Originally Posted by
Tieri
Sorry, let me clarify; my brain's been kind of all over the place today, oops!
I do think the strategy itself is a bad idea, mostly because I know far too many people in other costume-based fandoms who have ended up in Merberry's position-- They try making elaborate costume pieces, get overwhelmed with the work due to taking on way too many orders or poor overall quality, and when they start getting criticism/negative reviews/upset clients/whatever, they can't handle the pressure and try to run away from it instead of accepting responsbility. Then they come back with this "I'm changed, I'm going to make things right" routine and do the same thing they did before to try and make back money to repay the people they pissed off. Then, they.... take on too many orders, or let their production standards slip, and everything goes back to hell in the same handbasket it went down in the first time.
It's a really risky strategy, because it basically puts the builder back in the exact same position that landed them in that mess the first time. Personally, because of just how easy it is to screw up, I generally advise people not to go that route. If it's possible, try selling pre-made items instead of fully custom works, or something.
Even still, in Merberry's case, she's already done more than others who've been in her position simply by coming back out in the open and acknowledging what she's doing here. She's actually worked on improving her tailmaking, and has basically opened up a new line of communication so people she owes can get back in touch. I don't agree with the strategy itself, but I do give her major props for putting in as much effort as she has so far.
I'm wary, but at the same time, I want to give her the benefit of the doubt, because all things considered it IS pretty brave of her to come back. The very least I can do is offer some sort of support, even if I'm hesitant about it, because there's an actual chance here that she COULD manage to pay back her old clients. So I've got my fingers crossed for her.
Bookmarks