Steph and I had a great chat yesterday (while making, of course) about what it means to be all-things DIY. She mentioned this supposed-to-be CRAFT column by Jean Railla, now being posted by way of Rob Walker’s Murketing blog. The column looks like it was meant to be a part of the December issue, as it references the Buy Handmade pledge. Basically, her argument is that isn’t consumerism always consumerism no matter where you shop, whether it be WalMart or the Detroit Urban Craft Fair?

My initial thoughts? Not at all. But that’s just me. I know buying from Etsy sellers or indie craft fair vendors to me is important because I know exactly where the product is coming from and I can chat with the maker face to face. Jean acknowledeges that sentiment in her column, stating that many people feel the same way as I do, but when it comes to the end of the day, a buck is still a buck.

I’d love to hear thoughts from our readers. As we start another year in the craft world, what does 2008 have in store for our community? Are you nervous about where it’s headed? Are you excited?