Etsy as a Tribe

Here's the official Wikipedia definition of a tribe:

"A tribe, viewed historically or developmentally, consists of a social group existing before the development of, or outside of, states, though some modern theorists hold that contemporary tribes can only be understood in terms of their relationship to states.

The term is often loosely used to refer to any non-Western or indigenous society. Many anthropologists use the term to refer to societies organized largely on the basis of kinship, especially corporate descent groups (see clan and lineage)."

You know, I don't care about those so-called state relationships. But for me, Etsy really is a tribe of crafters.

We come from completely different backgrounds, speak different languages, have different political or religious views - but we all believe that handmade has a place next to corporation and products made in China.

We all believe that sustainability is important. We all believe that individuality is important. And we all excercise our creativity on a daily basis, not just in our craft, but in our lives, too.

I recognize the tribal culture in our forums and in The Storque. People share, people help - because we are one tribe.

Every tribe has its fights, every tribe has its questions. But we are still one tribe.

In 10 years time, everyone will have realized the scarceness of our world's resources. Everyone will have realized that recycling is not only noble, but elementary. Everyone will be buying locally, where possibly, because not only will the energy prices have risen even further, but even the last person on earth will have realized the amount of damage we are doing to our world by flying meat around the globe, by polluting the rivers, by emptying our oceans.

Be proud of your tribe. In 10 years time, you will be seen as a pioneer, as someone who was there when it all started. I have a dream... I really do.