ATTENTION ALL MEMBERS (old and new!)

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greyeyes

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JennFL5366

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JennFL5366

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Houdini

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Let me ask you something Lu. If the following thread had been posted here would it have been allowed to stay? Just curious how this would be any different.

ATTENTION ALL MEMBERS (old and new!)
I'm Freddo and I have an advertisement here in the suppliers forum offering a supermini type of ecig for 10UK pounds or roughly $15-16 USD.

This is not a plug by me but I thought some members may be interested in this who would not necessarily see it there.

It might be a chance for new members to try vaping for cheap...and others might be interested in the device as an 'introduction' to people they know might want to try vaping but not spend a lot of money to see if they like it.

And think about it...if the whole kit is so cheap, the parts will be too (But US members, make sure to consider shipping costs in too.)

Anyhoo....if this sounds interesting to you, the thread is here. I would be happy to answer any questions you might have:

http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/for...-9-99-a-2.html

Happy vaping!

Freddo
 

ZambucaLu

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Let me ask you something Lu. If the following thread had been posted here would it have been allowed to stay? Just curious how this would be any different.

ATTENTION ALL MEMBERS (old and new!)
I'm Freddo and I have an advertisement here in the suppliers forum offering a supermini type of ecig for 10UK pounds or roughly $15-16 USD.

This is not a plug by me but I thought some members may be interested in this who would not necessarily see it there.

It might be a chance for new members to try vaping for cheap...and others might be interested in the device as an 'introduction' to people they know might want to try vaping but not spend a lot of money to see if they like it.

And think about it...if the whole kit is so cheap, the parts will be too (But US members, make sure to consider shipping costs in too.)

Anyhoo....if this sounds interesting to you, the thread is here. I would be happy to answer any questions you might have:

http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/for...-9-99-a-2.html

Happy vaping!

Freddo

Houdini...he's a supplier. He can't advertise his products 'out here'. Different animal.

Lu
 

Houdini

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Houdini...he's a supplier. He can't advertise his products 'out here'. Different animal.

Lu
Exactly. And that's what's causing all the trouble here. It's like you are advertising for him and being a mod will make newbs think he must be the go to guy if a mod is advertising for him. If you wern't a mod I don't think there would have been any debate here at all IMO. I don't care one way or the other but this is how I see it.
 

Walrus

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I had to really think about it before deciding whether it was worth the effort to make this post, but I obviously think it is (or I wouldn't).

Lu, you know how I feel about mods being able to speak their minds on products/services they support, and even ones they don't. I remember getting quite pissy myself when someone said that we pretty much should just shut up and moderate.

You honestly don't see the difference in how this is perceived versus if you'd made the exact same post, but with the title "Hey everybody, great deal here"?

Before all this arguing started taking place, this thread had 14 replies with over 650 views. Would it really have had even half those without the exclamation icon and a well-known mod stating, in all caps no-less, ATTENTION ALL MEMBERS? I know I wouldn't have bothered.

The way the thread was posted was misleading and garnered greater attention because of it, even if it was unintentional. I can see where other vendors would be upset.

Perception counts for a lot. In my mind, it's not the what but the how.



 

kristin

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Just to clarify, if I see that my favorite vendor is having a great sale, I'm allowed to post about it here and post a link to it? I wouldn't be violating this rule posted in the FAQs:
You may not have a 3rd party make promotional posts on your behalf. If this is found to be the case both you and the 3rd party will be banned.

That's good to know! :thumb: I never posted stuff like that before because I thought I might get in trouble. :(

Thanks for letting us know about the deal - I know a few people who should start PVs! :)
 

ZambucaLu

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Just to clarify, if I see that my favorite vendor is having a great sale, I'm allowed to post about it here and post a link to it? I wouldn't be violating this rule posted in the FAQs:


That's good to know! :thumb: I never posted stuff like that before because I thought I might get in trouble. :(

Thanks for letting us know about the deal - I know a few people who should start PVs! :)

3rd party posts means made by affiliates, reps, partners, etc of the supplier....not non-affiliated members. In other words, they can't be made by members who have a vested interest or stand to gain from the sale.

Lu
 

Eric in AK

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ZambucaLu

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I had to really think about it before deciding whether it was worth the effort to make this post, but I obviously think it is (or I wouldn't).

Lu, you know how I feel about mods being able to speak their minds on products/services they support, and even ones they don't. I remember getting quite pissy myself when someone said that we pretty much should just shut up and moderate.

You honestly don't see the difference in how this is perceived versus if you'd made the exact same post, but with the title "Hey everybody, great deal here"?

Before all this arguing started taking place, this thread had 14 replies with over 650 views. Would it really have had even half those without the exclamation icon and a well-known mod stating, in all caps no-less, ATTENTION ALL MEMBERS? I know I wouldn't have bothered.

The way the thread was posted was misleading and garnered greater attention because of it, even if it was unintentional. I can see where other vendors would be upset.

Perception counts for a lot. In my mind, it's not the what but the how.

And in all honesty Walrus, had that been the major point, I actually may have considered changing the title. But as you can see, it has progressed well beyond that now....with attacks on my moderating, etc.

Perhaps it will get back on track and you never know what might happen :)

Lu
 

Eric in AK

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TnA

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Wow....what a storm this thread has raised. After reading the 3 pages of posts since my post, I feel the need to make some comments.

I have to say I agree with you TnA. Personally I believe it would be sound practice for moderators to appear fully neutral aside from lending advice in threads asking for it. This announcement may appear more "official" as product/supplier endorsement to new people. If I was a supplier here I'd have issues with it.

I fully agree with the idea that moderators should appear fully neutral....and in fact, was led to believe that this was how the moderation was run in this forum.

I'll just add that when I saw an 'exclamation' icon on a post by a moderator stating "ATTENTION ALL MEMBERS," I expected it to be an important post about the forum, not a post steering everyone to a particular vendor's sale.

I imagine that most people who bothered to open the thread thought the same.

BINGO!

This wouldn't be so bad if this was a product that already had a track record and was being offered at a can't-refuse low price. Say, a full 510 set up for $15 or something.

But this is a product no one's seen and the supplier doesn't even have them in stock! And a mod is hyping the thing!

So, for prospective users who've never vaped, there's also a good chance that this is a product that will actually turn them off. After all, it's a mini that has a smaller atomizer and smaller cart than a 510....I assume that translates to: frequent burn out of atomizer, less vapor, more frequent re-fills of carts.

Incredible.

Eric in AK, you've voiced the exact same thought that I chose to withold. As a supplier, I have recieved upwards of 100 offers from Chinese manufacturers in the past 2 months. It would be very easy for me to pick up and offer a super-mini for the exact same price (and very easily make a good profit). However, my few experiences with super-minis have left me far from impressed and I refuse to sell a product to a customer that I would not want to use myself. Thank you for saying what needed to be said and for pointing out what all users should consider when offering advice to uninformed/inexperienced users.

Well, seems like people have lots of comments today. That's nice!

First of all, I don't know Freddo any more than I know any other member/supplier who has been here for over a year. I've never bought from him before. Never heard anything bad about him so I figure he must be a decent supplier.

I saw a deal that appealed to me because it was a cheap way for someone to try out vaping to see if it was for them....and I have a couple of people I know who I wouldn't mind spending that small amount of money on for them to at least try. I gave my brother 2 pen batts, 2 atomizers, 2 chargers, carts and juice from my stash to get started. Last I heard, he was back to smoking....and God only knows where my equipment is now. Would have been nice to find out he didn't like it for a lot cheaper. And this was the point of my post here...to help other members in a similar boat...or perhaps new members who want to try something cheap. I've been blessed that I have been able to afford whatever I've needed (or wanted)...but I know there are lots who can't.

I am not promoting the product because I have never tried it. I am not saying it's a great product; I'm saying for that price, I am willing to let some others experience vaping at my expense. I am not suggesting anyone 'should' buy one.

I told Freddo well before I wrote this that I would be interested in 2 or 3. I get no kickback. I would never expect that; I would never put Freddo in that position....and for that price, why would I? And TBH, I find the implication insulting.

Now if any other supplier wants to offer the same type of deal, I would say that was a great deal too. The deal is great....again, I don't know about the product first hand.

Now, if you'd like to contribute to the topic of this thread without further insults, you are more than welcome too. Otherwise, you can keep it to yourself....or you can contact SJ.

It really is amazing to me that some members would begrudge others from becoming aware of a deal that might save them a few bucks....and they aren't even suppliers! Vile sure runs deep, doesn't it? :rolleyes:

Lu

Lu, I find your response to be rather defensive in nature, which is usually unnecessary if you hold the moral high ground. I, for one, never believed (and stated such in my post) that you were promoting the product because you believed it to be a great product....and I certainly never hinted (nor even considered it) that you were receiving any kick-back or any other type of favortism from freddo for your actions. I also did not see that implication in other members' posts, (although I could have missed it) so again....it would seem you are getting overly defensive by stating that you are feeling insulted.

There are many great suppliers associated with these forums and many have amazing prices and deals....and yet, in my "short" time in the ECF, I do not recall a single instance where a moderator created a thread with a subject line that was designed to and sure to attract attention of all members (both new and veteran) to promote and advertise a single supplier and his/her product. I can state for a fact, that I can easily supply a super-mini at a lower price (and still make profit) to anyone interested. However, my limited experience with super-minis prevents me from selling/promoting a less-than-desirable pv model to customers. So, since you have admittedly not even experienced the pros and cons of this pv model, why would you advertise it? Granted the price is very attractive, but as we all know, price is not everything and oftentimes, you get what you pay for.

As for your closing statement about comments from people who are not even suppliers....I think this very fact makes a big statement. It's not other suppliers who are questioning you....it's the very customers/end users who are questioning the ethics of your actions!

Girlfriend when you find a bargain just send me a PM and let the rest of the trouble makers do without.

I think this would have been the best action for a moderator who is supposed to appear neutral. Just as I am not free to PM people with information unless they ask for it first, moderators should not be free to advertise for suppliers unless specifically asked. (IMHO)

I think the issue is that Lu is an admin and her posts, particularly with the title this topic has, hold far more weight than any regular member. Having an admin flog goods for a supplier in an area off limits to all other suppliers definitely sets a bad precedent. The appearance of favouritism is inevitable.

+1

Well there is no favoritism here Nuck. Didn't I say that if it were any supplier offering the same type of deal, I would have mentioned that too?

Members post every day about good deals on the general forum....and about suppliers they like (God forbid I do that...I'd be burned at the stake!). If I was promoting the product, that would be different. If I was even suggesting people go buy them, that would be different. I was merely making people aware of a deal they might be interested in...particuarly for those who might not have a lot of $$$ at their immediate disposal.

And you think my posts hold so much weight? LOL

If as many members paid attention to this thread: http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/general-e-smoking-discussion/15222-newb-forum-2.html or http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...ssion/37221-attention-if-you-order-china.html as they are to this one, I would be honored!

No Nuck...I think this tells the whole story right here:



Come over here and start some crap....and you'll be rewarded over there. Aren't the majority complaining here the 'regulars' from Spikey's forum?

Hmmmm....'nuff said.

Lu

Again Lu.....your very own words (and the fact that you hold moderator status) in your original post did actually promote the product.....and as you have even stated.....it was a product that you have no experience or knowledge of! As for your issue with "Spikey's forum"....I find this continuous venom towards Spikey's forum to be equally distasteful. The majority of responses in this thread have come from non-suppliers....so it's really a pathetic jab at a forum that we all know you personally despise.
 

kristin

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Walrus

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And in all honesty Walrus, had that been the major point, I actually may have considered changing the title. But as you can see, it has progressed well beyond that now....with attacks on my moderating, etc.

Perhaps it will get back on track and you never know what might happen :)

Lu

To quote the endlessly quotable Steve, "Oy Vey".
 

JohnandMe

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Hey Lu,
Thanks for the heads up on such a great deal! If it weren't for the shipping and my desire to spend my new e-cig allowance on Cinnamon e-juice, I would probably have tried a couple.

As a bit of a newbie (been vaping for about 2 weeks now) I never really look or have looked much under peoples names to see if they are a moderator or not...I actually didnt even know you were a moderator till someone pointed it out.

I see people post great deals on here a lot (that is how I got a good deal on my 510 & ejuice - after I returned my Blu). I dont really post much on the forum, but I do appreciate EVERYONE who points out a good deal or a helpful review or mod.

Thanks
 

TnA's Girl

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3rd party posts means made by affiliates, reps, partners, etc of the supplier....not non-affiliated members. In other words, they can't be made by members who have a vested interest or stand to gain from the sale.

Lu

So me as TnA's girlfriend can go and say any thing i want about his business and have no repurcussions for it since I have no vested interest and stand to gain nothing from his sales?
 

Walrus

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This whole thing has been very interesting. The moral of this story is?
A. All posts have to be perfectly thought out before posting.
B. Mods can't post about any bargains.
C. It don't matter what you say. Someone is going to be offended.
D. There is no reason for this crap in the first place.


Actually, I'd argue for:

E. The existence of the Edit button. Advanced Edit allows you to change Titles. Or it does for mods, anyway. Ask me how I know :)

I thought better for a second about posting this, but it's posted in much the nature of the quoted one. It's not a dig at Lu.
 

TnA

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And in all honesty Walrus, had that been the major point, I actually may have considered changing the title. But as you can see, it has progressed well beyond that now....with attacks on my moderating, etc.

Perhaps it will get back on track and you never know what might happen :)

Lu

Again Lu, perception is reality. Unfortunately, what forum members are pointing out about your action as a moderator, you are taking as a personal attack. Had you just taken heed and withdrawn your comments (as you are noting to Walrus), this storm could have been abated. Instead, you took the comments as personal attacks and have chosen to try to defend your actions. This is usually a sign that the individual recognizes that he/she is in the wrong, but is unable/unwilling to admit that fact. Therefore, a uncontrollable storm of posts is inevitable.
 
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