Sharing.... or not?

[#1]

Morning!

I have found one of the loveliest things about etsy and the craft community is that people aren't precious about the sharing of ideas.

If someone asks me what printer I use (Epson R3000) or where I get my fine art papers (hahnemuehle) or my purse clasps ( http://www.etsy.com/shop/3Dpatternpaper) or fabrics printed (spoonflower) or laser cutting done(I used to work at the local art school) .... I am more than happy to share ideas.

Just in conversation I asked a fellow crafter where she got her laser cutting done (I have a really good contact myself and thought I could help her!) she told me it was top secret. This is fine but I just wondered how others feel about sharing, if you're good at what you do it doesn't matter if other people try and do it, it's impossible to avoid so why not share ideas, collaborate instead and in turn even make good friends!

Or am I really naive!

[Former_Member]

Ella Goodwin from ShopMissElla says

Heather don't put yourself down, everyone's gran may well have some needles but I for one cannot knit anything without it either turning into a fishing net or if it's crochet then I just end up with a pile of sausages!

++++++++

thanks Ella - and if ever I need a string of sausages, I'll know just who to ask ;-)

[ohmyclumsyheart]

I don't mind helping people out but I am also cautious.

I have had several people "borrow" ideas from me, which is frustrating and a little upsetting. I will go out of my way to help someone but I also realise that it is good to keep a "business head" and perhaps not be so liberal with information.

x

[Former_Member]

I guess you ladies are right, Now that i think about It there are things I wont share. But honestly in what I do there isn't a lot of competition ( I'm not saying that I'm better than anyone else there's just not a lot of box makers) and yes it would cost a small fortune to get started in box making, tools and such. and I can see your points about sharing. And yes I agree there are people out there that will steal your ideas and eventually take business away from you. So that's the business side of me saying that. But the artist in me wants to show anybody that asks how to do what i do. One other thing Ive looked at most of your shops and I can tell you this, you guys have nothing to fear, you all do some wonderful work.

[Beaderbeads]

I sell supplies so I won't give out my wholesalers info. Anything else I would help them.

[Former_Member]

Once my shop is established and making plenty of sales I wouldn't mind sharing where I got supplies. Right now I wouldn't mind giving instructions on my more basic creations at all.
For example, I make hacky sacks from time to time. If they asked how to make a basic round one, I'd tell them or point them to a good resource. If someone asked about my more complex ones (once they are posted) I would be a lot less willing to share how I made it.

[AnnaSiivonen]

I think it's a question of time management to. When I teach my craft I answer all questions and give away all my "secrets" thats what they're paying me for, even after class I help. But if someone, that I don't know at all, obviously not a custommer would ask me for suppliers/any techniques that are specific to my style, I would't spend much of my very limited time servicing them. At least not online, in person it's another thing.

[Former_Member]

I think it really depends on what the person is asking for. I've met some really wonderful sellers that have given me great "recommendations" on supply companies, for which I am so grateful for.

I am very leary on ordering online from unknown (to me) suppliers. I've been burnt a time or 2 which turned me off. I never asks for how something is constructed, as that's just tacky. So for me... I'd be more apt to share sources as a give back kinda thing.

[ChristianaOdum]

I don't mind sharing resources because I like to help people out. I understand how some people don't want to reveal their suppliers because it does take a lot of research to find the perfect supplier and if it's a unique material, they may not want to disclose that information if it makes their shop stand out. I think a lot of sellers feel like it's rude to ask, so I've never really tried, but I personally don't mind. :)

[LaLindaArtStudio]

I don't mind helping artist friends, I actually enjoy sharing. I will share suppliers or techniques, but I find it extremely rude and tacky for strangers to ask for patterns etc.

If it is not really a trade secret you could always offer to sell them a tutorial if you feel you want to share. You will either make a sale or chase them away ; )

[Former_Member]

I share info about how, what yarn, fabric, etc, just not patterns. Someone asked lately and honestly, I said I don't know how to write a pattern anyone could follow. I told her I started with a baby hat pattern from Bernat, changed yarn, changed hook, made the largest size, added a few rows....I have them in my head and a shorthand I write to remember, but actually writing a pattern, uh, no.

[Former_Member]

Share. Always. None of my materials or techniques are top secret and shouldn't be treated as such. :)

[Former_Member]

I share the materials, but not suppliers. Honestly what I make there are many people that make the same things (button earrings anyone?) but I feel that my finishing techniques and different color combos are what sets me apart from similar items.
It's taken me a long time to build my business and sources, and I agree that people should do the work if it's their passion. And if it's their passion, the work of learning as you go is actually pleasant.
When people ask me "where'd you get those buttons?" or a certain fabric, I usually reply with "Etsy" if I've gotten from a seller here or a friend or family member since they tend to give me tons of things that they don't need since I repurpose materials into my designs.
And really, when you look at my shop you can see the supplies I use right off the bat. It's no secret! :)