Sunday, September 26, 2010

Time to share

A bit about me.  I'm a fairly private person, so this will really probably just be a little bit.  My real name is Erin but growing up I always wanted to go by my middle name, Lyn.  It has a lot of meaning to me because I was named after my grandmothers (MaryiLYN and CaroLYN).  I have one brother who I love, and he has a wonderful wife.  I could not ask for a better sister-in-law!!  My husband's name is Marshall and we met while working together at a movie theater when we were 17.  Our first son was born 4 years later - and he's a Jr.  Our second son was born almost 3 years after that, and now number 3 is due in April!

My husband is an Air Traffic Controller in the army; active duty.  He's been deployed to Afghanistan and has completed a tour in Korea.  He's coming up on his 4th anniversary in January, so as you can tell he's been away from us quite a bit in the past 4 years.  We're really really happy to have him home right now, and really excited to be stationed at a non-deployable unit for the time being.  That is all likely to change in November when he reenlists though!

I never thought I'd be a crunchy mom until my first son was born.  Things changed immediately though, and we haven't looked back.  We're a homeschooling family which is just a dream come true for me.  I love being home with my boys, even though it means sacrificing a lot.  I wouldn't trade it for the world!!

Wooltopia came about last March.  I love to knit and wanted to have more reason to knit.  I started doing testers for shorties for my friends and just really enjoyed it.  Wooltopia was started so that I could knit for more people.  But I wanted to do more than just knit.  Frankly, I'm a slow knitter and wanted something more to sell.  And that's when I came across dryer balls.  I had made some for me and for some friends and thought it was something I could do for more people.  They are 'green' and useful and really WORK.  I spent hours and days and weeks finding what I needed, testing methods, and coming out with a product I was happy to represent.  Since then I've spent 7 months perfecting that process and it's gone through a lot work.  The dryer balls we're sending out today are probably very different than the ones we sent out in April!!  The dryer balls really took off and I've lost sight of the fact that Wooltopia was started for knitting.  But I've regained my sight, and I'm getting back on track.  I love making dryer balls and knowing that I'm putting out something positive to the world, but I have a passion for knitting that I don't want to loose.


I want to end this with a comment on WAHMs.  This may seem off topic, but it's been weighing on my heart lately.  Last February I couldn't help but think about how awesome it would be to have my own business at home.  Be my own boss, sell my own product!!  And I won't lie, it can be fun.  But there is a lot more to it.  I spend a lot more time than I ever thought I would on this business.  If I were to calculate my hourly rate I'm sure it would fall between $2 and $2.25 an hour lol.  I feel confident in saying that most WAH mom's with their own businesses on etsy or hyena cart or something of that sort are not in it for the money.

So please PLEASE be respectful of the WAHMs behind these businesses.  No one is perfect and mistakes are made...Lord knows I've made my own mistakes.  But these are products that we put our heart and soul into.  Reading reviews or comments on other sites that just degrade your product are disheartening at best.  If you have a problem with a company or product, contact that company FIRST.  There is no need to go around spreading negativity and hate.  There is enough of that in this world.

I'll even start off the positivity.  Here's what I think of my "competition" (in quotes because as I've said before, I don't like competition and don't understand why we cannot all coexist without the hate).

Melinda at Buddha Bunz makes amazing customs.  I wish I had the needle felting talent that she does.  Seriously I can hardly draw, and she's putting these designs on dryer balls.  I've recently been blessed with the fact that I can call Melinda a friend.  She's supported me these past few weeks more than I ever thought someone in direct competition with me could.

Fluffalumps may be a newer company, but she's offering some pretty amazing colors.  Bright, vibrant and a great variety. Can't say I've talked with Victoria a lot, but we have exchanged an e-mail or two and she seems very friendly..

Bouncing Woolies is also fairly new but she's had some interesting ideas for car fresheners and what she calls FUNKtastic woolies.

Baby Bear Dryer balls are also pretty new, but I've had the opportunity to talk with this WAHM and she's really sweet.  She actually runs her own cloth diaper store (which sells my dryer balls; in colors only!) and has now started her own dryer ball company.  I could definitely be wrong, but this is the only store that I've noticed that uses ORGANIC wool on their dryer balls.


So there it is.  I'm trying to take the first step to spreading love instead of hate (how cliche! Oy!).  I see so much hate everyday, especially in the cloth diaper industry.  It's appalling to see so many women (and men!) with similar goals who have this cutthroat mentality.

Okay, off my soap box.  How about I challenge you to do something nice today.  Even more specific, go tell a WAHM how wonderful they and/or their product is WITHOUT (and this part is important) without insulting one of their competitors.  And yes, that includes saying "I got a a similar product from another company, and yours is just so much better!"
I'll even make the challenge a bit better, how about I give it 24 hours.  Post to my facebook page the complement you gave and a tag to the company.  I'll use random.org tomorrow to pick a winner.  The prize will be...a $10 GC to your choice of my retailers (or if you'd prefer, 2 dryer balls!).

You can complement whatever company you choose - even one of my competitors.  But if you say anything negative about another company in the post, you will be disqualified.

44 comments:

  1. What a great idea! I am loving some of your retailers as they are mine too! :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. This is a great idea! There is too much negativity in our world and this is a great way to spread the love :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. Erin you are so awesome, what a wonderful idea! I am so glad I can call you a friend too! We are like Forrest and Bubba holding each other up to keep our heads out of the mud! :D

    ReplyDelete
  4. Great blog and ideas! I wish my blog looked as good!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Erin, you just ROCK! Seriously! It hurts my heart to see some of the hatred being spread on FB when we all know that behind these awesome products is a person with feelings. I believe this could be a baby step towards turning that negativity into something heart-warming and rewarding for everyone involved. I love ya, Erin!

    xoxoxo,
    April Nantz

    ReplyDelete
  6. I love the idea of spreading the love but when businesses BLOCK their competitors from their fan pages that is definitely not the case and quite hypocritical. I personally know of two competitors that have done that. Very sad and pathetic. Friendly competition is the backbone of our economy and protects the consumers from inflated prices. I really wish everyone would realize this and start acting like grown ups so that the negativity would stop! :)

    ReplyDelete
  7. hi there - I am JUST getting addicted to Etsy - never even knew it EXISTED (or what a WAHM was!) until I had a baby and became a SAHM! so I have checked out TONS of shops and so much to love there...so far I have only ordered from 2 shops since I discovered Etsy/WAHM products ... I can't leave love for EITHER of them b/c one is not on FB and one does not let people comment on her wall. Boo. But I did send them an Etsy Convo about how I loved their products, and I have given them both mentions on my blog http://www.ayearwithmomanddad.com
    I myself have been thinking of starting an Etsy shop (with all things for CD-ing) but have been nervous b/c of all the "competition" that seems so fierce sometimes. I wondered where I would fit in or if there was even room left to get involved and share my creativity while helping provide for my family. Thanks for reminding us all that THERE IS ROOM FOR EVERYONE in the cloth diaper / WAHM world! :)

    ReplyDelete
  8. Your right, I did block one of my competitors from my fan page. Because she blocked me personally. Why should I allow someone to secretly post on my fan page where I cannot see it or do anything about it? Melissa, you have judged me and posted nasty things about me yet this is the most we have ever spoken. You don't know a single thing about me yet all I see from you towards me is negativity and hate. How can you hate someone so much based on what others have said about that person?

    If you don't like me, if you don't like my product, than please feel free to throw away my dryer balls and leave me alone. I have reached out to ALL of my competitors more than once and attempted to open up positive communication. You want to call me pathetic? I'm the one who is here trying to make a change.

    If it would make you feel better, post all your concerns about me on my facebook page. I'm not afraid of people knowing the rumors spread about me. In fact, please do. I'd love an opportunity to clear up the miscommunication. I'm not hiding anything so have at it.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Excuse me? Please show me where I have posted anything nasty about you? I'd love to see it!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Hmm, nothing? That's because it doesn't exist! This is my point. Your statement is an outright lie. I have NEVER said anything nasty about you so please tell me where your ignorant assumptions are coming from? I have ACCURATELY described a product I received via a retailer however, no names were mentioned so if you were able to identify it based on that, then that should tell you something. I honestly don't feel like you're trying to make a change - I feel like you're trying to make yourself look good after the awful and childish behavior you have exhibited.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Awful and childish behavior? okay. You're right, I'm not going to waste my time searching for facebook for every little thing you've said. Yes, I have seen you mention my store by name and no it was not a positive statement.

    Of course you dont think I'm trying to make a change because you don't know me. Like I said in my post, if you have a problem with my product you are more than welcome to contact me. If you choose not to do that than you are doing my company a disservice.

    If you have anything else to say to me, please feel free to...here, facebook, e-mail.

    I noticed you haven't participated in the Spread the Love giveaway. Too bad.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Erin, if you are speaking about me. I am not publicly searchable because I'm a college instructor and I have to be careful about my students and the school. If anyone searches my name, they can't find me. I have to keep things very professional. I have always been nice to you. In fact, I put a shout out to you a week or so ago on my page. I've never posted on your page. I've given thanks time and time again. If you have issues with me, unlike I do with you, please bring it to me privately, and think about what you're doing publicly.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Erin I think its simply wonderful that you are doing this and I find it extremely admirable that you are so supportive of other dryer ball companies and the Mamas behind them. :) You're an amazing Mommy, wife, and friend and I applaud your positive attitude about everything!!

    ReplyDelete
  14. I'm choosing not to participate because I don't want to enter your giveaway since I have no interest in the prize - I thought I'd leave it for other who'd like it. Besides, I constantly tell my preferred WAHMS how amazing they are. Just go look at White Elephant's fan page. This is my point. Your statement is a lie. I have NEVER mentioned your company by name. I've spoken of your company ONCE in the aforementioned post where no details mentioned that would allow a retailer to be identified. I chose to order your products so I could compare everything for myself and was sadly disappointed. It is not your product but your attitude - your posts on your blog, fb, and directly to me are enough to know that you're not 100% sincere since 99% of the post to me was false in an attempt to make you look good. I left an accurate comment about how certain retailers blocked others FIRST (not because they blocked you because that is also inaccurate). No names were mentioned - in the spirit of Spread the Love I felt that the sham that presented should be exposed so perhaps said retailers could be adult and perhaps apologize for their rude and unfriendly behavior and rectify the things they've done but sadly that doesn't seem to be the case. YOU are the one that chose to out yourself and make a big, negative deal out of it. I am no the one doing your company a disservice since the only naming names is you. The only one being negative is you. The only one lying is you. If you'd like to be honest, I'll believe you're trying to make a change and converse with you on an adult level about your products. As it stands, until you either prove me wrong or admit that you're lying (since, again, I've NEVER mentioned you're company by name in a negative light) we are at an impass since I refuse to continue in this immature vein of conversation. Please take some responsibility if you are truly wanting to make a change.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Wow.. I came across this blog post as it was linked from Brooke's fan page on Facebook.. and I was REALLY impressed with this blog post.. especially the last couple paragraphs on WAHM's. I entirely agree with you on wondering why there needs to be constant negativity because people sell the same 'type' of product.. which is sad because you can *almost* always find someone who made that same thing before the person that is throwing a stink.
    I really was impressed with this ...and then started reading through the comments.. wow.

    So much for having someone write something inspiring.. apparently this is also the time for others to come on here, read and then try to spew hatred & crap? Sad.

    As an FYI, if someone was blocked from my personal page for legitimate reason, I'd also think its reasonable to have them blocked from my fan page.. otherwise like you said, you can't even see what they are posting on your shop wall and thats not cool..

    ReplyDelete
  16. Shauna - you have my e-mail and I've always been open and willing to talk to you. Feel free to use it. If you feel there has been a miscommunication please feel free to contact me and we can figure it all out.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Erin- I'm a little confused with how FB works. You said your competitor blocked you personally, but you could still see her name in your fans' list. I would think that if you could see her in the list you would be able to see what she posted too. I don't understand how FB Business pages work, so I'm just wondering. I love the idea of Sharing the Love for WAHMs!

    ReplyDelete
  18. That's correct A.W. If someone has blocked you personally or professionally you don't see them at all so if the names were in the fan list, obviously the block was not there. At least that's how my FB business page works. :) While competition is healthy nastiness isn't and WAHMs should definitely be the first to know that! :)

    ReplyDelete
  19. Erin, I have personally tried to contact you regarding the not so nice remarks about me on your blog comments. I have asked you to please remove them. I have not heard a response and the comments still remain. Once again, I would never put down a WAHM business, even if I see them as competition. In fact, I believe competition is healthy because it helps us improve our products and keep up with the market. Like I said before, I have never said anything hateful about you. I don't have anything against your or your business and I have actually thanked you. I don't appreciate public mudslinging and would appreciate you removing said comments. Thanks again.

    ReplyDelete
  20. A.W. - I have other admins. One of them could still see the blocked person while I could not and they did me the favor.
    Shauna, I have said nothing negative about you. You have me blocked whether or not you choose to believe it. Check your block list. Perhaps you accidentally hit a button, I don't know!

    I have received no e-mails yet. Erin@wooltopia.com
    or if that doesn't work, gmail always seems to be more effective erin.wooltopia@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  21. I emailed your yahoo account that's listed here on your blogspot info.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Whether it was intentional or not, I am blocked. And as long as that is true, to protect myself and my business I have made to choice to ban anyone who blocks me personally. This is true for my competition and any other individual who chooses to block me.

    I want to end this with saying thank you to all the positive comments on this post, as that was the intention. I appreciate everyone who has participated today and spread the love. People will choose not to believe my authenticity and that is their choice (and they are welcome to their opinions) but seeing all the positive comments all over facebook today has truly brought a smile to my face and I hope to many other WAHMs.

    ReplyDelete
  23. This should go without saying but since you seem to want to pass the blame around I suppose I must. We love in America which means we have the right to free speech. I have kept my comments, professional, truthful and accurate and have yet to see you reciprocate in kind. I am my own person and no one has the right to tell me what I can or cannot comment. Stop trying to blame others for MY comments because they are MINE. You made a step in starting to claim responsibility but the behavior after which completely retracted it and has made it even worse. If you choose to leave nasty comments instead of responding to reasonable adult requests, I shall not be removing mine either as I think the truth needs to be heard and since you're obviously not going to tell it...I have no choice!

    ReplyDelete
  24. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Umm, what happened to SPREAD THE LOVE?
    Every comment on this blog post was positive...until?! I don't think this is the time or place to resolve such issues. Chances are, most who have read this blogpost - are MOMS. Would you want your children acting this way? I didn't think so. Lead by example!

    ERIN - I absolutely LOVE the shorties that we got from you! You are such an inspiring woman and mother. I can't thank you enough for being there, whether it's help on a product or an ear to yap in. Keep up the great work!

    Another WAHM that I would like to recognize is Michelle, from Lulu's In The Fluff. Michelle has a huge heart! The time and effort she has invested in making a great detergent, has not gone unnoticed.

    Last but not least, Vanessa from Sweet Cheeks! Thank you for offering some AMAZING all natural products! You are such a sweet person - Can't wait to meet you soon!

    ReplyDelete
  26. Once again, this is a personal issue (and miscommunication), not business matter. Please remove all comments that state my name. Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  27. Here you go Melissa. Found by a kind friend of mine.

    Melissa Tullock Joers
    I feel like I'm cheating on you...I had a ton of store credit with Happy Cotton Tails and the only thing they really sell that I could use is RnG and Wooltopia dryer balls (because Phoebe wears fitteds and wool) so I ordered 3 more dryer balls so I have a round dozen since they were free for me. Lol, I swear I didn't get scented ones though and I was thinking of you the whole time!

    Melissa Tullock Joers
    I know a wool dryer ball is a wool dryer ball but looks to go for something. I can't believe the balls I just got from one of your competitors (I had credit with a store and couldn't find anything else to buy.) and they aren't even round - they're a crazy egg shape and lumpy. INCREDIBLY disappointing! I'm not even sure they'll bounce being wonky shaped like that. Glad I didn't pay for them!

    You're right, you never said anything nasty about my company. How silly am I to think that cheating on another dryer ball company by buying my dryer balls for free would be negative? Thank you for the kind comments about my product and thank you for giving me the opportunity to help you solve any issues you have with my product. I hope your customers offer you the same service you have offered me.

    ReplyDelete
  28. It seems like this is a personal issue that is being aired publicly. Maybe all these comments should be taken to another forum so they can be hashed out without feeling like anyone or their company is being put out there unfairly. In the spirit of spread the love... Right now it just seems like a he said/she said issue and it's making everyone look bad instead if the intended purpose of thanking those moms who work double or triple duty to provide for their families and happy customers great products

    ReplyDelete
  29. "I know a wool dryer ball is a wool dryer ball but looks to go for something. I can't believe the balls I just got from one of your competitors (I had credit with a store and couldn't find anything else to buy.) and they aren't even round - they're a crazy egg shape and lumpy. INCREDIBLY disappointing! I'm not even sure they'll bounce being wonky shaped like that. Glad I didn't pay for them!"
    I have already stated I made this comment. I'm sorry if the description was accurate. Are you going to send me 3 new dryer balls to replace the crap I received and have them out tomorrow since I've already had to wait several weeks for them? Yeah, I didn't think so.
    "I feel like I'm cheating on you...I had a ton of store credit with Happy Cotton Tails and the only thing they really sell that I could use is RnG and Wooltopia dryer balls (because Phoebe wears fitteds and wool) so I ordered 3 more dryer balls so I have a round dozen since they were free for me. Lol, I swear I didn't get scented ones though and I was thinking of you the whole time!"
    Not a negative comment. This is stating that even though I normally order from someone else, I CHOSE to expand my horizons and order from some one else so I could see the differences for myself. This is a humorous exchange that you're trying to make into something nasty.
    Additionally, the comments were WEEKS apart and the only person that is going to connect them is you or any "spies" you sent to that page. Why else are you constantly (or your so called "fans") checking it? As I stated, there is nothing negative in the comment either.
    My first comment to your blog wasn't negative either. It was an honest statement about how if you're wanting to spread the love so much you should practice what you preach. There was no hate until you let it out of your ugly soul. The next comments aren't negative either - they are an honest interpretation of your little temper tantrums. It wasn't "free money" either. I spent over $12 to ship over $150 worth of wool to receive that store credit because I wanted to support a WAHM I love. Understandably, the store credit was far less than what I paid as is traditional with such trade in programs. I would appreciate it if you would quit acting holier than thou and just admit how ugly, immature, rude, and hateful you've been. This isn't the first time you've publicly bashed others on your blog either. I hope people reading this will see you for what you truly are - a very ugly person that can't take responsibility for anything. (continued...)

    ReplyDelete
  30. (continued...) My customers would never be in such a situation because I would NEVER send out such a crappy product. As I said, are you going to replace all 3 of my worthless balls and have them here tomorrow since I've already waited weeks for them? Or are you going to refund me what I paid for them? Regardless if it was store credit, that is store credit I could've used towards other things (diapers for friends, RnG, Clean B, etc.). I didn't think so. And you are right, I've never said anything nasty about your company. You are the one trying to make everything into something dramatic like a two year old. You still haven't shown me anything nasty since the first comment you are attempting to twist and the second comment didn't state who you were or where I bought them and was an ACCURATE description of the product I received. Additionally, I shouldn't HAVE to contact you because your product should be right before you send it out - that's just good business. I'm truly feel sorry so threatened and are such an ugly person. It must make your life so miserable. I hope your new little campaign not to be negative will let you see your true self as your behavior towards others portrays you and perhaps lead you to a life change for your sake, your spouse's sake, and your children's sake not to mention those customers that might still choose to buy from you after your behavior. I wish you luck in your little endeavor because I really hope this will be a wake up call for you and will allow you to change your atrocious behavior.

    ReplyDelete
  31. Excuse me typo. "I'm truly feel sorry so threatened and are such an ugly person." Should be "I truly feel sorry you feel so threatened..."

    ReplyDelete
  32. Melissa - I have always stood by my product and have replaced dryer balls before. If you had chosen to contact me when you got the balls, yesterday when I offered, or heck ever, you would know this.

    ReplyDelete
  33. I'm sorry what does this count as? You were made aware that they were bad and still haven't done anything about it. And since you obviously saw it on the other page and knew it was you (which should tell you something) and you chose to do nothing about it at that time. You miss my point that your product should be right before you send it out - there is no way for you not to have known those balls were bad. Regardless, the bad balls are an entire side issue. The only thing I'd want from you is my money back - I don't want replacements because of the ugliness behind them.

    ReplyDelete
  34. Melissa I have absolutely no way to contact you. So like I said, feel free to contact. I'll give you e-mail again
    erin@wooltopia.com

    ReplyDelete
  35. You are making excuses. You can contact me via my comments here because there is a link. Again, you could've contacted me via facebook since you obviously know who I am. Additionally, good customer service at any point (if for some insane reason they couldn't figure out all the other ways to contact me) could've asked for my email at any time. We also obviously have mutual people who could've provided the information had you taken the time to try.

    ReplyDelete
  36. If you would like a refund, feel free to e-mail me at erin@wooltopia.com

    Or you can keep posting here about how awful of a person I am since you know me so well. That's not going to help me get your paypal address to give you a refund though.

    ReplyDelete
  37. Wow Erin. I admire you. I would have a hard time wanting to refund her money after that. ANY company, whether a small WAHM operation or a multi-billion dollar conglomerate, can make mistakes and ship out less than perfect products. Plus those were from a retailer and you don't know what kind of abuse they took from the time they left you, took 2 trips on deliver/mail trucks, and then got to her. Also, it is not at all unreasonable or unheard of for companies to ask for their products back to see for themselves if they really are damaged and/or defective. Or at least expect pictures. This is all on the word of a woman who clearly has something against you. Don't give in to her bullying. At least require that she send back those dryer balls!

    (And by the way, anyone with a brain could figure out she was talking about your company in the second post.)

    Thanks so much for your wonderful contest idea yesterday. And good luck on your new challenge!

    ReplyDelete
  38. Honestly. An egg-shaped ball works just as well as a round one. This is ridiculous.
    Erin, I am sorry you're dealing with this.

    ReplyDelete
  39. Thank you Holly! I've always stood by my product but yes, things happen! I've also tried my best to make it clear that I am willing to refund or replace when necessary. This is the first time I've ever had to refund and the only replacement in the past was more of a preemptive strike :) But I do hope that my customers know that all they have to do is contact me and I'll do whatever I can to fix the problem!

    ReplyDelete
  40. As a person who loves Wahms and as a positive person I think this is out of control. It was more than wrong to attack anyone when this was a share the love thing. I know i might be a bit late to say that but...most of you all sound like high school girls......
    Is a dryer ball a dryer ball well pretty much yeah. Allot of mamas are making them know, and I have used a few from several Wahmys and in the end you are right Erin they can not fold laundry (If any of you find a way to make a Dryer ball do that I will be the 1st to buy). They are not Magical, but everyone makes them different. I have seen a post where someone cut them apart, that was cool and allot of pretty true reviews on a few different dryer balls and Ive found a dryer ball is just a dryer ball.....but I do have faves and I think we all should that just the world.
    But I think some of you on this post are utterly annoying, rude, and hurtful. Attacking people is not cool....I thought the cloth community was about love, peace, and good healthy CLEAN competition.....Which in the end this post and its comments didn't not do.... I feel sad for some of you...please just grow up a little bit....I mean we are all mothers or father right? How can we expain that being a bully is wrong to our kids when some of you are no better than school yard bullys???
    I also think most of these commmets need to be deleted to keep this a positive thing...Im just saying I really think it would make the spread the love message stick better........ Who needs to read all the negitive things?? I know its given me a headache by just reading some of this......

    ReplyDelete