DO IT NOW. Before it's too late. Etsy has removed our user ID numbers from our profiles, and the only way to find them is through google's cache. There is a thread on how to do it here: http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=6669211 In order to use an IMPORTER like Artfire's you HAVE to have your user ID #!! Find it, and keep it safe!! You may need it some day as a passport outta here!!!!!!!!! Without it, it will be MUCh harder to move, you will have to re-do every single listing!! If you import it only takes 2 minutes! They have removed the User ID # from the profiles and soon will phase it out altogether so that we can not access it... FIND IT and KEEP IT SAFE!! Good luck, and safe journeys... |
Sunday, October 31, 2010
FIND YOUR USER ID # NOW!!!
If you think you might EVER want to use an off-Etsy import tool, to import your items from your Etsy shop to a new shop...
Testimony Of DancingWindDesigns
Here is yet another stirring testimonial from a fellow Etsy Refugee...
Etsy dearest,
I know, I'm asking for my shop to be shut down by being a loud, dissenting voice here, but I closed my shop here months ago over the lack of respect etsy has for it's sellers-the ones who pay the bills.
You have shown time and time again that you have nothing but contempt for the people who have made etsy what it used to be-an e-commerce site for handmade items. Coral gate is the last straw-it's like spitting in the face of all those who have supported you the last 3 or 4 years. That's despicable behavior. If it wasn't for the wonderful people who created the handmade items you used to sell here, you would be nowhere. Instead, you have become almost a joke. Allowing people who sell mass produced stuff in sweatshops in here to sell disguised as collectives. Now, you allow a "guest commentator" or whatever you called her in that so called apology, to come in and post links to her off site sales when she doesn't even make the jewelry is selling. She designs mass produced stuff using petrolieum products. For crying out loud-remember the Gulf Oil Spill???
You are the most hypocritical bunch of people I have run across in ages. You have been hiding behind the curtain like the Wizard of Oz, but now, that curtain is being pulled back, and you are being exposed for the frauds you are. IMHO, you are slowly killing what you built by your constant thoughtlessness in your lack of response to sellers, your bland, robotic responses to sellers and all the other ways that you denigrate them. But that's right, you have the money and don't care. What do you expect from a guy who conned his way into NYU or wherever it was. I have to go dig out last Dec.'s Readers Digest. It's not a site I care to be associated with. I bet you will find in the coming weeks that I'm not the only one who feels that way. Don't worry, we will keep the starry eyed newbies up to date on how you are.
P.S. Since I posted this, you have been busy creating other changes that will basically stab sellers in the back yet again. Changing search so everybody is going to have to keep renewing to be seen. Listen-what's that sound? It's the sound of thousands of renewing dimes pouring into the etsy coffers. You found a way to get around people who weren't renewing and who were cutting into your lunch money by doing that, didn't you? Making people's favorites link buyers right out of their shops. Smooth move-NOT. How blind do you think people are? One day, this place is going to collapse and the sellers are going to find out that etsy has no clothes.
Why am I doing this since I really don't sell here anymore? Because I believe in doing what's right and etsy, you guys ain't right. I can't stand to see people taken advantage of and misled the way you do-especially people who are your customers. Yes, we paid you to sell here. That means we were buying a service from you and you have really crappy customer service. YOu have let a ton of people down. I know you don't care because you guys are the coolest thing on the web-or so you think. You have no clue of the power the voices of the people in this thread have, but you are about to find out in the coming months.
by DancingWindDesigns
Etsy dearest,
I know, I'm asking for my shop to be shut down by being a loud, dissenting voice here, but I closed my shop here months ago over the lack of respect etsy has for it's sellers-the ones who pay the bills.
You have shown time and time again that you have nothing but contempt for the people who have made etsy what it used to be-an e-commerce site for handmade items. Coral gate is the last straw-it's like spitting in the face of all those who have supported you the last 3 or 4 years. That's despicable behavior. If it wasn't for the wonderful people who created the handmade items you used to sell here, you would be nowhere. Instead, you have become almost a joke. Allowing people who sell mass produced stuff in sweatshops in here to sell disguised as collectives. Now, you allow a "guest commentator" or whatever you called her in that so called apology, to come in and post links to her off site sales when she doesn't even make the jewelry is selling. She designs mass produced stuff using petrolieum products. For crying out loud-remember the Gulf Oil Spill???
You are the most hypocritical bunch of people I have run across in ages. You have been hiding behind the curtain like the Wizard of Oz, but now, that curtain is being pulled back, and you are being exposed for the frauds you are. IMHO, you are slowly killing what you built by your constant thoughtlessness in your lack of response to sellers, your bland, robotic responses to sellers and all the other ways that you denigrate them. But that's right, you have the money and don't care. What do you expect from a guy who conned his way into NYU or wherever it was. I have to go dig out last Dec.'s Readers Digest. It's not a site I care to be associated with. I bet you will find in the coming weeks that I'm not the only one who feels that way. Don't worry, we will keep the starry eyed newbies up to date on how you are.
P.S. Since I posted this, you have been busy creating other changes that will basically stab sellers in the back yet again. Changing search so everybody is going to have to keep renewing to be seen. Listen-what's that sound? It's the sound of thousands of renewing dimes pouring into the etsy coffers. You found a way to get around people who weren't renewing and who were cutting into your lunch money by doing that, didn't you? Making people's favorites link buyers right out of their shops. Smooth move-NOT. How blind do you think people are? One day, this place is going to collapse and the sellers are going to find out that etsy has no clothes.
Why am I doing this since I really don't sell here anymore? Because I believe in doing what's right and etsy, you guys ain't right. I can't stand to see people taken advantage of and misled the way you do-especially people who are your customers. Yes, we paid you to sell here. That means we were buying a service from you and you have really crappy customer service. YOu have let a ton of people down. I know you don't care because you guys are the coolest thing on the web-or so you think. You have no clue of the power the voices of the people in this thread have, but you are about to find out in the coming months.
by DancingWindDesigns
Wooly's Words
Wooly left this goodbye in the forums under a super-top-secret alias. I love this, and I think everyone should read it!! I have it printed out so I can read it over and over again.
______________________
After years of loyal service here on Etsy, and after years of trying to fight for better here I have been banned. My shops are no more, and Etsy has made very effort to block and ban me at every turn. I have only been able to squeak by for a little bit without being detected in order to drop this in here and run off to better places.
To my dear friends and even those who I may have disagreed with here, I wish you all the best! I had so much fun here with you all! This was my second home and I will miss each and every one of you deeply.
I have read some of the sweet things people have posted here and it has brought tears to my eyes. I am moved and touched! Thank you!! Keep up the good fight, and don’t let Etsy walk all over any of you! You are all worth so much more than that.
None of you should ever be a doormat here! And change will only happen when you speak up and take action. I hope my journey here has helped forge the way for a better Etsy in some way. I will never compromise my beliefs for a quick buck like Etsy has! And I hope none of you do either. Remember, you are all worth so much more, and deserve only the best where ever you are.
Being part of the handmade movement, an artist, and a small business owner are all huge parts of who I am. My identity. I will never compromise that, my beliefs, or my integrity, which is why I fought so hard here to try and make Etsy a better place. To bring back it’s heart and it’s focus to where it had originally been in the beginning of Etsy.
Now, as for Etsy Corp... You have done nothing to deserve any tears or goodbyes, as you are the asses that booted me off here without so much as a decent heads-up or notice.
You shut my shops, deleted all traces of me, and made my customers think I had up and run. Nice! Not only do you get rid of me but you try to make me look like a liar and cheat! Look in the mirror some time to know what a liar and cheat looks like!
I don’t so much care that you booted me! In fact I was half expecting it and had already made preparations elsewhere weeks ago. But, to have done it with so little consideration is pathetic! No notice, no e-mail, no nothing! Just BAM! Closed the doors and that was it. Too bad I am not crying in my cupcakes about it tho eh?!
Even if you HATE a member of your community like me, you can at least afford them some consideration since I had been a PAYING customer here for years with over 5000 sales in all shops. I would never treat someone the way you have!
And to be honest, this is all your doing anyhow! If YOU had done things right in the first place, if YOU had payed attention to your sellers concerns, if YOU had not blatantly broken your own TOUs on more than one occasion, and if YOU had just one ounce of dignity or commonsense, this could all have been avoided.
Instead, as par for the course, YOU swept everything under the rug and refused to acknowledge anything! Pointed your dirty little finger at me for so-called TOU breaking (which in reality were NOTHING compared to the TOU breakage you have done).
The lack of respect you have for ANYONE here is nothing short of disgusting! All those newbies that sing their praises of you should know what kind of two-faced shit asses you are! Was that mean? Oh, too fucking bad! I know how you get your panties in a wad when people are right and how you like to sweep things under rugs around here. It sucks when others are right eh?!
When I was here in 2007 I adored you! You were full of passion and pride. Now you are nothing but a sad sack of shit!
Lies, betrayals, ignorance, and the quest for the almighty dollar has corrupted you! It is pathetic! I used to sing your praises, now I would love to dance on your grave that you are so hell bent on digging for yourself. Can I offer you a shovel? Consider it a parting gift!
So be warned Etsy! I will NEVER speak highly of you again! I will shout it from the rooftops how pathetic and sneaky you really are! How you don’t give a shit about anyone here. The real bottom line is profit, social networking, and God knows what other crap you are secretly up to. Your integrity and heart is gone! It got lost somewhere and now you are nothing but a corporation that is out to destroy the one thing this place was built on... Hard working, small handmade businesses. For shame!
You are now no better than any other mass corporation in my eyes! And that was the one thing Etsy was supposed to NOT be like. Remember?
I am glad that I am gone so I can expose you to everyone here! And show them that their little precious Etsy is nothing but a money hungry demon in disguise!
If this has offended any SELLERS I am truly sorry. I just cannot allow this ruse that Etsy puts on to continue any longer. I want the whole dark side of Etsy to be known so that no one else gets shocked when they find themselves on it.
So please, if you take nothing else away from my experience, take this. Always be educated and knowledgeable about WHERE you sell. It’s so easy to find the info you need to be on top of things out there on the Web. And ALWAYS fight for what is right! Don’t settle for less. Don’t take their crap and lie down. People will only treat you as good you allow them to treat you. If you let Etsy stomp all over you then they will. If you want change for the better to happen you NEED to fight for it. I fought for what I believed was right and fair, I fought for handmade and small business. And hopefully more will keep doing so as I leave and move on to other things.
Never let the faceless corporation Etsy has become win! If they do, they destroy the whole meaning of Handmade, hard work, heart, and foundation this place was originally built on.
I love you all!!! Goodbye, and I’ll never forget all the awesome peeps that made this place worth it.
WoolyBumblebee
______________________
After years of loyal service here on Etsy, and after years of trying to fight for better here I have been banned. My shops are no more, and Etsy has made very effort to block and ban me at every turn. I have only been able to squeak by for a little bit without being detected in order to drop this in here and run off to better places.
To my dear friends and even those who I may have disagreed with here, I wish you all the best! I had so much fun here with you all! This was my second home and I will miss each and every one of you deeply.
I have read some of the sweet things people have posted here and it has brought tears to my eyes. I am moved and touched! Thank you!! Keep up the good fight, and don’t let Etsy walk all over any of you! You are all worth so much more than that.
None of you should ever be a doormat here! And change will only happen when you speak up and take action. I hope my journey here has helped forge the way for a better Etsy in some way. I will never compromise my beliefs for a quick buck like Etsy has! And I hope none of you do either. Remember, you are all worth so much more, and deserve only the best where ever you are.
Being part of the handmade movement, an artist, and a small business owner are all huge parts of who I am. My identity. I will never compromise that, my beliefs, or my integrity, which is why I fought so hard here to try and make Etsy a better place. To bring back it’s heart and it’s focus to where it had originally been in the beginning of Etsy.
Now, as for Etsy Corp... You have done nothing to deserve any tears or goodbyes, as you are the asses that booted me off here without so much as a decent heads-up or notice.
You shut my shops, deleted all traces of me, and made my customers think I had up and run. Nice! Not only do you get rid of me but you try to make me look like a liar and cheat! Look in the mirror some time to know what a liar and cheat looks like!
I don’t so much care that you booted me! In fact I was half expecting it and had already made preparations elsewhere weeks ago. But, to have done it with so little consideration is pathetic! No notice, no e-mail, no nothing! Just BAM! Closed the doors and that was it. Too bad I am not crying in my cupcakes about it tho eh?!
Even if you HATE a member of your community like me, you can at least afford them some consideration since I had been a PAYING customer here for years with over 5000 sales in all shops. I would never treat someone the way you have!
And to be honest, this is all your doing anyhow! If YOU had done things right in the first place, if YOU had payed attention to your sellers concerns, if YOU had not blatantly broken your own TOUs on more than one occasion, and if YOU had just one ounce of dignity or commonsense, this could all have been avoided.
Instead, as par for the course, YOU swept everything under the rug and refused to acknowledge anything! Pointed your dirty little finger at me for so-called TOU breaking (which in reality were NOTHING compared to the TOU breakage you have done).
The lack of respect you have for ANYONE here is nothing short of disgusting! All those newbies that sing their praises of you should know what kind of two-faced shit asses you are! Was that mean? Oh, too fucking bad! I know how you get your panties in a wad when people are right and how you like to sweep things under rugs around here. It sucks when others are right eh?!
When I was here in 2007 I adored you! You were full of passion and pride. Now you are nothing but a sad sack of shit!
Lies, betrayals, ignorance, and the quest for the almighty dollar has corrupted you! It is pathetic! I used to sing your praises, now I would love to dance on your grave that you are so hell bent on digging for yourself. Can I offer you a shovel? Consider it a parting gift!
So be warned Etsy! I will NEVER speak highly of you again! I will shout it from the rooftops how pathetic and sneaky you really are! How you don’t give a shit about anyone here. The real bottom line is profit, social networking, and God knows what other crap you are secretly up to. Your integrity and heart is gone! It got lost somewhere and now you are nothing but a corporation that is out to destroy the one thing this place was built on... Hard working, small handmade businesses. For shame!
You are now no better than any other mass corporation in my eyes! And that was the one thing Etsy was supposed to NOT be like. Remember?
I am glad that I am gone so I can expose you to everyone here! And show them that their little precious Etsy is nothing but a money hungry demon in disguise!
If this has offended any SELLERS I am truly sorry. I just cannot allow this ruse that Etsy puts on to continue any longer. I want the whole dark side of Etsy to be known so that no one else gets shocked when they find themselves on it.
So please, if you take nothing else away from my experience, take this. Always be educated and knowledgeable about WHERE you sell. It’s so easy to find the info you need to be on top of things out there on the Web. And ALWAYS fight for what is right! Don’t settle for less. Don’t take their crap and lie down. People will only treat you as good you allow them to treat you. If you let Etsy stomp all over you then they will. If you want change for the better to happen you NEED to fight for it. I fought for what I believed was right and fair, I fought for handmade and small business. And hopefully more will keep doing so as I leave and move on to other things.
Never let the faceless corporation Etsy has become win! If they do, they destroy the whole meaning of Handmade, hard work, heart, and foundation this place was originally built on.
I love you all!!! Goodbye, and I’ll never forget all the awesome peeps that made this place worth it.
WoolyBumblebee
Charlotte's Children - Where Are You Going?
One of the refugees likened us to Charlotte's babies in Charlotte's web, when they all begin to float away on the breeze, coasting from their nest on gossamer threads and saying "Goodbye! Goodbye!" I love that analogy. Betweenpietyanddesire asked me to make sure I had a spot for all of us to post what venues we are all going to next. So, if each of you could please post where you will be listing your new items, that will help us stay caught up with you! So, if you know where you are going, or already have a shop set up, please post a link for us! Thanks!
Oh My Goat!!
I can't believe it!! My items actually show up in google searches... and people click on them! Amazing! 7 months on Etsy and I almost never came up in google searches!! I am super happy!!
Another Fallen Soldier!
I was notified this morning that Refugee Woolybumblebee's shops have been shut down, and her account has been muted. For what, exactly, we don't know. This action was not accompanied by any form of notification, according to reports. Wooly - your presence as a crusader for justice on the forums will be missed! But we will all be in touch with you here, in the sanctuary!!
Lots of love from all of your fellow Refugees!!
Lots of love from all of your fellow Refugees!!
Saturday, October 30, 2010
As Requested
Kathy, AKA betweenpietyanddesire, asked for some Etsy Refugee Badges, and I tried to rush some designs out. Here they are, for fun and for identification purposes...
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Inspiring news to share...
My fellow Refugees,
I just wanted to let you know that even though my shop on Artfire isn't fully set up yet, I have already received an order from it!!! Yes, that's right! My first order from AF, and I've only been on it for 3 days!!
The longer I am gone, the more I realize I can make it without Etsy! Having your products fed to Google is AMAZING. I have a huge range of new business open to me now.
I just feel that this proves that we can take our success with us wherever we go, and the important thing is preserving the handmade philosophy, and community that has given us so much. I realized I was taking a risk when I closed my shop, but now I find that it may wind up being the best business decision I've made in a long time.
I just wanted to share the positive news with you guys, and say again, you CAN make it without Etsy!!
XOXOX,
Joan
I just wanted to let you know that even though my shop on Artfire isn't fully set up yet, I have already received an order from it!!! Yes, that's right! My first order from AF, and I've only been on it for 3 days!!
The longer I am gone, the more I realize I can make it without Etsy! Having your products fed to Google is AMAZING. I have a huge range of new business open to me now.
I just feel that this proves that we can take our success with us wherever we go, and the important thing is preserving the handmade philosophy, and community that has given us so much. I realized I was taking a risk when I closed my shop, but now I find that it may wind up being the best business decision I've made in a long time.
I just wanted to share the positive news with you guys, and say again, you CAN make it without Etsy!!
XOXOX,
Joan
Leaving behind your feedback?
I just discovered a tip in this awesome thread on Artfire for a way to show off your good feedback from Etsy! The thread can be found here - there is a widget you can put on your studio page that can scroll any text you want. Copy and paste your feedback from Etsy and post it in there! Just another way to make leaving Etsy easier!
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
1000 PAGES!
Hey everyone, the megathread is about to reach 1000 pages! Come celebrate with us!! HERE
Red Flags
Your partner considers their own logic or intellect to be far superior to anyone else (including your own) when they:
… Insists that their way is the "only way."
… Claims that their arguments are based on logic or sound evidence and that yours are stupid and emotionally based.
… Insists that their way is the "only way."
… Claims that their arguments are based on logic or sound evidence and that yours are stupid and emotionally based.
… Refuses to recognize or places no value on decisions made based on feelings or intuition.
… Believes that only their opinion counts and that any opinion you have is invalid, illogical, hysterical, or selfish.
… Will not listen and are completely intolerant of any criticism of their own behavior.
… Believe everyone around them - including their employer and/or employees - are all defective somehow.
… Always considers your friends to be incompetent fools and idiots.
… Believes that only their opinion counts and that any opinion you have is invalid, illogical, hysterical, or selfish.
… Will not listen and are completely intolerant of any criticism of their own behavior.
… Believe everyone around them - including their employer and/or employees - are all defective somehow.
… Always considers your friends to be incompetent fools and idiots.
Sound familiar?
Monday, October 25, 2010
Quotes To Inspire Us
CHANGE:
Action and reaction, ebb and flow, trial and error, change - this is the rhythm of living. Out of our over-confidence, fear; out of our fear, clearer vision, fresh hope. And out of hope, progress.
Bruce Barton
All changes, even the most longed for, have their melancholy; for what we leave behind us is a part of ourselves; we must die to one life before we can enter another.
Anatole France
Any change, even a change for the better, is always accompanied by drawbacks and discomforts.
Arnold Bennett
Change is inevitable - except from a vending machine.
Robert C. Gallagher
If we don't change, we don't grow. If we don't grow, we aren't really living.
Gail Sheehy
It's the most unhappy people who most fear change.
Mignon McLaughlin
Without change, something sleeps inside us, and seldom awakens. The sleeper must awaken.
Frank Herbert
Action and reaction, ebb and flow, trial and error, change - this is the rhythm of living. Out of our over-confidence, fear; out of our fear, clearer vision, fresh hope. And out of hope, progress.
Bruce Barton
All changes, even the most longed for, have their melancholy; for what we leave behind us is a part of ourselves; we must die to one life before we can enter another.
Anatole France
Any change, even a change for the better, is always accompanied by drawbacks and discomforts.
Arnold Bennett
Change is inevitable - except from a vending machine.
Robert C. Gallagher
If we don't change, we don't grow. If we don't grow, we aren't really living.
Gail Sheehy
It's the most unhappy people who most fear change.
Mignon McLaughlin
Without change, something sleeps inside us, and seldom awakens. The sleeper must awaken.
Frank Herbert
Seeking Asylum
Good Evening, Refugees!
Today I briefly activated my listings on Etsy so that I could import my stock to Artfire and to Zibbet . Both imports were quick and painless, taking me less than five minutes, though I should warn you that Artfire's importer is only available to "pro" level accounts. The going rate is only $9.95 per month right now, and if you lock in, your rate will never increase. I have signed up for a pro account and I am impressed with all of the wondrous functioning tools at my disposal.
I also would like to report that I got an email from Etsy's @support address today to notify me that my shop announcement has been removed by Admin, and not to post it again. My shop announcement said more or less that in solidarity with my fellow jewelry makers I was moving my business as a result of the coral article. Etsy's support team has yet to respond to my second email asking that the coral article be corrected or taken down, but they acted swiftly to reprimand me for my shop announcement, so I know that someone is still awake over there.
There was also a bit of "push back" on the AF forums regarding the sudden onslaught of Etsy refugees coming there to talk about their negative experiences, mostly triggered by some sock-puppet drama, and though the posts were too generally worded to make a distinction between those of us seeking asylum and deranged people coming over to create drama that started over at E, many, many AF users were quick to let me know that we ARE most welcome there, and offer their support in finding our way around the site.
Now that I have experienced how easy and painless it is to move my shop, I am stunned that I was so afraid to do it. The questionable practice of relisting is a non-issue in these new venues, and I'm already seeing familiar faces on these sites. I realize that many people feel that they can not leave behind their Etsy shops for various reasons, but I have taken the plunge, and I feel much, much more comfortable, and highly motivated to get back to work building my business in a place where I am not treated with utter disdain.
The fact is, Etsy is not going to get its much-needed wake-up call if we continue stick around and enable their maltreatment of users. For those of you who have chosen to keep a presence on Etsy, I respect your decision, and understand the difficulties involved. Just don't expect to see any change in behavior on their part, because you will only be hurt and disappointed. There ARE alternatives out there... and good ones, at that.
So how are all of my 'fugees doing? Keep us updated on where you are moving, and how it is going!
Today I briefly activated my listings on Etsy so that I could import my stock to Artfire and to Zibbet . Both imports were quick and painless, taking me less than five minutes, though I should warn you that Artfire's importer is only available to "pro" level accounts. The going rate is only $9.95 per month right now, and if you lock in, your rate will never increase. I have signed up for a pro account and I am impressed with all of the wondrous functioning tools at my disposal.
I also would like to report that I got an email from Etsy's @support address today to notify me that my shop announcement has been removed by Admin, and not to post it again. My shop announcement said more or less that in solidarity with my fellow jewelry makers I was moving my business as a result of the coral article. Etsy's support team has yet to respond to my second email asking that the coral article be corrected or taken down, but they acted swiftly to reprimand me for my shop announcement, so I know that someone is still awake over there.
There was also a bit of "push back" on the AF forums regarding the sudden onslaught of Etsy refugees coming there to talk about their negative experiences, mostly triggered by some sock-puppet drama, and though the posts were too generally worded to make a distinction between those of us seeking asylum and deranged people coming over to create drama that started over at E, many, many AF users were quick to let me know that we ARE most welcome there, and offer their support in finding our way around the site.
Now that I have experienced how easy and painless it is to move my shop, I am stunned that I was so afraid to do it. The questionable practice of relisting is a non-issue in these new venues, and I'm already seeing familiar faces on these sites. I realize that many people feel that they can not leave behind their Etsy shops for various reasons, but I have taken the plunge, and I feel much, much more comfortable, and highly motivated to get back to work building my business in a place where I am not treated with utter disdain.
The fact is, Etsy is not going to get its much-needed wake-up call if we continue stick around and enable their maltreatment of users. For those of you who have chosen to keep a presence on Etsy, I respect your decision, and understand the difficulties involved. Just don't expect to see any change in behavior on their part, because you will only be hurt and disappointed. There ARE alternatives out there... and good ones, at that.
So how are all of my 'fugees doing? Keep us updated on where you are moving, and how it is going!
Sunday, October 24, 2010
BADGES!! Now Available!
Spread the word with one of these snazzy new badges. Drum up those pesky questions EtsyCorp doesn't want people to ask, and sure as sugar doesn't want you to answer. Step right up, folks, and get your very own CORALGATOR badge...
Amen...
In matters of truth and justice, there is no difference between large and small problems, for issues concerning the treatment of people are all the same.
Albert Einstein
Albert Einstein
Saturday, October 23, 2010
The Love Affair Is Over
Embarrassing confession... I was just remembering that less than a week ago I literally said the words:
"oh Etsy, if lovin' you is wrong, I don't wanna be right!"
Part of me wants to barf when I remember that, and part of me wants to cry. I mean, how Fucking sad is that? The fact is, I feel betrayed. I feel betrayed and I have, in fact, been betrayed. I also feel really stupid now that I know how much disdain EtsyCorp had for me, and my fellow sellers all along. Are we nothing but their crafting Ho's??? How about a little R-E-S-P-E-C-T?
I know everybody always says this, but when it comes down to it, the thing I loved about E was talking to the other members, most of whom were amazingly intelligent, funny, kind, generous, interesting, MIND-BLOWINGLY talented men and women. There really is so much love flowing through the community. It's completely beyond belief.
I was very hesitant to find fault with E at first, but as it became more and more clear that this wasn't JUST an ironic little cock-up, that it had layers and layers and layers of "FUCK YOU" written all over it, inside and out, and when the site itself addressed my concerns with a response that was beneath contempt... well... here I am... Illusions definitely shattered.
Part of me is starting to feel that way one does when you start to heal from a bad relationship, where things are starting to normalize in your life again and you kinda just want to call them that ONE last time... BUT THATS HOW THEY SUCK YOU BACK IN (LOL)!!
What I need right now is a hot beverage and one of those emergency blankets they use on crash victims to keep them from going into shock. That's how fast this whole thing took place. I'm just amazed that what I am experiencing is the result of a business relationship, and not escaping from some 3rd world dictatorship where dissenters get silenced and disappear mysteriously. A place where pronouncements and proclamations are made from somewhere "on high" - but no one knows quite where or by whom. A place where they wring the peasants dry for all they have, and convince them to think of the bright new day that is coming for the community, just around the corner, if you just stick around until the holidays... until the new shiny button comes out... you just have to work on your photos...
Holy wake-up call, Batman.
"oh Etsy, if lovin' you is wrong, I don't wanna be right!"
Part of me wants to barf when I remember that, and part of me wants to cry. I mean, how Fucking sad is that? The fact is, I feel betrayed. I feel betrayed and I have, in fact, been betrayed. I also feel really stupid now that I know how much disdain EtsyCorp had for me, and my fellow sellers all along. Are we nothing but their crafting Ho's??? How about a little R-E-S-P-E-C-T?
I know everybody always says this, but when it comes down to it, the thing I loved about E was talking to the other members, most of whom were amazingly intelligent, funny, kind, generous, interesting, MIND-BLOWINGLY talented men and women. There really is so much love flowing through the community. It's completely beyond belief.
I was very hesitant to find fault with E at first, but as it became more and more clear that this wasn't JUST an ironic little cock-up, that it had layers and layers and layers of "FUCK YOU" written all over it, inside and out, and when the site itself addressed my concerns with a response that was beneath contempt... well... here I am... Illusions definitely shattered.
Part of me is starting to feel that way one does when you start to heal from a bad relationship, where things are starting to normalize in your life again and you kinda just want to call them that ONE last time... BUT THATS HOW THEY SUCK YOU BACK IN (LOL)!!
What I need right now is a hot beverage and one of those emergency blankets they use on crash victims to keep them from going into shock. That's how fast this whole thing took place. I'm just amazed that what I am experiencing is the result of a business relationship, and not escaping from some 3rd world dictatorship where dissenters get silenced and disappear mysteriously. A place where pronouncements and proclamations are made from somewhere "on high" - but no one knows quite where or by whom. A place where they wring the peasants dry for all they have, and convince them to think of the bright new day that is coming for the community, just around the corner, if you just stick around until the holidays... until the new shiny button comes out... you just have to work on your photos...
Holy wake-up call, Batman.
People are Talking - add your voices!
Here is a list I will be updating of places on the web where people are talking and commenting about Coralgate, as well as places where maybe they SHOULD be talking about it.
Latest issue regarding etsy - Jewelry Making on About.com
Etsy's Anti-Coral Blog Post Provokes Sellers
Latest issue regarding etsy - Jewelry Making on About.com
Etsy's Anti-Coral Blog Post Provokes Sellers
On AuctionBytes
On The Hive
on EB
on InsaneJournal
Thats it! I'm closing my Etsy account.
artfire forums
If You're from Etsy . . .
Artfire Admin thread (where they actually let sellers RESPOND!! WOW!!)
Anti-Coral Blog Post Provokes Sellers
Artfire forums
Thats it! I'm closing my Etsy account.
artfire forums
If You're from Etsy . . .
Artfire Admin thread (where they actually let sellers RESPOND!! WOW!!)
Anti-Coral Blog Post Provokes Sellers
Artfire forums
on the BBB
On wikipedia's discussion tab
The recent infusers of $27 million dollars to Etsy Corp.
If you know of any more, please contact me and I will add them! Thanks!
Etsy Alternatives
Etsy is just a bunch of (often malfunctioning) code without its sellers and the community that built the DIY, Handmade, and Micro-business movement. We are what makes it special. We can bring our awesome community to a new home and make it every bit as awesome and special. WE HAVE THE POWER, not the venue. Many of us have chosen to board up our Etsy shops and move on due to our dissatisfaction with Etsy's business policies, and recent incidents. Much discussion (and confusion) has ensued about Etsy alternatives. What sites can act as our Methadone in our dependence upon Etsy's Heroine? Here are a few options, feel free to add your finds and reviews as well!
www.craftisart.com
CIA has tons of awesome looking seller tools that we've been BEGGING for on E, but have never been provided for us. How awesome would it be to just press a button and put something on sale for the specified percentage, just for example? However, this one looks kind of desolate, from reading the forums, but I might set up a presence there, and if many dispossessed ex-etsians do as well, it might prove to be a lively community.
www.Artfire.com
Chances are you have heard of Artfire, Etsy's main competitor in the handmade marketplace. Many of us already have shops there, but if you are like me, your main focus has been on Etsy until now. I am really liking what I've read in regard to the responsiveness of the staff to the needs of the sellers, its ability to accept fault, and to take ACTION to make it right when it feels it has failed. You are also allowed to link off-site which is like a whole new level of freedom. I have not heard anything about people being censored or cast-out to the outrageous degree that Etsy has demonstrated again and again... and again. THis is where it seems most of us will be putting the bulk of our attention from now on. They even offer immediate SYNDICATION! Wow! And they have easy-peasy coupons! I was spending an average of 60 dollars a month on E, and for a "Pro" account on Artfire, the going rate is currently $9.95 a month.
www.Zibbet.com
I don't know all that much about it but it was easy for me to set up a shop there and listing is free. You have basic membership where everything is free, and a paid membership with more bells and whistles.
www.supermarket.com
We need to check this one out further, but here's what I know so far; it's a juried or curated site, so your products have to be able to "make the cut". Interesting...
It looks to me like there are considerably more options for the exclusively UK sellers, and that the USA, predictably, relies on monopolistic entities like Etsy more heavily.
Another alternative that many of us have been chewing over is starting our own Etsy Alternative, (Alternetsy?) which is a pretty massive undertaking, not that I doubt our talented bunch could do it, and heaven knows we are all crying out for more alternatives! Many of us are also hoping to get our own stand-alone websites ready, and I hope we can help one another out with that, too! I have only taken SECONDS of my time to research other places we could grace with our presence, money, and energy, and they DO exist after all! So please do keep adding to the list, and discussion of Etsy Alternatives as we begin to move forward together!
To Be Investigated:
Boingboing
http://makersmarket.com/collections/boing-boing-bazaar
http://www.rubylane.com/info/shop.html
www.craftisart.com
CIA has tons of awesome looking seller tools that we've been BEGGING for on E, but have never been provided for us. How awesome would it be to just press a button and put something on sale for the specified percentage, just for example? However, this one looks kind of desolate, from reading the forums, but I might set up a presence there, and if many dispossessed ex-etsians do as well, it might prove to be a lively community.
www.Artfire.com
Chances are you have heard of Artfire, Etsy's main competitor in the handmade marketplace. Many of us already have shops there, but if you are like me, your main focus has been on Etsy until now. I am really liking what I've read in regard to the responsiveness of the staff to the needs of the sellers, its ability to accept fault, and to take ACTION to make it right when it feels it has failed. You are also allowed to link off-site which is like a whole new level of freedom. I have not heard anything about people being censored or cast-out to the outrageous degree that Etsy has demonstrated again and again... and again. THis is where it seems most of us will be putting the bulk of our attention from now on. They even offer immediate SYNDICATION! Wow! And they have easy-peasy coupons! I was spending an average of 60 dollars a month on E, and for a "Pro" account on Artfire, the going rate is currently $9.95 a month.
www.Zibbet.com
I don't know all that much about it but it was easy for me to set up a shop there and listing is free. You have basic membership where everything is free, and a paid membership with more bells and whistles.
www.supermarket.com
We need to check this one out further, but here's what I know so far; it's a juried or curated site, so your products have to be able to "make the cut". Interesting...
It looks to me like there are considerably more options for the exclusively UK sellers, and that the USA, predictably, relies on monopolistic entities like Etsy more heavily.
Another alternative that many of us have been chewing over is starting our own Etsy Alternative, (Alternetsy?) which is a pretty massive undertaking, not that I doubt our talented bunch could do it, and heaven knows we are all crying out for more alternatives! Many of us are also hoping to get our own stand-alone websites ready, and I hope we can help one another out with that, too! I have only taken SECONDS of my time to research other places we could grace with our presence, money, and energy, and they DO exist after all! So please do keep adding to the list, and discussion of Etsy Alternatives as we begin to move forward together!
To Be Investigated:
Boingboing
http://makersmarket.com/collections/boing-boing-bazaar
http://www.rubylane.com/info/shop.html
The Rokali Situation
If Etsy is a cult, Rokali is its deity. And he came from on high to answer the pleas of his suffering subjects around page 575 of the "consolidated" A.K.A. "Quarantined" thread about Coralgate. These were his words:
"
"
| Rokali says: |
DesignedByLucinda says: I am going to pitch Juliet to let some of us post a rebuttal-type blog post that gently corrects the facts while reminding buyers most Etsy sellers are ethical and if in doubt about the sourcing of any of our materials, please ASK us first. -------- I totally support this. I have otherwise been uninvolved with this situation. I know everything comes back to me on the outside, but inside Etsy, it's really important that people own what they're doing. "Make everyone the CEO of something," as they say. Juliet (julietgo), Etsy's editorial director, has been giving this a lot of thought, and there has been a lot of discussion here." |
| This is my response: |
Ok, kinda caught up and ready to weigh in. I am still leaving Etsy. The treatment I've received here as a paying customer sickens me beyond words. I also see Etsy truly becoming "The Other Ebay" in the coming months and years as the investors remodel the place to be publicly traded. That said, I hope they DO print an article, and NOT a half-assed one, about "the other side" of the coral debate so that some of the same sellers here who happily jumped on the Temple St. Clair bandwagon, and signed that sham of a pledge, will get to see that the facts DO NOT add up here. A well-written and informative article at least would expose TSC's "post" as nothing more than a flimsy, insulting advertisement for a mass-produced item on a handmade site, and I am ALL FOR exposing that hypocrisy. I think our side needs to be heard in the same venue where they gave a voice to a Target supplier who bashed us. I think its better than indignantly slinking off into obscurity, which is sort of what I want to do out of principle, but I think a "response" on the Storque would be the right way to go. If they publish a good response article on the Storque, can we all kiss and make-up? No. Actually, let me make that a HELL NO. I am really excited by what I have discovered about an Etsy competitor's treatment of its sellers, and totally disgusted beyond all hope of redress at the way Etsy has conducted business with me, and others here. I'll still be leaving, and not looking back. I just want you to know that I love you all very much, and you have inspired me in a profound way. This has been a strangely life-altering experience for me, and for that I credit each of you. I see that there is a powerful movement in this country with die-hard supporters of our cause who will not bend to corporate fuckery, but will "call out" bullshit, even if it doesn't directly benefit them to do so. Many sellers stood up and linked arms with us just out of principle and solidarity. That's amazing. It just goes to show how awesome the micro-business community is. It reminds me that we work hard every day for more than the bottom line of dollars and cents. We strive for more. Bless you all. Ps- you can't pass the buck to Juliet on the thread closings, mass mutings, and disrespect we have gotten as a result of all this, Mr. Kalin... And also, you may be having discussions over there on Mount Olympus, or wherever the hell Etsy staff "considers" issues, but you failed to have a DIALOGUE with US, the people this directly impacts. Instead you completely stonewalled us in every attempt we have made to contact Etsy on this issue. All we have had are copypastes of Juliets inadequate pronouncements. So, refugees, what do you think about all this. Comments are open! |
Friday, October 22, 2010
Post 5555 of Coralgate
Well by now we've figured out that in essence, what they did was give us a place to party, (as long as we paid our fees on time). So my compatriots and I have begun a I DON'T GIVE A F*** thread.
In the words of Patti Smith: We created it... Lets take it over!!
We're having a give-a-way for the dispossessed, betting on what post will be our last. Etsy employees do not qualify, and the rules my be a bit distorted from the effects of our beverages of choice, but the spirit is there, the one that will outlast any attempt at corporate co-option, the solidarity that dares to say "I see through bullshit, and I call shenanigans!" It's all in good fun. We will deal with the Etsy #coralgate hangover in the morning. For now, drinks are on us, and this time it's not Kool-aid!
In the words of Patti Smith: We created it... Lets take it over!!
We're having a give-a-way for the dispossessed, betting on what post will be our last. Etsy employees do not qualify, and the rules my be a bit distorted from the effects of our beverages of choice, but the spirit is there, the one that will outlast any attempt at corporate co-option, the solidarity that dares to say "I see through bullshit, and I call shenanigans!" It's all in good fun. We will deal with the Etsy #coralgate hangover in the morning. For now, drinks are on us, and this time it's not Kool-aid!
WOW!!
Well, this thread has NOT been closed.
Oh and look what propaganda the Cult Of Etsy just put out!
MAYBE BECAUSE THEY DONT ACTUALLY DO ANY WORK!!!!????
A Place To Heal
Dear Fellow Etsy Refugees,
It has been a rough week for many of us who have chosen to seek refuge outside of EtsyCorp, mostly due to the coralgate scandal which has rightfully upset a large portion of sellers.
As I write this, I am physically, mentally, and emotionally exhausted. I'm hoping this can be a place where we can come together to support one another in this difficult transition, free from censorship, muting, deletion, and undue criticism of our motives and integrity. I hope you will join me in crying, venting, celebrating, laughing, and hopefully, finding a way forward.
Leaving a place that was like a second home to you, and closing up the shop you worked so hard on, is an emotional experience, and I know I sure could use some support and camaraderie!
Welcome and grab a seat, a cup of coffee, and a box of kleenex if necessary.
Love,
Joan
It has been a rough week for many of us who have chosen to seek refuge outside of EtsyCorp, mostly due to the coralgate scandal which has rightfully upset a large portion of sellers.
As I write this, I am physically, mentally, and emotionally exhausted. I'm hoping this can be a place where we can come together to support one another in this difficult transition, free from censorship, muting, deletion, and undue criticism of our motives and integrity. I hope you will join me in crying, venting, celebrating, laughing, and hopefully, finding a way forward.
Leaving a place that was like a second home to you, and closing up the shop you worked so hard on, is an emotional experience, and I know I sure could use some support and camaraderie!
Welcome and grab a seat, a cup of coffee, and a box of kleenex if necessary.
Love,
Joan
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