Need your help with some feedback, please....

[Cookie]

Hello Thrifters,

Just wondering if anyone has an interest in Thrift-A-Teria continuing.  It would help me out a lot of everyone would just take a second and vote in this poll.  It's anonymous so please be honest! 

[valleythriftshopper]

Yes, most definitely.  I always thought it would be a great idea to publish a magazine about thrifting & then I found your website & great online magazine!  I can imagine it is alot of work to publish though, but I for one do appreciate it- thank you!

[Thrift Shop Romantic]

It's a nice piece, Cookie. There's a lot to be learned from it, it would be sad to see it go.

I realize it's tons of work, though. Have you considered, so it's not so overwhelming, simply releasing an article at a time over the course of the month, sort of like a blog? Then you wouldn't be hit with so many all at once to deal with.

[foutchie]

I agree - a "blog" type article, or short item re: a thrifter, place, or thrifted items, once in a while would save you tons of time yet give some interesting reading......

[SeSo_Says_So]

It's a beautifully produced, excellent read. I imagine the time you spend putting it together must be lengthy.

How about  completely reader-donated articles, published as people write them--I mean MEMBERS who actually participate on this board.

One reason why I don't read it, is that I feel that unless one is an contributing member of this board, there may be a tendency to submit an article in order to get more coverage for one's store or site--to sell things.  Not all, of course, but I want to read things by folks I know and have chatted with here. It shows me that there is a vested interest in the community, not just a drive-by article by a drive -by reader. I would be more likely to read the article if it were written by someone I know, and I would be more likely to visit their site and perhaps even  do business with them if I knew them through here--relationship-building, if you will.

Just my 2 cents' worth, folks...

[valleythriftshopper]

Member articles would be fun.  You could just do a quarterly magazine too.

[Thrift Shop Romantic]

This might be helpful as an idea-inspirer. I belong to BlogCatalog, a blogger community, and they have a blog where members can post helpful articles regarding blogging, blog marketing, etc. You can see it here as an example:

http://blog.blogcatalog.com/

If you went this general direction, it would save you some pain, could help promote fresh content, and also, if it were in a blog you could promote it THROUGH BlogCatalog as a member there. I get some really good ideas and exposure from the folks there-- nice people. So it might help TheThriftShopper as a whole.

Just some ideas, anyway.

[Cookie]

I agree with both valleythriftshopper and SeSo that forum member articles would be great, but the problem is that no forum members seem interested in writing articles.  I couldn't even get anyone to be Thrifter of the Month last time, and all that involves is writing about yourself, no research necessary!  Since we switched to the blog format where everyone can comment at the end of the articles I thought we'd get more feedback, but the interest just isn't there.  I think I'll take your advice, valleythriftshopper, and switch to a quarterly, which it practically is already since I haven't put out a new issue since May.  I'll check out BlogCatalog, too, Jenn, and see what's doing over there.  Thanks for your feedback, everyone.  It really helps.

[oceangurl]

I agree with Seso....good luck cookie in what ever you decide Iam sure it will be the right decision!

[Anna5231980]

Honestly, I would be willing to help out in any way needed.  I love your site and have free time.  I never offered before, because I'm fairly new (maybe 6 months) and thought other people should be thrift shopper of the month or help with articles.  Didn't think I was the best person.

But I can write, so I would be willing to help if ever needed.  As long as your online magazine and site continue.  Thanks for all the work you put into it.

[akbjr]

I agree with SeSo also, it's beautifully written, but I imagine it's a lot of work. I'd love articles written by some of the commenters here too. Some of the stories that make it here are just too good... I think that people, at least myself, aren't afraid of "commenting" like we do here, it's casual, it's not scary, but writing a whole article is intimidating. However, I've seen some excellent writing on this site & the subject matter is pricelessly endless.