I'm Going To Rant A Bit

So, if you don't want to hear it, don't read any further.

A bit of background before I start. I've been selling on Etsy now as The Banner Queen for just over a year. I work very, very hard to keep a positive attitude and persona on the forums there. It has benefitted me immensely. I'm kind and courteous and above all I try to be helpful.

I've been noticing a disturbing trend lately.

I always click on the titles that say things like "Need Banner Help" and if I can, I offer what help is needed. I've even been known to take their banner, tweak it so it works and send it back to them, free of charge of course and move on with my orders.

What I've been seeing lately is this. Anytime there is a "Need Banner Help" there are a ton of helpful posts by other Etsy shops with links and whatnot. Then there are the rest. Those who sell banners and other design work who are just dropping links to their shops.

It's awful. I just cringe when I see these posts.

It's hard enough to not be seen as promoting myself no matter what I say, do or post in the forums due to the nature of my shop. But when the other shops are only thinking of themselves and their own self interests, it ends up looking bad for all of us. It's not right.

Please, if you design banners for Etsy shops, put yourself aside for one second and think of the person that is asking for help. Offer the help without a "Hey, look at me!" link drop. You will gain much more respect from the Etsy community and as a result likely more sales. Spam is spam, no matter how you cut it. It's gross, and no one likes it.

/rant.