Ok What is going on?

Normally I do not post like this, but I have to ask what is going on over at Esty? It seems like all the viable methods of being found by new users are being removed from the system; forums, alchemy, showcases (being pruned), most new listings showing up on the front page, ect.

I wonder if that means that Etsy is not planning on providing any promotional support for its sellers?

I have noticed that although Etsy is still growing in size and sales, according to auctionbytes, the rate of growth is dropping.  You can view that information here: http://www.auctionbytes.com/cab/abn/y11/m01/i11/s01


I am trying to remain positive and hope that the final game plan is just something that I can not see. But like many, I am afraid I can see it and it is not good.

So in an effort to help create a promotional presence for those who are on Etsy and feeling lost, I have created a new blog: Fresh Handmade Picks.

Each day this blog will update with new (or renewed) listings from several Etsy shops. I have created an automated feed, so I do not choose what gets listed. There are still a few bugs I am working out of the system, but please feel free to stop in and check it out. Also please feel free to let me know what you think of this promo idea.

Twitter Tree Wednesday 1-19-2011

This wonderful idea was started by ChristieCottage and has already brought in sales and promotional opportunities to those involved.  Remember “A wise man will make more opportunities than he finds. Francis Bacon. ”  I saw that quote posted on Twitter and it seems to fit the idea, so let us create more opportunities to be seen.

The Twitter Tree will be hosted by a different shop each business day.

Monday: http://christiecottage.blogspot.com/
Tuesday: http://audreyscountrycrafts.blogspot.com/
Wednesday: http://elunajewelry-nc.blogspot.com/
Thursday: http://aneedleinthehaystack-debbie.blogspot.com/
Friday: http://sweetybird09.blogspot.com/

Here are the 3 items that I would like tweeted today:

twitter account: elunajewelry

Awesome! Hoop Earrings with a secret! @elunajewelry
http://etsy.me/h7fvhh in silver #esty #handmade #bluebird 





  



Twirly Whirly Earrings in sterling silver @elunajewelry http://etsy.me/g5tLjg #etsy #bluebird #handmade

Recycle in Fashion with these upcycled Stained Glass Earrings  @elunajewelry http://etsy.me/hUhJcx #etsy #bluebird #blue #handmade

 If you follow me on twitter - please let me know. I don't follow everyone back if I don't know who they are :)

The Twitter Tree Instructions:

You post the item(s) you tweeted for me along with your twitter account so I can follow you, and list 1-3 items (clickable links, Twitter Ready please) from any of your online shops that you would like for me to tweet for you. ( No "mature" items, please). Be sure the item is twitter ready. (Please include a description, not just the link and any #hashtags you would like to use.) 

Check back throughout the day to tweet the other items listed in the comments. To make life simpler for all those tweeting, please add the hashtag #bluebird to your links. This way it will be easier to re-tweet later in the day. Also if you add the #bluebird hashtag to your items, it will give you a random chance to be featured in the #bluebird daily twitter paper. 

By reaching out through our blog and twitter network, we hope to increase promotion for all our stores and hope to gain a new audience and possibly some sales. 

Hope you have a wonderful day and see you in tweetland.

More Birds

I was going to write about the events of my weekend today, however I realized that I had no photos to help you see what I had done. So instead I am going to share some more photos of the birds that have been visiting my back porch.

If you guys are interested in birds or bird feeding, check out this great program by Cornell University: Project Feederwatch. I have participated in this program in the past and thoroughly enjoyed it.

Have you heard about the twitter tree? We are tweeting our items into your hearts. Come visit today's twitter tree at Audrey's Country Crafts. And be sure to stop back tomorrow, when I will be hosting the twitter tree.

For the Birds

Yesterday I blogged about relaxing over the weekend by watching the birds in my back yard. I got home a little early and took some photos of the birds on my deck. I thought I would share these with you today.

 

Today the twitter tree is being hosted by Audrey here: http://audreyscountrycrafts.blogspot.com/

Stop by and Join the bluebirds in the Tree.