October 14th, 2011
We are happy to support the campaign by SHHIM in reaction to the policy changes on Folksy.
The following is an except from Supporting Handmade However It’s Made website.
“On 6th September 2011, Folksy announced that they were enforcing their policy on the listing of ‘inappropriate’ items for sale on their marketplace.
The manner in which the announcement was made – and the resulting mass confusion and lack of communication - sent the community into a frenzy, leaving a large number of talented crafters unsure of their position and whether or not their work would still be deemed acceptable.
On 12 September, Folksy made a formal announcement on their blog. You can read that blog post here -Clarification to Handmade on Folksy; it is in the public domain.
A growing number of crafters are being informed that their work no longer fits Folksy’s ‘vision’ and are beingforced to de-list inappropriate items by 1st November 2011. Others may be forced to close their shops altogether. Some sellers are leaving on principle.
While we do not dispute Folksy’s right to enforce their Terms & Conditions, we do believe that the timing and manner of the announcement was both inappropriate and very badly handled.
The months leading up to Xmas are traditionally a very busy time for crafters. Many will have been diligently working throughout the year to build up stocks in the hope and expectation of increased sales and prosperity at this time of year. Sadly, many are now being faced with greatly reduced sales and are having to find alternative marketplaces on which to sell.”
