tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7644370255492710259.post4658947783526089738..comments2023-04-07T04:43:26.090-05:00Comments on Tinks and Frogs: A rant, a question, and a yarn giveawayRuehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02903006455082291384noreply@blogger.comBlogger43125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7644370255492710259.post-75579944581676147022011-06-27T12:24:41.066-05:002011-06-27T12:24:41.066-05:00I would think a large "Caveat" written a...I would think a large "Caveat" written at the top of the pattern along the lines of "I have made every effort to ensure no errors exist but provide no guarantees. This is a free pattern, and regretfully with work and personal life commitments I can not provide personal replies to individual questions. Please feel free to visit my group on Ravelry to discuss any issues. I hope you enjoy the pattern." I would think that would put everyone on notice and then I simply would ignore emails on that topic. Good luck!Mr Puffy's Knitting Blog:https://www.blogger.com/profile/10129149473915655930noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7644370255492710259.post-40775134791919741652011-06-26T13:10:38.867-05:002011-06-26T13:10:38.867-05:00Everyone is different and so are the expectations....Everyone is different and so are the expectations.For me,when I was starting and didn't understand patterns it take time to learn and see it right.I read,search,watch you tubes so I think FAQ page is wonderful idea as some blogs don't have this,just patterns but when you are a beginner you need faqs.<br /><br />Lovely giveaway,by the way,count me in,please.Yarn never enough =o)principetahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03806417791511062012noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7644370255492710259.post-9158446365424436462011-06-26T09:50:32.134-05:002011-06-26T09:50:32.134-05:00Hi there,
Even when I pay for a pattern, contacti...Hi there,<br /><br />Even when I pay for a pattern, contacting the designer with questions is something I have never done, and never felt that I needed to do. With Ravelry being the awesome resource that it is, any of my problems have usually been cleared up by other knitters. However, I am able to work through most difficulties by doing what you mentioned and reading the pattern again, or counting the stitches again. I would not find it rude if a designer (politely stated) that they would not be available to answer questions. I am just appreciative of free patterns!c.pardonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02414336347108113932noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7644370255492710259.post-2184330211949843252011-06-25T20:15:16.756-05:002011-06-25T20:15:16.756-05:00I think would be helpful if you had an FAQ page on...I think would be helpful if you had an FAQ page on the blog where you answered common questions or provided clarification but I can imagine that would be time consuming!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7644370255492710259.post-89733211304234835222011-06-24T17:01:43.178-05:002011-06-24T17:01:43.178-05:00I have never contacted a designer with questions -...I have never contacted a designer with questions - I always assume first that any problems I am having are related to my own incompetence. I think most knitters have a friend or a group they could turn to if they want some help, and if not, an FAQ page is a very generous alternative for you to present. Definitely use the disclaimer - as it is a free pattern, I doubt many would think you have any obligation to respond to questions.Krystalhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14582442614399113744noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7644370255492710259.post-48587627580457522042011-06-24T15:28:49.942-05:002011-06-24T15:28:49.942-05:00wow--hot topic!
I'm not sure I have an answer...wow--hot topic!<br /><br />I'm not sure I have an answer since I've never asked a designer a question outside of when I felt there may be errata. I tend to ask friends or search online for answers. But I've heard others talk about this topic and I think in general, even for paid patterns, some don't feel they need to hand hold folks through the pattern. If there are unclear spots or errata, that's one thing but people push their limits in my opinion. So I think a disclaimer at the very least and maybe a FAQ sheet on the blog or ravelry would be the best way to handle it. Then you can respond very simply with a caged response directing folks to those two areas.Rachelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16478839034249164862noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7644370255492710259.post-66290050151745535392011-06-24T13:44:37.617-05:002011-06-24T13:44:37.617-05:00i think we are all in agreement: use a disclaimer ...i think we are all in agreement: use a disclaimer for free patterns and make an FAQ section on your blog. Personally, i've turned to Ravelry for help when i couldn't figure something out (and it's my fault, not the pattern) or a friend who is a better knitter than i am.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7644370255492710259.post-56932033030733551602011-06-23T23:01:30.485-05:002011-06-23T23:01:30.485-05:00I am sorry you have to go through this. Expecting ...I am sorry you have to go through this. Expecting pattern support for a free pattern is unfair, in my opinion. <br /><br />To answer your questions:<br /><br />1. I would be put off if I saw a disclaimer on a free or a paid pattern. I have never contacted a designer regarding pattern support, but I still would be put off that the designer puts this disclaimer for all to see.<br /><br />2. To handle this diplomatically, keep a reply ready, which says something like, <br />"Thanks for contacting me. I am very busy taking care of the newest addition to my family and will not be able to offer any help with your questions. Post your questions on the 'Techniques' group on Ravelry and I am sure you will find a lot of help."<br /><br />A point I want to make: if you are thinking of releasing patterns for sale later on, then it is very important not to annoy your potential customers. A bad word about designers spreads faster than you think.affiknityhttp://affiknity.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7644370255492710259.post-30893418554076101032011-06-23T22:40:23.324-05:002011-06-23T22:40:23.324-05:00First, Thanks the Heavens for designers offereing ...First, Thanks the Heavens for designers offereing free patterns! I think the addition of thousands of new creative influences is the greatest contribution the net has offered knitters (and other crafters).<br /><br />Support is one thing, hand holding is another. If the pattern is correct as written, and clearly written, there is no reason for the designer to fret over the skill level of every knitter who attmepts to knit it. You are offering a pattern, not a class.<br /><br />Your post doesn't indicate if the conufused knitters are having problems throughout the whole pattern or only in specific sections. I don't know the ins and outs of publishing on Ravelry, but if it is the latter case, would it be possible to update your pattern with notations that state something like "This is an area where some knitters lose track of the stitch count. Please pay extra attention at this point."? That might slow down questions from future downloaders.Kitten With a Whiplashhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03398822257651862516noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7644370255492710259.post-1147607726587599892011-06-23T18:21:53.293-05:002011-06-23T18:21:53.293-05:00I would put the disclaimer in your patterns and I ...I would put the disclaimer in your patterns and I like the idea of putting it on the ravelry pattern page as well. I might also set up a generic email that you can copy and paste for those that are a little dense and email you expecting support.<br /><br />Personally if I didn't pay for the pattern I don't expect support as you are not getting compensated. If you were to charge on the other hand I would expect there to be some level of support.<br /><br />I do think it is wrong that just because someone is not getting it that they think it is the designers fault. Most of the time when I'm having issues it is me and not the pattern (if I can't figure it out after attempt 3 then I might be likely to question the designer).Lizziehttp://knittingmangoes.wordpress.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7644370255492710259.post-37349102884022739502011-06-23T15:04:50.647-05:002011-06-23T15:04:50.647-05:00My first thought (reading your blog for the first ...My first thought (reading your blog for the first time) is: Ignore the help questions, and answer only the legitimate ones. I, myself, have written to someone about a problem in a pattern, and have felt hugely STOOPid when I find the answer while awaiting a reply... Yes, I left out a line while reading the pattern for the 100th time. <br />I think a disclaimer would NOT put me off the pattern. And especially a quick mention of living with a toddler should do the trick.<br />Good luck!<br />btw: PLEASE don't pick me as a random winner in your giveaway--I've got too much much stash, myself. Looking forward to reading more!Yarn and Ivorieshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18178799702986505761noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7644370255492710259.post-13719769898987424222011-06-23T14:25:22.007-05:002011-06-23T14:25:22.007-05:00You absolutely do not need to provide pattern supp...You absolutely do not need to provide pattern support for a free pattern. I would do both one and two of your options - put a disclaimer on the pattern and on the pattern's Rav page, AND create a page of FAQs.<br /><br />I've only contacted designers twice about (purchased) pattern errors. One designer was fabulous and explained that although the instructions for the shawl edging were knit in the book, the actual shawl edging in the photo was crochet, and she told me how she did it. The other designer basically told me to keep knitting and decreasing, that "it would all work out" in the end. Of course, it didn't work out and I've frogged the sweater.elizabethhttp://www.trailingyarn.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7644370255492710259.post-19391534466702277152011-06-23T04:36:44.852-05:002011-06-23T04:36:44.852-05:00Before publishing a pattern try to state which tec...Before publishing a pattern try to state which technics the knitters need to master. Refer them if possible to youtube help videos and such. If the pattern proves popular start a thread in ravelry in which the more expert knitters can help the novices (it is done a lot). and to be blunt you can always add a comment on the pattern that you are happy to provide the knitting community with a pattern but due to busy life , (unless there is a mistake, then you ought really to respond)you are unable to provide pattern support. take care, IlanaIlana Hhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00999479032322427515noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7644370255492710259.post-77836583002193076322011-06-23T00:48:09.548-05:002011-06-23T00:48:09.548-05:00I think a generic response or a FAQ is the way to ...I think a generic response or a FAQ is the way to go. I certainly don't expect support on free patterns from the authors, and I think it is perfectly appropriate for authors to set firm boundaries about what they will and won't supply.<br /><br />urchiken at gmail dot comAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7644370255492710259.post-17704992614098485162011-06-22T00:40:15.915-05:002011-06-22T00:40:15.915-05:00I don't expect pattern support for free patter...I don't expect pattern support for free patterns either. Especially with a pattern that has already been made by other people with no problems. I always check the helpful notes on rav before even starting a pattern just to preemptively avoid any common misunderstandings or mistakes. A FAQ is a good idea if it seems to be the same questions over and over. Anyway, your pattern is awesome and I hope that some silly people don't discourage you!Tarahttp://www.ravelry.com/people/birdsaremeannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7644370255492710259.post-68277814887518159422011-06-21T18:51:11.504-05:002011-06-21T18:51:11.504-05:00Being a mum of a little one, I've been put off...Being a mum of a little one, I've been put off enough by this issue not to publish at all for the moment. I think a disclaimer on a free pattern is completely reasonable. I also think, in the age of Ravelry, an FAQ page would still be very (perhaps still overly?) generous and well-regarded. <br /><br />Before I start knitting, I read all the project notes marked as helpful on Rav and read the designer's forum. Not everyone is aware that such resources exist and some direction to seek help there in the first instance might contribute to improving the situation generally.<br /><br />(Rav: stringkittystudio)Angelahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06712531325846304545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7644370255492710259.post-18311567957355501662011-06-21T18:13:04.199-05:002011-06-21T18:13:04.199-05:00Sharing a pattern at no cost is incredibly generou...Sharing a pattern at no cost is incredibly generous. I think a short, polite disclaimer should be more than adequate. As you pointed out, there are so many avenues for finding help, you shouldn't feel any obligation to answer individual questions.Bevhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10543292718592204255noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7644370255492710259.post-20736029039656722492011-06-21T18:01:05.433-05:002011-06-21T18:01:05.433-05:00I've never actually emailed a pattern designer...I've never actually emailed a pattern designer for support; when I get stuck I tend to either ask a friend or post to an online community and it nearly always turns out to be just something I've overlooked. That's why I don't contact the designer, because I know it's more likely than not to be my own mistake. So no, I certainly wouldn't be put off by such a disclaimer! I think an FAQ on the blog would be a good idea too.<br /><br />As they're free patterns, I don't think anybody should object to you not offering support. You probably will get a few people objecting anyway, because people can be like that, but I don't think you need to feel bad about not helping them!<br /><br />Even in a paid pattern, of course I'd expect it to be error-free or the designer to fix reported errors quickly, but I wouldn't expect them to talk me through the pattern and help me figure out where <i>I</i> had made a mistake.Katehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02454520055003118410noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7644370255492710259.post-49609828694331466392011-06-21T17:28:14.565-05:002011-06-21T17:28:14.565-05:00I agree with most of the others too. I wouldn'...I agree with most of the others too. I wouldn't expect support from a designer of a free pattern. But the disclaimer idea is good- make it very obvious - a sort of knit at your own risk? (-; And, as others have said, once on Ravelry, a discussion group could handle any problems, probably.Carrienoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7644370255492710259.post-46419441758575520272011-06-21T09:40:25.978-05:002011-06-21T09:40:25.978-05:00I pretty much agree with what everyone else said -...I pretty much agree with what everyone else said - I don't expect pattern support for a free pattern (although I do to some extent for a paid pattern, especially if it's been knit only a few times so there may still be pattern errors). Having a disclaimer on its own would be fine; having a FAQ page would be going above and beyond.<br /><br />I would probably go with the disclaimer and a generic response to anyone who ignored it.ikkinlalahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04832919596884346022noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7644370255492710259.post-5745718192041567152011-06-21T06:36:46.695-05:002011-06-21T06:36:46.695-05:00I think that a kindly worded disclaimer is a good ...I think that a kindly worded disclaimer is a good idea; I can't imagine anyone would have a problem with this for a free pattern.<br /><br />The FAQ feature sounds helpful, too. I'm guessing you'd post this in the to-be-created Tinks and Frogs Ravelry group, rather than update the pattern, no? I was thinking that you could also direct people to people's Rav project pages for your pattern--the life ring symbol denotes that a knitter's write-up of her/his project helped another knitter--either by discussing a problem overcome or describing alterations made.Amanda Fernandezhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18154097766683902285noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7644370255492710259.post-4273768953311317512011-06-20T22:57:03.203-05:002011-06-20T22:57:03.203-05:00I think a disclaimer in the pattern pointing towar...I think a disclaimer in the pattern pointing towards an FAQ page would be helpful. That way if you do find an error you have an avenue to post it. You are 100% right though, your family and job came first!Christinahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04383587122482373649noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7644370255492710259.post-74090325435259943862011-06-20T20:46:36.519-05:002011-06-20T20:46:36.519-05:00I don't expect support from pattern designers....I don't expect support from pattern designers. I generally just assume that if it's not working, I'm doing something wrong and try again. I think it might be helpful to include a disclaimer stating that you probably won't reply to support questions... but if you get the same question several times, to put in an FAQ section.Melissahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05515269639081768587noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7644370255492710259.post-32125841016685294912011-06-20T18:48:06.967-05:002011-06-20T18:48:06.967-05:00I have heard the same issues form other designers....I have heard the same issues form other designers. It seems it is too easy to email a quick question instead of re-counting or re-reading. Years ago when it required a written letter, it was easier to try to figure it out. I would definitely insert the disclaimer and as Sel&Poivre says, not even respond to the queries once the disclaimer is posted. A FAQ page would be a nice touch but not necessary.Brendaknitshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05810199856912743651noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7644370255492710259.post-19427697652844311792011-06-20T17:44:02.434-05:002011-06-20T17:44:02.434-05:00While the disclaimer does put me off a tiny bit, I...While the disclaimer does put me off a tiny bit, I think it's the best solution if it's properly and politely worded. Waiting until you are contacted to send a "sorry, no helping" generic e-mail, though, would feel like the most impersonal of the options you listed.<br /><br />I think if you do a disclaimer, you should utilize ravelry in it. Say something like "sorry, I'm too busy to help. Ask your fellow ravelers who are working/have worked on this pattern to see how they handled your problem". The problem could still get solved in a personalized way, but with less time and responsibility on your end.<br /><br />But... I've yet to put out a pattern, so this is all conjecture.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com