OK folks, it's time for another topical rant...

Dec 14, 2009 23:26

This one is on selling things in your online business ( Read more... )

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Comments 16

frabjously December 15 2009, 04:41:58 UTC
Hah, I'm pretty sure I know what set this off.

I think it's a blurry line when you're using a community in both a personal and professional capacity. Ideally you should have two different accounts to signal whether you're representing yourself or the company though there will be some overlap.

But mentioning your kid's college fund? Most companies exist to support people's livelihoods - likely every other company that post on steamfashion will use the money for something important like food or rent or study or even a college fund. They just don't mention it because it's unprofessional, and it's not selling the product on its merits, it's selling yourself. Which is fine if you're asking for emergency donations (some of which I have gladly contributed to) but 99% of running a business should NOT be charity work.

And slightly OT - steamfashion is becoming EVEN MORE of a case of who can be the better sycophant. Having a supportive community is one thing, but these days the mods aren't even trying to maintain the illusion of impartiality.

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jadedeath December 15 2009, 05:14:13 UTC
Isn't it just scary though ( ... )

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msmcknittington December 15 2009, 05:47:38 UTC
And slightly OT - steamfashion is becoming EVEN MORE of a case of who can be the better sycophant. Having a supportive community is one thing, but these days the mods aren't even trying to maintain the illusion of impartiality.

Good god. Doesn't it just make you sick? Sometimes I feel that it's not so much a steampunk fashion community so much as it is a "promote the mods' friends" community.

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warriorsmurf December 15 2009, 07:23:07 UTC
I'm kind of over steampunk because that community annoys me so much. The punk thing is about DIY and individuality, and while I can respect your expensive outfit as art, it's not punk in any way! Plus that particular group of people seems to think steampunk is exclusively Victorian. Blah.

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mlc13 December 15 2009, 14:55:00 UTC
Well, thanks for the compliment! I did try hard to keep my business professional - no one's perfect, but I'm glad to hear positive reviews :)

I'm not part of that community, but it does drive me crazy when people are constantly promoting their goods - I think that promoting something new, or a sale is fine, but repeated posting for the same things? It does get old very, very quickly.

And, quite frankly if someone likes the product they're going to buy it - who cares if it's sending a child to university, paying for your drinking habit, or paying for a sex change! *shakes head*

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jadedeath December 15 2009, 16:42:55 UTC
No worries.

I agree with promoting something new or a sale, I mean most fashion designers have shows on a YEARLY basis promoting their new stuff as opposed to on a daily or weekly basis.

I believe yours were spaced out to be at max once every 6 months or so? You were too busy actually MAKING your product to promote much more than that.

And I agree on the last point, I couldn't give a rat's ass what they spend the money on, it could go up their nose for all I care... but it's the act of mentioning the kids that annoys me. That makes me NOT want to buy the product even if I was considering it before.

Logan

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catastr0ph3 December 17 2009, 14:37:23 UTC
due to lack of caffeine i thought this said TROPICAL rant; which would be interesting considering your location.

i dunno--makes me want to start an online business. i think i'll start with free samples.

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