One of the six tasks I’m juggling now is a refresh of the Lost Art Press website. It mostly will make the site easier to search. And it will categorize our products to help new customers make sense of the things we make (we make more than 100 things).
One of the recommendations from our consultants is to add what is stupidly called “social proof” to our site. “Social proof” is basically kind words about the company from customers.
My inclination has always been to let the products sell themselves through word of mouth. But the consultants have reams of data that show that new customers need and want social proof before they’ll make a first purchase.
So I relented.
This is me wearing out the knees in a pair of jeans (i.e. I’m on my knees). If you are so inclined, could you write up two or three sentences (no more, there’s not a lot of space for this) about Lost Art Press or Crucible and what you like about us (writer cringes; feels dirty)? It helps if we can use your name, too.
If you could send them to fitz@lostartpress.com, that would be highly appreciated.
Sorry and thank you in advance.
— Christopher Schwarz
I like your books, they’re well made and often contain a lot of hard to find information, and I love how Apple Pay makes checkout convenient. I only wish I could afford more of them as some are a little on the pricey side, but I know that it’s for a quality product. I am a little confused though as to why so many of the crucible tools have animal themed names, it seems a little silly to me.
I understand the social thingny but I think that it’s “cheesy” (without the crunch) and at the end… I really don’t care . What are the chances that the website puts bad comments? Hum… let me think about it …
I am not sure what to write, I rarely do this kind of thing. I joined after watching the videos on YouTube about the workbench. It inspired me to start using hand tools, in particular the hand plane.
Just sent the e-mail to @fitz. Can we start a go fund page to get her a new pair of eyes… because all the millions of comments that will arrive…LOL
Been watching Chris since they invented TV! Maybe even black and white TV. Probably Saturday mornings on PBS. This man knows his woodworking and because of him I enjoy working with wood too:)
Sometimes I wonder about consultants, and why they are advising someone else rather than raking in boat loads of money for themselves with their own ideas. Then I think about things like the customer reviews of the hutzler banana slicer on Amazon…interwoven with thoughts about a print magazine I used to buy that ended end up being mostly advertising. This when I should be keeping my thoughts on pins or tails. Woodworkers working in solitary confinement are often a strange bunch that don’t match everyone else’s cadence. As a frequent customer, (although I have to buy through LV because I live in the cold dark wilderness north of the border) I thought your current/old direction was spot on. Your Saturday sessions (albeit taxing to your weekends) are a step above in customer attention. Or maybe my Palaeolithic ways wouldn’t cut it in today’s world…just my 1.78 cents.
Don’t sell out unless you have to! Do you have sufficient revenue now? Are your employees busy? Would having more orders mean hiring even more employees then generate even more sales to pay for them? I would leave positive feedback but don’t do this just because the marketing gurus say you “have” to. Especially if you’re uncomfortable with it. Just my $.02.
I have been following Chris Schwarz since his early days when he was the clear voice at PW magazine.
Todays blog request is a call for support and verification.
You and your staff have never failed to meet and exceed my expectations of great writing, perfection in tools and honest guidance in this craft of working in wood.
I am constantly learning new things about woodworking and running a small business from Chris Schwartz and Lost Art Press. There is not a better book publisher as all the craftsmanship involved in producing great books is evident in every copy. I do own a couple Crucible tools as well and praise their quality. Woodworking in general is a fairly small community so it is so important to support the best small tool makers and publishers.
A wishlist would be a good feature if possible. Could then keep a list of books I still need to purchase.
As a woodworker with 65 years of various levels of woodworking experience I have found my information and equipment home. Books, tools, suggestions and discussions are all here and are offered with real love for the profession.
Ive always thought these kind of reviews on websites were fake and made up. Because if the item was terrible no one would put that review up. Why would you want to tank your sale.
Also the ones that say this many people have bought this item in the last 24 hours. I just assume those are fake too.
I had problems sending the email (I think). will try again later. Or, Meghan if you got it could you reply at jeremystoltzfus79@gmail.com?
I just moved it over to my email window and resent it. If you got two from me just keep the second most recent one if you need it.
Got it – thanks Jeremy!
I’d be happy to write a few lines extolling the virtues of Lost Art Press. Of course, you know I’m also going to write a couple of equally true things that no website would ever display. It will give me a chance to see where Fitz draws the line. Does she have a line? Now I feel like that guy in the WWII movie, crawling through a minefield with a bayonet. In the dark.
OK, this will take some thought.
Hey all. Just to be clear, I’m not uncomfortable with the advice or changes we are making to the site. I am 100 percent on board. The advice comes from Shopify, which is the backbone for our site, and they know (more than anyone else I trust) what works. All their advice to date has been 100 percent spot-on.
What I am uncomfortable about is asking for you to say nice things about us. We’ve never collected or kept track of that stuff over the years.
I hope this clears things up!
C
No worries whatsoever — for my part I’m more than happy to put my mouth where my money is!
Cheers,
Mattias
Sorry commerce has come to this. I will just continue to “vote with my wallet”. Nothing personal about you in my choice. I decline to provide on line “ratings” for any of the businesses or products I use or buy. Keep up the good work and best wishes regardless from a regular customer.
The books are a treasure trove. The tools are the icing on the cake. The business is honest and ethical. I’ve never regretted a single purchase.
Name use granted.
I’ve never had a problem navigating, or finding anything on your website.
But newcomers do. Don’t worry. We’re not getting rid of the “books” category or the “tools” category. Instead we’re helping newcomers find our books/tools on:
Chairmaking
Design
Workbenches & workshop
etc. etc.
And we are beefing up the search function. So you can search only the books, or only the tools etc.
Well, you have any support that I can provide. The free flow of information has impacted my woodworking. Your quality, and insistence of it, in your products is a testament to your character. LAP is worthy of all of our support.
The BS level is so low as to be non-existent. I can think of no other company where that is the case. I’ve followed Chris since his days as a magazine editor and keep being impressed and re-impressed.
I have two librarians in in my life – my wife, retired, and my daughter. When my daughter gave me my first LAP book, ATC, for Christmas some time back my daughter commented ” I spot read through the book & like the way this guy rights – “snarky smartass but just only so much – very well written” High praise from a cynical professional 20 something. The book was then pulled from my hands and the two proceeded to extoll the virtue of it’s physical construction, quality et al. I eventually was allowed to actually look at it. Did I mention that I most likely have more books in my house than you have in the Anthe building….
I hope the website refreshment works out for you – LAP has been a wonderful place over the years. But I think once the website is finished I’ll probably quit visiting. You almost lost me when the product suggestions showed up, but if there are reviews and comments (which no reasonable person would believe on any website) then I’m gone. I may show up occassionally, but I doubt it. The whole beauty of LAP is that no one is trying to sell anyone anything. Where else can you find that on the Internet? Apparently nowhere, now. But I know it’s a business, and life is all about taking care of your family – so I’m glad you’re doing what you have to do.
Here’s mine. Sorry it’s five lines:
There once was a man from Kentucky
His woodworking wasn’t sucky
The corporate job he did shook
Now he publishes excellent books
Those who buy them consider themselves lucky
I always find the quality of tools and books first rate. I also appreciate the self realization comments and opinions/advice that come forth from LAP. I comfortable with the fact that I’m not bombarded every couple days with a “this day only sale.” Hell, -it takes me more than a day to make up my mind! Happy to endorse, cautious to criticize.
“Perfectly decent woodworking advice and tools, from people who at least seem like they know what they’re doing. And even though they seem socially awkward, they still talk to us.”
I have never replied before. Makes me uncomfortable. So please don’t post this. But I agree with Skip, Kirby g, and E Louis Fairbank. You have a good thing going. You left Popular Woodworking to create something better. You have succeeded. Forget the consultant. If it doesn’t feel right, don’t give in.
It’s been bothering me that you’re selling out those Anarchist principles. At least tell them NO POPUPS. Or “take a second look”s when you’ve just gone to check a price. That sort of thing.
I don’t see how posting some reviews from real people is selling out. As always, if I don’t sell books and furniture then I don’t eat.
I’ll never have pop-up windows. Or anything that jumps in your face on the site. Or sped-up video….. I don’t put anything on our site that I personally despise on other sites.
Thanks for the clarification. I have no issues with simple honest endorsements. You’ve explained your position very well. I stand sheepishly corrected.
My social proof is sent. Wishing a good week to the whole LAP team.
I have many of the LAP Books. They are excellent and very useful to me.
CENSER ALERT!!!
Oooh, I like the idea of 5 line reviews very much.
There is a tall man from Covington
Shines bright like the light from abovington
His wife it is said
Just scratches her head
When the man tries his hand making lovington
You can use my name…
Lost Art Press is my “go-to” for thoughtfully researched and vetted woodcraft books and products. Each time I receive something from these guys, I immediately notice the craftsmanship of the books and the precision/durability of the tools and jigs. I recommend them wholeheartedly.
I found it excruciatingly painful to have to copy and paste Megan’s email address into my google mail. But it was worth it, to make you feel dirty. I love that!
Lost Art Press opens a door into the whole world of woodworking-from the history of, through the howto of, to the harmonious mind (getting Zen here) that results from the practice of traditional hand tool usage. Practical knowledge,humor, a deep dive (just as far as one wants to take it) into the history of the craft, are all here in one place. Lost Art can change your life-it did mine- and make you a happier person by providing links, that didn’t exist when I was a younger person, to a facinating hobby/craft.
The irony burns so bright it hurts my eyes.
I have so long ago surrendered my final judgement on everything woodworking to Chris and co., the idea that I should wait to get the opinion of some stranger is ridiculous.
I’m curious, is the website refresh targeting the storefront, or will the blog be updated as well?
I wish we could fix some things on the blog (especially mobile). It’s WordPress. Our store is on Shopify.
No reason to apologize, happy to be of help.
I just sent mine to the email address indicated.
Speaking for myself a leavening of negative reviews tends to validate the positive ones.
For what its worth after having had the “joy” of dealing with ‘consultants’ throughout my career, I’ve learned 2 things about their advice:1- they love new words/phrases which can wow the customer and add to their income and 2- they will help you decide that those words/phrases are financially worth much more (to them) than you ever thought!
Frankly, Lost Art Press and Crucible as well as the website already have “social proof” – the books, articles and tools are clearly attracting folks through the quality and information not usually available. These are all great products! Several of us look forward to the insights and tools you provide!
done.
First off…I love your posts from everyone at Lost Arts Press. I have purchased 3 books and one tool and all are wonderful. Some people might think…what another post from them?…but I look forward to each one. I will say Chris and Fitz are my favorite posters but frankly I like them all and many I have saved as reference material as I plug away at my woodworking hobby. Thanks for being thier for us!