Friday, February 27, 2009

So yeah...I am irritated

I'm turning into that person I bitch about. I've been spending a lot of time lately going through the Etsy Gift Guids, looking at the new B&B Voter on Etsy, and today looking at the Stork articles. You know what I keep seeing? Not only the same B&B sellers repeated throughout, but in some cases, the exact same listings from the same sellers. I'm not saying they don't deserve the recognition, because they do. They have fantastic products with amazing photographs.

Yes, I am jealous. I won't deny it. Yes, I am greedy because we have been on the front page 5 times in 4 months and been in 2 gift guides in Decemeber....but really...there are thousands of B&B shops on Etsy and hundreds of those that have great pics and fabulous products...so why is there a need to repeat sellers and items throughout the gift guides?

I'm trying to remain calm and respectful, because I truly do love selling on Etsy...in fact, Amy and I have been two of the biggest Etsy supporters and cheerleaders....but there is a little voice in my head screaming, "Who do I have to blow to get that sort of recognition?!"

12 comments:

Kerri Settle said...

I think Etsy has put itself into a box. It's been obvious to me for a while that whoever is behind selecting the gift guides and front page treasuries has one particular style in mind and it's about all they promote. Which is obviously what they want but I think it's been turning off a lot of sellers.

I guess that's why I've been seeing a lot of people moving over to ArtFire lately.

Matt Allen Photography said...

Following onto what Kerri said are people generally more successful selling on artfire or Etsy?

I have not figured out the magic formula to gain exposure through things like treasuries or FP listings or in gift guides, so I am inclined to look for other avenues through which to sell my photos... Is ArtFire worth the effort?

Jennifer @ Mom Spotted said...

I hear ya! I used to be in treasuries all the time, now I never see that little blue star :( I would love to make Front page just once as well!

Keep doing what your doing and you'll get there eventually!

Also I have an awesome giveaway on my blog if ya wanna check it out!

Raven said...

I just read your blurb and then the last line aloud to the hubs and we both burst out laughing because I am always saying "Who do I have to BLOW to make it on Etsy?!?"

I used to be in treasuries almost every week and now nada, I've been on the front page 3-4 times and had an item featured in the Storque once only about 1 1/2 years ago. I was in the gift guides last year, but not this year...and I am not even close to being on the Voter feature, which I just discovered last nite. And, to top that off, my views have been down since they changed whatever it is they changed recently. My poor hubs is experiencing the same and we've been discussing what we can do. We know our products rock cuz we sell TONZ at our shows twice yearly here in LA.

So, to cut off my bitching, I'm in the same quandry and wanna figure out other options too. Mabie we're blacklisted for some reason. That's the running joke in our house right now...just picture the top Etsy peeps all sitting around in the B'klyn office talking about us sellers...with a wall of sellers they like and those they dislike.
Oh, and if anyone DOES find out one has to blow... lol

xxx

balanced. said...

I didn't even vote in the last one cos I noticed you guys weren't in it. I couldn't believe it!

I think you're absolutely worthy.

Unknown said...

I've noticed the same thing, about the styles of things that get featured by the staff of Etsy. I wouldn't freak about it though, you seem to be doing really well regardless Heathen. :)

tscrapper said...

Yep, I've noticed and complained about the same things. I still have some photography skills to learn, but I'd love to be on the front page once or even a gift guide!

Sojourn Curiosities said...

I know *exactly* how you feel, Misty.

I know there are alot of folks who gripe and moan about this-many of whom, I have to say, maybe need to redirect that energy into improving shop.

Maybe I'm elitist, but I think that you and I *are* doing everything within our niches perfectly to attain such recognition. Wondering what is preventing it is certainly frustrating. Guess all we can do is keep being the best we can, and in one way or another, on Etsy, or off- word will get around!

ClemArt Design said...

Aww, those bastards. You dont have to blow me to get anywhere. Lol, but I guess thats not the same thing.

NotQuitePhotoJENic said...

See, i think you should be in stores all over the place.

Etsy needs to open its eyeballs!!! Heathenshearth is awesometacular!!

mommylion said...

I feel your pain...
Hugs,
Nan
www.mommylion.etsy.com

Nemesis_Productions said...

You know, I was thinking the same thing! Although I have to say that I don't really care for ArtFire aesthetically. It's just too cluttered. I think MadeItMyself is nicer, it's still in beta, and I think I may start listing things there.

I think your stuff is lovely btw. Just because I make soap and stuff doesn't mean I don't lust after other people's! ;)