DRAFT - Frequently Asked Questions

[BelovedDollDesigns]

Here I will begin working on an FAQ thread. It's in the draft stage as I expect that over time some new things will pop up and I would like the opportunity to work on building it up and writing it before making an official thread.

Feel free to ask questions below to help build up this thread or if I say something in the draft work that doesn't seem clear.

1. What is a DRAFT thread?
A DRAFT thread is created to allow the author some space to work with the team members to create a project. The project could be a guide for other members use to use when they need help with something or to serve as a reference. This is not the same as a thread that is designed to discuss other topics such as how to set up a show booth.

2. Who can create a DRAFT thread?
Anyone who is a member The Business of Doing Business team can create a DRAFT thread so long as it is for working collectively with the team to build a project that is to be used by everyone.

3. What kind of topics can be used for creating DRAFT threads?
These topics would be things such as, but not limited to: what to bring to a craft show, pricing formulas, how to set up your business, a general guide to sales tax, how to organize your etsy shop, etc. As you can see, these are all guide related topics that are meant to provide a reference for others.

4. Can I make a promo thread?
No - no promotions are allowed in this team. There are plenty of other teams that are for promo purposes that you can join. Breaking this rule can get you removed from this team.

Anything else anyone can think of that needs to be added to this FAQ? Did anything come out unclear above?

[BelovedDollDesigns]

5. What are the rules of this team and etsy?
It is important that you stay in the know on what the rules are on etsy. The Dos and Don'ts article that etsy put together for us can be found here: https://www.etsy.com/help/article/483??ref=help_policies_suggestion

[BelovedDollDesigns]

6. Do I have to label my DRAFT thread as DRAFT?
Though it's not a rule here but it does help if you do put DRAFT somewhere in your thread title. At the very least, you should say so in your starting thread so that other members know that the thread is a work in progress.

[LindasArtSpot]

question I know no promotions are allowed in this team. But what if we want to discuss ways to promo that can then be taken out to other teams and applied?

[BelovedDollDesigns]

Linda,
Just to be sure I'm understanding your question properly, could you elaborate a little more on your question?

[LindasArtSpot]

Sure,

I don't know if I believe that some of the promotions going on inside different teams are working well. I've been trying to think of promotions that can happen in teams that might work better.

I thought it might be good to hash out my thoughts and ideas with other etsy people about my ideas.

for instance.... in one of my teams everyone is always doing that "pick something from the shop above you" game. But it never really goes outside a small group. I came up with another idea, but I am not sure if they would work.

It would be nice if we could discuss the ideas, and maybe do a small test run and then if they work. Take them to our other teams to apply?

For instance one of my ideas is.
Could people post a favorite item from the shop above us to pinterest , and somehow post that link back to the thread. I've written instructions on the theory of it, but I'm not sure it if would actually work.

My thinking is that it would start to promote our etsy sites to a bigger audience. I have a lot of pinterest followers but most of my followers also work in clay.

It's seems like if our product was pinned by other pinners not of our same media it might grow faster. Because, they are not in our same world of say for me "polymer clay" people. When they see my work they are about coping it. When others outside PC people see it, they are quick to want to buy it. Make sense?

As a group we could discuss, test and then take it and other ideas elsewhere to use.

[Former_Member]

It might be a good idea to include a clear description of what this group does and does not consider promotion.

[BelovedDollDesigns]

@ Linda:
I think the discussion on how to do effective promoting would be fine. Promoting a product is part of running a business. However, to do a test run on the ideas would not be permissed here.

One of the back bone reasonings behind the creation of this team to have members not have to deal with the promo threads. Even if it's only a test run, it's still having a promo thread in the team. I think doing test runs of the ideas you generate through discussion should be taken out to threads that do allow for promoing. It would be better to field test the ideas anyway so you can see if they would even work whereas here, it just wouldn't when you consider the nature of this team is "no promos."

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@ Allison:
That's a good idea!

How does this sound to everyone:

7. What defines something as "promotion" on this team?
Any thread or post where intentions are to direct a person or multiple people to your shop or product with the intention of either racking up views, increasing favourites or the eventual purchase. This also covers topics such as promoting a sale your shop is having.

Trying to get around this by "asking" for a critique when posting a link to your product or shop is a no-no. This is with intentions of pretending to be looking for critiques, disguising your promotion so that you can get around this rule. These are usually easy to spot from those who truly are looking for critiques on their shop or product.
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Anyone have anything they want to add to the definition of "promotion" I typed above or have any other additional input?

[Former_Member]

That sounds like a pretty solid definition to me!

[LindasArtSpot]

sounds good, where i am coming from this is not an issue.

[BelovedDollDesigns]

8. Can I start a Voting thread?
Members can create a "Voting" thread if there is topic they want to get everyone's opinion on in regards to the team. For example: there is a change to the rules that you want and you want to see how many others want the change as well. You think of it as almost like a "petition" for the team.

[Former_Member]

ok this sounds great, so in the title of the post should read DRAFT_______ ? That way, it will be known what it is...does that look good?

[BelovedDollDesigns]

That will be just fine, Bella. :)

[BelovedDollDesigns]

9. Are critique requests allowed on this team?
After a discussion, the Business of Doing Business team has decided to have a "Critique Day" once a month where members can request a critique of their shop. We are in the process of setting up the details on it. Once this system kicks in, individual requests for critiques will not be allowed.

If you would like to participate in this discussion to add your own input on the subject matter, join us on this Team Voting thread: https://www.etsy.com/teams/18898/the-business-of-doing-business/discuss/12843561/page/3