I also share some feelings that there is quite a bit of ego and outright rudeness that goes on and that it negatively affects everyone's experience. But to be fair, as any seller can tell you, I think just about everyone has a confrontation with a pushy customer. In my experience I have done about 15 or 20 custom builds and most have been great experiences for both me and them. But I had one or two bad experiences with pushy, over-demanding, be-at-my-beck-and-call customers. Because of that, I do understand that customers can be jerks just as easily as a creator. Therefore I do not think a seller should be dissed on for one bad report. I'm actually pretty strong against public dissing, period, it's tacky and pointless because everyone has different opinions.
But I do think there's too much negativity, and sometimes the egos seem to be getting out of control. Some profiles are downright nasty, and I have even recently seen some designers being outright rude and insulting to others right out in public. But I do not want to get involved with individual bashing. I have started a free group called Supporters of Quality Designers which is open to anyone. What I'd like to do is use it as a communication tool to support those designers who give a great product ALONG with great service and friendliness. I imagine this has been done before, but what the heck. I think those folks should be let known they're appreciated. I know that personally I return to places to shop where I feel I have been treated with respect and friendliness. For instance, Baron Grayson makes freakin incredible stuff, and in any contact I have had with him, he has been friendly and responsive. What I'd like to use the group for is to communicate those creators who exhibit this kind of talent along with the excellent service that makes you feel glad to spend your money there. In other words, the group is not to be used for individual bashing...no "warnings" about a bad experience, but only positive support for those that stand out as great sellers. I will take the initiative to promote these people through perhaps a weekly notecard/newsletter with your positive experiences and names of designers who have provided them (spam is not going to be encouraged, who wants to get into yet another IM group?).
I always figure when something is wrong, it's best to take positive action, instead of negative complaining, so if you're interested, look the group up in Search and join up. IM me any time regarding a "good" seller and I will be sure to keep track and pass it on.
