A Few Updates.
1. The Copycat Issue
I received an e-mail from her yesterday. She doesn't see anything wrong with what she's done, but she decided to change her website anyway because she was "very frightened by my threats".
*sigh*
Oh well. I guess I can't educate the world. Like I said before, I'm just glad it's not my problem any more.
2. FrUStrations of a newbie online shop owner
So, my online shop is finally up and running (as you've probably noticed). Things are pretty much running smoothly, aside from two issues that are really bugging me.
- "Us": The shop template I am using has some automatic labels - "About Us", "Contact Us" and "Our Products". Who is 'Us'? There is no us. Those labels can't be changed. My business is entirely self-run, and I would have wanted my shop to reflect that. If you're reading this blog I assume you know I am a self-representing artist, but I don't want newcomers to get the wrong idea.
I don't know what annoys me more about it, the giving the wrong impression part or just the sheer stupidity of it - the service provider I am using is one of the largest web hosting companies in the world, and I'm using a storefront designed specifically for small businesses. You would think it would accur to somebody to just put "About", "Contact" and "Products" for the labels - that way they would be appropriate for any kind of business! Argh.
- "US": Then there's the whole International shipping issue - it turns out that the checkout system can only accept US addresses. Duh! My US buyers know that I love them, but I never intended on blocked out the rest of the world! Argh argh argh.
The only way to solve these problems is switching to a different service provider. I reeeally don't want to do all the work over again, and I keep telling myself that any premade interface is going to have its problems - I guess things could be worse. So it looks like I'm stuck with what I have, at least for the near future. It's just frustrating to have these annoying little limitations which are just so silly.
[/end rant]
3. Do I soud grumpy today? I think I've had way too much computer time for one week. Today I finally had the time to take a nice long torching session and I have some new focals cooling in the kiln. I should have some new auctions up in the enxt couple of days, and I'll be adding new beads to the shop on the weekend. Now that the site is finally up and running, I can get back to focusing on the glass again!
4. All that said, I also have to say I am very happy with my new site. Graphic designers know that the most difficult client is always themselves... I've designed many different sites for myself over the years, and I truly think this one came out the best. (Of course, that could have something to do with all the nice bead photos!)
5. If you've e-mailed me in the past couple of days and I haven't replied yet - sorry! I will get back to you tomorrow.
I'm off to bed... g'night.
hi Sarah
One of the US sites I buy silver from also has the International address problem - they have designated a state (in their case they use Pennslyvania) also a zip code - both of which I enter even though obviously it doesn't relate to my address in the UK - I then have to enter my full address into the comments box. They explain all of the above in their International buyers policy so that it is clear to everyone. I have been doing this for almost a year and have had no problem - hope this helps!
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That's a good idea... I wonder if they're using the same service I'm using.
Thanks!
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