Comments on: Freebie Blogs http://blog.pradprathivi.com/2009/02/01/freebie-blogs/ Social Media and Virtual Worlds Commentary Wed, 08 Sep 2010 02:46:47 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 By: Isobel Greenwood http://blog.pradprathivi.com/2009/02/01/freebie-blogs/comment-page-1/#comment-2227 Isobel Greenwood Tue, 17 Mar 2009 13:08:22 +0000 http://www.pradprathivi.com/?p=1066#comment-2227 I hit a few freebie blogs a day, and yeah I pick up a lot of great stuff, but I do spend a bit of $L at the stores too. I have often been impressed by the quality of a free item and gone back to spend more. One of my favorite stores had a great set of free stuff, I loved it all so much I now own about 50% of the stuff for sale on the walls too. A lot of the designers I talk to are happy to use it as promotion, getting their name out there etc... I'm a habitual inspector... if I see something I like I want to click a prim and find out where I can get it, and so if someone's designs are getting out on the grid through freebies they might get more exposure that way, esp if the get attention from blogs about it. I also know that I was a completely free av for so long (camping chairs are so sloooowww at giving L but it was all I had ;-), and now that I work in sl I take the money I make and go spend it at the designers I've always frequented, often because I discovered their shop through a promotion or hunt. To me it seems a great and totally optional way to get publicity for a designer if they choose to use it. The bloggers put in a lot of time into their pics and posts, and they've uncovered a lot of great stuff I never would have found otherwise. I hit a few freebie blogs a day, and yeah I pick up a lot of great stuff, but I do spend a bit of $L at the stores too. I have often been impressed by the quality of a free item and gone back to spend more. One of my favorite stores had a great set of free stuff, I loved it all so much I now own about 50% of the stuff for sale on the walls too. A lot of the designers I talk to are happy to use it as promotion, getting their name out there etc…

I’m a habitual inspector… if I see something I like I want to click a prim and find out where I can get it, and so if someone’s designs are getting out on the grid through freebies they might get more exposure that way, esp if the get attention from blogs about it.

I also know that I was a completely free av for so long (camping chairs are so sloooowww at giving L but it was all I had ;-) , and now that I work in sl I take the money I make and go spend it at the designers I’ve always frequented, often because I discovered their shop through a promotion or hunt. To me it seems a great and totally optional way to get publicity for a designer if they choose to use it. The bloggers put in a lot of time into their pics and posts, and they’ve uncovered a lot of great stuff I never would have found otherwise.

]]> By: Krissy Muggleston http://blog.pradprathivi.com/2009/02/01/freebie-blogs/comment-page-1/#comment-2183 Krissy Muggleston Tue, 10 Feb 2009 21:52:14 +0000 http://www.pradprathivi.com/?p=1066#comment-2183 I think Callie Cline said it best: Hopefully designers create freebies because it's just fun to give. We've heard repeatedly that the metrics show that freebies do not increase sales, only traffic. The Sl freebie is really just part of a culture which includes the freebie blogs, hunts, and a frugal nature. Those that join groups for freebies are all part of this culture. It's a lifestyle. The people who live SL this way get a thrill when they find a good freebie and then they look for the next one. I think Callie Cline said it best: Hopefully designers create freebies because it’s just fun to give. We’ve heard repeatedly that the metrics show that freebies do not increase sales, only traffic. The Sl freebie is really just part of a culture which includes the freebie blogs, hunts, and a frugal nature. Those that join groups for freebies are all part of this culture. It’s a lifestyle. The people who live SL this way get a thrill when they find a good freebie and then they look for the next one.

]]> By: Lilliana Corleone http://blog.pradprathivi.com/2009/02/01/freebie-blogs/comment-page-1/#comment-2226 Lilliana Corleone Mon, 09 Feb 2009 16:36:43 +0000 http://www.pradprathivi.com/?p=1066#comment-2226 I kind of disagree with you on the "smash and grab" concept. Personally, I have picked-up freebies or joined a group and received a freebie, and in turn loved the freebie so much that I have gone back to the store and have bought other items. I like the idea of getting a free smaple of a designers work. I respect quality and if I can see quality in a freebie just think of what an item that has a higher price attached to it would look like. That's my own personal opinion. Thanks:) I kind of disagree with you on the “smash and grab” concept. Personally, I have picked-up freebies or joined a group and received a freebie, and in turn loved the freebie so much that I have gone back to the store and have bought other items. I like the idea of getting a free smaple of a designers work. I respect quality and if I can see quality in a freebie just think of what an item that has a higher price attached to it would look like. That’s my own personal opinion. Thanks:)

]]> By: Faerie http://blog.pradprathivi.com/2009/02/01/freebie-blogs/comment-page-1/#comment-2194 Faerie Wed, 04 Feb 2009 04:44:17 +0000 http://www.pradprathivi.com/?p=1066#comment-2194 Once again a lot of people have felt it necessary to justify themselves in the face of accusations of being "freeloaders", of "taking advantage", of outright stealing (by "smash & grab") or of being of "low morals". They shouldn't have to justify themselves because they shouldn't be accused of these things. Now Prad you have a store don't you? So when you say these blogs "detract from the SL economy", are you accusing them of taking money from your pocket? Is that why you have so many negative descriptions for people who read freebie blogs? You didn't talk about issues like manners (like saying thank you) like many people who felt they had to justify themselves did - you spoke in terms of actual stealing. Well I read the blogs but I refuse to justify myself to you or anyone for doing so. If you want to know whether I'm a person of low-morals taking advantage of designers who put out freebies, you'll just have to get to know me and then make your own mind up as to whether I'm contributing to the SL economy or not. But I have to say that I do not like the sweeping accusations about low morals and robbery that you made or your demands that the blogs and their readers be defended. I did defend them and I will again - the blogs serve a beneficial purpose that can only benefit a store that decides to offer an unrestricted freebie. It was the store's decision to offer a freebie after all. For your next blog piece, how about writing about greedy stores charging excessive prices and their lack of contribution to SL's social welfare by restricting access to quality items? Go on - I dare you. :) Once again a lot of people have felt it necessary to justify themselves in the face of accusations of being “freeloaders”, of “taking advantage”, of outright stealing (by “smash & grab”) or of being of “low morals”. They shouldn’t have to justify themselves because they shouldn’t be accused of these things.

Now Prad you have a store don’t you? So when you say these blogs “detract from the SL economy”, are you accusing them of taking money from your pocket? Is that why you have so many negative descriptions for people who read freebie blogs? You didn’t talk about issues like manners (like saying thank you) like many people who felt they had to justify themselves did – you spoke in terms of actual stealing.

Well I read the blogs but I refuse to justify myself to you or anyone for doing so. If you want to know whether I’m a person of low-morals taking advantage of designers who put out freebies, you’ll just have to get to know me and then make your own mind up as to whether I’m contributing to the SL economy or not.

But I have to say that I do not like the sweeping accusations about low morals and robbery that you made or your demands that the blogs and their readers be defended. I did defend them and I will again – the blogs serve a beneficial purpose that can only benefit a store that decides to offer an unrestricted freebie. It was the store’s decision to offer a freebie after all.

For your next blog piece, how about writing about greedy stores charging excessive prices and their lack of contribution to SL’s social welfare by restricting access to quality items?

Go on – I dare you. :)

]]> By: Kitty O'Toole http://blog.pradprathivi.com/2009/02/01/freebie-blogs/comment-page-1/#comment-2221 Kitty O'Toole Tue, 03 Feb 2009 16:08:31 +0000 http://www.pradprathivi.com/?p=1066#comment-2221 Prad you naughty boy, look at what you've started! This subject always touches nerves doesn't it? I think your perspective on this is very dependent upon your RL personal circumstance. At the moment, I'm finding the credit crunch a real strain and because I fund my SL fun entirely from my own pocket I'm starting to feel the strain. It's across the board too; my office in Angel Square is no more, sob..sniff, and I'm facing the very real prospect of losing my land holdings soon..which would break my heart. However, I think it may have to happen, because I *WANT* to be able to shop and BUY wonderful things from designers in world, for my own pleasure and to write about upon my blog...so if I have to sacrifice my in-world home to enable me to be able to spend in-world, then so be it. ( Although I do start a new job in a few weeks which fingers crossed may just save my bacon....lol!) That said, I do read the freebie blogs because they often provide invaluable leads. Here's an example-last night I was reading 'Fabfree in SL' and spotted a freebie hairstyle that I'd never seen before and simply must have. So I zoomed on over to the store (it was Bish Hair incidentally) and got the freebie. While there, I had a good look around and fell in love with the style on display next to it ( It's called 'Toss Me Around'and is on my blog and it looks FAB) and immediately spent L$375 lindens there and then because if I didn't have it I would have died on the spot..or something equally dramatic:) I also picked up LOTS of demos to try on at home, and if I love the way any (or all) of those look then I'm going right back there and buying them ! Incidentally, the freebie hair didn't work on me, but stuff that..that freebie provided a lead into a store I had never visited before and spent some serious Linden in, and will add to my list of stores for repeat visits. Anyways, back to my point- I'm using the freebie blogs a lot more at the moment to 'sustain' me, but I'm still spending. In fact my own ethics tend to mean that if I get a freebie I really do try and purchase from the designer as well. Enough ramble..great post for provoking debate Prad..nice one! Kitty xxx Prad you naughty boy, look at what you’ve started!
This subject always touches nerves doesn’t it? I think your perspective on this is very dependent upon your RL personal circumstance. At the moment, I’m finding the credit crunch a real strain and because I fund my SL fun entirely from my own pocket I’m starting to feel the strain. It’s across the board too; my office in Angel Square is no more, sob..sniff, and I’m facing the very real prospect of losing my land holdings soon..which would break my heart. However, I think it may have to happen, because I *WANT* to be able to shop and BUY wonderful things from designers in world, for my own pleasure and to write about upon my blog…so if I have to sacrifice my in-world home to enable me to be able to spend in-world, then so be it. ( Although I do start a new job in a few weeks which fingers crossed may just save my bacon….lol!)
That said, I do read the freebie blogs because they often provide invaluable leads. Here’s an example-last night I was reading ‘Fabfree in SL’ and spotted a freebie hairstyle that I’d never seen before and simply must have. So I zoomed on over to the store (it was Bish Hair incidentally) and got the freebie. While there, I had a good look around and fell in love with the style on display next to it ( It’s called ‘Toss Me Around’and is on my blog and it looks FAB) and immediately spent L$375 lindens there and then because if I didn’t have it I would have died on the spot..or something equally dramatic:) I also picked up LOTS of demos to try on at home, and if I love the way any (or all) of those look then I’m going right back there and buying them ! Incidentally, the freebie hair didn’t work on me, but stuff that..that freebie provided a lead into a store I had never visited before and spent some serious Linden in, and will add to my list of stores for repeat visits. Anyways, back to my point- I’m using the freebie blogs a lot more at the moment to ‘sustain’ me, but I’m still spending. In fact my own ethics tend to mean that if I get a freebie I really do try and purchase from the designer as well.
Enough ramble..great post for provoking debate Prad..nice one!
Kitty xxx

]]> By: Minx Arashi http://blog.pradprathivi.com/2009/02/01/freebie-blogs/comment-page-1/#comment-2222 Minx Arashi Tue, 03 Feb 2009 15:57:32 +0000 http://www.pradprathivi.com/?p=1066#comment-2222 While I don't shop for freebies actually, I DO like it when a designer places some out in their shop. It's an opportunity to try some of their designs without actually spending and regretting a purchase. After all, some displays are MUCH nicer than the actual product, and freebies can give you at least some idea of what to expect when you finally spend some $L. As for blogging freebies, well, I think they should be blogged if they're quality. Some freebie blogs seem to just blog freebies becuase they're free. While I don’t shop for freebies actually, I DO like it when a designer places some out in their shop. It’s an opportunity to try some of their designs without actually spending and regretting a purchase.

After all, some displays are MUCH nicer than the actual product, and freebies can give you at least some idea of what to expect when you finally spend some $L.

As for blogging freebies, well, I think they should be blogged if they’re quality. Some freebie blogs seem to just blog freebies becuase they’re free.

]]> By: Zara Sparta http://blog.pradprathivi.com/2009/02/01/freebie-blogs/comment-page-1/#comment-2225 Zara Sparta Mon, 02 Feb 2009 15:26:23 +0000 http://www.pradprathivi.com/?p=1066#comment-2225 @Meng Oh, honey...that wasn't anger. That was shock and amazement at the amount of judgment a person could percieve from your post. I am sure that your comments about lack of money in SL had nothing to do with my post which was just 3 posts above yours. I never said you personally insulted me. Your tone of condescension, superiority and disdain for anyone that doesn't want to spend money in SL was offensive to anyone who doesn't want to spend money in SL. Caps in this type of format are strictly to emphasize. And did my 9 questions marks really get on your nerves that much? ((Hugs)) @Meng
Oh, honey…that wasn’t anger. That was shock and amazement at the amount of judgment a person could percieve from your post. I am sure that your comments about lack of money in SL had nothing to do with my post which was just 3 posts above yours.

I never said you personally insulted me. Your tone of condescension, superiority and disdain for anyone that doesn’t want to spend money in SL was offensive to anyone who doesn’t want to spend money in SL.

Caps in this type of format are strictly to emphasize. And did my 9 questions marks really get on your nerves that much? ((Hugs))

]]> By: creamy http://blog.pradprathivi.com/2009/02/01/freebie-blogs/comment-page-1/#comment-2223 creamy Mon, 02 Feb 2009 13:35:58 +0000 http://www.pradprathivi.com/?p=1066#comment-2223 I have to apologise for the ranting in my previous comment, I was a little tired and emotional, now I am in a rested, sensible mood again I can respond properly to Prad's article :) I have often asked myself the question, are people benefiting from providing freebies and having them featured on blogs? Are shoppers just smashing and grabbing, or are they also being introduced to new stores and buying full priced items? You may be interested to look at the surveys I did on this very matter on the side panel of my blog http://www.slfreestyle.blogspot.com/ - these surveys have been running for a few months now. Yes there are 'smash and grabbers' and rude people who give everyone a bad name, but on the whole those surveys speak for themselves. The majority of creators who have responded are seeing an increase in sales and shoppers are discovering new stores. Many creators actually get pleasure out of simply giving and people enjoying their creations, if people buy in the future then that is a bonus. If a store owner wishes to give to loyal customers only and avoid the smash/grabbers, all they have to do is a charge to join their group and make all their gifts 'group only'. No one is obliged to give a free gift at all so those that don't like it..don't do it. Also as I said in my last comment, very often we at Free*Style do make an effort to show designers non free items. I have to apologise for the ranting in my previous comment, I was a little tired and emotional, now I am in a rested, sensible mood again I can respond properly to Prad’s article :)

I have often asked myself the question, are people benefiting from providing freebies and having them featured on blogs? Are shoppers just smashing and grabbing, or are they also being introduced to new stores and buying full priced items?

You may be interested to look at the surveys I did on this very matter on the side panel of my blog http://www.slfreestyle.blogspot.com/ – these surveys have been running for a few months now. Yes there are ‘smash and grabbers’ and rude people who give everyone a bad name, but on the whole those surveys speak for themselves. The majority of creators who have responded are seeing an increase in sales and shoppers are discovering new stores.

Many creators actually get pleasure out of simply giving and people enjoying their creations, if people buy in the future then that is a bonus. If a store owner wishes to give to loyal customers only and avoid the smash/grabbers, all they have to do is a charge to join their group and make all their gifts ‘group only’.
No one is obliged to give a free gift at all so those that don’t like it..don’t do it.

Also as I said in my last comment, very often we at Free*Style do make an effort to show designers non free items.

]]> By: Gidge http://blog.pradprathivi.com/2009/02/01/freebie-blogs/comment-page-1/#comment-2224 Gidge Mon, 02 Feb 2009 12:45:20 +0000 http://www.pradprathivi.com/?p=1066#comment-2224 My two cents as a fashion blogger: I love the freebie blogs. If it weren't for them, I wouldn't have found a ton of the new stores/different stores on the grid. Most of my SL is now taken up SHOOTING pics with Cajsa, vs. casually shopping and chilling around with friends. Freebie bloggers help me out in two ways, they let me learn about new stores and showcase WHAT they sell there (in various ways.) Picking up a freebie, or a reduced item, at a store is a great way to LEARN that designers style and abilities and help me learn if I want to deposit lindens there. I sit and watch people come into my store solely for the freebies,and that is ok with me. Because sometimes I see those same people come back. It really comes down to a question of manners and finance. It's ok to be broke and require the freebies to make yourself the SL you want - I truly believe that. If you have good manners. My two cents as a fashion blogger:
I love the freebie blogs. If it weren’t for them, I wouldn’t have found a ton of the new stores/different stores on the grid. Most of my SL is now taken up SHOOTING pics with Cajsa, vs. casually shopping and chilling around with friends.
Freebie bloggers help me out in two ways, they let me learn about new stores and showcase WHAT they sell there (in various ways.)
Picking up a freebie, or a reduced item, at a store is a great way to LEARN that designers style and abilities and help me learn if I want to deposit lindens there.

I sit and watch people come into my store solely for the freebies,and that is ok with me. Because sometimes I see those same people come back.

It really comes down to a question of manners and finance. It’s ok to be broke and require the freebies to make yourself the SL you want – I truly believe that.

If you have good manners.

]]> By: Lavea Alter http://blog.pradprathivi.com/2009/02/01/freebie-blogs/comment-page-1/#comment-2192 Lavea Alter Mon, 02 Feb 2009 01:39:45 +0000 http://www.pradprathivi.com/?p=1066#comment-2192 Actually, I've thought more on this and need to point something out. The number of people that do come in for the items we list at 1L generally more than covers the costs associated with the item, and that's all I shoot for. If I break even, I'm pretty damn happy. I also get several thank yous for putting out cheap items. The times when there is a a glut of freebies/cheapies is just par for the course in business. Sales naturally wax and wane in SL and RL. I know that if I want to thrive in SL that I have to anticipate that and continue to make things people want to spend more than 1L on. Actually, I’ve thought more on this and need to point something out. The number of people that do come in for the items we list at 1L generally more than covers the costs associated with the item, and that’s all I shoot for. If I break even, I’m pretty damn happy. I also get several thank yous for putting out cheap items.

The times when there is a a glut of freebies/cheapies is just par for the course in business. Sales naturally wax and wane in SL and RL. I know that if I want to thrive in SL that I have to anticipate that and continue to make things people want to spend more than 1L on.

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