Trying to join SRA

[anneli]

Hello everyone:

I want to join SRA and I have emailed them a couple times now...and nothing. It's been about 3 months now. I did get an email back about a week ago telling me to try emailing this other person (based on the first initial of your last name)...so I did that..and haven't heard a thing :(

Has anyone else had any trouble joining? I would appreciate any input..thanks!

[Raven Wylder]

It will take some time since it's all done through volunteers and life happens. At one point, I think several of the volunteers they were doing it based on last names - but can't remember exactly who.

[Tirian]

I found the same thing -- multiple emails over time -- no response. Then a response did happen, a couple duplicate responses, then after multiple emails again to the referring person, nothing.

I really did try and want to financially support it especially because it is run by volunteers, and seemed like a great idea, but I only have so much time and patience. I, as well, have been trying for months.

SRA folks? Would you like to bring us current as to the happenings and what we need to do?

Jim Adlhoch
Wild Wares, CA

I think the "A" volunteer person is somewhere in Great Britain.

[anneli]

Ok..I'll just give it some time then. I am in no hurry, but it's good to know they just normally take awhile. Thanks for the info :)

[gubnavnania]

Took me all up less than 3 months to get my number (I only torching at the end of May this year)
I only sent 2 emails, 1st (around mid June) to the first person (Melinda) and 2nd one to the person that organizes it with last name.

But then again, not many ppl has last name started with 'Y' lol

[anneli]

Yep LOL...I think the "Y" last name did the trick for you. :) I'll wait patiently...like I said, not in a huge hurry. :)

[Just Nancy]

It is a volunteer group that validates and assigns numbers. I'd say just give them time.

In the mean time you can use the phrase, SRA, or some of the other logos (unnumbered) until you get approved.

[C-Ann]

I does take a bit of time but they will get with you.:-D

[musicpg]

I emailed over a dozen times for 5 months or so. Every time I was on line and thought about it, I'd send another email. Eventually, I did receive my number. I had just about given up.

[Corey]

How do you contact them? And what exactly is it? And what do you have to do?

[anneli]

Corey: Try going to this address and it will tell you all about SRA :)

http://www.self-representing-artist.com/index.htm

Thanks everyone..for the replys.....Anne :)

[Just Nancy]

Corey,
A lot of people don't do the group/numbered thing. Any artist making and selling their own work can use self representing artist as part of their marketing.

For people not clicking on the link above, a couple people here thought a system that insures people are what they say they are would be a good idea. Hence the verified program and the logo with numbers. It is a volunteer thing and takes time. I keep waiting for those who have submitted a request to pop in and say they got their numbers. Seems like that is usually what it takes, (Murphy's law) someone posts and then they get their number. :lol:

[Holly'sFolly]

I've been waiting since May... four emails and counting...

[Just Nancy]

The one I use is the one designed by Kaleidoglass when the subject first came up here. (Just a group, anyone could use a logo, etc. Then the group changed to validated and the logo changed.) It can be seen on the top of my home page.

I should say, I think her's was offered then. For a while there were about 4 floating around.

[rosebud101]

I just emailed them last week. I haven't heard anything back. I'll be patient, I guess. Thanks.

[Paul Ewing]

I emailed the melinda@self-representing-artist.com email yesterday and got a reply a couple hours ago with a list of the people doing the checking based on the names. I can forward you that information if you want.

Cheers,

[mandyjw]

I kinda gave up on it.

[JetAge Studio]

Aren't we all members of "Self Representing Artists" of the world? Do I REALLY need a number? :lol:

Renee

[FourTailsLampwork]

That's what ahppened to me--I posted in another thread and boom! got my number.

I know one of the folks doing the vetting and she is TOTALLY swamped by real life. I think long waits are part of the volunteer process.

[gwacie]

First off, I’m sorry to hear that some of you are feeling frustrated by the SRA project. As was stated, this project is 100% volunteer run. The wonderful founder of the project has a very busy life outside of the glass world these days which means she doesn’t always get to her email as quickly as some of you might like. Also, it’s possible if you applied months ago and never heard a thing that your email has gone into a spam filter and you might try submitting again. That being said, emailing a dozen times only irritates the person who eventually has to filter through your emails, so please be courteous.

Most emails go directly to the SRA email address and when Melinda has time she filters them to one of four volunteers based upon last name. Once received the volunteer will process when she has time. So you see there is a bit of a double wait period built in. I usually get to them within two weeks of when I receive them, however this month was crazy busy for me so a couple of names waited almost 4 weeks from the time I got them before I was able to do my investigation and processing. I sell beads full time. This month I had 4 shows and several orders to fill, and frankly things that pay the bills have to come first. I’m sure you guys can understand that!

For each name we get we must verify that the person apply is actually the glass ‘artist’ in question and that he/she is creating the work, not importing and reselling. We don’t judge on quality or experience, just verify the SRA status. Some applications come in with easy to follow links and information but most require further investigation on our part.

One thing you can do when submitting is to send links to pictures of your work online (website or even in the forums) or attach up to 3 pictures of your work, send a photo of your studio and list any glass organizations you belong to, if you sell in auctions send a link directly there so we don’t have to go to ebay, look up the seller, see if there is any history etc. If your business is just newly getting started it might be easier to wait a few months and apply again to the SRA project once you are more established. The easier it is for the processing, the faster you’ll get your number once your volunteer gets to your email.

Obviously I believe very strongly in this project or I wouldn’t be a volunteer. And I really do feel badly for folks who get frustrated waiting for their numbers. Anyone who needs the email address of their particular alphabet section volunteer is welcome to send me a PM and I will be happy to pass on the info so you know who to send your info to directly.

Hope this helps answer some questions.

[gubnavnania]

That being said, emailing a dozen times only irritates the person who eventually has to filter through your emails, so please be courteous.

...

Some applications come in with easy to follow links and information but most require further investigation on our part.

One thing you can do when submitting is to send links to pictures of your work online (website or even in the forums)

...



It does make sense why I got mine fairly quick.

- I only sent 2 emails, 1 to Melinda and 1 to another person.

- I put the link of my beads from other forums when I sent the second/final email.

- and my last name is helping me hehe


Thanks for clearing that up.

Btw, any idea how often the SRA-index being updated, Gwacie?

[gwacie]

Nope, no idea but I do know our webmaster was recently away on a nice long vacation so I'm sure she has quite a backlog right now. She's very good at what she does so I'd suggest.....patience :D

[FourTailsLampwork]

Yes, I should add: I put everything in my emails: name and address, a link to my site, a link to my etsy shop and bead artist's gallery, my EBAY ID, and a link to a Photobucket picture of my breakfast nook-cum-studio. I also gave names of folks already on the SRA list who had seen me torch in person. :)

These folks really are swamped--but swamped or not, THANK YOU to everyone--it's a great resource!!! *Applause*

[Abacus Beads]

I sent my e-mail about two weeks ago. Yesterday I received a return e-mail requesting info. So maybe I'll hear back soon
Liz R

[Just Nancy]

Aren't we all members of "Self Representing Artists" of the world? Do I REALLY need a number? :lol:

ReneeObviously a lot of us think not. Or that we need to be validated. That is why there are logos for those who don't want to design one but want to use one. And others can use it while they wait to get approved.

[anneli]

Thanks Gwacie...for the reply. It was very informative.

I have sent my website link and everything else they have asked for (I think twice now)....and I got the email back and sent the info again based on the first letter of my last name...so I'll just sit back and wait. I didn't realize how busy they were...so I'll be patient :) Thanks again everyone...for all your help!

[JetAge Studio]

Obviously a lot of us think not. Or that we need to be validated. That is why there are logos for those who don't want to design one but want to use one. And others can use it while they wait to get approved.

Why don't we design a logo for LE member affiliation!!! :lol: (can even add a number if we want!)

Contest for designing the "coolest" LE member logo...anyone???!!
(sorry admins, I just had to! All in good fun! O:) )

Renee

[JetAge Studio]

...Seriously, I wouldn't mind putting an LE logo on my auctions or website!
Whad'ya think Admins?!! :wink: