Here's what it said in the OP...
And the video they did with a bunch of Winners was 2 weeks ago:
All the contests for the full week ended 1/13/2013 - YouTube
I'm sorry... but it doesn't matter HOW busy they are, they have an obligation to finish what they started!!
Hi everyone,
I certainly agree with your concern, and of course I could not argue with what you stated. Also, let me start off by issuing the most sincerest of apologies regarding my lack of attention to the contests that many of you have so vigorously entered.
As having been a one man operation (soon to be several) that has been virtually seized by a tremendous amount of orders, I have a fiduciary responsibility to customers to fulfill orders. I have come back several times to apologize, and of course I feel as upset as anybody else would regarding my lack of attention to the contests. Certainly, I could make a ton of excuses, but instead I will simply say that I have to manage 700 orders, each of which has a customer on the other end to which I am legally bound. As a vendor I must ensure their items arrive timely and correctly (as about 98% have).
Of course, there is also the obligation to the ECF community which has helped me tremendously and has welcomed me with open arms, as well as other social media outlets which have given me tremendous exposure. All social media is important, which is why I have tried my absolute best to be transparent. Certainly, not everyone can or cares to understand. Nobody needs and to be honest should WANT to be in my shoes right now concerning the amount of work I have put in thus far. Customers as well as mentoring vendors have come to understand me as an individual, and have consoled me repeatedly.
Ultimately, my goal is to ensure that as many people begin using electronic cigarettes before the FDA deadline. As a new vendor, I have shipped over 700 electronic cigarettes, many to NEW users (newbies). This, more than merely posting a link to the petition, is what in my opinion will get signatures. If I provide people electronic cigarettes at an affordable price, I think that is doing a great service to the community at large, and keeps the fight alive. For me, it is not "do or die". I CHOSE to sell these products. I could sell anything, but I felt this was a worthwhile cause. My prices are by far the lowest on the internet, and yes this may be the reason I am swamped, but should I be charging more so many people cannot get their hands on what they need to quit? This is my educated assertion for my ethical choice in determining what situation comes first (so you know I am neither ignorant to the matter, nor averse to fulfilling the contest).
Anyway, with that said, I have to create the tickets for the contest. This contest was for anybody with an account, and we now have 800 current customers. I only expected at most 400. This will create a lot of work, and I expect to have all of these done by the Friday. At which time, I will ask Desandra to take time from her VERY HECTIC SCHEDULE (full time student and full time job) to do those contests for me. I am certain that if she knew how upset everybody is, that she would be as apologetic and upset as I am.
Although I am a bit hurt personally by this situation, it has been extremely eye opening. I will make sure that I attend to my ECF fans in a way more efficacious manner.
Additionally, you can always feel free to send us a message via our brand new ticketing system - exhalevapors.kayako.com. Here you can simply send us a message and it will be very easy for us to manage your questions and concerns. I am doing my best here to catch up to everything.
Best,
Abe