Dear BurdaStylers,
Happy New Year! We hope all of you had a beautiful holiday season. We at BurdaStyle are excited for another great year and want to let you all know what we have planned for 2009.
In just a couple of weeks, BurdaStyle turns two years old! In that time, BurdaStyle has done a lot of growing: we are over 150,000 members strong, and we have over 160 open-source, copyright-free patterns in our database. Not to mention the rest of knowledge and inspiration available on BurdaStyle in the form of how tos, forums, and creations. Now, with our robust and wonderful community and a deep database in place, BurdaStyle enters a new phase, which includes becoming a self-sustainable business and launching a new and improved website.
As part of our plan to grow BurdaStyle and to better serve our members we will need to start charging for some of our patterns. BurdaStyle patterns developed from contest winners will still be free, as will some popular basics and smaller projects. Patterns uploaded by members will still be free, as will all the other areas of our website. Of course, everything will still be open-source, which means copyright-free, and therefore available for alteration and replication, and open for you to base a business on.
Currently, we are working on a major site redesign, which will launch late Spring. The new site offers much increased functionality, including a step-by-step project interface, which will allow you to see who is working on what, and what problems and hints other members have. The new site will also offer members the opportunity to sell their own patterns.
Thank you, in advance, for all of your continued support and understanding. We are committed to bringing you the best and only open-source sewing website around, and we want BurdaStyle to keep getting stronger and better. We look forward to an exciting New Year, with all it’s challenges and victories!
Sincerely,
The BurdaStyle Team
Jan 6, 2009, 10.22 AMby CarotteSauvage
Sounds exciting! It will be a bit like Ravelry(being able to sell your pattern online), I assume! Looking forward!
Jan 6, 2009, 10.42 AMby Ghainskom
Sounds intereresting. can’t wait to get to know the new Burdastyle :)
Jan 6, 2009, 10.45 AMby sunnyb64
I’ll admit I’m going to miss the mostly-free patterns! Though if the pricing is anything like it’s been so far, I’m not worried, and I understand why you’re doing it. And I’m looking forward to seeing some of these new features— especially the project interface, that sounds really neat!
Jan 6, 2009, 10.50 AMby nehmah
OK, I understand nothing is forever, but why have so many of the formerly free patterns been tagged with a price tag. You have surely moved far, far from your opening statement, Burdastyle. Too bad. Nehmah
Jan 6, 2009, 11.20 AMby nuiwida23
I love to hear how BurdaStyle is growing and evolving, and look forward to all the great things that are coming. However, the biggest thing for me about this site was the fact that the patterns were free. While I will still be an active member in the BurdaStyle community, I will not be able to purchase many of the patterns. I do realize that they are much cheaper than many of the patterns in stores, but since I am a high school student who doesn’t work I hardly make enough money doing odd things to pay for fabric. I wish the team the best of luck in all that they do in this new year, and hope that free patterns return soon.
Jan 6, 2009, 11.25 AMby zora
I understand that you need to make money but selling patterns that have been free in the past and are advertised by Burdastyle members as free on blogs and sewing related websites worldwide isn’t exactly fair.
I also think that you should work on your customer support and on making the site work if you want to sell patterns. There are a lot of unanswered requests for help with the downloads or problems with paypal and such in the forum and this doesn’t look very professional to me. I am very careful about buying online and all these unanswered topics make me reluctant to buy here.
Oh and one last thing, you need to rethink your prices. I can buy Big4 patterns online and I get a pattern with several alterations for 5 dollars or I can buy a Burda WOF for 4,50€ and I get lots of patterns – 5 dollar for a jacket are not a very attractive price.
Good luck to you all and thanks for the free stuff you gave us.
Jan 6, 2009, 11.49 AMby jd98
after reading Nehmah’s comment I had to double check… I was so disappointed to see that most pattern that used to be free are now paying… I think we can all understand charging for the new patterns to enable the development of the website, but our beloved used-to-be-free patterns? Anyway, I just hope it’s not going to sacrifice too much of the pool of creativity and inspiration we’ve been lucky to have so far…
Jan 6, 2009, 11.51 AMby CarotteSauvage
Zora, the patterns that we have been able to download up to now will remain free that’s what I understand with the sentence ‘of course everything will still be open source, and therefore being available for alteration and replication, and open for you to base a business on’
Jan 6, 2009, 11.57 AMby pamelaann
“better serve our members we will need to start charging for some of our patterns. BurdaStyle patterns developed from contest winners will still be free, as will some popular basics and smaller projects. Patterns uploaded by members will still be free,”
What part of “FREE” don’t you understand. I for one will be interested to see what Burda have to offer in the future. The patterns are always interesting and fit well, most important. I think BurdaStyle is doing a great job and am looking forward to getting on with projects I have downloaded in the past.
Keep up the good work.
Jan 6, 2009, 11.58 AMby textilet
I confess to being a tad disappointed that you will not be allowing the free patterns etc. Considering the fact that when people are downloading them – they then use their own printing ink etc. to print them – you are just charging for the pattern development?(Alright – I know that’s the technical part that needs to be correct)!
Considering the fact that there is not a vast selection to choose from anyway, I really felt that your site was an excellent way for industrious people to make stuff that would work, whilst keeping costs down.
Could you enlighten me(bear with me if I appear totally not au fait with your site’s ethos)as to wether you are completely separate from Burda company and the Burda patterns are something a few of you make up in a backroom somewhere? (In which case doesn’t copywrite come into this somewhere along the line??)
or
are you part of the Burda company anyway – in which case I’m not sure I understand the marketing so far?
(oops – just spotted the press box with something about Pattern Co creates Community – That might just answer my queries – I’ll get back to you if I am still a little unhappy)
By the way – I am never too sure about using patterns developed by some of your contributors as quality control is so variable – but I do so admire the people who can develop their own patterns – an art I am not that brilliant at myself – so I feel that they should be encouraged. Is there a way your site could monitor/adapt these to ensure a better chance of success for fit/instructions etc??
Jan 6, 2009, 12.09 PMby CarotteSauvage
Well if the patterns that used to be free will no longer be, then I start downloading them all today and sell them much cheaper back on burdastyle: ‘The site will offer the opportunity for members to sell their patterns online’ ehee he. I’ll charge 1 dollar for all … good plan!
Jan 6, 2009, 12.20 PMby jd98
or we could contact members who have already downloaded it for free (by checking the creations for the pattern) and ask them to email us the files… cheeky, but deperate times, desperate mesures :p
Jan 6, 2009, 12.27 PMby amytb
To me, its actually more surprising that these have been free all along! I justify it this way: I’m paying for a skill (having these patterns created) from a group of experts. The same way that I wouldn’t just give something away for free that is my liveyhood, BStyle is charging to keep their business alive! I’m grateful that burdastyle will be available at a minimum to no cost to me, and still be able to offer a great resource for so many of us. Best of Luck.
Jan 6, 2009, 12.29 PMby jmz
To be fair, the patterns that were free and available, should remain free, but going forward add a charge to new patterns.
As it is now, if you had downloaded the pattern before the announcement, you have a free pattern, but the day of the announcement a whole new pricing structure. Doesn’t make sense to me.
Jan 6, 2009, 12.30 PMby Carillia
CharlotteSauvage, have a look at the patterns, there are hardy any frre ones left. Even the little sleepmask is charged for, and that hardly takes rocket science to make for oneself.
I still appreciate BS for all it’s done for my interest in sewing, and hope the changes coming to the site will contribute to the feeling of creativity and positivity. Unfortunately, now it feels much more like a very clever marketing ploy than a creative community. I still like the Burda patterns, but now I’ll be much more critical as to what I make. The nice thing about BS was the chance to try out things I wouldn’t spend money on before.
I guess anyone with some knowledge of marketing would see this change coming a mile off, but I’m not in this crowd and am very surprised. As Zora, I have recced BS all over the web, and feel uncomfortable knowing that I don’t have the chance to track down all those places and change it. The way it is now, people will be led here on false premises. I feel almost like I’ve been made a liar against my will. I just wish you’d kept the old patterns free, or at least that you would have mentioned some time in that past that you intended to charge for patterns on the site some day. That way I’d welcome this change in stead of feeling like I’ve been tricked.
Jan 6, 2009, 12.31 PMby minnietheminks
I am a little put out that the patterns will not be free anymore and I don’t know but from the rest of the comments some previously free patterns have been price tagged now, is this correct?
For me in NZ to down load a pattern say for $5 USD turns out to be $8 NZD and then paper, ink etc… I think I would really go and buy Burda WOF for $14 NZD… saying that if I really liked the pattern…
I still will be an active member as I do get a real sense of a community and I find members work so inspiring, for me that is the heart of this site, good luck with the new site development.
Jan 6, 2009, 12.35 PMby Cat
I usually can’t wait to have my weekly news letter, I’m Very upset with this one :(
Way to start a “happy” new year…this is a hot topic…comments will flow!
Improvement comes with a price…& it doesn’t necessarily mean BETTER!!
I totally agree with Nehmah, zora…& every one else on that same line…
This isn’t the first remodelling this site has been trough & things haven’t changed so much in the past year… Sure we adjusted with a “once in a while” charged pattern, but I strongly believe it would only be right that things that were free remain that way…(had I known, I would’ve had a download fest!!!)
A pattern bought in a store is about the same price: plus it’s in one piece (we don’t have to print & glue it together).Jan 6, 2009, 12.47 PMby Benedikta
Hi Everybody,
Thanks so much for all your response!
About the patterns that used to be free:
Those of you who have been with us for the last two years had the chance to be close to us while growing and developing this community. You all had a large impact on how things have developed (even if not always expressed, we always follow your comments in the forums) and you profited from all the free patterns that were offered.
Besides the patterns the rest is still free of charge such as access to the website and features such as the knowledge base including how tos, sewpedia, forums etc.
The fact that we have to charge for these patterns is the same reason a fabric vendor has to charge you for their fabric. Creating one pattern with instructions involves in total a team of about 8 people who are all highly skilled and trained. The price per pattern only is a tiny fraction of the actual cost of production.A few dollars in creating a full garment is a small investment for all the technical knowledge that goes into it, plus you will have the pattern forever!
Furthermore, for all of those advertising on your blogs, don’t forget, we are still offering a large amount of free patterns, and will keep more free projects coming over time.
Additionally, we will introduce a system that allows YOU to sell your patterns as well (coming with the new site) because we feel that your hard work has to be rewarded as well!
Textilet , you can see the ratings of other peoples patterns.
Customer support will get more attention since we hopefully can grow the team now. We are still a small team for all the content we are providing, and you can be sure we are working tirelessly to make this a great experience and resource.
I hope I covered most of your questions, please feel free to email or send us messages, we are here to answer all questions!
Thank you also for your very positive responses and support. We love this project and feel very passionate about it, but we need to make sure we survive and really want to be in for the long run for you, our community!
Best,
Benedikta
Jan 6, 2009, 12.53 PMby erdronen
I for one am really excited about the changes coming to the site! I can’t wait to see what you have planned! Sure there are some bugs here and there, but the site works very well for the most part, and new features will be great to see!
I can’t wait for the project interface! I was just thinking how nice something like that would be! Some projects (like jackets) take so long to do and have some tough things to work through- that will be great for these! Other times when you have made changes to a project, it’s nice to be able to post them!<br<
Sure I’m a bit disappointed in charging for the patterns, but I think the prices so far look very reasonable, so I’m not worried. I mean, $3 is not going to hurt anyone! Only once in a blue moon do pattern companies have their $1.99 sales and this is not much more!
BurdaStyle, thanks for the awesome site! If cool new features have to come with a minor price tag, I’m happy to fund them :)
Jan 6, 2009, 01.00 PMby indywriter
I get why things changed, but I don’t have to like it. I just think it was a bad idea to charge for the existing patterns that had been free. Absolutely charge for all new patterns, but leave the old ones alone. Have you considered another profit strategy? Like subscriptions? If someone subscribes for a set amount, they can download patterns for free (or so many patterns for free). That might also be appealing to some.
As for me, I can buy patterns for 99 cents when they go on sale. So I also won’t be as excited to receive my BS email each week. My budget has taken a beating lately. If anything I need to find ways to save, not spend more.
I realize that some people profited off your patterns, but there were probably more of us accessing them for personal use only.
Jan 6, 2009, 01.02 PMby k-a-doubler-a
While I understand the need to start charging in the future, I don’t understand why patterns that used to be free are now sporting brand new price tags, despite Benedikta’s explanation. Why wouldn’t a pattern that was already free, stay free?
I’m open to a redesign and revamp of the site, but changing the prices/adding prices to patterns has me apprehensive anout other changes to BurdaStyle.
Jan 6, 2009, 01.27 PMby ipires
I’m with most of the other users comments on this one. I loved the fact we could have free stylish patterns for download and looked forward to the weekly email… I do understand the need of the Burdastyle project to move on but they should have kept the already free patterns free, at least for a transition period to allow regular users to download them before you add on the charge.
Looking forward to the new site design and feel, but still unhappy with the pricing on old patterns… :(
Jan 6, 2009, 01.37 PMby ojinateacup
I understand how much work goes into creating patterns, and I am very appreciative of what BurdaStyle has done up to this point. I am disappointed that the patterns that were previously free are now being charged for, but I understand that having a mix of free and paid patterns would perhaps mean that people would use only the free patterns, rather than paying for the patterns. However, given how the people who’ve been here since the beginning (or close to it) have helped shape the community, and promoted it over the internet, it would’ve been nice to have a little warning on this. I know I was planning to use several patterns in my own sewing (not for profit, just for myself), but I usually download the pattern just before I need it, and I have none of the patterns I was hoping to use on my computer.
Now that the members know about it, perhaps there could be some sort of period where old members (people who joined before a specific date, say a couple months ago) could grab the patterns they were planning to use later? Or a mirror location where the files can be downloaded (not with all the bells and whistles of the main site, just a repository for the pdf files) with the link sent out to the member list? That way, the members are not caught blindsided, but the main site stays consistent and is able to sustain itself under this new business model (which I am not decrying, for the record — I just think a little warning for the members would have been appreciated, and this can still be rectified).
Given how this has been promoted (especially by users) around the internet as an open-source (which is commonly associated with free, but the definition of open source allows “a reasonable reproduction charge” (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Open_Source_Definition)), I think putting a link to this blog post on each of the patterns that needs to be purchased to download would help the transition. This way, the enormous amount of good press and publicity the site has gotten is not tarnished because of a straightforward (and not unreasonable) shift in business model.
Jan 6, 2009, 01.38 PMby MarmotaB
I agree with all previous posts concerning the once-free patterns… I’m especially unhappy about this because I’m not able to buy the patterns, no matter what the price: I don’t have credit card, nor PayPal… Plus I agree that this site has got an overall fame of being the source of free patterns, and now, all of a sudden, everything changes and nobody was prepared for it.
I guess since now I’ll rely mostly on making my own patterns…
Jan 6, 2009, 01.39 PMby peaudane
Everybody needs to make a living, so it makes sense for you to charge for new patterns. I agree with others that having a lot of free patterns available encouraged us to try new things . So it might be less fun now…
Also, I used to read the instructions before deciding whether I wanted to download and print a pattern. Certain details helped me decide whether I wanted to make a garment, like how much fabric is needed, what kind of fabric and notions, construction details. I might be reluctant to purchase a pattern if I don’t have that information prior to purchasing.
I don’t want to be negative, though. I think this could be a really good thing if you guys offer really amazing patterns for us to purchase that we can’t get anywhere else. You’ll have to be really creative to compete with Burda World of Fashion magazine for instance, as those of us who buy the magazine won’t be purchasing any duplicates from your website. The new jacket you are offering for sale is very similar to several patterns from old BWOF issues.
So, I’m looking forward to seeing a lot of creativity on Burdastyle!
Jan 6, 2009, 01.43 PMby Benedikta
Dear Members,
As in terms of our decision to charge for patterns rather than charging for access to the entire site (membershipfee), we did it because we wanted you to still be able to profit from all the other wonderful features. This way you can be part of BurdaStyle even if you prefer getting your patterns from elsewhere and you can access, learn and contribute from the knowledge base as much as you like!
Look out for a little preview on the new site next week!
Best,
Benedikta
Jan 6, 2009, 02.03 PMby OLG
Dear team,
Isn’t it possible to get more money from (new) advertisers, as a third option in stet of having members pay for something. Things remaining free will keep members attached and will attract more members all the time. Reason enough to contract advertisers!.
Loved your site by the way so far, thanks for everything.
new year’s kisses, Hanneke from Amsterdam
Jan 6, 2009, 02.11 PMby peaudane
Here are some ideas of patterns I would happily purchase from your website:
patterns for pre-teens! (The offer for that age group is very limited no matter what pattern company you look at).
More men’s patterns! (a coat!).
Vintage patterns! I would love it if Burda patterns from the 50s, 60s and 70s were available on this site! Also, 30s/40s style bias cut dresses!
Jan 6, 2009, 02.22 PMby MAldrich
I’m in shock. Not of the charges to new patterns. I’m okay with that totally. I want you guys to financially be okay and still around for us to enjoy. But I feel like you made a very bad business decision by deciding to charge for previously free patterns with no warning.
For me, this means that all the printed patterns I threw away before moving to my new house, confident that i could just download and print them again, can not be assessed again. Now I only have Ruby and Lydia printed. I’m crossing my fingers that my husband’s computer has the remainder that I have downloaded saved. How utterly disappointing to have new prices thrown on us randomly. Especially since basics such as Sidonie, Emily, Nichola, Michelle, and Lydia all have price tags now. Also, most people aren’t going to pay for things such as Daisy, Layla, or Layla’s mittens when most of these are simple enough for even the most meagerly skilled to draft.
I’m can’t express how disappointed I am that you put prices on previously free patterns. It’s bad business that will probably directly effect how much paid business you do.
Jan 6, 2009, 02.22 PMby nora
Dear OLG, dear peaudane,
Thanks for the very constructive comment! We are indeed contracting advertisers and partnerships and that’s a very large and important part in growing and supporting the site. In addition to that we’re always happy to get new contacts of companies that are interested to cooperate with us.