Comments on: Open Sky: A New E-Commerce Idea and Company http://blog.ruhlman.com/2009/11/open-sky-a-new-ecommerce-idea-and-company.html Translating the Chef's Craft for Every Kitchen Wed, 17 Mar 2010 02:32:08 +0000 hourly 1 By: Cliff Milliken http://blog.ruhlman.com/2009/11/open-sky-a-new-ecommerce-idea-and-company.html/comment-page-1#comment-28524 Cliff Milliken Tue, 30 Nov 1999 06:00:00 +0000 http://ruhlman.com/newblog/2009/11/open-sky-a-new-ecommerce-idea-and-company.html#comment-28524 A few minutes ago, I tried to order the towels. The web site does not accept orders for the product. I click on “add to card” and the site responds with “no items in cart.” Please let me know when I can order the product. A few minutes ago, I tried to order the towels. The web site does not accept orders for the product. I click on “add to card” and the site responds with “no items in cart.”

Please let me know when I can order the product.

]]> By: kitchenbeard http://blog.ruhlman.com/2009/11/open-sky-a-new-ecommerce-idea-and-company.html/comment-page-1#comment-28523 kitchenbeard Tue, 30 Nov 1999 06:00:00 +0000 http://ruhlman.com/newblog/2009/11/open-sky-a-new-ecommerce-idea-and-company.html#comment-28523 Thanks for the link to the side towels. I've been subsisting on the pckages of terrycloth towels from costco. The issue with them is they're thin and need to be folded at least twice before grabbing something and even then the heat eventually creeps through so your grip time is limited. Thanks for the link to the side towels. I’ve been subsisting on the pckages of terrycloth towels from costco. The issue with them is they’re thin and need to be folded at least twice before grabbing something and even then the heat eventually creeps through so your grip time is limited.

]]> By: nicolja http://blog.ruhlman.com/2009/11/open-sky-a-new-ecommerce-idea-and-company.html/comment-page-1#comment-28522 nicolja Tue, 30 Nov 1999 06:00:00 +0000 http://ruhlman.com/newblog/2009/11/open-sky-a-new-ecommerce-idea-and-company.html#comment-28522 For the record, I trust that Michael would not push a product that he did not personally feel was a good product. But I think full disclosure would be a valuable component to Open Sky. That is something that is sorely lacking from most product endorsement sights. For the record, I trust that Michael would not push a product that he did not personally feel was a good product. But I think full disclosure would be a valuable component to Open Sky. That is something that is sorely lacking from most product endorsement sights.

]]> By: luis http://blog.ruhlman.com/2009/11/open-sky-a-new-ecommerce-idea-and-company.html/comment-page-1#comment-28520 luis Tue, 30 Nov 1999 06:00:00 +0000 http://ruhlman.com/newblog/2009/11/open-sky-a-new-ecommerce-idea-and-company.html#comment-28520 One thing is for sure... I do buy on line many times because the alternative of driving around and shopping for hard to find items is way too time consuming. So I may pay a mailing fee now and then to avoid traffic and agravation. So this type of thing will become more popular as time goes by. I spent days running around looking for a footwear solution...which I only found when I went online. Now if someone was there to recommend the best product.. that's a good thing. One thing is for sure… I do buy on line many times because the alternative of driving around and shopping for hard to find items is way too time consuming. So I may pay a mailing fee now and then to avoid traffic and agravation. So this type of thing will become more popular as time goes by.
I spent days running around looking for a footwear solution…which I only found when I went online. Now if someone was there to recommend the best product.. that’s a good thing.

]]> By: cybercita http://blog.ruhlman.com/2009/11/open-sky-a-new-ecommerce-idea-and-company.html/comment-page-1#comment-28521 cybercita Tue, 30 Nov 1999 06:00:00 +0000 http://ruhlman.com/newblog/2009/11/open-sky-a-new-ecommerce-idea-and-company.html#comment-28521 hi michael, nothing to do with open sky here, just wanted to tell you that i went to a talk a couple of nights ago moderated by mark kurlansky. he was interviewing four european novelists whose books center around food and cooking. one of them, christoph peter from germany, mentioned that he dislikes most cookbooks because they don't teach you the rules for making things yourself by showing you the formulas. i collared him during the reception and told him he had to buy a copy of ratio. hi michael, nothing to do with open sky here, just wanted to tell you that i went to a talk a couple of nights ago moderated by mark kurlansky. he was interviewing four european novelists whose books center around food and cooking. one of them, christoph peter from germany, mentioned that he dislikes most cookbooks because they don’t teach you the rules for making things yourself by showing you the formulas. i collared him during the reception and told him he had to buy a copy of ratio.

]]> By: S. Woody http://blog.ruhlman.com/2009/11/open-sky-a-new-ecommerce-idea-and-company.html/comment-page-1#comment-28519 S. Woody Tue, 30 Nov 1999 06:00:00 +0000 http://ruhlman.com/newblog/2009/11/open-sky-a-new-ecommerce-idea-and-company.html#comment-28519 The problem with our Amazon/Walmart world isn't that the stores exist, either on-line or in reality, but that the people who work in these places have little connection to the products they are selling. There is little in the way of passion, or anything else in the way of a positive emotion, coming from these venues. They are places to work, meaning earn a paycheck, not to engage the employee with a sense of purpose in life. I consider myself lucky - I enjoy my work at a supermarket, because I enjoy food and cooking, and working at the supermarket gives me a chance to engage with others and express that enjoyment. I've become the go-to guy when a customer has a question about ingredients (yes, ma'am, I can tell you how to thicken a stew with something other than tapioca - this question really did come up a couple of days ago!). And the others at work think it's great that I'm willing to share what I know... and think I'm a bit wierd, that I know it at all. (What do you mean, you like to cook? From scratch? Who has the time for that any more?) So, yes, Rulhman, I think it's great that you've joined in a project that is indeed about people's passions for their fields, and conveying those passions to others. I'm bookmarking the site, and plan to go back to it, hopefully to explore some fields I know nothing about (never can tell when that little bit of knowledge will come in handy). I'm also planning on taking two or three cookbooks with me, just the basics, for the week prior to Thanksgiving. I can't expect to remember everything off the top of my head, after all. And if my co-workers don't understand what I'm doing, that's their problem. At least my boss understands my point of view... I think. The problem with our Amazon/Walmart world isn’t that the stores exist, either on-line or in reality, but that the people who work in these places have little connection to the products they are selling. There is little in the way of passion, or anything else in the way of a positive emotion, coming from these venues. They are places to work, meaning earn a paycheck, not to engage the employee with a sense of purpose in life.

I consider myself lucky – I enjoy my work at a supermarket, because I enjoy food and cooking, and working at the supermarket gives me a chance to engage with others and express that enjoyment. I’ve become the go-to guy when a customer has a question about ingredients (yes, ma’am, I can tell you how to thicken a stew with something other than tapioca – this question really did come up a couple of days ago!). And the others at work think it’s great that I’m willing to share what I know… and think I’m a bit wierd, that I know it at all. (What do you mean, you like to cook? From scratch? Who has the time for that any more?)

So, yes, Rulhman, I think it’s great that you’ve joined in a project that is indeed about people’s passions for their fields, and conveying those passions to others. I’m bookmarking the site, and plan to go back to it, hopefully to explore some fields I know nothing about (never can tell when that little bit of knowledge will come in handy).

I’m also planning on taking two or three cookbooks with me, just the basics, for the week prior to Thanksgiving. I can’t expect to remember everything off the top of my head, after all. And if my co-workers don’t understand what I’m doing, that’s their problem. At least my boss understands my point of view… I think.

]]> By: Michael Laiskonis http://blog.ruhlman.com/2009/11/open-sky-a-new-ecommerce-idea-and-company.html/comment-page-1#comment-28518 Michael Laiskonis Tue, 30 Nov 1999 06:00:00 +0000 http://ruhlman.com/newblog/2009/11/open-sky-a-new-ecommerce-idea-and-company.html#comment-28518 Thanks for the plug Michael. I too am about to officially announce my part in the project, and those two words you mention have been very important in my decision to climb aboard, both personally and professionally: integrity and transparency. Thanks for the plug Michael. I too am about to officially announce my part in the project, and those two words you mention have been very important in my decision to climb aboard, both personally and professionally: integrity and transparency.

]]> By: ruhlman http://blog.ruhlman.com/2009/11/open-sky-a-new-ecommerce-idea-and-company.html/comment-page-1#comment-28517 ruhlman Tue, 30 Nov 1999 06:00:00 +0000 http://ruhlman.com/newblog/2009/11/open-sky-a-new-ecommerce-idea-and-company.html#comment-28517 Thanks rock and roller, appreciate your taking the time to share your experience. you bring up a great point. i would never recommend a shitty product because people wouldn't trust me, i'd throw away the only thing that makes my opnion valuable, which is my integrity. I'll respond more, and specifically to nicolja, in an update because it's critical. Thanks rock and roller, appreciate your taking the time to share your experience.

you bring up a great point. i would never recommend a shitty product because people wouldn’t trust me, i’d throw away the only thing that makes my opnion valuable, which is my integrity. I’ll respond more, and specifically to nicolja, in an update because it’s critical.

]]> By: nicolja http://blog.ruhlman.com/2009/11/open-sky-a-new-ecommerce-idea-and-company.html/comment-page-1#comment-28515 nicolja Tue, 30 Nov 1999 06:00:00 +0000 http://ruhlman.com/newblog/2009/11/open-sky-a-new-ecommerce-idea-and-company.html#comment-28515 I think this is a great idea but, as a cynic, I'm wondering if companies will be paying people deemed "celebrity" to push their products. How are we to know if Eric Ripert really uses that Kitchen Aid mixer or if he's being paid to promote it? I think this is a great idea but, as a cynic, I’m wondering if companies will be paying people deemed “celebrity” to push their products. How are we to know if Eric Ripert really uses that Kitchen Aid mixer or if he’s being paid to promote it?

]]> By: rockandroller http://blog.ruhlman.com/2009/11/open-sky-a-new-ecommerce-idea-and-company.html/comment-page-1#comment-28516 rockandroller Tue, 30 Nov 1999 06:00:00 +0000 http://ruhlman.com/newblog/2009/11/open-sky-a-new-ecommerce-idea-and-company.html#comment-28516 I purchased a meat grinder last week that Michael had recommended on open sky. I agree with the PP that the free shipping needs to be clearer on the site; it was a nice surprise during checkout, but would have been more of an enticement as a new customer. I also thought some of the pages were slow to load and the graphics seem a little odd to the eye but it's all relatively new I think, so I'm more inclined to give them a break there. I'd like to point out the positives other than free shipping (and free returns, which was also an unexpected benefit; the online sites I buy from the most offer both free shipping and free returns, like zappos). I felt like I was buying something Michael personally recommended as opposed to something either with no recommendations or with product "reviews" such as on Amazon. Those reviews don't carry much weight with me as I don't know them, by reputation or personally. I received my meat grinder extremely quickly and it was well packaged and just as pictured/described. I'd much rather have spent that money on a grinder that Michael recommended given his knowledge and experience in the food arena than on some other site. This site seems like a smaller operation so it felt more like supporting a smaller, "local" store than a behemoth, and I liked the opportunity to browse products by "experts" in different fields. Whether Michael actually uses the grinder himself in his own kitchen was less important to me than his recommendation as a knowledgeable person in his field. I may be generalizing here, but I feel most people will not match their name to something if it's a shitty product. I worked in a housewares department in a department store for quite awhile and I can tell you Emeril's pans were some of the best we sold (it's a department store, folks); I was more inclined to suggest those because I knew they were higher quality - I actually HATE Emeril himself, so his "celebrity" had little to do with it, however I trusted that he wouldn't put his name on some cheap, shitty pans and that bore out with my customers' reports and what I could see in handling the pans myself. Similarly, I saw a video in Bed, Bath and Beyond recently of Michael Symon demonstrating a pan and yes, I would be more inclined to trust that's a good pan than some other pan, and it's not because he's a local "celebrity," it's because I think he has integrity and wouldn't attach his likeness to a shitty pan. If I hated the pan (or the meat grinder), I'd return it, so on harm, no foul. But I'd much rather have someone guide me in a purchase like this who knows something about meat grinders, since I know nothing about them, then flail blindly across the internet. Perhaps I'm just naive but I wanted to share my experience. I purchased a meat grinder last week that Michael had recommended on open sky. I agree with the PP that the free shipping needs to be clearer on the site; it was a nice surprise during checkout, but would have been more of an enticement as a new customer. I also thought some of the pages were slow to load and the graphics seem a little odd to the eye but it’s all relatively new I think, so I’m more inclined to give them a break there.

I’d like to point out the positives other than free shipping (and free returns, which was also an unexpected benefit; the online sites I buy from the most offer both free shipping and free returns, like zappos).

I felt like I was buying something Michael personally recommended as opposed to something either with no recommendations or with product “reviews” such as on Amazon. Those reviews don’t carry much weight with me as I don’t know them, by reputation or personally.

I received my meat grinder extremely quickly and it was well packaged and just as pictured/described. I’d much rather have spent that money on a grinder that Michael recommended given his knowledge and experience in the food arena than on some other site. This site seems like a smaller operation so it felt more like supporting a smaller, “local” store than a behemoth, and I liked the opportunity to browse products by “experts” in different fields.

Whether Michael actually uses the grinder himself in his own kitchen was less important to me than his recommendation as a knowledgeable person in his field. I may be generalizing here, but I feel most people will not match their name to something if it’s a shitty product. I worked in a housewares department in a department store for quite awhile and I can tell you Emeril’s pans were some of the best we sold (it’s a department store, folks); I was more inclined to suggest those because I knew they were higher quality – I actually HATE Emeril himself, so his “celebrity” had little to do with it, however I trusted that he wouldn’t put his name on some cheap, shitty pans and that bore out with my customers’ reports and what I could see in handling the pans myself. Similarly, I saw a video in Bed, Bath and Beyond recently of Michael Symon demonstrating a pan and yes, I would be more inclined to trust that’s a good pan than some other pan, and it’s not because he’s a local “celebrity,” it’s because I think he has integrity and wouldn’t attach his likeness to a shitty pan. If I hated the pan (or the meat grinder), I’d return it, so on harm, no foul. But I’d much rather have someone guide me in a purchase like this who knows something about meat grinders, since I know nothing about them, then flail blindly across the internet.

Perhaps I’m just naive but I wanted to share my experience.

]]> By: Natalie Sztern http://blog.ruhlman.com/2009/11/open-sky-a-new-ecommerce-idea-and-company.html/comment-page-1#comment-28510 Natalie Sztern Tue, 30 Nov 1999 06:00:00 +0000 http://ruhlman.com/newblog/2009/11/open-sky-a-new-ecommerce-idea-and-company.html#comment-28510 and btw Mr. Caplan, I see you ship to Canada which is fabo..but perhaps you might want to asterik the 'free shipping' most sites offer that only in the continental USA but yours seems to include Canada for free shipping..if that is true then please let me know cause I will shop a storm....but i suspect international to Canada might need more small print..ie rates, duties etc...not that a Canadian doesn't know they have to pay duty, of course. and btw Mr. Caplan, I see you ship to Canada which is fabo..but perhaps you might want to asterik the ‘free shipping’ most sites offer that only in the continental USA but yours seems to include Canada for free shipping..if that is true then please let me know cause I will shop a storm….but i suspect international to Canada might need more small print..ie rates, duties etc…not that a Canadian doesn’t know they have to pay duty, of course.

]]> By: Ms. Glaze http://blog.ruhlman.com/2009/11/open-sky-a-new-ecommerce-idea-and-company.html/comment-page-1#comment-28511 Ms. Glaze Tue, 30 Nov 1999 06:00:00 +0000 http://ruhlman.com/newblog/2009/11/open-sky-a-new-ecommerce-idea-and-company.html#comment-28511 Very cool. Now I can see what Chef Laskonis uses to make all those magical desserts! Very cool. Now I can see what Chef Laskonis uses to make all those magical desserts!

]]> By: john caplan http://blog.ruhlman.com/2009/11/open-sky-a-new-ecommerce-idea-and-company.html/comment-page-1#comment-28512 john caplan Tue, 30 Nov 1999 06:00:00 +0000 http://ruhlman.com/newblog/2009/11/open-sky-a-new-ecommerce-idea-and-company.html#comment-28512 thanks for all of the great suggestions...real feedback from active shoppers will help us create the most dynamic community and best shopping experience. - john thanks for all of the great suggestions…real feedback from active shoppers will help us create the most dynamic community and best shopping experience.

- john

]]> By: Jess Domokos http://blog.ruhlman.com/2009/11/open-sky-a-new-ecommerce-idea-and-company.html/comment-page-1#comment-28513 Jess Domokos Tue, 30 Nov 1999 06:00:00 +0000 http://ruhlman.com/newblog/2009/11/open-sky-a-new-ecommerce-idea-and-company.html#comment-28513 Michael, This is completely off topic, but I just wanted to comment on how much I enjoy your blog. I feel I learn something new from each and every entry :) Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge, your talent, and your joie de vivre with us! Sincerely, Jess D Devoted Reader, Home Cook, and Amateur Food Blogger ;) Michael,

This is completely off topic, but I just wanted to comment on how much I enjoy your blog. I feel I learn something new from each and every entry :) Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge, your talent, and your joie de vivre with us!

Sincerely,
Jess D
Devoted Reader, Home Cook, and Amateur Food Blogger ;)

]]> By: Walt http://blog.ruhlman.com/2009/11/open-sky-a-new-ecommerce-idea-and-company.html/comment-page-1#comment-28514 Walt Tue, 30 Nov 1999 06:00:00 +0000 http://ruhlman.com/newblog/2009/11/open-sky-a-new-ecommerce-idea-and-company.html#comment-28514 Michael, I agree 100% with everything you said. You really hit the nail right on the head. If they can truly make online shopping a personal experience, I'm all in. I like what I see so far and I can't wait to watch them grow. BTW, Conratulations on Publishers Weekly choosing Ratio as one of the best food books of 2009. (I agree with them as well). http://www.publishersweekly.com/article/CA6705893.html Michael,

I agree 100% with everything you said. You really hit the nail right on the head. If they can truly make online shopping a personal experience, I’m all in. I like what I see so far and I can’t wait to watch them grow.

BTW, Conratulations on Publishers Weekly choosing Ratio as one of the best food books of 2009. (I agree with them as well).

http://www.publishersweekly.com/article/CA6705893.html

]]> By: michael ruhlman http://blog.ruhlman.com/2009/11/open-sky-a-new-ecommerce-idea-and-company.html/comment-page-1#comment-28508 michael ruhlman Tue, 30 Nov 1999 06:00:00 +0000 http://ruhlman.com/newblog/2009/11/open-sky-a-new-ecommerce-idea-and-company.html#comment-28508 <!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01 Transitional//EN"> Yes!  five towels per order!  our mistake omitting this critical info. < !DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01 Transitional//EN">
Yes!  five towels per order!  our mistake omitting this critical info.

]]> By: Natalie Sztern http://blog.ruhlman.com/2009/11/open-sky-a-new-ecommerce-idea-and-company.html/comment-page-1#comment-28509 Natalie Sztern Tue, 30 Nov 1999 06:00:00 +0000 http://ruhlman.com/newblog/2009/11/open-sky-a-new-ecommerce-idea-and-company.html#comment-28509 I am such a big, too big, an internet shopper...but I am having a bit of a problem travelling through the site...I am not finding products right away and it is taking me too long to get into the meat of anything on sale. I am such a big, too big, an internet shopper…but I am having a bit of a problem travelling through the site…I am not finding products right away and it is taking me too long to get into the meat of anything on sale.

]]> By: Glenn http://blog.ruhlman.com/2009/11/open-sky-a-new-ecommerce-idea-and-company.html/comment-page-1#comment-28507 Glenn Tue, 30 Nov 1999 06:00:00 +0000 http://ruhlman.com/newblog/2009/11/open-sky-a-new-ecommerce-idea-and-company.html#comment-28507 +1 to the number of towels in a $25 order. Hopefully 5? +1 to the number of towels in a $25 order. Hopefully 5?

]]> By: michael ruhlman http://blog.ruhlman.com/2009/11/open-sky-a-new-ecommerce-idea-and-company.html/comment-page-1#comment-28506 michael ruhlman Tue, 30 Nov 1999 06:00:00 +0000 http://ruhlman.com/newblog/2009/11/open-sky-a-new-ecommerce-idea-and-company.html#comment-28506 <!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01 Transitional//EN"> hmm, no, there are four or five towels in the order...will look into. < !DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01 Transitional//EN">
hmm, no, there are four or five towels in the order…will look into.

]]> By: Rhonda http://blog.ruhlman.com/2009/11/open-sky-a-new-ecommerce-idea-and-company.html/comment-page-1#comment-28502 Rhonda Tue, 30 Nov 1999 06:00:00 +0000 http://ruhlman.com/newblog/2009/11/open-sky-a-new-ecommerce-idea-and-company.html#comment-28502 Michael, I like the intent of this but I am not completely sold. I have to give it a think and then get back to you. Michael,

I like the intent of this but I am not completely sold.

I have to give it a think and then get back to you.

]]>