I would like to invite all of you to join my artists network. My goal is to inspire, educate and connect artists so that they can learn to create all they desire for their business with this network.
http://artfulmarket.ning.com/
Hi Everyone,
I was shocked yesterday to come home from my daily run to the Post Office to find several emails from my loyal customers in a panic. They informed me my shop on Etsy had been deactivated. I couldn't even get on the site to see what had happened. I checked my email and found one email that had arrived around 3:52 that told me my account had been deactivated. There were four duplicate emails sent within a few minutes of each other around 4:30 with information on an abuse report that had been filed.
The only information the report gives me is a transaction number and the buyers email address. I have searched on my PayPal account for a purchase made with this email address and there is none. The transaction number is a number that corresponds to the Etsy receipt and is a worthless number on PayPal. I have no other information to work with. I have contacted the buyer and I am still waiting on a response. I have contacted Etsy support numerous times and I am still waiting on a response. I have watched thread after thread be locked today about anything having to do with what has happened. Someone is working today but I am still waiting on a response from them to understand what has happened.
For more information on what has happened go to:
http://etsynews.com/627/more-shop-closures-including-a-top-seller/?cp=8#comments
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So I am focused on this blog today. Let it be a place to let me know what you would like to see for yourself as an artist. The Artful Market can be anything you as artists want it to be. Lets create a place that comes from a place of inspiration and creativity. Let me know what you want that to be. For all of you who have left Etsy, add your links to my blog and let me know your thoughts.
Here is my vision:
I am an artist myself and my big vision is to be a resource for artists to inspire them on all levels. That is why I chose the name Artful Market. I am currently working on my own website: http://www.artfulmarket.com. It is not finished yet because my Etsy site has kept me so busy that is has had to sit on the back burner. That will change after today. I have been reminded of a big lesson here: Put your eggs in more the one basket! Please go to my site and register if you would like me to keep you updated. I am not going anywhere. I plan on continuing with my ArtfulMarket, no matter how Etsy responds to this.
I have a dream of a website that will not only provide artists with a place to get hard to find supplies but also a place to find resources to market there work, chat, help each other, educate etc. A market that is a network center for artists on the Internet. There are so many talented artists out there that create wonderful art but don’t know how to market it. Etsy has been a great resource but they are not the only basket in the universe. I want to give artists the ability to create many baskets for their work. Part of the fear that is created on Etsy is because artists feel that this is the only resource for their business. I want to empower artists to create a business that thrives on all levels and can grow.
I did shows for years, I have sold to galleries, I have been licensed and made royalties off of my designs, I have been a college professor….the list goes on. I learned early on that not only do I create the art but I also create the resources to get my art out to the world. My big goal is to provide a network and a resource so that you can go one place on the Internet to get information and the resources to be your wonderful creative selves. It is about creating not only your art but creating a way to get what you love to do out there so you can create an income as well. I would love to hear from you. Lets turn this into something positive for all of us. Artful Market has only just begun!
===================================================================I have heard the outrage and concern from all of you who are speaking out about this. I am so grateful for all of your support!
