Let's discuss the intent / direction of this section
 

Hi all -

We've recently fielded some questions about the intent and direction of this section - and it's probably worthwhile to discuss what folks think this section is for / should be for as it evolves over time.

We want to make sure this section isn't being viewed as another 'advertising' section for sellers, bc selling should only take place in the For Sale sections.

So, what do you think the purpose of this section should be? For feedback on current sewing/fashion projects? Tips and advice on patterns etc? What....?

Discuss! :D

I have always assumed it was for showing off our babies in new clothes and accessories, whether they be store bought, custom made or made by Mommy:)

Although I don't participate on this forum, I thought it was to be for, showing off items (clothing generally, but not limited to) acquired/made for our babies. Also, either feedback, ideas, tips, showing off projects, etc. It shouldn't be used as another venue for selling, as that's a privilege reserved for donating members.

Ann, the only way I see that this thread won't include subtle indirect marketing would be to not allow vendors to post here. If that is the case, I am guilty because I did start a "bragging thread" showing Peanut wearing one of my harnesses. If you find me guilty, please delete the thread :eek:.

I did read the posting rules, but aside from no selling from this forum there weren't a lot of guidelines. The fashions I have seen in this thread ARE simply adorable!

i think it should be for feedback, showing off things we have made or bought for our babies

Lol Cindy - that's IT, I'm deleting Peanut's thread; I can't believe how rebellious you have become :D.

That part I bolded? Yep, I agree...that's why I kind of wanted to see if we could somehow articulate the direction of this section - bc I'm not sure if it's really been discussed in detail -- or if there are concerns or questions.

I think most of us who sew have started bragging threads:D IMO that is one of the things this section is for, but not for linking a sale thread or outright saying the item you are boasting about is for sale. I have posted several threads of Jada wearing dresses I have made her:p
I took your thread as just showing off that cutie patootie Peanut in that beautiful harness, which in my opinion is what the fashion forum is for:)

As the clarification goes...I think when say, Aymee, or kjc, or whoever has a new product she'd like to put up in her Etsy boutique, I say that goes in the seller area. But I still think when she has finished a project that was custom made for someone here, she should be allowed to post those pictures here.

Because even though she made it, and is making commission off of it, it's not actually for sale to anyone else. So I think custom made projects should be posted here for everyone, including the buyer, to ooh and ahh at.

Some people may feel differently about that though, as it is a product she is technically marketing, though not directly. What do y'all think?

When I come here... I want to see dog clothes. Whether handmade, bought from YT vendors, or other internet sites (links appreciated for both).

I don't know if the more involved sewing content is appropriate, other than "Look what I made", although I do enjoy it. Maybe better in the Off Topic Discussions...IDK. Or a Sewing forum! Ha!

It does seem to be a natural reaction though when you see something you really like, that you may want to buy it or have one made for your own dog, and then be directed to that person/vendor from there. I guess, too, that that would be like reverse advertizing, in a sense. Shopping by dress > vendor as opposed to selecting a vendor then looking at their stuff. IDK.... maybe hard to separate the two.:D

Could the fashion forum possibly be split into actual fashion, and then a subforum for sewing? I think they coexist pretty well right now, but I do see that they are two different subjects. Although everyone who has posted wanting sewing tips was doing it for the purpose of making dog clothes, which fits right in lol :)

Cindy, I didn't see your thread as one soliciting sales, only to brag (rightly so) about one of your fashions being "famous":)

It would be impossible to control what is sold through pm's, but that's not exclusive to this forum. Even in "Yorkie Pictures" clothing and other items are noticed, asked about and could be purchased if a member is that interested in an item.

Ann, Michelle, and Jenn, thank you for your kind words - I was away for a long time and when I came back this was a new forum. I was afraid I had violated YT etiquette, or had offended someone(s).

I feel some better now, but still :thinking: about Ann's initial question! I do agree with all that this should be a forum where everyone can share their creations.

I still see that as advertising an item that could be replicated for sale. I don't sew, so I may be in the minority here. I prefer to just see cute babies and no "This is for so and so but I know where you can purchase one just like it".

If it is posted by the PURCHASER I see no problem!

I love to see what has been made and pictures of the babies in those outfits, but also for the great sewing advice so many offer which has been vital to helping some of us (ME) learn some amazing tricks from other members. Maybe as suggested above those two could be seperated - but in my opinion to me fashion forum is about both. So many of us do make clothes for our babies and for the most part I believe there is not the intention of trying to sell them.

I think I like this section to either show off outfits I have made or purchased. If I purchased from..oh let's say Cathy..I would review her service and quality of her work in sellers review. Now if I want to post pictures of how stinking cure remey is in the dress I purchased it would be on the fashion forum.
I would do both :)


I guess there isn't a way to be 100% clear .. Because sometimes what is in the heart of the person makes a difference. I think someone who was trying to back door advertise would be noticed and in the long run offend enough people to "hurt" sales.

I think we should relax a bit... This section is fun and if someone is doing something that we don't like...as long as it isn't hurting anyone ..just don't give them the time of day :eek:

Yep, this is exactly what my thoughts are too.

I hope you feel better, woman :) - bc I honestly didn't see your thread until you pointed it out in this thread (I'm behind, I know)...so please don't give it another thought...there was absolutely nothing wrong w/ what you posted, nada.

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I've received a few questions from people asking if there was a deeper reason for this discussion -- maybe it'd help to know that going back about 3-4 months now, we've received some concerns that this section may riding that edge of marketing/advertising.

If that issue *is* a problem, we want to make sure people have a chance to discuss it....if it's really *not* a problem - then we perhaps leave this forum just as it is now. Personally, I really have no idea if this is a true problem - which is why it seemed a good time to bring it up.

At any rate, since it's come up a few times - I thought it might help to gather opinions. :)

IMHO I have not seen problems with any of the threads and since I don't think this forum is all that busy, cutting it up will only slow it down. I know I like coming on here to see the new stuff and since the members that sell and sew are very active on this page regardless if they are selling something I don't mind. Many days I check in and find nothing new has been posted and I am a little disappointed so I would hate to see less and less threads. Perhaps I feel that way because I don't see anyone abusing it, those that sell still say ewwww and aaaaaah when someone else posts something they made, or LOL i post my beautiful Lola in a new frock. Correct me if I am wrong but I feel this section is more homey then other parts of the board, perhaps because there is a core group that is here a lot, we are like the fashion family and very supportive of each other. So I think we would know if hard core selling was being slapped in our face. So unless you have been getting a lot of complaints I would leave it like it was. One thing you could do is appoint a fashion policewoman, someone that is here a lot to report any abuses the moderator might miss

yep that's how I feel as well, just like you said it sometimes what's in the heart of a person, if we were being hard sold we would know and in that case report it to our fashion policewoman. Your right this section is fun, I would hate an active member not post something here that was creative and new because they were fearful it would be perceived as marketing.

BTW I do applaud the moderators for taking time to ask us our thoughts:thumbup:

I agree. I believe it should be about fashion and lots of cute pics of pups in their clothing. I think it started out as people posting pics of their babies in their clothing.

I don't see anything wrong with posting sewing tips and all.. .. that is interesting. I actually posted a dress here and asked for opinions...now that I think about it, it may have not been appropriate because at some point I may have listed it in the YHR Boutique. I did want opinions because I planned to sell it at the dog show...but I think maybe it was not really a great idea. I don't know??

I do think that YT sellers should be a bit more toned down about posting the items they are currently selling. Or, perhaps just not be allowed to post them. Someone mentioned that it is better for a buyer to post a pic of something that a person made rather than the person who made it posting it. I do agree with that. If the seller does it, then does look like advertising especially when they start talking about the many other versions of the item they are making.

I just checked and back to my point on activity, the only new thread since yesterday is this one, that's why I STRONGLY feel we do not need to break it up into more fourms, in fact I think we should add an arts and craft part to it. Fashion and Crafts Forum, I don't know just thinking out loud.

As you say it's come up a few times & you've received some concerns.

Personally, I think it's always best to set clear guidelines at the beginning than to let things slide & make changes later. Otherwise, things go on and some people skate on the border of showing/selling and get away with it for a while until it becomes a real problem. Then when changes are made at a later date, people cry foul as others have done for months what newer posters are then told they aren't allowed to do, which creates a sense of favoritism for certain members.

As there is already a section for the selling of goods, people have a place to display their wares, if they wish too.

I love the fashion forum. It's one of my favorite places on yt since I learned to sew. I know that I did post a link to my own shop when I opened it but I did not realize we weren't supposed to post links. I learned that after the fact and it was too late to go in and edit the post to remove it. But my intention was not to cause a fuss or anything. I do apologize for not reading the rules good enough and I will follow them from this point on. I do like to post things I have made because I like to share, but I do not post links with them if they are for the shop. I also enjoy posting things I make for my own Katie Scarlett, sharing sale items that I find in the local sales paper so others can save some $$$, and/or tips/techniques and praise on the many people that have helped me learn new things. I would be open for what everyone else wants to do. I just adore coming here to look at everyone's beautiful creations. The seamstresses on yt constantly amaze me with their skills and are so nice. I just hope we can have a good time sharing a common interest. ;)

I love seeing all the adorable fashions these talented group of ladies sew....and I would like to see them continue to be shown in this particular forum....then if someone likes what they see and wants one, you can pm the person and get the information or go to a sewing or vendor forum......I love the grooming supplies......as for selling puppies....I see people that I NEVER see on here, not contributing anything to any conversation, or idea, just making an appearance to peddle their dogs....and then they are gone. I find that offensive for some reason....kind of like we are all family here and then someone walks in off the street selling their stuff....maybe I am way off with that....but that is how it strikes me.....I read this forum to answer questions that anyone may have about their Yorkie...I also read all the posts to see if I can field anything that I can apply to my "realm of practice" in this great game called "Owning and Loving and Breeding Yorkies"! I got a kick out of that Lace Fence...glad that was not tucked off on another page, under some other heading....I love the tips on grooming...I love the tips on training, which I am REALLY lacking in!....I love the rescue people with all their updates and babies that need help/rides in different States....I love the lawyers that contribute their fabulous working knowledge in the areas of legal issues discussed on here.....these are the things I come to here and enjoy reading....I get very over protective of our "Family" when unknowns show up here, peddeling dogs of questionable background and health, for great prices....we have alot of newbies on here that can be sucked into these scams....that angers me.....

For me personally, I love to come to this forum to not only show off what I've made but to also see what others have made. I just recently started to sew and love to get feedback on my items and to get ideas from others. I don't sell...yet. When I do decide to sell, I will become a donating member first. I have not been on here much these past few weeks due to school,work, kids, etc. but the few times I've come to the site which has been very brief due to time constraints, it has been to see what others have either made or bought in this forum. I would really be saddened to see this forum change.

:thumbup:I agree.. well said

I honestly don't think this has to do with who loves who here on YT. I think the reason there are concerns is because the Sale Forum is very strict about how vendors communicate. There are very specific rules about advertisement. Those of us who have been selling for some time are acutely aware of those rules.

IMHO allowing people in the Fashion Forum to start a discussion about things that they are also selling in the other forum is circumventing the rules from the Sale Forum. IF someone asks a question in the Sale Forum, a seller can answer it; but a seller has a limit of how many threads and how many posts they can make in that forum. Clearly this Fashion Forum has things posted about sellers items that would not be allowed in the Sale Forum, so honestly I don't see how it is appropriate. It seems very inconsistent to me. If vendors can post here in this forum, then the rules about communication in the other forum really mean nothing.

Hope I worded this in a way that makes sense. For people who are commenting that it is all ok, I would suggest reading the Sale Forum rules if you have not already read them.

I think this section is awesome for new ideas/twists on outfits for your pups. Its a great help when someone needs advice on how to complete an outfit or for help with a new pattern. Also, awesome to show off new outfits you buy for your furbutts.

However, I feel if you are intending to sell an item they SHOULD NOT be posted in this section regardless of where the profits are going or who is doing the selling...

Hmmmmm:confused: I always thought it was a section for me to come see the little fashionista Brielle and all her pretty outfits! :D No????:confused::confused::confused:

As a Etsy shop owner and donating member, I can certainly understand both sides here and the more I think about it, I do agree with ladyjane. I think from now on anything I make that will go in my shop I will not post it in the fashion forum, only in the for sale forum with the 2 posts we are allowed. But if I make a custom order that sold before I made it (i.e. the customer sent me the fabric and I created with it and pix of it do not go in my shop) I do not see the harm in putting it here. I mean it is already sold when it is posted, so it's not like I will turn around and add it to my shop. I personally think that and outfits I make for KS or for donation/charity purposes are just fine posted in the fashion forum. I do understand where the concerns are coming from though and have to say it is understandable to me. I hope I have not offended anyone by posting things that were in my shop before now. I did not realize it would cause a rule issue but I will only post things like that in the for sale forum from here on out.