PIF Ethics

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skydragon

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Gotta agree with Jules and Clumsy.

Sometimes PIF isint a very fun place. I havent been around that long, so I dont know what it was like before, but I know what its like now. There are times you read thru post such as the one Jules put up for Sallana and you think--Holy cow this place is freaking amazing and I would love to be part of it. And then there are times when the self policing publicly makes for very tense moments. Especially here--this is a group, a social forum were suppose to be having fun.

I think self policing is the only thing that can be done at times. You have people who definitely take advantage yet don't break rules. So Jules' hands are tied in those cases. Nothing she can do. And she can't keep making rule after rule to try and weed out the few because it often ends up hurting the majority. I now know she should be made aware but yes, I do think there are times when the forum members need to take care of the problem themselves.
 

smilin0117

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I think self policing is the only thing that can be done at times. You have people who definitely take advantage yet don't break rules. So Jules' hands are tied in those cases. Nothing she can do. And she can't keep making rule after rule to try and weed out the few because it often ends up hurting the majority. I now know she should be made aware but yes, I do think there are times when the forum members need to take care of the problem themselves.


I agree some form of self policing is nec, my only problem with that is how it may look to someone just joining. I know I kinda felt that way when I first joined. I think when people abuse a wonderful forum it should be addresed, just not always publicly. Maybe a simple pm to that member...if that dosent fix it then maybe a quick public note or a pm to jules.


I also agree adding tons of rules won't fix it either...like I said they kinda were just my thoughts. I don't really have the right answer in making it better. Just want to keep it a fun and warm place for the newb's and senior members as well.
 

smilin0117

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Absolutely!!
As I sometimes do, I got a little too focused on my response. It appeared to me that we were talking about that particular thread called "Wants and Needs". I failed to look at the bigger picture. Jules, You said it perfectly.

I'm gonna step up on my soapbox for a moment. I wouldn't want to see anyone be afraid to give or receive. In the Bible, the widow gave the only amount she could give... a mite. If she had held it back because "it was too small of a gift", Jesus would not have had the opportunity to recognize her gift as "more than all of the rest". And yet, I think that if she had nothing to give but wanted to, he would have recognized it just the same. She had a heart to give, and what's in the heart is what matters.

Whether it's in the giving or the receiving, we become a part of a sacred activity. Both are necessary for the activity to be complete. Both participants are blessed.
"There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear." The women in our home have recieved so much here. And I desire to give back. But not because I owe you. (That would taint your gifts.) I desire to give back because I love you!

.....beautiful
 

loxmythe

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Wow. I just found this thread. No I ain't going back and reading everything.

1st an apology from me. I lost my temper and jumped on someone Saturday and I'm sorry. I should have handled it via PM.

I haven't been here long but the people of PIF have made me welcome and a part of their group (family really). I have in my short time witnessed an amazingly abundant amount of giving.
I think anyone should feel free to post a want or need but be clear on the definition. There is nothing wrong with wanting to try something before you buy it. I don't think anyone here is swimming in money and it is beneficial for the group as a whole to help each other out with trying new flavors. If 6 people each have just enough for 1 flavor and they share then you have 6 people with 6 flavors. If I have it and you want to try it I'll gladly send you a taste.
Needs on the other hand should be specified as such. Like hey I'm barely paying the bills - out of juice or atty etc. until pay day. Again if I have it you will have some too as soon as I can mail it. But if 6 people respond to your NEED it is only fair to say "oh thanks I wouldn't mind taking your offer too but Joe Shmuckatelli already took care of it" That way when someone else needs something everyone isn't tapped out, used up, or just plain grumpy. Odds are I'll send it to you anyway just so you have a back up.
Sometimes when someone just keeps taking and taking it makes the givers feel taken advantage of. I'm not saying if you need help to stop asking but if you post you need something and get a ton of offers - leave a little for someone else. Times are tough for everybody. If you need it you will get it. But only take what you need. We're all in this together.

As for the PIF thread - don't post it if you don't want to give it away. Once you post it consider it gone. PIF is to help people along. Some people just don't have much to offer in return - so what. Offer what you can - it's enough and I'm sure someone needs it. But lets also give everyone a chance too. Pass up an offer from time to time and spread it around. Let someone else have a turn.

just my opinion:2c:

I'll go back to blowing up attys now :ohmy:
 

Bahnzo

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As for the PIF thread - don't post it if you don't want to give it away. Once you post it consider it gone. PIF is to help people along. Some people just don't have much to offer in return - so what. Offer what you can - it's enough and I'm sure someone needs it. But lets also give everyone a chance too. Pass up an offer from time to time and spread it around. Let someone else have a turn.

Nobody who is new should ever feel bad about taking an offer and not having as much to give in return. The problem is there are people who are constantly taking offers and doing this. I suggested the 12 hour limit, but it really should be a guideline. The rule in place now about not taking back to back offers is good, but if someone is taking multiple offers a day, they need to ratchet it back and allow others to participate. PIF is not about collecting as much as you can and having 100ml of free juice.
 

skydragon

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I agree some form of self policing is nec, my only problem with that is how it may look to someone just joining. I know I kinda felt that way when I first joined. I think when people abuse a wonderful forum it should be addresed, just not always publicly. Maybe a simple pm to that member...if that dosent fix it then maybe a quick public note or a pm to jules.


I also agree adding tons of rules won't fix it either...like I said they kinda were just my thoughts. I don't really have the right answer in making it better. Just want to keep it a fun and warm place for the newb's and senior members as well.

Hi smilin,

I do understand what you are saying. The only concern I have with everything being behind the scenes is that it doesn't protect the unknowing. Say Joe Blow (sorry if anyone's name is Joe Blow) is taking advantage (not breaking rules, just praying on peoples generosity) and it is hidden amongst a few. Someone comes along who has no idea that Joe Blow is a leech, sends them something and gets taken advantage of. I think many times people of PIF will send items to someone they think is in need even when they can't really afford it themselves. That's why I think it is kind of necessary to make it a little more public when you do have a bad apple.

I know there isn't a perfect answer and this is only my opinion.
 
I didn't read the all the responses. I did see where Jules's question was hypothetical. So I will use that as an example. Jules knowing now that you have a Chuck, an Ego, a Fist Pack, a special one of a kind 7V mod, 510 and an 808, if you posted a "want" for any one of those I would find that to be wrong. Now if you posted another want for a mod of any kind, I would find that wrong as well. My feeling on that is based on the fact that there's people here without a mod of any sort. I guess I just feel everyone knows whats right and wrong here. 99% of the people here do right IMO. That 1% that doesn't.....well they just stick out like a sore thumb.

As mini_art put it best one time, the people who are truly in need are usually the last ones to ask.
 

skydragon

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I didn't read the all the responses. I did see where Jules's question was hypothetical. So I will use that as an example. Jules knowing now that you have a Chuck, an Ego, a Fist Pack, a special one of a kind 7V mod, 510 and an 808, if you posted a "want" for any one of those I would find that to be wrong. Now if you posted another want for a mod of any kind, I would find that wrong as well. My feeling on that is based on the fact that there's people here without a mod of any sort. I guess I just feel everyone knows whats right and wrong here. 99% of the people here do right IMO. That 1% that doesn't.....well they just stick out like a sore thumb.

As mini_art put it best one time, the people who are truly in need are usually the last ones to ask.

That's it right there! And the people who are constantly asking for items should be sending up a big red flag.
 

jons

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I have no problems with this as long as it's requested clearly as a WANT and not a NEED. There's a big difference in my eyes. Also, it's a sample being requested in your scenario I take it, not 30 ml or something...just trying to see if it's something they like rather than buying a huge bottle.

Spot on...
 

gingersnaps

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first off I just want to say I love pif. I have just started here but it has given me a chance to try flavors I can't afford to waste money oon to find out if I like it or not. I have also been able to give things that I had that I realized after buying when I started vaping I did not care for. I have only done a few but in any package I get anything that I didn't care for goes back to my out box. and if I failed to say it already thank you to anyone who sent a package to me. I have actually found a couple I like that I know I never would hae purchased.

I spent a mo skimming the pif before I ever joined the group or posted bc I was afraid of being seen as a mooch. now I am slowly getting in on the fun. yes I was and am till afraid of how pathetic some of my offers are but getting over it.

as far as rules and keeping the moochers out this seems like a tight group with several regulars that could pobably spot a mooch a mile away.
 
Welcome! I'm sure I speak for 99% of the population here when I tell you this nor any other thread is pointed at any new members, there are a select few "regulars" that the topic applies to! If you need something, post in needs. If you want to try a juice, grab a PIF, and dont worry about your offering! IF you got polyfill and ziplocks (<---avy) then you got an offer LOL..

NEWBIES! If you are reading this thread, please dont think any of this is about you,(thread isnt really directed at anyone to be honest) if you really do need something, PLEASE post it in needs and if someone has it to spare, you'll get it.
 

WhatAClumsyGirl

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Well said r3dgh0s7.....we definately don't want to scare people to death about taking an offer....after all, pif is a giving thread. It really should be about the giving and possibly receiving something in return, possibly not. It personally makes me feel good to give a few things, especially when i feel they are needed. It's a selfless act to my soul...and I believe it should be that way for everyone.

I stray away from this group at times, but I always find myself back here....it's the warmth of the heart that glows from the members here.
 

Blaze

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Disclaimer: this post is NOT taking shots at ANYONE, so don't think I am. It's merely my opinion, and that with a dollar will getcha a cup of coffee.

I've got an opinion, and until now, I've been very quiet about it, but with this thread, I think I'm just gonna speak my mind, and everyone can take it for what's it's worth....

I think PIF as a whole has gotten a bit "touchy" lately, with the possibility of a scammer looming over it/us. Jules, the fact that you even thought that this thread was necessary just proves my point (altho I'm not making accusations of ANY kind). You've as much right to post Wants/Needs as any of the rest of us (maybe even more so). No one should care what kind of gear you've got. Hell, I've got a vaping arsenal, and I'm not ashamed/embarrassed/apologetic about it. It took me a while to amass my collection, but I still need a bit of help from time to time, and have desires to try new stuff w/o spending a small fortune deciding what I like and don't like. This was what the original intent of both the Needs and the Wants thread, and I'm glad that the thread finally got separated again.

Yes, we've had some bad seeds. Yes, we will have to endure them in the future, as it's the nature of the beast. But in the past few weeks/months, I've watched PIF go from the completely carefree and relaxed family that it once was, to, at times, extremely edgy and defensive. I've watched PIF go from a happy thread, designed to pick up some new things to try out/take someone up on a bit of help to make it thru the tough times, to a very demanding and rules driven atmosphere.

This is not a good thing.

My biggest piece of advice to ANYONE participating in PIF is simple: If you can't stand to lose what your offering, don't offer it up in the first place (meaning have NO expections for end results after it leaves your possession, no matter what).

/rant (does this officially qualify as a rant?), resume your normally scheduled PIF activities :)
 
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