I was having a think today about Free*Style and if there is any point to it. I really want to know a few things.
If you are a Store Owner/Creator, have you noticed an increase in sales after advertising in the Free*Style group or being featured on this blog?
As a Shopper, are you really interested in the items which are advertised in the Free*Style group, are you discovering new stores you would never have found before?
That's what I'd like to know.
So I've created a poll at the side of this blog and would really appreciate if you could take a second to answer. There's one for shoppers and one for store owners.
Also, if you have the time, please leave any additional comments on this post. I'd be really interested to hear any suggestions, constructive criticism, what you would like more/less of etc...
If you require a response, please also include your SL name.
Thanks
Creamy
72 comments:
Couldn't find the Store one, and there was really no place for extra comments, but I can safely say, if I release on a thrusaday for freestyle, I make about 2000lindens more then on top of my reg sales.I always try to do freestyle the days after my normal release. On weekends it's less, due to so much going on, but I find they come later the next week, they save the notecards! Now putting that aside, me as a customer, Freestyle is awesome, when I was begining my business, I didn't have the cash for nice skins and jewelry. I need good shit for ads! You made me puuuuuuurty. Or grungy, or gothy. See thats the other reat thing, lots of different stuff. I guess the only thing that gets in the way would be all the reseller stuff.
It gives me a way to give back to those who started me off, even if the didn't know it! And help those new people, who might not have all the cash in the world.
:)
So worth every bit Creamy
Thanks for having me!(tears)
I have to say that I have discovered so many awesome stores with the help of you lovely ladies. That's why I read Free*Style religiously. Honestly, I get the shakes if I DON'T read it.
Keep up the great work, gals (and Gecko).
Hi, I've never commented here before, but I love your blog. I check it multiple times a day for the most adorable finds. I give the blog link to new people who need help looking good. It's one of the main places I go for new store finds..
I found cupcakes through here, and Seu, I've also found Aoharu, and Strayer, and some of my favorite stores from the list on teh side of your blog. There was a post a few pages back about a store with some lucky chairs called Alta Moda. I tped in and saw the thing, but was drawn in by the loads of things inside, I've spent over a thousand dollars there, 600 on fatpacks on one top, and the new dress they released is absolutely gorgeous. Please don't stop posting. You're my connection to the cute in SL!
I've been a member of Free*Style almost as long as I've been designing, and have seen both sides.
From a designers point of view, especially in those early days it made a HUGE difference. As well as the increased traffic and dollarbie sales, I know that some of the people that first came to the store due to Free*Style notices or blogs have become long-term followers of my brand, and that's worth it's weight in gold.
From a freebie-hunter's point of view, I *LOVE* the blog - it's one of only a couple from the hundreds I subscribe to that I read religiously. The diversity is good. Sure, you have some which appear to be favourites, but perhaps that's because those places produce more freebies? I've found some great new-to-me malls and shops through the blog and the reviewed items are always great quality. The group however....I had to turn off notices as they were so frequent, and often poorly researched (biab items, freely available things repackaged, junk, etc.). That is/was my personal preference though.
You do some sterling work Creamy, and I certainly appreciate it tremendously, thank you. *hugs*
Yay! Serena, you read my post on Alta Moda!
I love being a blogger here, Creamy, and same with the girls who check us out, I found sooooo many, too many cute things!!! Discovered my oriental side and I am loving Japanese designers at the moment with all their fun and original things - be it clothes or toys!
I consider that Free*Style does make a difference, even if i'm not a shop owner i say that shopping does increase, i have found myself buying stuffs in the shops with the freebs, or on the neighbor ones...
Besides noobies are well dressed now ;)
I love this blog. Read it every day to see where I can go on SL. Discover the stores, sims, brands, and bargains. Can't do it with out you!!! Thanks for sharing!!!
oops sorry Helena its all updated now, i was still struggling with the poll, i didnt realise you would see it so soon :)
This is great, thanks for your comments everyone, keep them coming if you think of anything else ^^
My darling Creamface,
I also see both sides. Being a designer first, blogger second (although with my laziness that could be the other way round now!!). If I hadn't have been covered by you and Fabfree, I really dont think I could have built the business I have now. Dont get me wrong, I'm no Redgrave or MM, but I never wanted to be. I've met some amazing people who found me through this blog, and I wouldn't change a bit of it. Yes sometimes you get meany pants, and ungrateful buggers you wish you could bitch slap internationaly, but for the most part people are happy and thankful, and glad they don't look like crap thanks to us. On the blogging side, I still get squee moments when I find a new store (cup of crown and Lo*momo being my recent omg moments) and I want to get their names out there so people know how fecking talented the designers are. Me personaly? I drop 1,000's on a regualar basis, I sell a skin, I spend the cash, thus completing the linden cycle!!
As a fellow blogger, I understand it can be frustrating when things like this come up. In the past with other dramas it has made me question my relevancy to the sl blogging world, but really even if no one reads I just love what I do.
I think the important thing is that as long as you enjoy blogging you will always have readers.
You guys all obviously love what you are doing and you do a great job. You are always finding out of the way places I would otherwise never find. There is a definite need for your blog!
I have always used the Freebie blogs as a way of obtaining samples from designers, so that I can see whether I like what they make. I think this is legitimate but, even if my reasoning was so that I could afford to play SL without impacting on my RL income, that should be the player's or personal choice. It is a fact that the grid attracts any number of people who do not have money to waste (I use the word advisedly) on what amounts to frippery when they have far greater concerns, such as putting food on the table, or ensuring a roof remains over their heads. It may also be the only means of having something that amounts to a social life, love life and friendships, however pathetic that may seem, and so 'looking good' (a personal issue, I believe) becomes an imperative. In this case, then I believe you can feel justified in what you do here.
However, if you feel that you are snatching money from the starving designers in SL then I wonder if you may have lost sight of why you started this blog? Forgive me, but I believed that Free*Style was to have a bit of fun and to live as cheaply as possible? Is it possible, that in the midst of such rampant materialism, we have lost the point of why we are actually in SL? Namely, to enjoy ourselves, and play what is, ostensibly, a game?
A very sad day, I think.
Hey Hey Creamy, I personaly LOVE Freestyle the group and the blog. As a Designer i notice an increase in my sales, not hugely but i'm convinced it brings customers to my store who haven't heard from me before. Ofcourse there's the occasional rude person who complains about the gift, but there's always a few of those. I personally dont have a problem with "freebie hunters"who only come to grab the freebie. Ofcourse, i prefer them to shop *LOL* but hey, I"M giving out a freebie, so I shoudln't be complaining either if they only pick up the gift, right?
All in all...i've seen the discussion about freebies, commented here and there. But all in all, i think its a nice thing to have this "freebie culture"here. For several reasons.
Newbies who can't afford the more expensive stuff, finally have good quality freebies.
For designers, its a good promotional tool and just also plain fun to give away stuff IMO.
When is too much too much? I honestly don't know.
Now, when I put off my designers hat for a moment and think as a customer, i LOVE me some good quality freebies :D Indeed like someone else mentioned, it provides me skins to make photographs I would normally have to pay alot for, same goes for hair, shoes etc.
Yeah..so all in all..i'd say, KEEP the freebies :D
swell yes freebies are always good. but finding new stores to love and crave is even better. i've dropped a lot of Linden on some of the stores that have been introduced on this blog. :)
As a superconsumer I can tell you that I love this blog. I've never gone to one of the stores I discover here without dropping many linden on other items, too.
What the current controversy seems to be about is the dipshits that abuse the freebie culture. And I've noticed that you repeat the etiquette every so often to remind people that yes, it IS a courtesy of designers to provide these items, and to be fair and appreciative. Free*Style itself has validation. And you are also doing your best to educate the public. For my two linden I say keep it up.
The fact that all your girls are absolutely gorgeous doesn't hurt either.
Oh this blog is so important! I have found and continue to shop so many of the designers you have wrote about. Please keep up the good job!
The in world group - As a designer I find that when i send a notice via th group it does help my sales to pick up and sometimes considerably.
As a shopper I dont use the notices too much as most are sent when im offline and i just delete them when i log in. The ones i recieve while im online i often TP to.
The blog - As a shopper I use the blog a LOT to find new and fun designers. I will usually pick up the freebie you have shown and then try other things. I already know i like the freebie from the pictures on the blog.
As a designer I have only been blogged twice, the first was a passing mention as part of an overal outfit. That time i saw no change in my sales.
The second time was a blog on my little store for my birthday :) That saw a big boost in sales. I also track who comes into my store and I saw many names i didnt recognise from using the in world group. I suspect some peopel just usethe in world group and others the blog and some use both
Well Creamz..it's been a year and I think you've done a super-human job. I honestly don't know how you have managed it. I would have killed at least two dozen people by now.
As always, I'm going to be honest with you: While I read the blog daily and more; there is a decent percentage of notices which just make me groan when I see them. I'll totally sqwee when I see one from designers like helena, Skinkie or LVS. It is the ones from resellers and furniture makers which I don't care for. Speaking for myself, I'd prefer the group (as with the blog) focus on quality fashion samples. And I wish some of the notice poster would just cut the crap and say, "I've got this stuff for $0L here at my club so that you can raise the vis of my mall and I can charge x amount of rent to shopowners." much love [insert name of skanky club owner here].
As for the "dipshits that abuse the freebie culture", as Winter so eloquently put it (<3): To quote my uncle Jack, "There ain't shit you can do for stupidity." There are a lot of people with some serious entitlement issues and you are not obligated to be their enabler, anymoreso than to be their therapist. They should be grateful that you're not me, as I would have tossed them out at the first sign of whinage. I am a bitch but not a rude bitch.
Do I think you should keep it going? My only honest reply to that question can be: "Are you having fun?".
<3
Azia
I always give your link to new people to help them on their way, I don't usually tell them about your group inworld I feel that they can find that on their own, but the blog gives them the oppurtunity to see what an avatar can look like a whole lot of notices when a day old doesnt really mean much to some, and can get overwhelming Im sure.
The blog is the perfect babysteps into that. As Azia said 'are you having fun ?" because if you aren't and feel obligated to post etc every day then thats going to be hard when people are not exactly nice.
But I think you would all be very missed if you didn't keep at it.
A Suggestion which maybe complicated as you would need to moderate it,would be to start a post every day with just the heading and a small amount of words saying Todays Goodies, and have designers that post in your group be able to comment with slurls , so that some of the pressure is off you all to keep up, and moderating it would mean you only approve designers you are already getting notices from, we don't all have group room and it would be great to see everything that comes your way.
sorry went off on a tangent.
you all rock
xox Sasy xox
I use your blog religiously and find it very helpful. There are designers that I wouldn't be aware had I not ventured upon your blog.
I have yet to find someone to invite me to the group though.
Thanks.
I make furniture, so I don't get blogged, but I am very thankful for being able to post my weekly freebie in the group. Without Free Style, I would probably not be doing near as well as I do now. It's helped my sales tremendously, and I have gained regular customers from Free Style.
As a shopper, I check the blog multiple times a day just to make sure I didn't miss something awesome. I don't always spend money when I go for the freebies, but if I like the store, I go back and drop a few hundred L at a time. I've been to many stores I wouldn't have ever been to without the blog.
I also have sent the blog link to quite a few newbies so they can be pretty too!
I love ya gals, your blog has definitely made a big impact on my SL~from fashion to photography. I enjoy this so much that I have to visit the site everyday! Yes, I've discovered new shops and enjoyed their freebies of course so please keep this thing going. SL needs beautiful people lol.
Creamy, I love this blog, I check it every day. When I first joined SL, I puttered around for a while wondering what to do and I nearly quit. Then I discovered you and started to feel like I was part of something. Especially around Christmas, when there were so many special events going on. It was really fun to run around and see all the shops and meet all the girls. I've discovered many cool SIMs through this blog and developed a real respect for content creators. Now I'm creating my own content, and I've learned a whole new skill set to be able to do this. Thank you for making this site, it's meant a great deal to me.
I read this blog daily and it HAS lead me to many new stores that I would never have found before.
This blog does have a purpose and it's a really good one - plese keep up your fantastic work.
Freestyle is my fav blog cuz of its highly thoughtful and aesthetic presentation of the freebies (which unfortunately doesn’t apply to all freestyle bloggers). It makes it a pleasure to have a look at the blog and easy to decide what to pick up and which shop to check out (unlike many other freebie blogs with crappy photos or the tendency to blog every crap).
Shopowner view: I only got blogged once at freestyle, but often at many other blogs, and it is always an incredible increase in sales (in relation to the popularity of each blog, and freestyle was BIG in sales increase). In fact I have to say (from my experience) that popular blogs have an incredible influence and they can ‘make’ a new designer (and in reverse ‘break’ a designer, but this hardly happens as never critical reviews are published).
Shopper view: I have to say that I hardly find new and interesting shops via freestyle as the good freebies (that catch my attention) are mostly by established creators. I tend to find new shops more via regular fashion blogs that feature a new stunning not-free item.
All in all … freestyle is the best on the web!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
JJ
I love Freestyle. It's an excellent opportunity to find out about sales and freebies I wouldn't hear about otherwise. I always open the notecards, eager to see what goodies have been released. Freebies are, for me, an outstanding way to try products from new designers and see how they suit me, and whether I want to drop further lindens on their other products.
That said, I think all group notices should include a notecard with pics of the item(s) released, as well as the landmark. I usually ignore notices with landmarks alone -- why should I tp over if I don't know if I'm at all interested in the release?
As a shopper I do find interesting shops thanks to your blog. As a shop owner my sales increased when I was mentioned in group.:) And I am going to do more free stuff when I'll get my inspiration back.:) I don't care about what money I make in Sl, I don't do it for the money. Seams that designers who complain only care about the money.
And I do suggest your blog for newbies. Only little suggestion, if you could only blog about free items. It's annoying to explain to the noob, that this is free, that is not, that is free and so one.:)
Please keep doing what you are doing! Freestyle is one of the best shopping blogs in sl. I have found tons of new stores and some great free goodies. I also love your fun and witty style of writing the posts. You all make something that could be just a "shop here and get this" post much more fun! I also think the frequency of the posts, which of course is time consuming, is very much appreciated. I personally check the blog at least twice a day for the latest finds. Thank you for helping all of us look our best when our little prim pocketbooks may be crying or we're looking for a great deal!
I have noticed a decrease in the quality of the dollarbie/freebie items in the group. It seems more store owners are advertising their own shops more than just regular people finding the nice stuff.
The blog is fine but, I preferred it when it was just Creamy blogging and the only other place was Fab Free. Now there are too many freebie blogs and they all post the same stuff.
The rudeness isn't as bad as the way people are with Lucky chairs. I hate when people get bossy. "K, sit. K on chair. Sit on chair, K!" as if I'm some dog or something. Blah... rant over.
Creamster for president.
IMHO the blog rocks!
1)Yes, there are more freebie blogs out there, but are they as fun to read and with posting pics that just get better and better?... You femmes are fun and funnier :))
2) Not only have I found great stores and sims to explore because of your posts, but I've also had the opportunity to meet some super faboo folks at the same time!
Like other commenters, I check the blog (along with a couple of others) regularly during the day, not only for the freebs, but just to get that smile...the first time Creamy posted Mia's Wild Woman Hair, I laughed out loud...
Sure I'd get more building done if I wasn't tping the grid to check out your freebie tips, but then, I would have missed a lot of places that have inspired me to build better quality furniture and gadgets tho my volume is low.
I'm out of the loop in terms of the controversy that prompted this post, but I have to say, as long as this is still fun for you, please continue....please please please! (Ok, enough gush and grovel, you know I love you guys and am addicted to your blog) <3 Jaxie
I spend a very substantial amount of linden every month on fashion items, hair, skin, clothes, shoes, accessories...you name it. Free Style has introduced me to places I would never have found otherwise. As time passes..I get pickier about what I keep in inventory, but those things that are well done stay and my closet, and those are the stores I spend my cash in.
I am aware of the comments and drama which has come up on the blogs. I also know that many designers don't do freebies or sales. That is their choice, truth is I do spend money and shop, I also have a property that I rent. Without meaning to, one can spend an inordinate amount of money on SL.
Yours was the first blog that I read. Besides all the freebies, I found new stores and places to go. I probably take far less freebies than I used to and am much more picky about what I buy. 14K inventory is pretty unwieldy!!
You seem to always have had fun with this blog, as well as the few times I've bumped into you during event etc. (actually you'all seem to be having a blast!)
Most of my fellow shoppers are pretty cool... as for the others
"Off with their heads!!!!"
I would have to say that most designers are awesome!! Their generosity is very much appreciated
and I do give them my business.
As far as your blog is concerned, I still read it on the feed and I do recommend it to others. I am trying (without much success..)to curtail my shopping. :( (nooo!)
Hey Creamy
First off, "whats the point?" ... lots of reasons. For the newer residents its a fantastic way to get thing you wouln't normally be able to get, I remember in my early days looking terrible and not knowing where or how to find 'free' things.
I'm both a store owner and a customer, so I can respond from both sides. As a store owner, yes, there is a definate increase in sales. I place out something for 1L, people come and a few return and buy regular priced items, after they have discovered me and liked what they saw.
As a customer, I definately have some across a LOT of stores I wouldn't have normally either looked for or found.
So,THANK YOU for allt he hard work you and all the other bloggers etc do here and inworld!! IT's definately appreciated, from Nissa, the store owner and customer (more a customer than a store owner lol)
I don't know what incident sparked your questions, but I want to share some of my thoughts. :)
Your blog is one of my absolute favourites and I read it almost every day. I enjoy the photos and little stories so much - you all put so much effort and care in the posts and it shows!
I also love that you show a selection of the best freebies and not just everything on the grid. I often feel overwhelmed by the amount of free things that is available nowadays, as I don't have the time to get and organise them all. This blog acts as a kind of pre-filter.
I don't spend a lot of time shopping in random places anymore, but tend to go directly to buy things I saw on one of the fashion or freebie blogs. This way I often discover new designers I haven't heard of before. I see freebies as a sample for the rest of the shop and if I love the item and it is good quality, I will return to the shop and spend lindens.
I had to leave the Free Style in-world group though, as I felt overflooded by all the messages. (for the same reason I left the FashCon group). It is a shame as I surely miss good announcements, but it is more feasible for me to get the information from weblogs.
<3 Paulina :)
There's three freebie blogs I follow (and one's run by a friend.)
When one of my freebies gets blogged sales are always up the next week. People wear it, show it off to their friends, and bring their friends to my shop.
Thank you so much for all your comments and suggestions everyone, it's been really helpful.
There was no particular incident which sparked this blog post, don't worry I'm not having one of my crisis moments XD.
Free*Style a lot of work and I really wanted to find out what we are doing here is still of benefit, if it is worth the effort. So far from all your great comments here and the poll it seems it is, but I will be interested to see how the polls go during the week.
I do agree that the group notices have changed a lot since I first started it, originally it was just notices about things I have found myself and then I opened it up to all group members being able to send notices, which ended in disaster as it was spamtastic!
Lots of designers were contacting me to send notices for them which was a lot of work, so I then decided they could send their own notices.
*BIAB type resellers are not allowed to advertise in the group and it does specify this in the rules, so if you do discover a reseller advertising, please let me know, we do try to check each store before we invite them to the group but some seem to slip through the net.
Obviously I would love if only quality items are advertised in the group, but I would never tell someone they can't advertise because something they have created isn't that great. I believe everyone who has created their own items should have the abilty to send notice as we all have to start somewhere. I just hope they remember Free*Style when they make it big :)
Thanks again everyone
Much luvs
Creamz
I've been a Free*Style fan for nearly a year now.
Without you, dear Creamface, I wouldn't have known how I was being screwed by the resellers. That still pisses me off when I think about it. Most of all, I wouldn't know how to help others, and that's what you do here every day.
Negative comments can be ignored or deleted. Negative people can be muted and banned. There's really not that many of them anyway.
Thank you for all the work you've put into this. We appreciate you!
The first few times I used the freebie groups (this one and fabfree) I saw an increase in sales, however as of late, no changes, and sadly sales have once again dropped. I don't think I have been featured on the blog, only via the notices I have sent to the group.
Oh and Rhaorth, no offense but I've seen some of your stuff and I wasn't really impressed. I guess that might be a reason why your sales aren't going to well.
Even though I have a lot of respect for anyone who builds or designs, the assumption that "just handing out freebies = increased sales" is a wrong one is proven by the fact that people will choose quality over just wearing a random freebie just because it was handed to them for free.
It goes without saying that the blog is FANTASTIC... it's a very well put together package with lots of really great freebs! I offer heartfelt thanks to all involved in creating such a fine blog. My only suggestion is that those posting an item need to doublecheck to make sure their info on how and where to obtain the freebie is clear and specific, i.e. in store group gift vs. group gift in notices, accurate LMs to the freebie, etc.
Now to rain a little on the Free*Style lovefest... LOL. It's become painfully clear in the past few months that that your interest lies in the blog, not in the group. And since the survey question focused on the value of the group, the answer I provided had to be less than positive -- I'm just not finding a heck of a lot of great stores in group notices anymore. Free*Style group notices are reminding me more and more lately of FashCon, and I've considered quitting this group for the same reason that I quit that one. I'm all for supporting new designers, but at least 3/4 of the freebies in notices are really subpar quality (my subjective opinion)... and that's if I can even find the freebie from the info in the notice. I was amused that instead of policing the group charter rules about once a week postings, you just changed the rules so we now have the same dozen or so stores effectively spamming the group on almost a daily basis (and don't even get me started about those "I'm putting out a freebie until I'm finished eating dinner" notices).
I guess what I'm saying is that allowing creators unlimited access to posting notices has really diminished the value of the group. I think back fondly 6 months ago or so to when Free*Style had a host of really great hunters (Silk, Zala, Amethyst, Elusyve, and a host of others) exploring SL and discovering amazing new stores for us to visit... and it really saddens me to see how far the quality of the group has fallen. It seems like you want the group to run itself, and that's just not working. If you don't have the time or energy to maintain the group at a certain level and/or are unable to find people willing to help... then maybe you should consider discontinuing the group.
Once again, though... LOVE the blog!! :)
Adding my voice to the masses, as a consumer:
Love the blog, eventually left the group in part to lack of group space, but mostly a lack of interest in the notices sent and the constant group chat issues (which the Lindens thankfully have now fixed), in my mind, the blog is 15 shades of awesome and terribly valuable, the group less so, but i know a lot of people DO find the group awesome, including a number of friends of mine who are designers whose sales have been boosted massively from being featured both in the blog and the group.....So....basically...Keep up the good work! <3<3<3
See, here we have the perfect example of the dipshits Winter mentioned with the rude, gratuitous slam on Rhaorth's work by the, of course, Anonymous poster.
For the record, I did not diss any freebies from Rahorth because I wasn't talking about those. I would never diss a freebie to begin with.
I simply said that a reason for decreasing sales could be her designs and not so much anything freebie related because I feel some people tend to "blame" the freebieculture right now for not selling when infact their designs simply might not be so appealing.
I believe quality will surely sell, freebies won't make a difference there.
annon I am sorry that my designs are not to your taste, however since I do have sales, and since a couple folks have spoken out here saying that they do like my stuff, then I would venture to say my quality is not the reason for the lack of sales.
Overall, a lot of folks are having a decrease in sales.
Your comments did not attack my freebies, your comments attacked my work, in a very negative light. You make it sound as though everyone dislikes my work, when in fact that is not true, it is merely your opinion that my stuff lacks quality, and to be honest, that opinion holds as much water as a leaky boat, coming from an annon poster.
I can not help but wonder why you are hiding behind an anno post. If I had not posted under my name, who would you have decided to diss?
I never once said that the freebies is why my sales are down... I said my sales were up for awhile, now down again.
I am still baffled, and amazed at your comments, and how you really think it pertains to this post by creamy.
To Creamy, I am sorry this happened in your comments section, however I could not sit on my hands while an annon poster decides to attack my store, and my items.
Annon:
Just because they are not to your taste, doesn't mean they are not good.
Yes, we seem to have entered an uncomfortable territory that should not have been entered here. I'm sorry Rhaorth that you have been personally targeted in one of these comments :(
I hope the above comments do not make you feel hurt, I think anon was just expressing their personal opinion (rather untactfully).
If everyone liked the same thing the world would be a boring place, keep on doing what you are doing as long as you enjoy it, that's what it's all about ultimately. ((hugs Rhaorth))
Thanks creamy, and yes the comments did hurt, but I figured out why. It was not because anon doesn't like my stuff, it is because anon did it in the way they did, by hiding. I have to ask myself, if it is a friend who is not being honest with me, or an enemy trying to cause trouble for my already floundering SL business.
That is what hurts, the fact that they do not have the balls to show their true SL identity. After all, did you not ask for folks to put their SL name on their posts?
Creamy is right, I am expressing my own opinion, something I'm entitled to do just like you and I choose to do this anonymously because it's not something up for debate or discussion.
I don't really understand why you are so extremely offended by me "just the anon poster" saying I'm not impressed by your work because that is all I said and you are blowing things up hugely even implying your business will suffer because of my comment.
Besdides, anyone who designs or tries to should be able to handle critism on their work instead of taking it way too personally like you are doing now.
I'm no friend, no enemy, simply someone who doesn't like your work and am honest about it instead of some people who aren't but meanwhile would never shop at your store nor blog your clothes like you said yourself.
K kids, mommy's gonna take your toys away if y'all can't play nice. Lets keep on topic, lets keep it constructive, and lets not get into a debate about a designers work kthnxbai
Another Anonymous Mod (so not the anonymus that was giving an opinion, but another one):
Actually this Rhaorth-Anonymos dispute reveals a bit a core fact.
Looking back at the beginning of freestyle, things have drastically changed nowerdays. I just return from the ghost hunt and i fell into a trance of pick, jump, pick, jump, pick, jump (not rezing, not looking) just overwhelmed by the quantity (Moscow MMS Skin !!!! GET IT) ... beautiful shops, absolute crap shops ... i start to wonder how even the good ones can survive ... SOOO:
Designers (to a certain BIG extent) desperately need the attention they get through blogs like yours. What could have been seen as generosity in the beginning has turned into a neccessity of survival (called freebies) which turns blogs into a platform they HAVE to get into. So i don't fully understand your "I just hope they remember Free*Style when they make it big :)" cuz you are a big part of making them big. My point is that i would long for a more critical coverage, a stronger point of view, maybe it is really time (and freestyle is the only blog which has a reputation to do so) to think of a stronger editorial line. To start to make opinion (which already shines through on freestyle in the strong personalities and taste of the individual blogers), which in reverse could also bring the freebie culture to the next level.
Ok, last post and then I'm done because you are making way more out of my comment then it really was. I saw you didn't only blew it up here but also on SL forums and your blog and maybe even other places.
You also stay stuck in the same circle of "beeing offended" and can't seem to read past that post. I'm happy many designers can take critism for their work however because as a paying customer you have a right to critize which is what I did. I did not offend you, I critized your work but you can't seem to understand this.
In addition to Doreen and anonymous above this post, there is not only a freebie culture with overwhelming amounts but also a designer and a blog culture with overwhelming amounts. The bigger the amounts, the more picky people can and will be and they will only pick those things that are truly worth it in their opinion.
As a cause of that freebies that are not so good, designers that are not so good but even blogs that are not so good will suffer.
Sure, different people, different tastes but why do a large amount of blogs go nuts over a new dress from Zaara, why is her store camped with people who want it and why does Zaara herself probably doesn't feel like freebies are bad for her business because she sells anyway? Because she makes quality clothes that appeal to a lot of people so they all want to get the freebie, they all want to blog her and they all want to buy her dresses.
That was the point I made, do not link freebie culture to sales directly when they might not be linked. If today everyone stopped giving away freebies and only 1 store would give them but the freebie and clothes they sell wouldn't appeal to many compared to clothes that are sold in other stores, people will probably grab the freebie to check it out, conclude it's not their thing and prefer to spend cash in the stores that don't have freebies.
So I agree with anonymous, I also think it's time to make and give an opinion instead of complimenting every freebie (cause it's free), complementing every blog (cause it takes time and effort) and complimenting every designer (cause they design). SL is no different then RL. If you don't perfom well in your RL job your boss or customers will let you know so I don't see why it's not okay to voice your opinion here aswell. Because people might get hurt? If you don't want to get hurt, don't put out freebies, don't start a blog or don't open a store and keep it all to yourself.
Don't get me wrong, I don't think rude or agressive behavior is acceptable at any times but voicing your opinion on mentioned things is.
And to voice mine about this blog: I love it so I hope you people keep it up because it's definately a good blog among other not so good blogs :)
Sometimes the items featured are my style, sometimes not, but I stop here as I log into SL, not only to see where to shop, but often to find out what's going on. I've got more variety in myinventory, found a lot of great fashion (free and purchased) I'd never have found on my own, had alot of fun and met some wonderful peeps thanks to Free*Style. Thank you Creamy!
Wow..discussion still going on.
First of all, Rhaorth i COMPLETELY understand your frustration, not because someone doesnt'like your stuff, but the way they express it en plein public for everyone to read HURTS. Simple as that. I had it happening to me a few weeks ago on the shopping cart disco blog. Someone said they were "sick of seeing me all over the blogs" (ofcourse anonymously) and omg i was upset like a baby!
(ofcourse didnt'want to admit that then :P)
In general: People who create things in SL put ALOT of their time and effort (and mostly blood sweat and tears) and love in their work, and ofcourse not everyone's going to like it, but its really hurtfull to get "bashed" like that. Please take that into consideration ;)
I still say: KEEP UP THE FREEBIES and <3 Freestyle blog :D
For me, the problem is paralysis of choice generally. There are too many notices, too many hunts, too many stores for me to even think of being able to keep up with them. I like to think that Free*Style helps cut through the noise, but the group notices are more nuisance than worth, especially when they start to reach FashCon levels of frequency. At least that infernal low level group chat noise is gone. Notices to the group without pics are useless to me: I won't go someplace new if I don't have a sense of what I will find before I get there. "Cool free dress" just doesn't cut it, and notices without anything at all attached to them are like spitting into the ocean--once I close them, they're gone forever.
I read the blog fairly regularly, but I would say that 90% of what I see on the blog I don't go pick up either. It's just too overhwelming.
/me retreats to her dark corner, curls up in the fetal position, and rocks back and forth.
Today, a content creator in an industry in Second Life asked me if I would be interested in writing a column for a magazine. He commented that he thought I was a good candidate for the job because I am outspoken and analytical. He really wanted someone who could pick things apart, tell it as she sees it and maybe coax those in his industry to a higher level of achievement.
My first thought was of this thread. I don't think I want to write anything which others may see as critical of them. Not that I cannot take the heat of someone getting worked up over something which I write. But that it would not have the effect on his peers which the fellow would like to see.
Words are not taken at face value. The only thing I can see coming of it, is people getting their feelings hurt and endless drama about "how/where something was said", rather than critical examination of the state of their products, leading to discussions about raising the quality to a higher level. So yeah, I passed on the assignment.
/me hands Dot a nice cup of cocoa.
@ Anonymous again, EXACTLY! That's exactly what i mean. lol...i can have critisism about my work, i KNOW not everyone likes it, thats not the issue. The issue is people getting bashed and personally attacked in the public blogs..THATS what i have a problem with.
Trying to get not too much off topic: <3 for freestyle
came back to flick over others thoughts and WOW how folk like to get of the topic and make up there own
Freestyle works great - I send notices and I dont send pics as im not spending 10L for an upload - then again I pass many freebies i send a notice ever about as I dont think its good enough for me to use and I if i wont use it I wont pass it onto others.
Maybe thats the key to this - the folk who send notices check out for themselves and think even if its my style or not - is it good enough that I would have it ?
that would cut alot of notices right there.
sometimes i see things that are more poorly made than others BUT at least these folk gave creating a go and willing to GIVE it to u.
Sl is a game and for fun - but real folk are at the keyboards so think before u comment here or anyother place
Creamy and co u do a wonderful job but I know its takes alot of time - do what feels right to u
Again, thanks so much for your helpful comments everyone.
I have removed all of the comments not relating to this, as I don't like upset..you know me.
I accidentally removed a couple of others by mistake because i was going cross eyed, so apologies to those of you who who's comments I deleted by accident :D
My 2 cents:
I have loved this blog from the beginning. I learned so much from it! I am still amazed by the the original posts, great quality of the pictures and the way it's written. There are other freebie blogs out there, and I read them all, but this blog is still my favorite.
I read all notices of the group but I think the quality of the notices has gone down. The only notices I really like are the ones sent out by Creamy or her fellow bloggers.
If the blog would stop, I would definetely miss it because it is such a great source for finding new interesting things.
Please keep up the good work! <3
I'm an image consultant & shop extensively, often using Free Style to discover unfamiliar designers, up and coming designers & new shops. I recently came across a shop while hunting for ladies pumps, Rha! Designs. I was impressed by her line of quality sculpted shoes.
I am a stickler for details & after trying on a few demo versions of her pumps, it was apparent to me that she is also a stickler for details. I look at the shoe base often to discern the quality of the design & her shoe base made the foot look quite natural, not distorted as many can. The sculpted upper also flattered the foot nicely. The fact that the shoes offered resizing & tinting & all at a reasonable price just cinched the deal for me & I immediately bought a pair for myself.
I encourage my clients to shop for items with either mod rights or color & size changing scripts to offer the most versatitlity for their wardrobes. Rhaorth offers this in her designs when others do not. I applaud her for giving her customers quality, versatility & more left in their SL wallets at the end of their shopping day.
Thank you Rhaorth!
you are welcome anissa
I too love to read this blog, and see the new stuff out there. I prefer to see blog posts about the lesser known designer, instead of the well known ones. It is fun to explore new places and see new work, new names and such.
Thank you creamy for this blog and please don't shut it down
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