A while back, I ordered the SLG book Jellyfist . The concept was simple: Jhonen Vasquez wrote, and "Jenny" JR Goldberg drew pretty pictures to go along.

It was silly, beautiful and immensely entertaining. Recently, JR Goldberg began selling things on Etsy , so I thought I would take a look. Surprise surprise, I found a hand printed mini-book called "Squelch" for a whopping $5. That's right, five US of A dollars. And there was one left. I snatched it up.

I've been following JR Goldberg for a while on Twitter, and I decided to ask for an autograph on my order, didn't know if it would work..but what they hey.

Today, I finally received my order (it takes a while, I live in the UAE, so it has to be shipped to New York then here). I am absolutely stunned.

Not only did I get my copy of Squelch, it was Autographed..

..with a bunch of nifty extras!

That whacky JR Goldberg not only signed it, she threw in a pin, a nice little note, and a business card (from none other than MooCards , one of my favorites).

So, here is the point:

I love DIY. Not only did JR Goldberg undercharge me for this really great piece, but she went the extra mile. I didn't expect any of this, and I asked only for an autograph. She took it upon herself to really show that she cared about the product (her art) and her customer (me, her audience).

I've mentioned more than a few times my love for another Etsy Alumni, Hard Graft (neé Working Class Heroes ), and I love them for the same reasons. They create a superior quality product with a brilliant focus on detail and craftsmanship. How many companies ship you a piece of Austrian chocolate with your order?

Only one I know of.

Which is why I've continued to do business with them. When I got a new laptop, the first thing I did was place an order for a new laptop sleeve from Hard Graft. When a co-worker needed a laptop sleeve, I convinced him to buy one as well. (He did, and he loves it). He in turn has recommended them to other people as well.

Which is the point.

Goods from small companies (or even individuals) with the DIY mentality / ethic are wonderful things to purchase. Yes, often times the products cost a bit more, but in the end you know that you are getting a product that someone has a personal interest in. Their name and reputation hang on the quality of the product they personally create and sell to you. They care.

Etsy is a great place to find these individuals / products. There is a lot of crap, to be sure. (Seriously...how many people are selling keychains of random crap that they hot glued to a fob? No, I will not pay $15 for your Lego Man keychain, idiot).