Etsy's Handmade Blog
Forum Decorum: I'm calling you out!
Story by Community, RobWhite, stellaloella
Published on November 1, 2007 in Etsy News 		Photo by headexplodie

No calling out – it's the cardinal rule of the Forums. Seems like a simple rule; it's just three words. But, uh... what exactly is calling out and why is it so bad, really?

In essence, calling out is the act of pointing to a specific person and saying something bad about that individual. It's like standing in the schoolyard, taunting them to put up their dukes and defend themselves. It's spreading information that can tarnish the reputation of another community member. It's not nice, and it's very much not in the spirit of Etsy.

The key components of a call-out are: 1) negativity or an insult, and 2) an identifiable person as the target. Let's examine a few scenarios: 
  • The classic example of calling out is to mention another user by name (or link) in a negative statement. "WhateverfaceCoInc sells mass-produced junk. Whatshisname took my money and never shipped my item!" This is the most obvious method of calling out, but not the only one.
  • Posting to complain about negative or neutral feedback you gave or received is – yep, calling out. With just a few quick clicks, crafty amateur detectives can figure out exactly who you're complaining about.
  • Ranting about what someone posted elsewhere on the Forums may be deemed calling out, if it's easily determined who is the target of the complaint.

So why is calling out such a bad thing? One reason is because reputation is really important on Etsy for both buyers and sellers. Everyone wants to maintain a good rep to show they are trustworthy in the marketplace. (Feedback is a more appropriate space to comment on another member's transaction rep than the Forums.) Another reason calling out is not-so-hot is that it can quickly escalate into fighting. We want to keep the Forums a positive and helpful place.

Sometimes it's tricky not to call out another member when you're trying to get advice about a situation. In these cases, if you really want the input of your fellow Etsians on the Forums, figure out how to phrase your question in a very general way that gives no identifiable clues. Or you might try to contact one of the sellers who has has volunteered to be an unofficial mentor and get advice via private Convo. And remember, you can always contact Support by email. Etsy's staff is here to help!

One last scenario – what about writing in the Forums to share how much you love someone's shop or think another person is really helpful? Is it okay to say nice things about other people, even by name? Yes, totally – and in fact, please do! We fully encourage bragging about the awesomeness of your fellow Etsians. If Etsy-love is wrong, we don't wanna be right!

In the Forum Decorum series, Lauren (stellaloella) and RobWhite of the Community team explain some of the finer points of cultural etiquette in Etsy's community spaces. When something is an official site rule, we'll be sure to link you up to the DOs and DON'Ts or Terms of Use. Simply consider these as tips for avoiding a forum faux pas.

Tags calling out, call-out, community, ETSY NEWS, Forum Decorum, Forums
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47 comments     Login to add your own!

Nov. 1, 2007 at 4:32 p.m. CreativeSundries

Thanks for the article. Great choices for related items!!

Nov. 1, 2007 at 5:33 p.m. daniellexo

great article!

Nov. 2, 2007 at 2:20 a.m. georgiesgems

Thank you for this. My sister had a question about something she deemed as unsuitable for Etsy and people jumped all over her. I was very upset when I read the locked thread the next day. She loves the forum, but she is embarrassed to join in again because of so many people ridiculing her question last time. I hope this helps

Nov. 2, 2007 at 2:29 a.m. tortillagirl

This is an excellent article!

Nov. 2, 2007 at 3:13 a.m. debproductions

Thanks for this article. I have never heard of the expression "calling out". Is it an American saying? I would term such behaviour as "gossip" or "rumour mongering" or "bullying". Or "flaming"? Not to be done IRL or online or anywhere. It is a shame that negativity or insults appear at all, regardless of whether the target is identifiable. We call it "whingeing" over here in Australia. So, no whingeing. Got it.

Nov. 2, 2007 at 3:35 a.m. FourSeasonsFragrance

Thanks for the great article!

Nov. 3, 2007 at 4:33 p.m. judysnow

Very good article, thanks no one wants to be bashed it is so un-fair. This is what I love about etsy "Etsy Cares"
thanks again for another great article.

Nov. 3, 2007 at 9:44 p.m. AliV

Great article! It's sad though a lot of are scared any more to post in fear of bein bashed. Hopefully that can pass over soon.

Nov. 23, 2007 at 8:39 p.m. ROBINDALMIRASJEWELRY

Great article!!

Sept. 14, 2008 at 10:43 a.m. DreamsOfMay

Wonderful article! Hope lots of people read it.

Sept. 14, 2008 at 10:47 a.m. busterandboo

yep! I flagged a post last night where somebody vividly and repeatedly insulted the OP. Post is still going strong.

Sept. 14, 2008 at 10:50 a.m. SewnForU

Thank you for these guidelines.... Hopefully everyone will understand that if you point one finger, there are three more pointing back. :)

Sept. 14, 2008 at 10:54 a.m. willo

Great article. And I like the bit about saying something positive too. I've had some invaluable help from fellow Etsians.

Sept. 14, 2008 at 10:56 a.m. LaraJordanJewelry

Thanks for the article! Love the "Related Items"

Sept. 14, 2008 at 10:59 a.m. blueshedcrafts

I hope the naughty people who break the rules read this article because us goodie too shoes didn't NEED too!

Sept. 14, 2008 at 11:07 a.m. earthdream

THAT ROB WHITE sure does start a lot of helpful threads! He's the coolest for sure.

Sept. 14, 2008 at 11:08 a.m. sandcookies

Robs on it like white on rice:)

Sept. 14, 2008 at 11:09 a.m. sandcookies

Sorry that was one of my student's favorite sayings when I was a high school teacher - couldn't help it:)

Sept. 14, 2008 at 11:20 a.m. BrushItOn

Most excellent reminder to everyone... Sometimes its just too easy to get carried away when something upsetting has happened.

Thanks for the helpful descriptions!!!

Sept. 14, 2008 at 11:54 a.m. moonstr

super article!

Sept. 14, 2008 at 12:01 p.m. ShopRedLeaf

The related items are hilarious. Thanks for the article Rob!

Sept. 15, 2008 at 8:04 a.m. CrotchStitch

Having been the victim of a 'calling out' episode or two it's nice to have a reminder to others.

Luckily for me I have had the backing of my lovely fellow Etsians and the 'caller out' has been made to feel ashamed.

Sept. 15, 2008 at 9:01 a.m. AMomentAMemory28

Very informative and gotta appreciate the humor-- laughter is essential to happiness =)

Sept. 15, 2008 at 9:03 a.m. lilVinylTreasures

thanks! I love the "crafty ametuer" part :)

Sept. 15, 2008 at 9:40 a.m. boygirlboygirldesign

Great article!!

Sept. 15, 2008 at 9:51 a.m. beckababe

fabulous article!

Sept. 15, 2008 at 9:57 a.m. uniquelynancy

Thanks for the reminder that were are a big team and need to Support each other not fight amoungst ourselves. Getting bashed in public is very hurtful.

Sept. 15, 2008 at 3 p.m. MamaLovePerfume

I LOVE this policy! If you've ever spent time on just about any other Forum on the web, the nasty stuff becomes so destructive and such a waste of time.

Sept. 15, 2008 at 9:33 p.m. springcartdesigns

Great advice...

Sept. 15, 2008 at 9:34 p.m. PhospheneDream

Gasp! I did not realize how easy one can participate in this "calling out". Being new to Etsy I know better now that I have read this article.

Thanks for posting it!

Sept. 15, 2008 at 9:38 p.m. WhimsicalMom

Great article! Thank you so much:)

Sept. 15, 2008 at 9:48 p.m. thebeadingtree

Super article and I love the artwork by headexplodie that preceded the information. They both went very well together. Anyway, I hope this will help keep the forums a little calmer than it has been for a few weeks now. Great job RobWhite and stellaloella!! Y'all are the bomb!! :)

Sept. 15, 2008 at 10:12 p.m. Cathysjewels

Got it!

Sept. 15, 2008 at 10:23 p.m. undertheroot

yes,
love the psychological breakdown/breakup of character.
we need what we read!

xo

Sept. 15, 2008 at 10:39 p.m. MindyG

Thanks!

Sept. 15, 2008 at 11:42 p.m. tinatarnoff

Great article, valuable advice, but most importantly, written in such a delightful witty way! :D

Sept. 15, 2008 at 11:45 p.m. Hannypanny

Very informative, thanks Rob!

April 5, 2009 at 6:54 a.m. byAMOR

Perfectly put. thanks.

April 16, 2009 at 10:34 p.m. expressyourself

Super article!

May 1, 2009 at 2:53 a.m. carolforsyth

Thank you for informative thought provoking info. Appreciate the help.

June 27, 2009 at 3:32 a.m. Mindielee

This was very clarifying, thanks! However, recently someone told me when I was bragging about another shop that that was calling out! Glad to hear from the 'horses' mouth' that it's not only ok to do that, but welcomed!

July 1, 2009 at 5:04 p.m. InkPixie

So we're not allowed to talk about a bad experience on a board because it is 'calling someone out?'

But we can talk up the good experiences all we like and it is not considered 'calling someone out?'

Why the double standard?

Aug. 20, 2009 at 8:02 p.m. jmkraige

Way to go etsy admin!

Aug. 21, 2009 at 5:36 a.m. folkheirloomsbypaige

Thanks for the advise I will use this to work on my shop!I'm trying to find advise about getting noticed,I'm sure it will come in due time.I thank everyone that is out there to help us newbies.

Aug. 22, 2009 at 9:39 p.m. JustBeccuz

Thank you for the wonderful article!!

Aug. 23, 2009 at 1:27 p.m. cheriebeadle

Great read! Thanks for letting me know. I had "called someone out" but thought I should delete it from my profile because it just felt negative to have and that was before I read this. Phew...glad I did the right thing. Thanks for clarifying what calling out is!

Oct. 21, 2009 at 12:19 p.m. LondonParticulars

Yeah, negative comments can really put me off a shop!

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