One of my
favorite things about social media is a website called Etsy. Etsy is a place
where artists from around the world can post their wares. Etsy is wonderfully
organized: a viewer can choose between about twenty different categories of
art, including candles, crochet, dolls and miniatures, patterns, jewelry and
paper goods. Within each category of art the organization continues: once you
click on jewelry the choices are refined to anklet, bracelet, necklace, ring,
piercings, etc.
The wonderful
thing about Etsy is that it makes full usage of social media by allowing its users
to connect with one another. For example, my roommate found a ring on Etsy that
I loved, but the seller had sold out of that particular design. Etsy allowed
her to contact the seller, an artist in
Israel. The artist was more than willing to make another ring of that design
and even consulted my friend to make sure that there was nothing she would like
to change about the design. She made and sent the ring so quickly, and had even
included a personalized note when it arrived.
Etsy is a
form of social media that allows local artists to have an infinitely expanded
customer base, and allows purchasers to benefit from beautiful artwork that
would otherwise be found only at small art fairs. By connecting users, art and
ideas are shared. Their website shares this slogan “Etsy is more than a marketplace: we're a community of
artists, creators, collectors, thinkers and doers.” To this end, there are
blogs that users post on the site, as well as Etsy recommended blogs. Etsy also
allows members to streamed instructional videos or to watch older, archived instructional videos.
Etsy is a
major participant in the groundswell, because like larger distributors (eBay,
Craigslist), it allows individuals to sell to one another without the larger
framework of corporations or businesses. Individuals are connected to one
another through no larger force than what they wish to purchase. Etsy can be
accessed in so many ways. You can go to their website, or individual items may
be linked in other people’s blogs, or even on Pintrest. Once you are on the
site, it is nearly impossible not to explore and find about 234 things that you
want, need or think that you both want and need!
I think this is a way social media makes us to connect with people from all over the world. We can share our cultural items with one another, which makes us much easier to contact with different cultures. On the other hand, getting to know different cultures is also a good way to know how to market very well.
ReplyDeleteWow.. annie :) this is a great website. I think groundswell gives the right platform to showcase your creativity at nearly zero cost! Well I found yet another new social network just this week i.e. www.foodie.com its a great website for gastronomes like me ;)Everything on the website is food related from restaurant reviews to recipes. There is definitely a rise of more specialized social networking sites devoted to specific areas of interest.
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ReplyDeleteEtsy is a great way for artists to share their crafts. This year, at Worcester's Start on the Street, so many vendors gave me their cards, complete with a link to their etsy accounts. I imagine for a lot of potential customers, this takes away the pressure to buy on the spot.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love Etsy (and that ring you posted a picture of). It's a great way to find unique gifts or art for around the house. A few months ago, I noticed that you can now connect your Etsy log in to your facebook, and then click on a friend and they will generate a list of gifts that they think your Facebook friend (or you can do it for yourself) will like. I find this a little odd, and I tried it and it did not really come up with anything good, but it was fun to try.
ReplyDeleteI normally would not have been interested in reading a blog about candles, dolls, patterns or jewelry. But your candid style of writing led me to read why you like Etsy's site. Your story on how your roommate was able to contact an artist in Israel helped me to read the whole piece without even realizing it. Let us know about other interesting websites
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading about Etsy. I think it is a great that the website claims they are building a community of artists, creators, etc. because it makes me feel more involved in the process of purchasing these items. When I can put a name or a face to a piece of jewelry that I am going to buy it makes me feel more attached to my purchase and even more likely to go back to that person. This post was very well written and the links really help show all the wonderful things Etsy can offer.
ReplyDeleteI think Etsy is one of the best things that has happened in the world of social media. Aside from the fact that it provides a forum for vendors the world over to display their wares, (and the wonderful opportunity for us to buy them!), it also gives stay-at-home moms, like my eldest niece, a chance to earn a modest living, and have a unique form of self-expression, while raising three very young children. Her CrochetASmile store has given her a lot of personal satisfaction as well as the convenience of a job she can work in around nap time and kids' doctor's appointments, which is a big plus for someone at her stage of life.
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