at how one Virtual Lab took place, in this case, with a guest from People StyleWatch.

Picture_8.jpg

Virtual Labs Lobby

  • The homepage of the Virtual Labs is a lobby where you can find information about and join in on upcoming and current workshops.
  • The Virtual Labs clock runs in your time (that is, the time you're computer's internal clock is set to).
  • Click on any of the rooms to gain access inside that particular workshop chat room.
  • To exit the workshop room and return back to the Virtual Labs mapped home, click the mini colored square marked “back” on the top right of the screen.  

shop critiques friday at 1pm!

Chat

  • To chat in the workshop, just click in chat bar near the bottom left of your screen and type away. Hit enter or click the send button next to the text field.

Your Avatar

  • You will see your avatar on the screen of the workshop room upon entering, click anywhere on the screen to move your avatar around. If the room has designated squares, click one of the squares to take your seat in the workshop.
  • To make your avatar spin, bounce, beat, or glow, click the 4 grey circles located underneath the text field bar. When you scroll your mouse over those buttons, they will turn a bright blue. 
  • To raise your hand like you are asking a question, or waving, click the gray circle next to the 4 movement buttons with the hand on it. This will put a raised hand over your avatar in the workshop.
  • To indicate that you will be right back, click the gray circle next to the raised hand button that is marked “brb.” This will lighten the color of your avatar to indicate that you aren’t currently present, but will reserve your spot in the workshop.

User Avatars

  • Once inside the workshop room, you can see other users in the room identified by their avatars.
  • To find out more information about the users in the room, click on their avatars.  This will bring up a bubble with the option to click on their shop, profile, send them a conversation, and the option to send them a private message in the current workshop (/msg).


 

Extras

  • To change the color of your text, simply click the desired color underneath the text field bar. As you scroll your mouse over the colors, they will appear brighter.
  • To turn the sound on or off in the workshop room, click the gray button located at the lower right of the screen with the megaphone icon.
  • To “throw” an item in the workshop, click on your avatar and while holding down the mouse, pull back off your avatar like a slingshot aimed at the direction you’d like the item to be thrown. Let go of your mouse and the item will be released and thrown in the workshop.
  • To change the image of the item you are throwing, click on the small image with the number next to it located directly under the chat text bar. This will open up a list of all the different items you can choose to throw. Click on any of them and this will become your new item.
  • To insert an Etsy item picture into the workshop, click on the Item tab above the chat bar. Paste in the item number and hit enter.  You will see your item appear in the workshop.  Hint:  You can find the item number on any item listing under "additional item info" on the far right.


FAQ’s
Why can’t I see or hear the video stream during the workshop?
If you cannot see or hear the video stream while in the workshop, it is possible the webcam hasn’t been turned on yet, or you might need to exit and re-enter the room.  If you cannot hear the workshop, make sure your computer isn’t set on mute, and check the volume settings on your computer and speakers.

I exited the room accidentally, how to I get back in?
Just go back to the Virtual Labs Lobby and re-enter the room you were in; the workshop will still be taking place.

What can I do if the room says it’s too full?
If the room has reached the maximum amount of seats, then the room will be full.  Check back in a couple minutes in the event someone has left their seat in the room or the maximum seat number has been increased.

 

Now that you know what all those crazy functions are for, go ahead and jump into one of the Virtual Labs room to test it out for yourself!  It's a good idea to practice using the Virtual Labs chat functions while there isn't a workshop taking place, so you can get familiar with the tools and be prepared to participate in the next workshop.

See you there,
Your Etsy Labs

 

Tags All about Etsy FAQ Series, chat rooms, Etsy News, ETSY NEWS, help, newbie chat, Online Workshops, Seller Handbook, shop critiques, Shop Live, site features, Tech Updates, video, Virtual Labs
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95 comments     Login to add your own!

Jan. 21, 2008 at 5:08 p.m. hobbledehoy

wow! How exciting, I can't wait to hook up my camera and get started :)

Jan. 21, 2008 at 5:11 p.m. abitabite

Hahahahah

i remember the day Vanessa was wearing that crazy hat.. you all need to put a picture of it on the labs flickr. It is hilariously cool

Jan. 21, 2008 at 5:33 p.m. sarahkamsler

this is so cool!!! i can't wait to check it out. thanks etsy:)

Jan. 21, 2008 at 6:25 p.m. FranksAndBeans

I love it! Thanks etsy team!!! :)

Jan. 21, 2008 at 6:27 p.m. JJMFinance

So great to be able to play paintball on Etsy!

Jan. 21, 2008 at 7:03 p.m. alkemystic88

This is going to change the face of shopping. You just boosted enthusiasm by 200%.

Jan. 21, 2008 at 9:33 p.m. MayaBella

Yeah! I love all the new changes!

March 30, 2008 at 1:33 a.m. youmeyou

this will be so fun..xo! thanks!

March 31, 2008 at 5:23 p.m. ArcaneArtistic

I can't get into any of the rooms because it says my "workshop client version is out of date, please clear my cache for new version" etc., etc..... What do I do!?!

May 1, 2008 at 4:53 a.m. lisianblue

Visited the labs for the 1st time tonight - oops after the official critique was over - but some people were still hanging out and I got some wonderful helpful suggestions.
I hope this is ok - but Indiemoon and jillhannah were sooooooo helpful. The "labs" is awesome. I "looked" at the typo on my banner for so long I didn't even realize it was there! How embarrasing. Thank you thank you thank you.

June 20, 2008 at 10:04 a.m. currawongwhisper

looks good, I just have to get the hang of it.!!!

July 12, 2008 at 5:45 a.m. prasen

hellow

Aug. 1, 2008 at 11:24 p.m. thefaeriecupboard

Thank you Etsy; that's a very creative and useful tool. I missed a meeting. Is there a way to read what went on? Can I schedule a room every week for about 10 minutes just to go in and throw things? It could be like weekly therapy~

Aug. 21, 2008 at 1:14 p.m. DebiDesigns

How do we find out about having a Trunkt show?

Sept. 4, 2008 at 3:15 p.m. WozArtStudio

Can't get my speakers to work, and would like to be able to "just read" this lab.
Possible?

Sept. 18, 2008 at 3:33 p.m. limitz

This is such an amazing feature... I went in yesterday for the first time and just couldnt believe what great job u guys do. VERY MUCH APPRECIATED!!

Oct. 11, 2008 at 8:58 p.m. CoCoArtiste1

This is fun

Nov. 13, 2008 at 10:05 p.m. thequeensroyalcoach

This is Awesome!!!

Nov. 19, 2008 at 3:16 a.m. littlepapoose

this looks interesting... ill have to check it all out when someones in a lab! ;)

Nov. 26, 2008 at 11:23 a.m. craftsbykash

I am so overwhelmed! i am not this computer savy.

Dec. 3, 2008 at 8:48 p.m. BlueCanvasStudios

Wow! This is an incredible feature. You guys are quite clever!

Dec. 11, 2008 at 7:25 p.m. tadaboutique

This sounds like a lot of fun. Awesome.

Dec. 12, 2008 at 1:31 a.m. beadinbythesea

I'll have to give this a try!

Dec. 27, 2008 at 11:54 a.m. NiBuDesign

I think I need to try!

Dec. 31, 2008 at 12:57 p.m. mossyrockpottery

I'm assuming the above info is about some kind of online classroom on how to use ETSY more effectively, NOT to do your own research using some kind of online mining tool??

A mining tool would be cool.

Jan. 28, 2009 at 10:05 p.m. gretchenmist

this is great - have been to a 'meeting' and it was amazing! etsy is so cool :)

Feb. 1, 2009 at 3:38 p.m. eastbayarts

OK..... need to jump in!

Feb. 12, 2009 at 9 p.m. bellasparty

I'll try soon.

Feb. 15, 2009 at 1:48 p.m. AuraOrganica

awesome!!!!!!!!!

Feb. 16, 2009 at 11:57 p.m. CrinkleSprinkle

Kewl! Gotta try it!

Feb. 18, 2009 at 3:43 p.m. TerriGarciaDesigns

Thanks for the info!

Feb. 19, 2009 at 11:34 a.m. TheHeadsCreation

Really Neat-o-
I'll have to give it a try.

Feb. 19, 2009 at 7:20 p.m. MySerenityWay

Can't wait to try this feature.

Feb. 23, 2009 at 1:15 p.m. cristinadavid

this feature is so cool!!!

Feb. 23, 2009 at 7:58 p.m. Doreennagle

Hi - I'm brand new - so much so that I don't even have anything on my website yet. Can you tell me if the times for the virtual labs are east coast, pacific time or ...??

Feb. 24, 2009 at 1:49 p.m. Charmony

Is there a way to view the content of labs after they have been held. Several have been held when I am unavailabe : (

Feb. 26, 2009 at 8:09 p.m. GiftGalleryInc

How do you get into a private meeting I should be in?

March 30, 2009 at 1:26 p.m. dovecountrytatting

I would like info on Eastern Washington lab which is private.

April 7, 2009 at 5:09 p.m. Yoursewsweet

Ok this is coooool!!!

April 8, 2009 at 4:02 p.m. dragonsmoon

Perhaps I am not looking in the right places, but everything that has been a 'live' event, I have not been able to attend.
Most of these things are set up at times that are geared towards the workday hours on the East Coast.
What about us working people on the Pacific coast???
Are we just totally SOL???

April 9, 2009 at 11:22 a.m. tutie

I'm brand new to Etsy, so lots to learn. Today, I hope to get some photos in and items posted to sell. Any helpful hints will be greatly appreciated. I totally agree with "Yoursewsweet" that this is cool!

April 15, 2009 at 9:26 p.m. meomay

I'm new to Etsy.
Any helpful hints will be greatly appreciated.

April 16, 2009 at 10:06 p.m. MaureenTillman

I am a newbie too but I did go to my first lab today - would have been better if I had read this article first so I would know why I was getting hit by paintballs and more. It was fun - interesting, easy to contribute to, with some silly stuff too. That's ok - we can all use that.

May 6, 2009 at 7:29 a.m. tinyspace

Newbie here, got lots to learn! this article is great tho!

May 9, 2009 at 10:14 p.m. GrannySacks

I agree with the person who said they were overwhelmed. There is so much to etsy that I could spend all day and still not be in the know. Maybe someday.

May 12, 2009 at 9:44 a.m. wheeware

Please can we have more descriptions and explanations in plain English? Perhaps a section for non computer people? I am having the same problem with EVERYTHING in that it is always assumed you know newspeak terms or can identify icons, but I can never find glossaries to help me out. I am skipping over a LOT of stuff just because I can't understand the "language".

May 18, 2009 at 11:38 a.m. goldfishluv

Does anyone know what port needs to be open to access the virtual labs? thanks!

May 28, 2009 at 2:31 p.m. ApplewoodHandwovens

I've just been here a while... so much to learn, figure out and yet, quite amazing... I'm among the overwhelmed... but so many helps... trying to work my way through them... Thank you ETSY.

May 28, 2009 at 7:38 p.m. needles1

I'm new also, since jan. but it's getting better each day.
If you think it's right just jump in and you'll find out,
if it's wrong try again it won't hurt anything. all I have
to remember is what I did to get it right. the language is
tough.

May 31, 2009 at 7:02 p.m. artivicki

Hi, I've just started to set up shop too & have made some blueys can someone help correct my blunders ha I'll keep trying! Cheers, artivicki

June 2, 2009 at 9:28 p.m. mruxndesign

can totallllly imagine how excited everybody is.
i just launched my store her today ... ;) great etsy team!
cheers
kris

June 4, 2009 at 5:36 p.m. studioc3designs

I have not yet opened my shop. Still learning the lay of the land so to speak. Have not had time to wade through all the info. Would love it if there was a "mentor" program - matching an experienced Etsy with a Newbie (not the same medium or product line) who could help 1 to 1.

June 14, 2009 at 1:40 a.m. PixieLouFelt

I have been on etsy for 2 months and this is the first time I have made it to here. So much to do so much to see.

Louise

June 14, 2009 at 7:22 p.m. ardiegaye

Why is my icon smaller than everyone elses? When I try to enlarge it, I am flying hearts around the room.

June 15, 2009 at 3:37 p.m. fireflyforge

studioc3designs has an awesome idea - the mentor concept would help so much!

June 15, 2009 at 5:14 p.m. Mamta

I'm in.

June 16, 2009 at 6:03 p.m. hea84

This is SO cool

June 17, 2009 at 11:37 a.m. linsjewelbox

i will definitely explore this! i'll be back! =)

June 17, 2009 at 3:21 p.m. BirdAndMoonStudio

Sounds like some fun ahead. Need to just jump in too.

June 17, 2009 at 9:51 p.m. Abbeyroadbeads

I'll be back... sounds great. Got to go add listings!!

June 18, 2009 at 11:59 p.m. BirdAndMoonStudio

When are the critiques for newbies happening again. I thought it was tonight at 9:00pm??

June 23, 2009 at 11:34 p.m. SewWhaat

Sounds like fun. Not that computer savy. I am among the overwhelmed. Any helpful hints will be appreciated.

June 25, 2009 at 11:33 a.m. 8thStreetSoap

Hi there -- if I miss a chat, is it archived somewhere that I can access, or is it gone forever?

June 25, 2009 at 10:46 p.m. designDiapason

8thStreetSoap: I was thinking the same thing.Would be great if we could locate the labs that we were not able to attend.

Also, are the lab times EST?

June 26, 2009 at 4:16 a.m. kariusdeparius

GREAT, I'll try that!
I need those last feedbacks to get it rolling!!!
And I guess I've got tips to share as well;°)

See you soon!

June 26, 2009 at 11:52 a.m. SuellensCreations

Attended my first session last night and will join another one for newbies in a few minutes. Have to get the hang of this since it goes so fast but lots of good info.

June 30, 2009 at 5:04 p.m. SecretAura

I love Etsy and this is Great! Thanks Etsy!

July 4, 2009 at 10:23 a.m. foxykat

Well I'm just getting started. I'm going to be 70 years old and never done anything like this. It looks and sounds like fun. Bare with me.

July 5, 2009 at 12:01 p.m. WhatShop2329

I like Etsy. I love handmade.

July 8, 2009 at 11:54 p.m. thissideofnevada

I don't have a webcam, is the webcam a requirement?

July 8, 2009 at 11:58 p.m. thissideofnevada

to designdiapson: Hi! i did read this: the meeting times are automatically displayed to your time zone in accord with your computer's clock.
so whatever time zone your clock is, that's the time zone Etsy displays :)

July 9, 2009 at midnight thissideofnevada

An archive would be awesome : )
for those of us who may not be able to make it to the meetings :(

July 12, 2009 at 2:13 p.m. ygvega

I too am new to this site. I look forward to getting my things up. So there is lots to learn. I am ready.

July 14, 2009 at 6:50 p.m. PoppinJFox

I'm new...any advice is welcomed! :)

July 16, 2009 at 8:48 p.m. SweetSentiments1

How can I get a critique on my shop?
I am new to Etsy and would like some feedback.

July 30, 2009 at 7:44 p.m. ClosetDelights

I would still like to find out how to
(a) "machine gun" shoot all those hearts, tomatoes, etc : )
(b) and also how to BOLD the font
(c) and increase font size
Can anyone share the secrets to achieving these?

Aug. 15, 2009 at 3:18 a.m. bellta

Hello!!

Aug. 18, 2009 at 10:44 p.m. MyRagtrade

I would love some feedback on my shop too!!

Aug. 20, 2009 at 10:07 a.m. niminami

wow loves it!

Aug. 26, 2009 at 8:16 p.m. sosewit

am I late?

Aug. 27, 2009 at 8:45 p.m. GrammasTreasure

how do i find answers to questions others have asked. Like are the meetings recorded and available at a time I can attend? Saw that question over and over. Where do I find the answer?

Sept. 15, 2009 at 2:56 p.m. Avistudio

Thanks,I need to try .

Sept. 16, 2009 at 10:18 p.m. MartiniSQ

Excellent,I am so exited

Sept. 22, 2009 at 9:32 p.m. AzyP

Question: Why didn't Etsy create their workshops someplace like Second Life or Open Life? Sure people would have to sign in to an SL or OL account to use them, but they'd be WAY more interesting.

Then I suppose a lot of people would prefer to not have multiple accounts, but it would be pretty cool to be able to not only operate an Etsy store, but also advertise it on something like SL.

Sept. 24, 2009 at 12:41 a.m. heirloomsbylorraine

I really want to take part in the labs. I work 2nd shift. How can I get in while something is going on?

Sept. 24, 2009 at 12:05 p.m. Iammie

Cool!

Sept. 25, 2009 at 10:58 p.m. LilithEvy

I like the part of throwing things :o) I can't wait to try it!

Oct. 3, 2009 at 11:41 a.m. mammamiaeme

I love it. Thanks for your support!

Oct. 5, 2009 at 7:36 p.m. Judybec

cool! so, Can I do this even though I haven't opened a store yet?

Oct. 15, 2009 at 11:10 a.m. lifeisa1wayticket

These labs are awesome. The moderators are so much fun!

Oct. 21, 2009 at 11:52 a.m. arcticjewellery

I am new since September.... any advice is welcomed! :)

Oct. 21, 2009 at 8:19 p.m. LondonParticulars

I still need to try this out, thanks for the great explanations!

Nov. 3, 2009 at 2:06 p.m. robin246

I am new, too, and sort of crushed for time, and not the best computer person, I welcome any advice as well...

Nov. 3, 2009 at 8:32 p.m. peganders

I work and live on the west coast. Is there any way I can view these workshops later.
thank You PEG

Nov. 5, 2009 at 2:17 p.m. muskatoon

I'm going into a room and throwthings right now to get the hang of it, just a newbee hope I don't miss the newbee seminar

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