One topic I wasn't expecting to get into very much on this blog- but is of great interest to me is crafting. I am an avid crafter, especially knitting. The craft communities online are amazingly well connected and willing to share ideas. The blogroll of craft sites I frequent is too long, and not necessarily relevant to the interests on this blog- but I have come across a social networking site for knitters. Crafting is traditionally social; women groups have used craft for years to create community, and fashion pretty and useful items for the home.
Over the past few years craft has made its way back into the mainstream. Etsy.com is a wonderful source for artisans to connect with customers as an online flea market. Craft magazine has an RSS feed of unique and easy projects. Crafters can now learn everything online, from a new stitch, to altering a pattern, reviews of the best sewing machines and even how to take the best product photographs for Internet sales. Crafters are on Facebook, taking the handmade holiday pledge, and Etsy sellers have a group on LinkedIn.
Those crafters are so connected and so handy... I wonder how nonprofit organizations could benefit from so much camaraderie and shared experience. Sure knitting a scarf is different than managing donors and volunteers- but what comes out of sharing and collaboration can be good for everyone!
Have you noticed any other communities online from which the Arts and Nonprofit organizations could look to for some social networking strategies?
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great idea seattle. i wish other communities would use local resources to support local artists!
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