Craft Hackers

[tnitnetny]

So those of you that know me personally and those that have visited me at conventions know I have alluded to a new project in the works. I have set myself a deadline for the unveiling and it will be at GenCon in August. It is going to be a new blog/forum/site called Craft Hackers.

Craft Hackers is going to be a site for all things geeky and crafty. The site will serve 2 purposes. The first will be a blog that will feature all things awesome that are hand made and geeky. Basically a Sprite Stitch on a little steroids. The second purpose will be to help all of you that want to sell your crafts. I am going to have a Craft Hacker community of members that will pay a monthly subscription. This subscription will entitle the person/company to:

a) a special members only area where all of my knowledge is your knowledge. You know how I sometimes allude to "it's my secret", or "yeah, I figured that out"? Basically I will tell everyone my secrets. Everything you need to know about conventions, everything you need to know about starting a business with crafting (yes, I also have an MBA), and what you should know about taxes, legal stuff, everything I have learned.

b) a direct link on a special page on the Craft Hackers site back to your site for promotion and advertising if you have one.

c) Guaranteed Features of your stuff x amount of times a month on the blog. I am still thinking about how many times on this one.

I need some input from the general crafting community and before I open it up on my facebook/twitter I want to ask you guys first. So here is what I would like to know:

a) As a reader, what kind of stuff would you like to see on the blog.
b) As a forum goer, what kind of stuff would you like to see (including monthly challenges and types of possible prizes)
c) As a crafter, does the members only stuff appeal to you? If so, what would be a reasonable monthly price for that?
d) Is there anyone that wants to jump on board with me and be a blogger? I would need a sample of your writing and what you would expect in return, for example: love from me, a free members only pass, etc, If you are interested just message me and we can chat about it.
e) anything else you want to add that you can think of?

I love you guys!

[tnitnetny]

Oh and before anyone asks, yes I talked Johloh about this before I posted anything. My goal is not to take away from this site, but to complement and add to it and hopefully send even more people here through my site.

[Yurtle]

I think this is a fantastic idea! You have so much knowledge and have been so successful at conventions and building your business that I think we could all benefit from this!

A lot of people, like me, probably struggle with trying to get started with selling their stuff and have no idea how to go about it. I like that it has a different angle from Sprite Stitch. While we try and help people here as much as we can, your plan will be more focused on that.

It's awesome to have a place to be promoted! I like that idea a lot!

1) As a reader, I would like to see different types of crafts featured. In-depth articles about different types of crafts and then examples. Not just "this is cool" but why it's cool and what goes into making it.
2) I'm not a huge participator in challenges because I'm often spending too much time crafting things that need to be done that I don't have time so I'll leave that for someone else to comment on.
3) The members only stuff very much appeals to me! Having a business resource at your "disposal" that is geared specifically to crafting would make for a huge advantage. In terms of costs, you'd have to think how much a business session would cost. Some people may be willing to pay $100 for a single day session to get started with a business. A monthly subscription would work but maybe also a yearly one for those interested.
4) I would be interested in jumping on board! I have my own blog going as well but it might prompt me to become more regular with my own stuff.
5) Thank you for sharing!

[tnitnetny]

Thanks Yurtle! That does help. Any one else with input or ideas?

[blackmageheart]

My goal is not to take away from this site, but to complement and add to it and hopefully send even more people here through my site.

Awesome! And what a great idea. I really like that whole promoting crafters angle you're taking.

a) As a reader, what kind of stuff would you like to see on the blog.
b) As a forum goer, what kind of stuff would you like to see (including monthly challenges and types of possible prizes)
c) As a crafter, does the members only stuff appeal to you? If so, what would be a reasonable monthly price for that?
d) Is there anyone that wants to jump on board with me and be a blogger? I would need a sample of your writing and what you would expect in return, for example: love from me, a free members only pass, etc, If you are interested just message me and we can chat about it.
e) anything else you want to add that you can think of?

a) Anything craft related is good, but also some nice short articles on techniques or how to get started in craft x would be interesting too.
b) Challenges and contests are good (and perhaps we can do some kinda cross-forum thing sometime too), prizes should be crafty if possible but geeky things work too (trick is to put up something that appeals to a wide section of your visitors/members)
c) Yes, and it's something I've often thought of for Sprite Stitch. As for pricing, I'm not sure, but I do know it definitely has to be reasonable for what you are paying for. Perhaps you could offer tiers at different levels (as some people may not be able to afford the full package but may still want to take advantage of the opportunity, just to a lesser degree)
d) I'm a terribly unreliable blogger!
e) If you need any help with anything, you know I am always at your disposal.

[Mishatu]

I would love to learn more about some of the crafts I'm doing. For instance, I'm in the midst of projects involving maille and bobbin lace. If you'd like me to do some research and write something/take pictures of what I'm doing, just let me know well in advance ^_^

[tnitnetny]

Thanks BMH!

That sounds cool Mishatu, I will definitely keep it in mind.

[Eliste]

a) I'm pretty easy- I'll read almost anything. I like my bloggers to do a mix of things, so not just always their particular craft, but put in that personal touch. It makes it more real.
b) I'm not one for monthly challenges. The time frame is just too short for most of the projects that I'm willing to do. I get that others like it, but I like to do things that are that little bit more challenging and more intricate. Longer challenges are really the only thing I'll consider, and I'm more inclined to do something that's like a stitch-a-long that teaches me something new than something where I just do it to potentially win a prize. I'd rather have something I participate in teach me so that even if I don't win, I've got new skills under my belt.
I'd actually be inclined to put together a "group of experts" to have to answer questions on a forum. That might interest me. Somewhere I can come with a problem and get a reasonable reply from a vetted source within a decent timeframe would be nice.
c) Ok, I'll be honest, the idea of anything I have to pay for does not appeal to me. Mostly because I'm poor right now, but also because I can usually find the information elsewhere for free if I just look for it. That said, the ability to have stuff promoted (were I ever to actually desire selling things) THAT I might consider paying, but only once something has a significant following that would mean the exposure is worth it. A startup website/forum would not get my money for that as I feel I'd be better off just putting it towards Adsense or something like that until the following is bigger. Once its big enough, though, I might consider it.
d) I'm probably too flaky to be a regular blogger. I'm not averse to it, but my schedule is hectic enough that I'm poor at keeping my own blog. That said, I'd be willing to author the occasional guest post if you wanted something specific from me. My writing can be found at withoutastitchon.blogspot.com or bettyletters.blogspot.com.
e) Good luck! I hope it becomes a booming success.

[tnitnetny]

The for pay wouldn't be for everyone. It would only be people that want to pursue their craft as a business. It wouldn't be just the promotion, but the knowledge and help I can give with taxes, legalities, getting into and set up at conventions, getting your own website or blog off the ground, as well as the ability to use the Craft Hackers name for your own promotion. So not just included advertising, but support and help in your business. That is my key goal right now with the pay options.

All of the crafting advice, features, articles, tips, etc will be available to everyone for free.

[BooChocoBoom]

This is actually a really great idea. I've been doing craft shows with beaded jewelry for some time but mostly "under the table" as far as taxes/business license goes. I don't make enough at them to make a difference in what we report but I've been wanting to start selling things on Etsy or at conventions and would love to legitimize before then. While I know all sorts of tax law for big businesses (I work with portfolio analysts in a trust banking atmosphere), I know next to nothing about small business stuff. I really don't know what to suggest for affordability - I mean, I pay like $40 a year for a subscription to InStyle and this is so much more useful.