Cafe Chatter

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Wednesday, March 26, 2008

shop stickyness

[2008.03.26 18:59:50] Welcome to the CafePress Chat Room
[2008.03.26 18:59:50] shopaholicchick has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.03.26 18:59:50] All users in this room have been allowed to talk
[2008.03.26 18:59:56] Winter has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.03.26 19:00:19] Dooni Designs has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.03.26 19:00:35] blipfish has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.03.26 19:00:42] blipfish: jumped
[2008.03.26 19:00:49] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.03.26 19:00:49] AngelaCP: Thanks for jumping blipfish
[2008.03.26 19:00:51] AngelaCP: :D
[2008.03.26 19:00:53] cyi has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.03.26 19:00:53] Lekker Jen has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.03.26 19:00:55] shopaholicchick: hi everyone
[2008.03.26 19:00:57] Kate @ LittleLizzyLou has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.03.26 19:00:59] AngelaCP: hi hi hi
[2008.03.26 19:01:11] TexasFiddler has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
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[2008.03.26 19:01:13] BrittaCP has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.03.26 19:01:15] Suzzie has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.03.26 19:01:16] AngelaCP: let's give it a minute or two
[2008.03.26 19:01:17] foxvox has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.03.26 19:01:18] Lekker Jen: hellllloooooooo
[2008.03.26 19:01:20] Kate @ LittleLizzyLou: Hi Angela!
[2008.03.26 19:01:21] Sag has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
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[2008.03.26 19:01:24] SamanthaCP has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.03.26 19:01:28] char has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.03.26 19:01:30] matisse has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.03.26 19:01:35] Serenity Moonstone has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.03.26 19:01:46] Kip: hi all
[2008.03.26 19:01:48] Suzzie: ouch britta you shut my fingers in the door!
[2008.03.26 19:01:50] Serenity Moonstone: Hello
[2008.03.26 19:01:53] DDKnight has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.03.26 19:02:03] BabtDave has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.03.26 19:02:05] BrittaCP: sorry about that suzzie... put em on ice
[2008.03.26 19:02:09] BrittaCP: Hey everyone
[2008.03.26 19:02:20] BrittaCP: Welcome to our Shopkeeper Discussion
[2008.03.26 19:02:24] AngelaCP: you guys sound hyper today :-D
[2008.03.26 19:02:26] Sag: Howwwwwdyyyyyy!
[2008.03.26 19:02:28] Dooni Designs: hi everyone
[2008.03.26 19:02:29] TexasFiddler: howdy
[2008.03.26 19:02:36] AngelaCP: good vibes from this crowd
[2008.03.26 19:02:40] NiftyGaloot: Brought some honey for the sticky chat ;)
[2008.03.26 19:02:42] matisse: Hi Angela and Britta!!!!:)
[2008.03.26 19:02:45] char: Hi ev1
[2008.03.26 19:02:59] Graphicdeeziner: Hi everyone :)
[2008.03.26 19:03:01] DDKnight: hi all:)
[2008.03.26 19:03:02] Sag: CP Hyperdrive! Is there any other gear???:-D
[2008.03.26 19:03:03] foxvox: Organic honey? :-)
[2008.03.26 19:03:09] AngelaCP: britta is almost ready to go
[2008.03.26 19:03:12] SamanthaCP: Hello all
[2008.03.26 19:03:27] Serenity Moonstone: so what is shopstickyness woskshop about?
[2008.03.26 19:03:36] AngelaCP: We'll get to that....
[2008.03.26 19:03:43] Kip: I came equipped with duct tape...
[2008.03.26 19:03:43] BrittaCP: Alrighty.... so today is a Shopkeeper Discussion... meaning we don'thave anything planned
[2008.03.26 19:03:43] matisse: OK, WHERE ARE THE NEW PRODUCTS....GIVE EM UP!
[2008.03.26 19:04:21] BrittaCP: The topic is shop stickiness.... which I'm sure some of you are wonder what the heck that means
[2008.03.26 19:04:35] BrittaCP: We'll get to that in a second
[2008.03.26 19:04:40] BrittaCP: First.... rules of chat@
[2008.03.26 19:05:15] BrittaCP: This chat is moderated.... that means any comment you send will go to a queue until a moderator reviews and pushes it out
[2008.03.26 19:05:25] BrittaCP: if you don't see your comment right away... that's why
[2008.03.26 19:05:43] Cthulhu For President has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.03.26 19:05:55] Sag: I got my bottle of Elmers and double-stick tape!
[2008.03.26 19:06:09] NiftyGaloot: Ain't shop stickiness like settin' a bunch of glue traps out?
[2008.03.26 19:06:34] BrittaCP: So what do we mean by “site stickiness?”
[2008.03.26 19:06:52] BrittaCP: in a nutshell... a sticky site is a place where people will visit again, they remember it, it sticks in their brain.
[2008.03.26 19:07:22] AngelaCP: for example, if you make your shop or site sticky, it keeps customers coming back
[2008.03.26 19:07:22] chm has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.03.26 19:07:30] Sag: Ohhhhh! Brain-washing! I got it. I got it.
[2008.03.26 19:07:35] BrittaCP: clooose
[2008.03.26 19:07:52] AngelaCP: what can you do to your shop to keep your customers coming back
[2008.03.26 19:08:01] AngelaCP: so this is different than customer communication
[2008.03.26 19:08:07] AngelaCP: though, that can help
[2008.03.26 19:08:12] AngelaCP: it's really more about customer engagement
[2008.03.26 19:08:12] the jorb has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.03.26 19:08:30] AngelaCP: or that special something that piques their interest to revisit
[2008.03.26 19:08:42] Suzzie: flash games, forums, etc?
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[2008.03.26 19:09:02] Sag: "customer engagement" - sssh! Don't tell my hubby! Yipee!:-D
[2008.03.26 19:09:15] AngelaCP: You're on the right track suzzie. Since we're focusing on your shops, we have some ideas to throw out...but encourage you all the toss out your suggestions.
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[2008.03.26 19:09:31] AngelaCP: this is a discussion and we find these suggestions help spawn wonderful ideas for everyone to try
[2008.03.26 19:09:41] BrittaCP: Soooo... when your site is sticky... there are benfits to it...
[2008.03.26 19:09:56] BrittaCP: the first being return customers
[2008.03.26 19:10:25] BrittaCP: This is done by creating an atmosphere/ site/ storefront that people would like to visit.
[2008.03.26 19:10:36] BrittaCP: In turn you increase your product exposure creating more repeat sales.
[2008.03.26 19:10:50] BrittaCP: Your goal is to create a fast and enjoyable experience for your customers; this experience begins at the first click.
[2008.03.26 19:10:54] Dooni Designs: pretty colors??!
[2008.03.26 19:11:33] BrittaCP: Pretty colors are nice... but beyond that... colors that are consistent on each page
[2008.03.26 19:11:49] BrittaCP: tying the shop together
[2008.03.26 19:12:00] BrittaCP: You can also create a better relationship with your customer, with a sticky site.
[2008.03.26 19:12:04] mystic has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.03.26 19:12:11] BrittaCP: The more time they spend on your site, the more trust they build.
[2008.03.26 19:12:17] BrittaCP: Customers will more likely buy from a site that they trust.
[2008.03.26 19:12:20] ateasetees has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.03.26 19:12:36] matisse: How can I do this with stores that just have CP templates and I have no offsite shops and I don't know html??????
[2008.03.26 19:12:50] BrittaCP: That's the beauty of the templates... it's been done
[2008.03.26 19:12:55] boogerballs has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.03.26 19:13:26] BrittaCP: unless you tinker around with the template of course
[2008.03.26 19:13:32] matisse: Are you saying my stores are already pretty?
[2008.03.26 19:13:40] AngelaCP: we're saying that :P
[2008.03.26 19:14:38] BrittaCP: When your layout is consistent (this includes colors, placement of side bar, text size...) you create a consistent experience for your customer
[2008.03.26 19:14:41] matisse: :)^.^:)
[2008.03.26 19:14:43] Sag: :-D:-D
[2008.03.26 19:14:44] Lekker Jen: Matisse - Many of us started right where you are. I barely knew a lick of html when I started 4 years ago. It's great to learn, not just for CP! It's a great way to stand out from the crowd.
[2008.03.26 19:14:55] BabtDave: Learning basic html is not all that difficult.
[2008.03.26 19:15:07] Sag: Are you referring to things like contests, buyers clubs, dancing girls?:-D Sorry, no dancing girls!
[2008.03.26 19:15:33] LoveJML has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.03.26 19:15:46] BrittaCP: dancing girls do help, but may be a little distracting
[2008.03.26 19:15:49] romy has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
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[2008.03.26 19:15:51] AngelaCP: Actually, contest is on the list... but we'll get to that
[2008.03.26 19:15:53] BrittaCP: if there are to many
[2008.03.26 19:16:04] Ne1512BLVD: Yeah, I agree with Jen, I am self taught on html and now I am doing templates and web design for other SKers... so you can learn it...
[2008.03.26 19:16:10] BabyDave has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.03.26 19:16:19] BrittaCP: If you have a statcounter, like Google analytics, you can see where your customers are going in you shop… which serves as a sort of feedback.
[2008.03.26 19:16:25] BrittaCP: With that information you can make the changes needed to better serve the needs of your customers.
[2008.03.26 19:16:29] Carl has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.03.26 19:16:35] BrittaCP: Ok... so do we all understand what stickiness is?
[2008.03.26 19:16:57] jean - rotem gear has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.03.26 19:16:58] BrittaCP: Site stickiness... it's a common term... i swear i didn't make it up at 3 A<
[2008.03.26 19:17:01] BrittaCP: *am
[2008.03.26 19:17:07] Sag: Yep! *** Putting away the Elmers!***
[2008.03.26 19:17:08] foxvox: Yessum.
[2008.03.26 19:17:13] mystic: no
[2008.03.26 19:17:38] AngelaCP: We'll move on mystic, but I think with more examples it may start to make sense
[2008.03.26 19:17:42] Ne1512BLVD: Sag :-D
[2008.03.26 19:17:44] Carl: Yeppers
[2008.03.26 19:17:51] BrittaCP: great... so let's talk about ways to create that!
[2008.03.26 19:18:16] AngelaCP: yes... what will help make your shop stick...keep your customers AND visitors coming back
[2008.03.26 19:18:24] ateasetees: I wasn't here for the beginning, but I'm assuming that your talking about getting the people there and keeping them there?
[2008.03.26 19:18:26] BrittaCP: yup
[2008.03.26 19:18:29] Graphicdeeziner: I understand *what* it is, but not sure *how* to achieve it yet
[2008.03.26 19:18:49] AngelaCP: close ateasetees. It's also making your shop the place visitors/customers want to continue to visit
[2008.03.26 19:19:11] BrittaCP: So there are some basic shop maintenance things you can do, which we've discussed many times in the past
[2008.03.26 19:19:17] AngelaCP: your shop has that something special that sets it apart from other sites.
[2008.03.26 19:19:44] BrittaCP: For starters... getting your most relvant goods up fromt
[2008.03.26 19:20:07] BrittaCP: and learning how to spell/ type
[2008.03.26 19:20:27] BrittaCP: Customers should be able to figure out what you have to offer immediately after entering your site. If you have a niche shop… present that right away.
[2008.03.26 19:20:31] Bridey has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.03.26 19:20:45] BrittaCP: This is a place where you can find puggle apparel and home accessories.
[2008.03.26 19:21:00] BrittaCP: Customers don’t want to guess
[2008.03.26 19:21:20] BrittaCP: Although they may have found you through a Google search for puggles… confirm that they are in the right place upon arrival in your shop.
[2008.03.26 19:21:30] LoveJML: So, a lot of people come into my shop from various search terms, but end up in my "Cats" Section. Should I add more designs in that section because of that?
[2008.03.26 19:22:10] BrittaCP: correct... if they are going straight to your Cat section... make sure that's what you're offering there, and it never hurts to give variety
[2008.03.26 19:22:33] AngelaCP: Also, if your cat designs are unique and different it will make your shop a bookmark
[2008.03.26 19:22:37] matisse: They keep searching for Puggle dog collars in one of my shops!
[2008.03.26 19:22:45] Hindsight has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.03.26 19:22:49] BrittaCP: puggles have thier own typeof dog collars?
[2008.03.26 19:22:51] AngelaCP: that's what you want... for someone to see your shop and want to bookmark it for future visits
[2008.03.26 19:23:40] BrittaCP: And then there's consistency... which we just touched upon
[2008.03.26 19:24:01] BrittaCP: appearance can often be everything. This one of the reasons why having a professional and trustworthy storefront is key.
[2008.03.26 19:24:03] AngelaCP: So this experience makes your shop desirable and keep them wanting to come back.
[2008.03.26 19:24:52] BrittaCP: even if you're using a template... think about things like thumbnail size, amount going across, the type of thumbnail (design, product, etc.)
[2008.03.26 19:25:00] scarebaby has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.03.26 19:25:13] cartwright has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.03.26 19:25:30] BrittaCP: If you’re going to have section description under each thumbnail on one page (which is recommended), they should be on the others.
[2008.03.26 19:26:30] MaxMuhlin has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.03.26 19:26:37] Lekker Jen: Britta - do you mean teasers?
[2008.03.26 19:26:41] BrittaCP: yes.... thank you
[2008.03.26 19:26:51] mystic: how do you insure your home page thumbnails are letting people know there is much more to see? Am I making sense?
[2008.03.26 19:27:18] SamanthaCP: Disply more than one design your thumbnail.
[2008.03.26 19:27:30] SamanthaCP: you can do this with products or with just designs
[2008.03.26 19:28:34] MaxMuhlin: I write descriptions like: "CLICK HERE for 91 different Airedale designs!"
[2008.03.26 19:29:23] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.03.26 19:29:45] SamanthaCP: Here is a great example: http://www.cafepress.com/burntees
[2008.03.26 19:29:58] shopaholicchick: i use sectiont iles that say what it is and have 2-3 images from the seciton
[2008.03.26 19:30:01] matisse: How many products and sections across is recommended 3 or 4?
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[2008.03.26 19:30:37] BrittaCP: i think it depends on the overall layout of your shop... but if you're using a template... stick with 3
[2008.03.26 19:30:54] BrittaCP: size at 150x150
[2008.03.26 19:30:58] matisse: OH NO!
[2008.03.26 19:31:12] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.03.26 19:31:37] BrittaCP: anything larger... or more sections across... can break the template... some of them stretch and you can get away with it... but I would stick to 3 to keep it clean
[2008.03.26 19:31:46] matisse: I have been using 4 thinking people will eventually be getting widescreens.
[2008.03.26 19:31:48] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.03.26 19:31:55] shopaholicchick: matisse with a CP layour 4 across usually makes your designs wider then the template and often wider then the average screen
[2008.03.26 19:32:14] romy: How important is it to have section thumbs that show products as well as designs?
[2008.03.26 19:32:35] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.03.26 19:32:48] BrittaCP: again... it all depends on your shop, your target market. But I will say that shopping by design does make things easy
[2008.03.26 19:32:58] MaxMuhlin: Well, fortunately it is EASY to change the display back to 3 across !
[2008.03.26 19:33:02] shopaholicchick: people would rather scroll down then across - personally i am turned off by a shop that scrolls across
[2008.03.26 19:33:09] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.03.26 19:33:17] shopaholicchick: i always use shop be design - then add the product drop down tot he sidebar
[2008.03.26 19:34:04] flipk has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
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[2008.03.26 19:34:55] Hindsight has left the room (logged out)
[2008.03.26 19:34:57] matisse: If 4 across doesn't work well with a CP template, why in the world would it be offered?
[2008.03.26 19:34:58] BrittaCP: The option is system wide... you can use it with a template... you can use it with your own HTML, you can use it with a plain storefront (although I wouldn't recommend a plain storefront)
[2008.03.26 19:35:02] Ne1512BLVD: You can also make special sections or html links that highlight certain products if you want.
[2008.03.26 19:35:10] MaxMuhlin: Yes, you never know what product the customer is looking for, but if the customer is looking for your DESIGN, that is what will sell. . .they can choose a product later.
[2008.03.26 19:35:13] SamanthaCP has left the room (logged out)
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[2008.03.26 19:35:43] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.03.26 19:35:53] Cthulhu For President: could you please actually touch upon the TOPIC of this chat session?!?...and not about layout with 3 or 4 across?:-c
[2008.03.26 19:35:53] BrittaCP: We are talking about site stickiness... and the consitency/ professioanlism of your shop layout
[2008.03.26 19:36:20] BrittaCP: So another thing that helps with stickiness... which I think Ang mentioned earlier... is interactivity
[2008.03.26 19:36:29] shopaholicchick: britta i like my plain storefront - it is simple and colored and my customers have told me they like it also
[2008.03.26 19:36:33] BrittaCP: i mean plain as in white
[2008.03.26 19:36:37] BrittaCP: bare
[2008.03.26 19:36:46] BrittaCP: when you first hit the upgrade button
[2008.03.26 19:37:05] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.03.26 19:37:05] BrittaCP: Let a customer dive in
[2008.03.26 19:37:16] BrittaCP: Internet users like to get interactive.
[2008.03.26 19:37:27] BrittaCP: You can do this in your shop, without distracting your customer from buying, and at the same time convincing them to come back.
[2008.03.26 19:37:48] BrittaCP: Getting interactive can also be fun for you and your customer.
[2008.03.26 19:37:58] BrittaCP: Who has an idea on something that could work here?
[2008.03.26 19:38:22] cyi: Youtube clips in the sidebar.
[2008.03.26 19:38:34] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.03.26 19:38:40] shopaholicchick: cyi that can be a problem for people who are on dial up
[2008.03.26 19:38:50] flipk: I've seen some pages where people have a poll you can take...is that what you mean?
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[2008.03.26 19:39:22] MaxMuhlin has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.03.26 19:39:43] BrittaCP: So the YouTube thing brings up an interesting point... while adding fun and flasy little things in your shop like video, animations, slideshows may look nice....
[2008.03.26 19:39:55] BrittaCP: remember... you don't want to slow down your page load
[2008.03.26 19:40:23] BrittaCP: Keep in mind that too many can be overwhelming, distracting, and slow down your page load.
[2008.03.26 19:40:30] BrittaCP: Distractions aside, if your page doesn’t load quickly enough… you lose all stickiness.
[2008.03.26 19:40:54] maryo has left the room (logged out)
[2008.03.26 19:41:02] Sag: YouTube is an exit door ... no, no! Cut many entrance door and tape all the exit windows and doors shut!:-D
[2008.03.26 19:41:13] BrittaCP: That's another thing to think about as well
[2008.03.26 19:41:15] BrittaCP: leaks
[2008.03.26 19:41:44] BrittaCP: your "fun stuff" shouldn't encourage a customer to click and land outside of your shop
[2008.03.26 19:42:03] BrittaCP: you want to entertain them inside, all the way to the checkout
[2008.03.26 19:42:12] Pfoinkle: I would think that "interactive" would mean people actually participating, which goes beyond passively watching a video. Something that requires activity on the end user's part -- like shoutout boxes, polls, puzzles, etc. Not that all would work for a CP shop. ;)
[2008.03.26 19:42:20] BrittaCP: right
[2008.03.26 19:42:28] Ne1512BLVD: I have broadband. How can I tell if my sites load too slow for a dialup user?
[2008.03.26 19:42:34] BrittaCP: anyone know?
[2008.03.26 19:42:41] matisse has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.03.26 19:42:54] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.03.26 19:42:57] foxvox: Ask an SK on dialup! :-D
[2008.03.26 19:43:07] Lekker Jen: There are SKs on dialup - post in the forums. There's also some site diagnotic tools out there
[2008.03.26 19:43:24] NiftyGaloot: http://www.octagate.com/service/SiteTimer/
[2008.03.26 19:43:27] TexasFiddler: What is the thinking on clicking on an outside link that opens in a new window?
[2008.03.26 19:43:56] BrittaCP: thoughts?
[2008.03.26 19:44:25] matisse has left the room (logged out)
[2008.03.26 19:44:35] Sag: Got my tape ready Texas! Tape it shut!:-D
[2008.03.26 19:44:45] ateasetees: I would think that that would be the same as the YouTube thing. I know that I've got a new window to play in, I may not get right back to what was in the first one...that could cost a sale...
[2008.03.26 19:44:48] foxvox: Having two windows open CAN split a visitor's attention. On the other hand, when they're done with the second window, they'll probably land back on the original by default. ??
[2008.03.26 19:45:16] Lekker Jen: It takes their attention away from my shop and that purchase they were just about to make. I try to stay away from that in my shop. Maybe if you have an off site domain, you could post that kind of thing in a non shop area?
[2008.03.26 19:45:20] ateasetees: Unless they're like me and already have 8 windows open....lol
[2008.03.26 19:45:22] mystic: I don't put anything in my shop that would possibly lead a customer out of my site.
[2008.03.26 19:45:27] Ne1512BLVD: I hate when I am on a website and keep getting new windows, but would rather if I am shopping that something I click on that is unrelated would open in a new window.... jut not all the time.
[2008.03.26 19:45:32] Pfoinkle: Opening in a new window is often confusing to end users as it "disables" the browser's back button. Generally frowned upon in usability circles.
[2008.03.26 19:45:47] Sag: Heck, if I can get them in the door they're going to find it hard to get out! Yep!:-D
[2008.03.26 19:45:53] Carl: As a shopper, i hate clicking links that open in new windows. I especially hate shopping carts that open as a popup... ugh.
[2008.03.26 19:46:20] BrittaCP: so it seems to be universal... extra windows = no good
[2008.03.26 19:46:23] Sag: Yeah, me too Carl.
[2008.03.26 19:46:35] mystic: :-( pop ups are evil
[2008.03.26 19:47:47] BrittaCP: Let's move back to fun stuff ideas... now that we have an undertanding of things you want to make sure: keep your shopper in your shop, don't slow down your page load, and avoid pop-ups
[2008.03.26 19:48:02] ateasetees: So what we're looking for is a simple, interactive, fun, memorable widget of somekind that doesn't open another window...that should be easy...:)
[2008.03.26 19:48:15] Sag: Ah heck, have a design contest, or a K-mart blue light special or a ...... better stop having too much fun!:-D
[2008.03.26 19:49:07] Carl: I imagine contests are a big factor in stickiness. Any thoughts about (relatively legal) ways to run one in your cafepress shop?
[2008.03.26 19:49:09] Winter has left the room (logged out)
[2008.03.26 19:49:14] DDKnight: I'd like two drinks of whatever Sag is having please:)
[2008.03.26 19:49:19] BrittaCP: lol... i think we all do
[2008.03.26 19:49:28] Ne1512BLVD: When choosing an interactive fun thing for our shops we should put it to the test of does it promote our shop or products... not jut put there for the fun of it
[2008.03.26 19:49:29] Winter has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.03.26 19:50:06] AngelaCP: hey everyone... i have to leave for carpool
[2008.03.26 19:50:14] clonecire: im done with winter and all your cold
[2008.03.26 19:50:21] flipk: Has anyone done a "win a free tshirt contest" ?
[2008.03.26 19:50:22] AngelaCP: just wanted to say bye to you all.... i want to see sticky shops soon :)
[2008.03.26 19:50:28] AngelaCP has left the room (logged out)
[2008.03.26 19:50:28] Kip: when's CPcon, give it up! :)
[2008.03.26 19:50:28] Sag: Uh-huh!
[2008.03.26 19:50:28] matisse: There is not enough glue in my shops!
[2008.03.26 19:50:28] matisse: oh no....not the moderators again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
[2008.03.26 19:50:28] Sag: "moderator reviews and pushes it out" that sounds like my digestive system!:-D
[2008.03.26 19:50:29] matisse: I need super glue!
[2008.03.26 19:50:29] matisse: I am not getting many people signing up for my newsletter! I want dancing girls too!
[2008.03.26 19:50:29] NiftyGaloot: No dancing girls? :(
[2008.03.26 19:50:29] matisse: I am using statcounter.
[2008.03.26 19:50:29] foxvox: I think specifics and hows might help us all understand the concept behind it a little better too?
[2008.03.26 19:50:29] mystic: I came in late and prolly missed some
[2008.03.26 19:50:29] jean - rotem gear: sounds unpleasant
[2008.03.26 19:50:29] chm: Yep, Stickiness : It's what keeps your visitors/customers coming back for more.
[2008.03.26 19:50:29] matisse: My biggest problem is this...I get a visitor from "one" of my designs in a particular section that appears on the first page of google. If they don't like that one they leave and don't look at the variety of other design I have for that section.
[2008.03.26 19:50:29] Ne1512BLVD: i think interactive things.... such as contests, contact forms, feedback forms, photo clubs, buyers clubs, newsletters... etc.
[2008.03.26 19:50:29] ateasetees: why thank you...oh...heh nm..;)
[2008.03.26 19:50:30] Sag: :-D
[2008.03.26 19:50:30] Ne1512BLVD: you mene we gotta get edjucated?
[2008.03.26 19:50:30] matisse: More interesting funky templates from CP ie the new politics ones are great!
[2008.03.26 19:50:30] matisse: I'm not selling them, or am I?
[2008.03.26 19:50:30] Ne1512BLVD: Should we be offering articles if appropriate or would that pull them away from the shopping mindset?
[2008.03.26 19:50:30] matisse: How do I get shoppers to visit the section first rather than land on a particular design in that section?
[2008.03.26 19:50:30] matisse: I need to take a creative writing class.
[2008.03.26 19:50:30] mystic: 91 different? :bow:
[2008.03.26 19:50:30] shopaholicchick: for my shop i like to stay simple - i use colors and section tiles with images www.cafepress.com/shopaholicchick is an example
[2008.03.26 19:50:30] matisse: well that will be about a month of work to do!
[2008.03.26 19:50:30] clonecire: did i miss the part where you said we are gettin kelly green shirts this year?
[2008.03.26 19:50:31] matisse: Can I change all of my shop sections to 3 across without doing it for each section?
[2008.03.26 19:50:31] romy: If I have a section that contains several designs I just put a recent favorite design in the thumb, but when I notice visitors landing there and leaving I wonder whether I should try to represent all of the designs, maybe on different products. But it could be they're leaving because they expected something completely different.
[2008.03.26 19:50:31] clonecire: typical white storefront
[2008.03.26 19:50:31] shopaholicchick: oh ok - i use no template but i color my sidebar and fonts for the seasons
[2008.03.26 19:50:31] matisse: Do I have to change each of over 3,500 sections. This is relevant, because if people don't like the problem with 4 across, they are not going to come back!....site stickiness!
[2008.03.26 19:50:31] Suzzie: youtube clips could get annoying
[2008.03.26 19:50:31] foxvox: Was just about to say that, Shopaholicchick.
[2008.03.26 19:50:31] Carl: Featured products created by customer request
[2008.03.26 19:50:31] Ne1512BLVD: A photo club where they can send in photos of them wearing your product. They can look through the other photos and their submission enters them into a contest
[2008.03.26 19:50:31] foxvox: Videos can also get distracting, unless they are ABOUT the products and have clickable links, say, underneath.
[2008.03.26 19:50:31] TexasFiddler: What
[2008.03.26 19:50:32] NiftyGaloot: Try this to see how fast your page loads and what slows it down: http://www.octagate.com/service/SiteTimer/
[2008.03.26 19:50:32] mystic: what types of fun stuff?
[2008.03.26 19:50:32] BabyDave: Sticky shops are shops that feature good designs.
[2008.03.26 19:50:32] shopaholicchick: i ask someone on dial up - but if it takes more then a moment for me - it will be slow for them
[2008.03.26 19:50:32] mystic: Ask me to look:-D
[2008.03.26 19:50:32] Lekker Jen: Kristen beat me
[2008.03.26 19:50:32] MaxMuhlin: SO . . . what's the answer? What makes a shop sticky ?
[2008.03.26 19:50:32] Ne1512BLVD: There is one site I go to that every link opens in a new window. But, I like the products offered, so I just keep in mind that I will need to close alot.
[2008.03.26 19:50:32] mystic: my browser often blocks them anyways
[2008.03.26 19:50:32] Sag: If you're going to develop conduits of traffic, route it around to your other shops if you have some. Don't let them varmits get away!:whistle:
[2008.03.26 19:50:32] Ne1512BLVD: I hate when I have to manually allow a pop up for legitimate sites, so offering a pop off turn me off, because I have them blocked
[2008.03.26 19:50:33] clonecire: If it is something i choose to click on then i love new windows,just not when they pop up randomly
[2008.03.26 19:50:33] MaxMuhlin: Bye, I've got a Netflix movie that is going to be waaaaay more informative than this CHat!!
[2008.03.26 19:50:33] Sag: Bye Angela! Thanks!
[2008.03.26 19:50:33] Ne1512BLVD: have a safe trip home
[2008.03.26 19:50:33] foxvox: Ask yourself, when YOU'RE shopping, what do YOU like to do in a shop? What amuses you? Why do you go back?
[2008.03.26 19:50:33] Suzzie: fun stuff doesn't have to promote your product, it could just be something that has to do with your overall theme
[2008.03.26 19:50:33] blipfish: Bye Ang
[2008.03.26 19:50:46] DDKnight: wow
[2008.03.26 19:50:51] BrittaCP: yeah... that was Ang's doing
[2008.03.26 19:50:59] Ne1512BLVD: yeah that was fun to watch
[2008.03.26 19:51:01] blipfish: whirlies!
[2008.03.26 19:51:31] BrittaCP: the last question(before the burp) was
[2008.03.26 19:51:55] matisse has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.03.26 19:52:13] BrittaCP: flipk: has anyone done a "win a free tshirt contest"?
[2008.03.26 19:52:31] Ne1512BLVD: I plan on doing it this year
[2008.03.26 19:52:49] mystic: One free shirt offer I thought of... sign up for our newletter and be entered into our free t-shirt drawing.
[2008.03.26 19:52:57] clonecire: i have but i never win
[2008.03.26 19:53:00] blipfish: I stay away from contests. Too many ways of getting into trouble.
[2008.03.26 19:53:09] Pfoinkle: I've done giveaways before. I find them moderately successful for increasing a mailing list, but not sales.
[2008.03.26 19:53:18] Sag: Kids Shop - have a durn coloring contest for kids. Have them send the entries to you and give away a free shirt! The mailman will luv ya' fer et!
[2008.03.26 19:53:37] BrittaCP: This is a great thought... which brings me to another idea...
[2008.03.26 19:54:05] BrittaCP: Engage your customers by asking for photo submissions wearing products or doing something funny
[2008.03.26 19:54:45] BrittaCP: This way... they buy the product... take a pic, send it to you...and return to see themselves... and may buy again
[2008.03.26 19:54:50] Ne1512BLVD: mine is what I wrote before.... enter to win a t-shirt by sending in a photo of you wearing one of our product
[2008.03.26 19:54:52] mystic: Good one sag! The winning shirt could be their coloring design
[2008.03.26 19:54:59] Sag: Wow, I like that one!:bow::-D Gonna try it!
[2008.03.26 19:55:13] Cthulhu For President has left the room (logged out)
[2008.03.26 19:55:16] Lekker Jen: Aren't there legalities to contests though?
[2008.03.26 19:55:17] Winter: Do you need to send them a permission/release form when they agree to that and you put it on your site?
[2008.03.26 19:55:34] BrittaCP: Yes... so you'll want to make sure you explore these things before hand
[2008.03.26 19:55:38] Pfoinkle: BE CAREFUL with contests for kids. Laws surrounding contests vary from state-to-state and country-to-country, laws surrounding marketing to kids... can be quite complex.
[2008.03.26 19:55:50] Ne1512BLVD: mystic, that is a good idea.... if their design wins, then they get the free t-shirt of it and the shirt becomes available in your store....
[2008.03.26 19:56:39] BabyDave: I am amazed that CP would recommend shopkeepers hvae contests
[2008.03.26 19:56:40] DDKnight has left the room (logged out)
[2008.03.26 19:56:41] BrittaCP: Again... it's something that as a business person you want to investigate the legalities...
[2008.03.26 19:56:46] jean - rotem gear: I don;t run contests but I have had give-away drawings (having one now)
[2008.03.26 19:56:53] DDKnight has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.03.26 19:58:35] BrittaCP: If you want product shots... they don't have to be a contest... tehy can be "submissions" that your customer is aware may be posted... there's not neccisarly a prize... and you're not telling htem that they have to buy something to be seen... it's more like "show me what you sdo with your purchase"
[2008.03.26 19:58:46] BrittaCP: like thinkgeek.com.... they have what they call "actions shots"
[2008.03.26 19:59:09] BrittaCP: customers do silly things with things thier purchase... and it get's posted
[2008.03.26 19:59:15] matisse has left the room (logged out)
[2008.03.26 19:59:20] Sag: There's some great online advise about holding contests. Just google it and play by the numbers.
[2008.03.26 19:59:23] Lekker Jen: What's the difference between a contest and a drawing, Jean?
[2008.03.26 19:59:24] Winter has left the room (logged out)
[2008.03.26 19:59:45] Winter has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.03.26 19:59:51] foxvox has left the room (logged out)
[2008.03.26 19:59:52] mystic: Ohhhh creative uses for the ceramic tiles sorta thingy?
[2008.03.26 19:59:54] BrittaCP: YES!
[2008.03.26 20:00:41] cyi has left the room (logged out)
[2008.03.26 20:01:18] BrittaCP: Ok... so it's 5... here are a couple of other things to think about in the lobby or while sitting at your computer tinkering with your shop...
[2008.03.26 20:01:20] BrittaCP: 2. Limited Edition T-shirt of the month (week, etc)
[2008.03.26 20:01:27] BrittaCP: 3. Deal of the day (like Amazon’s gold box)
[2008.03.26 20:01:43] BrittaCP: Stay fresh and up to date
[2008.03.26 20:02:28] BrittaCP: overall... the point is to get your shoppers to remember your shop, and comeback for more
[2008.03.26 20:02:30] jean - rotem gear: LekkerJean, I think of a contest as a competiton of sorts. A give-away is just that, a drawing for a free shirt, but stipulates being added to my very seldom newsletter.
[2008.03.26 20:02:45] BrittaCP: making it Sticky
[2008.03.26 20:02:49] Sag: Oh, oh, oh, - deal of the day! Juices in brain overflowing capacity! Sounds fun!:-D
[2008.03.26 20:03:36] BrittaCP: And with that... i shall open the lobby... and you can all swim in Sag's overflowing brain juice
[2008.03.26 20:03:43] MaxMuhlin has left the room (logged out)
[2008.03.26 20:04:14] BrittaCP: thanks for hanging with us tonight
[2008.03.26 20:04:19] mystic: Thanks Britta
[2008.03.26 20:04:21] cartwright has left the room (logged out)
[2008.03.26 20:04:42] Sag: Now that sounds yucky, Britta! Thanks for the great chat!
[2008.03.26 20:04:45] Winter has left the room (logged out)
[2008.03.26 20:04:52] BrittaCP: it's your brain juice! ;)
[2008.03.26 20:04:55] Serenity Moonstone has left the room
[2008.03.26 20:05:19] Sag: :-D:-D:bow:
[2008.03.26 20:05:21] Ne1512BLVD: Don't gross out the pregnant lady please
[2008.03.26 20:05:21] Suzzie has left the room
[2008.03.26 20:05:28] The room has been closed by the system

Thursday, March 6, 2008

3/6/08 roundtable

[2008.03.06 18:57:51] Welcome to the CafePress Chat Room
[2008.03.06 18:57:51] Dooni Designs has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.03.06 18:57:52] All users in this room have been allowed to talk
[2008.03.06 18:58:32] hazeleyes7 has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.03.06 18:58:52] Kippy has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.03.06 18:58:53] Art has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.03.06 18:58:54] The Extra Happy Shadow has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.03.06 18:59:00] coolestwear has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.03.06 18:59:04] BrittaCP has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.03.06 18:59:07] Rhea has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.03.06 18:59:09] Russ has left the room (logged out)
[2008.03.06 18:59:09] servopuff has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.03.06 18:59:30] BrittaCP: Welcome Everyone!
[2008.03.06 18:59:38] BrittaCP: We'll be ready to go in just a second or to
[2008.03.06 18:59:41] Russ: hello
[2008.03.06 18:59:43] TexasFiddler: howdy!
[2008.03.06 18:59:44] Russ: hello
[2008.03.06 18:59:45] The Extra Happy Shadow: hello fellow SK's and CafePress people!
[2008.03.06 18:59:47] coolestwear: thank you britta !
[2008.03.06 18:59:48] Sag: Howdy!
[2008.03.06 18:59:49] hazeleyes7: Evening everyone!
[2008.03.06 19:00:06] Cthulhu For President has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.03.06 19:00:39] peon: hi shannon ;)
[2008.03.06 19:00:41] Sag: Extra Happy Shadow - :-D:-D
[2008.03.06 19:00:43] Kippy: Hello to the lot of you
[2008.03.06 19:00:44] Serenity Moonstone: Hello!
[2008.03.06 19:01:23] Pfoinkle has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.03.06 19:01:32] servopuff has left the room (logged out)
[2008.03.06 19:01:40] BrittaCP: ok... Ang will be joining us in a minute, she is another meeting
[2008.03.06 19:02:02] servopuff has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.03.06 19:02:04] BrittaCP: Today we'll be doing something a little different, for thoseof you that are new to our chats
[2008.03.06 19:02:18] BrittaCP: Today is what we call a Shoppkeeper Discussion/ Roundtable
[2008.03.06 19:02:23] Karen has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.03.06 19:02:41] Carl (absolute cotton) has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.03.06 19:02:50] Art has left the room (logged out)
[2008.03.06 19:03:00] BrittaCP: Normally during our chats, we'll have an outline with all kinds of tips and facts
[2008.03.06 19:03:37] Pfoinkle has left the room (logged out)
[2008.03.06 19:03:38] BrittaCP: Today, we're inviting you to share your ideas, thoughts, tips, and experiences with each other
[2008.03.06 19:03:51] mrservopuff has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.03.06 19:03:52] BrittaCP: Like our other chats, this will be moderated
[2008.03.06 19:04:14] tsharts has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.03.06 19:04:34] BrittaCP: That means any question or comment that you send will go into a queue until a moderator reviews and pushes it out for all to see
[2008.03.06 19:04:43] Pfoinkle has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.03.06 19:04:45] BrittaCP: So if you don't see your comment right away, that's why
[2008.03.06 19:04:58] BrittaCP: as with all chats, we'll have the transcript up in a few days
[2008.03.06 19:05:31] The Extra Happy Shadow has left the room (logged out)
[2008.03.06 19:05:42] The Birthday Shadow has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.03.06 19:06:00] BrittaCP: Ok... so today's topis is Customer Correspondence
[2008.03.06 19:06:30] BrittaCP: or communications... however you want to phrase it
[2008.03.06 19:07:00] BrittaCP: This means things like ways you as a Shopkeeper can reach out to your customers, to help better your business.
[2008.03.06 19:07:29] BrittaCP: there are a few ways that are already popular, such as sending out newsletters, or blogging
[2008.03.06 19:08:03] FJS has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.03.06 19:08:12] BrittaCP: What I was hoping we could get out of today's discussion was how some of us here are utilizing those functions, and or other methods they are currently using
[2008.03.06 19:08:24] cyi has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.03.06 19:08:30] BrittaCP: I've been seeing some interesting methods pop up in shops over the past six months
[2008.03.06 19:08:44] BrittaCP: or so
[2008.03.06 19:08:56] Kippy: any plans to update the cp newsletter software to be, you know, a little attractive-ish? ;)
[2008.03.06 19:09:12] BrittaCP: I don't have any information on this one, sorry.
[2008.03.06 19:09:49] andrew has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.03.06 19:09:56] BrittaCP: So let's start this off... with simple one. Newsletters.
[2008.03.06 19:10:12] BrittaCP: who's currently using a newsletter system (either thorugh CP or a third party)
[2008.03.06 19:10:29] The Birthday Shadow: I do my own newsletter sign up script so I have moe control over the newsletter. I prefer more ontrol over it than CP allows
[2008.03.06 19:10:31] AngelaCP has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.03.06 19:10:53] BrittaCP: yes... many shopkeepers have thier own systems for newsletters... which is perfectly fine
[2008.03.06 19:11:16] tsharts: I just started
[2008.03.06 19:12:15] BrittaCP: I thnk one of the things that SK's find complicated when it comes to newsletters... is getting subscribers
[2008.03.06 19:12:42] The Birthday Shadow: last time I looked I am at about 1,000 subscribers overall
[2008.03.06 19:12:49] BrittaCP: Shadow... do you have any ideas you'd like to share on how to accomplish this?
[2008.03.06 19:12:53] coolestwear: the same for me, i have started
[2008.03.06 19:12:58] andrew: I'm new, I haven't explored the newsletter system yet. My premium shop is just 3 week old, but I did make a sale a week ago!
[2008.03.06 19:13:11] BrittaCP: congrats!
[2008.03.06 19:13:14] servopuff: Wow Shadow!
[2008.03.06 19:13:29] hazeleyes7: Tip: I created a newsletter signup page on my stores so when the customer is done ordering, CP automatically forwards them to the signup page ;)
[2008.03.06 19:13:32] The Birthday Shadow: well, I offer incentives to sign up
[2008.03.06 19:13:40] BrittaCP: Yes... incentives are always a great thing
[2008.03.06 19:14:15] BrittaCP: I'd like to know that there is a reason i should hand out my email address
[2008.03.06 19:14:29] andrew: Examples of incentives please?
[2008.03.06 19:14:31] mrservopuff: What sort of incentives?
[2008.03.06 19:14:33] Carl (absolute cotton): I use CP's... but i'll probably switch to a third-party mailing service soon. The system's newsletter is a bit... antiquated. :)
[2008.03.06 19:14:35] AngelaCP: Our newsletter system is probably for beginners to help get them started. If you're looking for an advance newsletter system, definitely look for the one that best fits your need. We're in the shop business... so that's our main focus ;)
[2008.03.06 19:15:06] peon: a lot of web hosts offer a newsletter system for free when you sign up.
[2008.03.06 19:15:27] The Birthday Shadow: incentives can be anything... free stuff, coupons, etc.
[2008.03.06 19:16:09] PeggyWvB has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.03.06 19:16:18] AngelaCP: Or even the fact customers are the first to know about new designs, products sales, etc
[2008.03.06 19:16:27] BrittaCP: One idea that i think is interesting as an incentive isspecial offers on merch... like limited edition, or last chance
[2008.03.06 19:16:38] peon: a subscription form can be tricky, but well worth it. Some people offer coupon codes or new designs (in hidden sections) that you can only get by subscribing.
[2008.03.06 19:16:46] MaxMuhlin has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.03.06 19:17:16] BrittaCP: By making shoppers feel like they arenow about to become a member of a special club... they may be more inclined to join and sign up for your newsletter
[2008.03.06 19:17:24] d22 has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.03.06 19:17:29] Serenity Moonstone: Well, if I do end up selling to giving mms baggies with my shop card on it, maybe if they sign up, they get two for one
[2008.03.06 19:17:48] The Birthday Shadow: there is really no point to a newsletter unless it is going to benefot the customer somehow.... otherwise what's the point
[2008.03.06 19:17:54] Sag: free stuff, give-a ways, discounted products, a buyer's club, and some really cool come-on's
[2008.03.06 19:18:00] BrittaCP: a buyers club... exactly
[2008.03.06 19:18:12] d22 has left the room (logged out)
[2008.03.06 19:18:13] Kippy: I wish there was a way to access the subscribers to our CP newsletters... that's mainly the reason I don't want to switch, because I'd lose a lot
[2008.03.06 19:18:14] AngelaCP: Yes, under our privacy policy, we are unable to release that information. However, you can have duel newsletters. Or, encouarge customers interested in continuing to receive your newsletter to sign up for the new one. Qualified customers will take the time to subscribe again.
[2008.03.06 19:18:14] Sag: Yeah, like the SagArt Buyers club :-D
[2008.03.06 19:18:16] Suzzie has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.03.06 19:18:23] peon: If you want a really good (free) newsletter system, try letterman. It's a joomla module, but you should be able to get it to work on regular pages as well.
[2008.03.06 19:18:31] BrittaCP: thanks for the tip
[2008.03.06 19:18:49] The Birthday Shadow: One thing you can do Kippy is send out a CP newsletter asking them to subscribe to your new newsletter system
[2008.03.06 19:20:12] MrsEvilGenius has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.03.06 19:20:24] BrittaCP: One thing to think about is... your newsletter doesn't have to be soley aboput products. if you have a niche shop, say maybe something on AIDS awareness... you can include information about new research, or support groups
[2008.03.06 19:20:54] BrittaCP: and in there, work in new products that you have to offer
[2008.03.06 19:21:16] BrittaCP: this creates a much more engaging experience for you reader
[2008.03.06 19:21:20] Kippy: oh, you clever people with your clever ideas.
[2008.03.06 19:21:33] andrew: suggestions for low cost newsletter system?
[2008.03.06 19:21:59] MrsEvilGenius has left the room (logged out)
[2008.03.06 19:22:11] The Birthday Shadow: if you have your own web host, there are several free scripts out there....
[2008.03.06 19:22:18] tsharts: If i were to give away free stuff. Do you think customers will give their Address?
[2008.03.06 19:22:51] coolestwear: can a basic shop have a third party newsletter ?
[2008.03.06 19:22:52] BrittaCP: no.. but if you have your own domain, that links to your basic shop, you can encourage people to sign up there
[2008.03.06 19:23:16] BrittaCP: Basic shops do, however, have a built in newsletter subscription sign up box
[2008.03.06 19:23:22] Serenity Moonstone: what's the link for letterman, I'm looking it up now
[2008.03.06 19:23:30] The Birthday Shadow: the one I use a php script that just sends me an email when they sign up
[2008.03.06 19:23:33] hazeleyes7: People search the web all the time on the words "free stuff" and similiar so they will definitely sign up
[2008.03.06 19:24:04] The Birthday Shadow: and be sure to make it clear you will now sell their email or spam them
[2008.03.06 19:24:18] BrittaCP: i think you mean *not
[2008.03.06 19:24:26] The Birthday Shadow: there's nothing better than free
[2008.03.06 19:24:29] BrittaCP: agreed!
[2008.03.06 19:24:37] Sag: :-D:-D Shadow!
[2008.03.06 19:24:40] tsharts: so you send people like a free magnet or something?
[2008.03.06 19:25:07] The Birthday Shadow: note to moderators... I had a 48oz margarita...so there may be typos :)
[2008.03.06 19:25:10] BrittaCP: yum
[2008.03.06 19:25:16] The Birthday Shadow: Yes I did mean not
[2008.03.06 19:25:17] peon: letterman = http://extensions.joomla.org/component/option,com_mtree/task,viewlink/link_id,174/Itemid,35/
[2008.03.06 19:25:19] cowpie has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.03.06 19:25:33] tsharts: I sent one out yesterday and got a response from a subsricber inquiring about buying in bulk. not sure what to tell them. Its good to know the newsletter works.
[2008.03.06 19:26:00] peon: it was designed for joomla (which is the most awesome way to run a website, ever) but with a little tweaking, you could get it to work on a regular website.
[2008.03.06 19:26:13] Karen: http://www.thejfactory.com/component/option,com_docman/task,cat_view/gid,30/Itemid,56/
[2008.03.06 19:26:17] peon: maybe I'll write up a tutorial on how to do it - if there's enough interest.
[2008.03.06 19:26:22] andrew: tsharts, were you using the CP newsletter system?
[2008.03.06 19:26:34] tsharts: yes
[2008.03.06 19:26:51] The Birthday Shadow: giveing away a t-shirt is pretty cheap especially if you get quite a few people to sign up.... you have to spend money to make it as the saying goes
[2008.03.06 19:27:21] susan faye has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.03.06 19:27:24] TexasFiddler: I'm interested, peon
[2008.03.06 19:27:30] coolestwear: if i give away free things i have to pay for them ?
[2008.03.06 19:27:35] chm has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.03.06 19:27:37] The Birthday Shadow: of course you also have to look at the cost and the risk
[2008.03.06 19:28:43] andrew: Is there a way to sell the tshirt at base price if they sign up?
[2008.03.06 19:28:44] BrittaCP: You can create a hidden section where you keep specially priced products. Only those you give the link to will have access to it, and will purchase.
[2008.03.06 19:29:25] BrittaCP: So it could be something where if you have a way to contact your subscribers, you give them the link. or, you create a "sale" and offer it to readers
[2008.03.06 19:29:29] The Birthday Shadow: yes coolest you do have to pay for them
[2008.03.06 19:29:31] Rhea: i'm also interested, peon
[2008.03.06 19:29:35] The Birthday Shadow: I would only recommend giving stuff away to shopkeepers that are seeing sales already... otehrwise I would recommend discounted items
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[2008.03.06 19:29:44] Serenity Moonstone has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.03.06 19:29:47] peon: I'd really love to hear about how people use their blogs to promote their products. I mean, I know how to write in a blog, but I wouldn't know how to write an entire page about a design.
[2008.03.06 19:29:53] BrittaCP: Good topic peon!
[2008.03.06 19:30:23] Sag: A year-long contest with a spectacular prize to be given away in December - just in time for Christmas. To qualify you have to place an order and sign up for the newsletter! Oh these brain farts hurt sometimes!:-D
[2008.03.06 19:30:25] PeggyWvB: Britta, don't forget to mention thatthe images shouldn't be tagged.
[2008.03.06 19:30:51] NiftyGaloot has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.03.06 19:30:55] BrittaCP: that's right... if you have on products that you have marked down... you don't want them to show in the marketplace
[2008.03.06 19:31:00] BrittaCP: so don't tag the images
[2008.03.06 19:31:02] peon: okay guys - I'll see what I can do. I'll make a post in the forums once I have it ready.
[2008.03.06 19:31:03] peon: thanx, britta. ;)
[2008.03.06 19:31:07] The Birthday Shadow: if you are already on a bonus tier.. you can have zeero markup and still make money... one of the advantages to it
[2008.03.06 19:31:32] Carl (absolute cotton): Actually, I started with CP to earn more ad money from my blog. If it's interesting, people will read it. If there's a cool tshirt in the sidebar, some will buy it. :)
[2008.03.06 19:31:36] TexasFiddler: thanx peon
[2008.03.06 19:31:50] Rhea: you don't write an entire page about the design; you write an entire page about the topic of the design (e.g. coffee beans, retirement, fart jokes)
[2008.03.06 19:32:39] BrittaCP: One thing that i recommend, and I'm sure most do already, is if you have a bolg... make sure that you promote in your shop as well
[2008.03.06 19:33:17] cyi has left the room (logged out)
[2008.03.06 19:33:33] BrittaCP: some folk may find your shop via google... and not know about your blog. So going back to the AIDS awareness shop... i see some cool stuff and oh... you have a place to talk about AIDS education and information
[2008.03.06 19:33:42] The Birthday Shadow: writing ... yuck :)
[2008.03.06 19:33:44] Sag: Yeah, what Rhea said!:bow:
[2008.03.06 19:33:46] peon: so basically, if I have a design that says "firefighters do it with a long hose", I should write an article about firefighters in general - not about the design itself.
[2008.03.06 19:33:50] coolestwear: this means to mention the blog in the shop ?
[2008.03.06 19:34:00] BrittaCP: yes... like a link or something
[2008.03.06 19:34:09] cyi has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.03.06 19:34:18] andrew: Dont hava a BOLG... have a couple of BLOGS though!
[2008.03.06 19:34:19] BrittaCP: bolgs are the new blogs
[2008.03.06 19:34:25] PeggyWvB: I have bolg guilt.I'm so busy that I never have time for it!
[2008.03.06 19:34:30] peon: are those services where you pay someone five bucks to write an article for you worth it? Has anyone here ever used one of those services before?
[2008.03.06 19:34:54] mrservopuff: Blogs are a great way to get original content on your site, which Google likes. And blog posts can be sent to websites like Technorati, which helps to spread your posts.
[2008.03.06 19:34:56] matisse has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.03.06 19:34:59] peon: a good way to get your blog into your shop is feedburner.com .
[2008.03.06 19:35:09] TexasFiddler: i have a bit of a bolg around the middle, but I'm trying to work it off
[2008.03.06 19:35:12] gary0a1 has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.03.06 19:35:12] BrittaCP: CRUNCH!
[2008.03.06 19:35:18] The Birthday Shadow: Making money can be so much work...lol
[2008.03.06 19:35:31] mrservopuff: We use blogs on our stores to feature new designs and make announcements, instead of doing this in newsletters.
[2008.03.06 19:35:36] Kippy: I don't think those services are worth it. Google has even de-indexed some sites offering such services, by the way
[2008.03.06 19:35:38] TexasFiddler: :-D
[2008.03.06 19:35:43] cyi: Can you put your blog in your CP store with feedburner or just on an offisite?
[2008.03.06 19:35:55] andrew: Article writers usually recycle content which may get you a duplilcate penalty.
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[2008.03.06 19:37:04] cyi has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.03.06 19:37:26] peon: you can use feedburner in your shop. It's really easy, even for beginners. The only part that can be tricky is changing the way the feed looks - colors, fonrts, etc. You have to use css for that, but Carl would be happy to help you with that.
[2008.03.06 19:38:35] BrittaCP: What I like about blogs also... is you can let people comment and create conversation
[2008.03.06 19:38:58] BrittaCP: and in that... get ideas for new content in your shop
[2008.03.06 19:39:07] The Birthday Shadow: the best way to avoid duplicate content is unique title and meta data.
[2008.03.06 19:39:11] peon: If I am allowed to link to an example of feedburner in action...http://www.cafepress.com/tornadorepublic
[2008.03.06 19:39:13] Sag: Carl's gonna get you for that!:-D
[2008.03.06 19:39:17] hazeleyes7: Peon - did you just volunteer Carl for something? lol
[2008.03.06 19:39:22] cyi: css still scares me, but I'm learning.
[2008.03.06 19:39:24] Carl (absolute cotton): heh :-o
[2008.03.06 19:39:28] The Birthday Shadow: The only thing I disliek about comments is comment spam
[2008.03.06 19:39:42] BrittaCP: true... so you do have to be prepared to be your own moderator
[2008.03.06 19:39:47] Carl (absolute cotton): you're right, britta - blogs are interactive in a way that newsletters can't be... plus, the traffic keeps on coming. Newsletters are one-time deals.
[2008.03.06 19:40:04] deb has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.03.06 19:40:21] BrittaCP: exactly... all in all you're creating a personal experience for your customer
[2008.03.06 19:40:26] The Birthday Shadow: I changed my site to CSS along time ago but I an still not an expert
[2008.03.06 19:40:34] hazeleyes7: my blog is mainly about my passion and I find ways to link products and my stores in the posts without my readers noticing - this way they are coming for the content with some icing (products)
[2008.03.06 19:40:46] The Birthday Shadow: what I try to do is repost a newsletter on my bog... so it goes out to those that signed up and is in google as well
[2008.03.06 19:42:09] BrittaCP: And speaking of being interactive... there are also social networking sites out there like FaceBook, and MySpace.... these are other places you can encourage custoers to join your club
[2008.03.06 19:42:25] hazeleyes7: Carl - newsletter are not always a one-time-deal if you remember to archive them to your store so that search engines and customers can find them ;) But... blog are definitely more interactive
[2008.03.06 19:42:25] Karen has left the room (logged out)
[2008.03.06 19:42:32] Carl (absolute cotton): great idea, micheal!
[2008.03.06 19:42:39] AngelaCP: is anyone doing anything on facebook and myspace?
[2008.03.06 19:42:40] peon: I guess the trick for me then, is going to be to find a way to write an article somehow related to "the mayonnaise cannon" or the "tuna tunnel". huh - should be interesting.
[2008.03.06 19:42:51] Sag: Shadow, you have a bog? Is it in your backyard? How do you keep the newletter from getting soggy?:-D:-D:-D
[2008.03.06 19:42:52] Karen has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.03.06 19:42:53] AngelaCP: i know some of you are ;)
[2008.03.06 19:42:58] Serenity Moonstone: are there more unusual ways of promoing the shop other then newsletters and blog, newsletters need subscrubers and i can't blog :(
[2008.03.06 19:42:59] peon: I actually would love to talk to anyone who promotes their shop on myspace. I have not been able to get cafepress links to work there ever since they installed their new filters.
[2008.03.06 19:43:22] The Birthday Shadow: oppsss blog :)
[2008.03.06 19:43:36] coolestwear: i have heard that myspace is going down in popularity, you think facebook that is going up is better ?
[2008.03.06 19:44:00] BrittaCP: does anyone here ave a prefrence?
[2008.03.06 19:44:01] AngelaCP: i think it's a perference. I prefer facebook.
[2008.03.06 19:44:04] peon: I know of a few people who have managed to do it through posting bullitens, but not on their actual profile.\
[2008.03.06 19:44:07] servopuff: Peon you should be able to link to your offsite. CP links are blocked.
[2008.03.06 19:44:11] Rhea: instead of sending myspace folks to CP directly, send them to a page on your web site with a link to your shop
[2008.03.06 19:44:17] Rhea: i hate myspace :curdling:
[2008.03.06 19:44:18] hazeleyes7: I use both facebook and myspace
[2008.03.06 19:44:21] cyi: Facebook has a CP app that you can use.
[2008.03.06 19:44:36] BrittaCP: Hey... can you tell us more about that CYI?
[2008.03.06 19:44:40] matisse has left the room (logged out)
[2008.03.06 19:44:40] AngelaCP: yes, cyi... i have tried that.
[2008.03.06 19:44:42] The Birthday Shadow: well I set up myspace before... I need to set up facebook
[2008.03.06 19:45:06] Carl (absolute cotton): I've never used a social networking site... I suppose I always assumed they were populated by kids. -and pervs, of course. :) Does anyone here get decent sales from those sources?
[2008.03.06 19:45:20] peon: ahhhhhhhhhhhh!
[2008.03.06 19:45:24] hazeleyes7: Facebook has an application you can add that lists your Cafepress products/stores
[2008.03.06 19:45:28] cyi: If you search applications for Cafepress you'll find it. It allows you to put items from your shop in your profile & links to your shop.
[2008.03.06 19:45:40] coolestwear: in order to be in facebook you need to have a facebook 'page' with the shop ?
[2008.03.06 19:45:43] NiftyGaloot: I have the CP app on my Facebook
[2008.03.06 19:45:46] servopuff: We get some good traffic to our niche shops from our MySpace profiles
[2008.03.06 19:45:48] tsharts: yes
[2008.03.06 19:45:53] Rhea: does facebook append their own affiliate ID to the link?
[2008.03.06 19:45:59] nanwrightart has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.03.06 19:46:03] hazeleyes7: the facebook application will also rotate your products and you can even add affiliate stores with your PID
[2008.03.06 19:46:07] AngelaCP: im not sure about that rhea
[2008.03.06 19:46:11] AngelaCP: anyone know?
[2008.03.06 19:46:22] The Birthday Shadow: I actually wrote a script that can generate a RSS feed of CP products...but it needs morie work
[2008.03.06 19:46:28] deb has left the room (logged out)
[2008.03.06 19:46:31] AngelaCP: Share when you get that shadow!
[2008.03.06 19:46:40] hazeleyes7: No, they dont apply their own PID - only yours
[2008.03.06 19:47:15] BrittaCP: I'm not sure how they work, I would assume similar to facebook and myspace... but there are also places like Catster, and Dogster for you pet people out there
[2008.03.06 19:47:26] The Birthday Shadow: more
[2008.03.06 19:47:30] Rhea: thanks shannon
[2008.03.06 19:47:33] The Birthday Shadow: I will Angela... part of the problem is my limited time to work on my ideas
[2008.03.06 19:47:36] hazeleyes7: it has a section for you to enter your PID next to the storename when setting it up in Facebook
[2008.03.06 19:47:46] coolestwear has left the room
[2008.03.06 19:47:47] coolestwear has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.03.06 19:47:49] peon: so does anybody do any print advertising? catalogs, postcards, etc?
[2008.03.06 19:47:52] peon: and cafemom for family / baby shops
[2008.03.06 19:47:56] Rhea: i love dogster. both our dogs have profiles but it never occurred to me to put my shop link on their profiles
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[2008.03.06 19:48:26] BrittaCP: Go for it... there are other dog lovers on the site... and i'm sure they would be interested
[2008.03.06 19:48:32] peon: tell me about it, shadow. ;)
[2008.03.06 19:48:39] coolestwear has left the room
[2008.03.06 19:48:40] coolestwear has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.03.06 19:48:44] BrittaCP: your dog can be a spokesperson for your shop!
[2008.03.06 19:48:49] hazeleyes7: I tried print advertising in a local pet magazine and only got a couple of sales - you would really have to advertise in a more wide-spread publication for a niche market in order to offset any costs of the ad
[2008.03.06 19:48:56] The Birthday Shadow: Peon... once I get rid of the day job ;)
[2008.03.06 19:49:00] servopuff: spokesDOG!
[2008.03.06 19:49:10] BrittaCP: create a whole personality for it
[2008.03.06 19:49:17] Rhea: britta, are you suggesting that i should pimp out my puppies? :')
[2008.03.06 19:49:29] BrittaCP: i'm sure they'll have fun with it!
[2008.03.06 19:49:33] hazeleyes7: Rhea - there is actually some Dog Business groups on Dogster - just search for them ;)
[2008.03.06 19:49:40] tsharts: yes
[2008.03.06 19:49:44] Rhea: put the whole famn damily to work, right?
[2008.03.06 19:49:55] AngelaCP: LOL ;)
[2008.03.06 19:49:59] coolestwear has left the room
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[2008.03.06 19:50:07] peon: I DID get rid of the day job. All I do is templates, shops, and take care of my two year old, but I still haven't gotten half the things done I've wanted to.
[2008.03.06 19:50:11] Rhea: thanks shannon i will check that out
[2008.03.06 19:50:14] Suzzie: i advertised in several popular dog and bird magazines... it wasn't worth the cost. you'd have to take out a pretty big ad
[2008.03.06 19:50:43] NiftyGaloot: If you're signed in... my facebook CP app: http://apps.facebook.com/cafepress/?id=558998119&ref=cp
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[2008.03.06 19:51:42] peon: I'm thinking about doing one of those virtual catalogs (with the turning pages) instead.
[2008.03.06 19:51:45] coolestwear: how does someone promote in facebook ?
[2008.03.06 19:52:27] AngelaCP: If you have a large group, it's just another way to get your merchandise out in front of people.
[2008.03.06 19:53:43] AngelaCP: You can keep your group aka "friends" small or expand it into a networking group. You can post on Super Walls to get your message out. I've seen a SK do this well. He's on my FB and I've seen him promoting his ST patrick day shirts.
[2008.03.06 19:53:55] hazeleyes7: Promote is facebook by using the CP application, adding your store URLs to your profile, and goinging groups for that niche market and posting on their walls (and being sly about putting your URL in the post). ;)
[2008.03.06 19:54:11] peon: Another way would be hang one of the new banners on the side of your house. ;)
[2008.03.06 19:54:17] AngelaCP: You can join specific groups. Say your shop is all about Obama. Join the Obama million man march and share your merchandise.
[2008.03.06 19:54:21] The Birthday Shadow: what is superwalls?
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[2008.03.06 19:54:49] Rhea: that would assume that your house isn't in the middle of the woods *and* in the middle of nowhere
[2008.03.06 19:54:56] AngelaCP: it's like a bullentin board. you post once and it goes on everyone one on your list with a "Super Wall"
[2008.03.06 19:54:58] hazeleyes7: Superwalls are just another application in Facebook that allows you to attach pictures, videos, and so forth - regular wall is just text
[2008.03.06 19:55:01] coolestwear: it is like comments pages
[2008.03.06 19:55:06] Rhea: otherwise i'd have my URL on it in neon
[2008.03.06 19:55:15] BrittaCP: So really quick... there's another neat little thng I've been seeing lately... that's Shoutboxes or sayboxs, tagboards, chatterboxes. Is anyone familiar with those?
[2008.03.06 19:55:25] peon: that's aresome, rhea. lol
[2008.03.06 19:55:51] peon: hey britta - do you want a link to a shop that uses one?
[2008.03.06 19:56:07] BrittaCP: is it yours?
[2008.03.06 19:56:18] Pfoinkle: I'm familiar with shoutboxes, but admit I've never gotten the point.
[2008.03.06 19:56:29] The Birthday Shadow: I have seen several people using the shoutboxes... I have it on the list to look at
[2008.03.06 19:56:29] tsharts has left the room (logged out)
[2008.03.06 19:56:35] Rhea: britta, you mean like "addthis"?
[2008.03.06 19:56:36] BrittaCP: A shoutbox is a widget that you can plug into the HTML of your shop
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[2008.03.06 19:57:07] BrittaCP: it's a chat like feature which allows people to quickly leave messages without any form of registration. Can act like a comment or feedback box for your customers to drop you a line about something they think is super cool, or lame. Special requests.
[2008.03.06 19:57:15] coolestwear: like things in sites where someone leaves comments ?
[2008.03.06 19:57:26] hazeleyes7: I have seen them but I wasnt sure if they can be moderated
[2008.03.06 19:57:33] BrittaCP: yes they can
[2008.03.06 19:57:43] BrittaCP: You can control the incoming content like a forum moderator.
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[2008.03.06 19:58:10] Carl (absolute cotton): Like pfoink... I consider shoutboxes more like graffiti than customer communication:-c
[2008.03.06 19:58:18] BrittaCP: i think these are a great way to invite your customers to give you feedback
[2008.03.06 19:58:22] AngelaCP: You can certainly use it as a form of communications though.
[2008.03.06 19:58:37] PeggyWvB: Where do you get shoutboxes?
[2008.03.06 19:58:37] BrittaCP: just do a search in google... you'll find many that are paid, or free
[2008.03.06 19:58:40] AngelaCP: Like comments on blogs, some bloggers use this feature to interact on specific questions and comments.
[2008.03.06 19:58:49] hazeleyes7: Time for me to be off - 'night everyone and good luck with your customer communications! :) And a super huge thanks to Angela and Britta! :bow:
[2008.03.06 19:58:57] AngelaCP: thanks for coming Shannon!
[2008.03.06 19:58:58] Sag: gabbly.com is one
[2008.03.06 19:59:08] coolestwear: they could surely be used for communication
[2008.03.06 19:59:21] hazeleyes7 has left the room (logged out)
[2008.03.06 19:59:23] The Birthday Shadow: i want the customers to buy .. not comment...lol
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[2008.03.06 19:59:47] BrittaCP: right... so there's the compromise... you have to find a balance between buying and chatting
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[2008.03.06 20:00:31] AngelaCP: That's of course the goal, but building a rapport with your customers can help you get that sale in the end...
[2008.03.06 20:00:38] BrittaCP: We're not saying anyone needs to do all the suggestions we talked about... but there are options out there to create a funner, more engaging experince with your customer
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[2008.03.06 20:01:14] PeggyWvB: I've had a lot of people stealing images for avatars lately, from Google. Is there anyway I can turn this in to advertising?
[2008.03.06 20:01:19] AngelaCP: thoughts anyone?
[2008.03.06 20:01:24] Rhea: i gotta fly. thanks for the chat!
[2008.03.06 20:01:31] AngelaCP: by rhea! thanks for attending
[2008.03.06 20:01:40] The Birthday Shadow: and right now I don't think they are buying enough :) so no chat for you
[2008.03.06 20:01:58] BrittaCP: And we've got to fly too
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[2008.03.06 20:02:17] The Birthday Shadow: Thanks Britta... as always
[2008.03.06 20:02:21] BrittaCP: my pleasure
[2008.03.06 20:02:22] Carl (absolute cotton): Thoughts? hmmm... think we can get CP to provide a pong-widgit? I bet we could get lots of traffic...
[2008.03.06 20:02:31] servopuff: Peggy could you offer images as 'free avatars' and include your (C) on them?
[2008.03.06 20:02:33] coolestwear: thank you britta :)
[2008.03.06 20:02:42] AngelaCP: Happy Birthday to you Shadow!
[2008.03.06 20:02:50] cyi: Thanks Ang & Britta!
[2008.03.06 20:02:54] BrittaCP: Yes.. happy birthday!
[2008.03.06 20:02:58] The Birthday Shadow: aww thanks Angela :)
[2008.03.06 20:03:01] BrittaCP: have a virtual margarita on me!
[2008.03.06 20:03:02] coolestwear: angie you are so great and amazing
[2008.03.06 20:03:04] The Birthday Shadow: thank you Britta :)
[2008.03.06 20:03:05] chm: Thanks, all.
[2008.03.06 20:03:27] Carl (absolute cotton): Thanks Ang and Britty! Your (limited) time is always greatly appreciated!
[2008.03.06 20:03:28] cowpie has left the room (logged out)
[2008.03.06 20:03:31] Sag: Thanks ladies, and happy birthday day Shadow!
[2008.03.06 20:03:33] PeggyWvB: That's an idea, Amy.
[2008.03.06 20:03:33] AngelaCP: so thank you everyone for attending today's chat... this discussion was very interesting. I've heard a few new things from you guys.
[2008.03.06 20:03:33] chm has left the room (logged out)
[2008.03.06 20:03:34] AngelaCP: thank you!
[2008.03.06 20:03:35] peon: toodles
[2008.03.06 20:03:39] Rowan has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.03.06 20:03:44] The Birthday Shadow: thanks but the one I had was enough...dafna called but I asked her to call me back tomorrow
[2008.03.06 20:03:45] NiftyGaloot has left the room (logged out)
[2008.03.06 20:03:48] peon has left the room (logged out)
[2008.03.06 20:03:48] TexasFiddler: g'night and thanx!
[2008.03.06 20:04:01] AngelaCP: britta is opening up the Lobby
[2008.03.06 20:04:09] Serenity Moonstone has left the room (logged out)
[2008.03.06 20:04:10] Serenity Moonstone has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"