Online Drama-rama

I'm torn about this blog, because part of me screams "potential buyers read this thing!! Be careful of what you say!" But then, I started this blog with the intention of chronicling my experiences in starting a jewelry business. Therefore, I think it's only fair to include experiences that aren't always so rosy. Also, I need to complain a little.


I recently started posting more frequently in the Etsy forums because my "came-from" stats tell me that forum-goers are very likely to visit the blogs and shops of other posters. I had been posting a couple of topics a day, some not very interesting. In fact, I thought that this particular topic would get two or three comments, and then get buried (like a lot of my other posts), but instead, i started a firestorm.

The Post:

"Lately I've been noticing that, when I'm shopping, if the shop has poorly written descriptions that I'll actually skip looking at the descriptions at all, and sometimes i'll exit the shop and not come back.
Am I anal? Does anyone else find themselves cringing at and backing away from poor grammar and self-deprecating remarks in item summaries?"


Okay, okay. This post was out of character for me, I'm usually very positive and supportive, but i had just read an item description in an Etsy store that went something like:

"Here is a necklace I made that looks good with anything LOL!!! Sorry the foto is blurry but I wanted to post it ASAP I promise it is really nice even though i can't take pics worth a $##&&. Show me some luv!"

i completely made that up, but this is representative of the descriptions that make me click away from a store. I had run into a bunch of listings like this while I was browsing and it's like sandpaper on my butt.

This thread, which started as something silly that stuck in my craw, produced 675 comments. Many of these comments were arguments over spelling, which i had never addressed in the original post. Then there were replies regarding ESL, dyslexia, cystic fibrosis, brain damage, judgement, bias, minding one's own business, harrassment, drunkenness, being lazy, being unkind, and being snotty.

I wound up seriously regretting having written this post.

Interestingly enough, there were plenty of responses from folks that agreed with me, who I have to assume are also not elitist xenophobic bullies with an itch to pick on artists with learning disabilities. I'm hoping that they are only shoppers like me, who appreciate a well-written description of a beautiful item. Alas, now I'm super-paranoid that people will see my shop name in the future, and think i'm a big jerk. This is probably true for the five or six people that got really insulted by my post, but hopefully not for most Etsians. I'm sure it'll all blow over and most folks won't remember it happened at all. But for now, alexlady won't be starting any topics in the forums. Jeez.

New Item: Jewelry tree!

I've had this idea be-bopping around in my mind for quite some time, so to actually see it in action is totally exciting!

This jewelry tree is easily and safely mounted to your wall with two little nails, which are included. This particular model has 18 hooks for necklaces and room for over 18 pairs of earrings! Your tree will be similar, but not identical due to the one-of-a-kind nature of this handmade item. What a snazzy way to keep your jewels organized, yes-no?

"Not your Grandmother's Pearls"

Yeah, that's right.

Those are indeed Sterling and Pearl panties.

Thank you, Amberraindesigns!

Don't pay someone to obtain your Tax I.D.! EIN info below...

When i filed to become an LLC, I hired a company to do it for me... but the services were *FREE* for a week, so all I paid were the fees! (I am thrifty.) One of the add-ons was that the company would apply for and obtain your tax I.D. number for you, which enables you to purchase wholesale and without taxes.

This is the biggest rip! The link to the government site is right here, you can do it online and it takes less than five minutes. You're assigned your number right away and can download the official letter in PDF to print right away.

https://sa2.www4.irs.gov/modiein/individual/index.jsp

Musings on The Market, or, I need stuff on my table besides jewelry.

I've only done a few shows now, and I feel fortunate to have had a warm reception wherever I've set up my jewelry. The thing is, I was adamant about paring down the amount of items I'd be bringing with me to a show, so I could easily stick it all in a medium suitcase and be merrily on my way.

While I think I can still figure out how to fit everything in a small, portable space, I really need to work on my table display.

Up until recently, for some reason I felt like this was an incredible burden, and that people should naturally gravitate towards my table, because shoppers are looking at the jewelry, right? not the table. Simple display! Let the items speak for themselves!

Oh, silly Alex. I think it was mostly that I just didn't want to schlep a bunch of stuff around.

However, now I have a ton of ideas as to how I can make my display area more dynamic, wherever I choose to show my jewelry. I feel motivated and excited about working on my table instead of frustrated and annoyed. It's a much better place to be when one is trying to create!

That being said, the vibe at the Market was great. Vendors all seemed to know each other, and people were very warm and friendly to Don and me. Everyone was happy to share information and tips, and another vendor clued me in to a company that will give you a Credit Card terminal for free! Also, although I try to avoid shopping while I'm at shows, there was a lady there named Victoria that had these fabulous feather fascinators and headbands for a steal at $10-$15!

I am weak in the face of feathers.

So we had a great time, saw a lot of friends, learned a lot, and ate some Pinkberry. Thanks to everyone who came by!

Four new items up at alexlady designs!

WWW.alexladydesigns.etsy.com

Come see everything in person this Sunday at The Market in Soho!

Etsy Hacks! Brilliant add-ons to make Etsy a breeze.

I feel like I do pretty well at keeping my eyes open for things like this, but this site was new to me.

From the site:

"Greasemonkey is an add-on for the Firefox web browser, that allows you to run "scripts", or little programs that alter the web pages you view. See Installing Greasemonkey for more information."

the most valuable item on this list was the bulk photo uploader... this has been part of the reason why i don't list as often as i should, because it takes forever to load photos one at a time. I'm excited to check out all of my new features!

Just giving some new favorites some love....

Etsy Buy Handmade alexladydesigns

The Tree is Growing...

I've decided to work a little more on larger-scale items. This was my first attempt at something so large, and I love it. Not sure if I'm going to sell it or keep it yet...

FREE SHIPPING for inauguration day!

Celebrate regime change with FREE SHIPPING today only!!


EEEEEEEEEEEEE i'm so excited!!! Happy Inauguration Day!

More new items at alexlady designs!

The winter sun has finally come out, and I seized the moment to photograph some items that I've brought to shows, but never listed in my store. Here's a first look at more new items at alexladydesigns!

Five New Items at Alexlady Designs, more to come!

Oh, I just love these spirals. Unfortunately I have to re-make the garnet one i made for myself as my cat found it very tasty. Gah!

Come see this lovely item as well as five noobs at the link below!