Etsy’s “Virtual Labs” give the site a very interactive and collaborative spot. One problem I can see, though, is that it is very confusing to learn how to effectively communicate because of all the different ways to show items and talk about them and run the talks, etc. However, one thing it does do is show us those who are not only using Etsy as a crafty Amazon, but for a public square, where many crafters can meet and talk about their love of arts and crafts and actually help each other out. In the most relaxed definitions, it makes Etsy more socialist than capitalistic. There’s genuine compassion and respect for those who enjoy similar interests. And I really think that it weeds out those who are more interested in the act of crafting than just the selling of crafts and profiting.
This part of the site does seem a little blocked off from the buying/selling part, in that I don’t think it’s utilized as much (whenever I check, there’s hardly anyone in the rooms). It’s important to note that the site is still mainly running as Amazon does, people mainly sell for a profit. But this doesn’t mean that over time, Etsy can’t evolve into more of a social networking site than a marketplace. (That’s something only time will tell.)
Next, I want to look into the teams and how they utilize each other for the good of both the community and each member. This is all in an effort to wrap my head around the dynamics of the collaborative vs. capitalistic setup of the site. (But is it “vs.” or “and”?)
If the internet makes online dating and marriage counseling easier, why can’t it make stupid blogging assignments easier too?!?!?!
