Creating an Arts & Crafts Community by Encouraging Creativity through Connections

Aug. 14, 2010 - PRLog -- July 21, 2010 Charleston, SC based John & Melissa Marro launched a new social media community - TheHIVE.  TheHIVE is a dynamic social community designed to help provide a connection between everyone in the arts, crafts and hobby industry - creating a platform between manufacturers, professional artists, hobbyists, retailers and consumers - giving everyone a voice.

Since its launch in July, the site has been a ‘buzz' of activity.  Over 800 members have joined, providing over 2800 blogs worth of information in a broad variety of industry related categories.     One of the reasons for the rapid growth has been the unique ability for members to import their blog directly to the site, then organize it into an industry category.  Additionally, for easier navigation, members can create or join groups, creating even more specialized communities.

Relationships are always the most important thing in a community and TheHIVE is no different.  During the past few weeks, members have begun unique interactions - learning about each other, their craft and gaining inspiration from each other.  Sales and licensing agreements have been negotiated; non-profit organizations have gotten exposure and seen an increase in donations.  Mick Cluely, an organizer for the UK charity Crafts for Charity said this, "My Crafts for Charity directory has got bigger and better since this blog post and has now over 60 artists listed. It is a great way to promote artists and crafters and at the same time raise money for charity."

KillerStartUps.com did a professional review of TheHIVE and stated, "The site then, stands as a true resource for the promotion of arts and crafts.  People from all over the world can convene on the site, advertise what they do and start building the right contacts for taking what they do beyond the geographical limitations that were germane to ventures of such nature before the concept of social sites came along.  It brings artists and consumers closer in a setting that makes an unprecedented free flow of creativity.  The fact that the site is free to join and use is a definitive plus."

Whether a member joins TheHIVE to advertise their business, or just to find out more about the arts & crafts industry, they are sure to find a site they want to return to over and over again.  With more than 60 blogs posted daily (on average) there is a lot to see.

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TheHive, http://www.creatingthehive.com/, is a dynamic social community designed to help provide a connection between everyone in the arts, crafts and hobby industry. Whether you are a manufacturer, professional artist, hobbyist, retailer or consumer, you have a voice. By providing a place for everyone to grow, build a community of like inspired enthusiasts and connect creators to consumers our hope is that we continue to strengthen and grow the industry as a whole. To contact us directly email creatingthehive@gmail.com