Entering the Tailmaking Market

[teeth4u]

I'm certainly not entering the tailmaking market but I would love to hear from those of you that are. In my opinion, this mermaid market is relatively new and gaining popularity; however, I wonder if it is actually a profitable business. These are my thoughts as a business consultant.

Mermaid tails are very expensive due to high production costs. I like to break down the consumer demographics into 3 categories.

1. Commercial Consumers - Companies or individuals who purchase a tail for marketing or other business purposes. This consumer purchases a tail as an investment that yields a high future income.
2. Recreational Consumers - Mostly parents who are buying them as a toy for their children.
3. Cosplay Consumers - Individuals who purchase tails mostly for recreational use and intentions of branding themselves as a mermaid for profits, fun, or other personal reasons.

I feel that roughly 10% of sales are derived from commercial sales, 25% recreational sales, and 65% cosplay sales. This is where I feel the market for mermaid tails is not the best. So many of the consumers are cosplayers in the low-middle income bracket. The real profits lie in selling to big companies making commercials or kids whose parents have a lot money.

Anyways, it doesn't matter what type of consumer you are because as long as anyone is willing to buy a tail, a market will exist. BUT that brings me to another issue in the tailmaking market. Out of the roughly 65% of cosplayers that purchase a tail then go on to make their own tails and begin to sell them. Additionally, people are constantly starting to sell and make tails. It seems like almost every mermaid on here has an etsy shop or sells some of their creations. I guess I'm just wondering, are there real profits in the tailmaking market?

[Theta]

I think there is if you can consistently make an amazing product. Many have tried; few have succeeded. Mertailor, Merbellas, Finfolk, and MVD can all pretty much command whatever prices they want, and have waitlists months or years long at this point. Fabric tailmakers can be successful if you have the capacity to turn out tails in bulk.

Also, don't sell the cosplayers short! What money they have, they tend to blow on cosplay. That can be thousands of dollars over the course of a year.

[teeth4u]

I think there is if you can consistently make an amazing product. Many have tried; few have succeeded. Mertailor, Merbellas, Finfolk, and MVD can all pretty much command whatever prices they want, and have waitlists months or years long at this point. Fabric tailmakers can be successful if you have the capacity to turn out tails in bulk.

Also, don't sell the cosplayers short! What money they have, they tend to blow on cosplay. That can be thousands of dollars over the course of a year.

Of course the big businesses are doing the best just like Starbucks can price their coffee at $5 whereas Joe Schmoe's Coffee Shop would go out of business if his coffee was that expensive. I'm not ripping on the cosplayers at all! I just see more and more mermaids selling their creations and I'm interested in knowing where their profits lie.

[Theta]

I'm not sure. The sense that I get is outside of the big tailmakers, people are doing it more as a hobby that occasionally makes money rather than trying to make a living from it. Does that make sense? I'm not sure what their profit margins are. Interesting question :)

[Shimmer Mermaid]

I've wanted to become a tail maker for quite some time now as I have a bit of experience with various arts. I feel like you can start off small, making small things, at cost of production. And slowly build a clientele, and make sure you are always getting better, and create a good product that people like. Make your own style. The more you make, and more experience you have under your belt, you can slowly raise prices and add upgrades, etc etc etc. Then you slowly start making a decent amount of profit. It just takes a little bit of doing, because you have to pay for that first tail, to show people you are, indeed, capable of handling the making of tails.

[teeth4u]

I've wanted to become a tail maker for quite some time now as I have a bit of experience with various arts. I feel like you can start off small, making small things, at cost of production. And slowly build a clientele, and make sure you are always getting better, and create a good product that people like. Make your own style. The more you make, and more experience you have under your belt, you can slowly raise prices and add upgrades, etc etc etc. Then you slowly start making a decent amount of profit. It just takes a little bit of doing, because you have to pay for that first tail, to show people you are, indeed, capable of handling the making of tails.

I agree! I definitely think it would take a while to work up to significant profits.

Theta, you're totally right. A lot of people do this for a hobby, not to make money. I would love to hear from the mers trying to make a profit though.

[MermaidCelesteFL]

There are a couple things you're missing in your analysis. Let's see:



1. Commercial Consumers - Companies or individuals who purchase a tail for marketing or other business purposes. This consumer purchases a tail as an investment that yields a high future income.
2. Recreational Consumers - Mostly parents who are buying them as a toy for their children.
3. Cosplay Consumers - Individuals who purchase tails mostly for recreational use and intentions of branding themselves as a mermaid for profits, fun, or other personal reasons.

I feel that roughly 10% of sales are derived from commercial sales, 25% recreational sales, and 65% cosplay sales. This is where I feel the market for mermaid tails is not the best. So many of the consumers are cosplayers in the low-middle income bracket. The real profits lie in selling to big companies making commercials or kids whose parents have a lot money.

It's important to set a divide between high-quality silicone tails and fabric tails here. There is a huge difference in price, quality, and demographics involved. Plus, from your analysis, your demographics overlap. There is no clear-cut line between them.

In regards to fabric tails, some businesses buy them in bulk to teach little kids swimming lessons (or mermaid parties) or for photoshoots with multiple mermaids. They're relatively inexpensive and easy to make. In fact, most mers prefer to make their own. Parents and kids have equal buying power in this product because it's so inexpensive, and can be bought by the the upper, middle, and lower-middle class. However, they also don't last very long, the monofins are known to crack and wear down pretty quickly, and fabric thins and wears down. The lifespan of the product is short, but there are always new competitors to the market, and this includes the crafters that make neoprene tails, which have a longer lifespan and can be more aesthetically pleasing.

Silicone tails are an entirely different story. A few businesses buy them from their already-earned income(ie: dive bars, aquariums, etc), but most mers use their own money to buy their tails directly. And since their businesses can't start until they have their tail, they are going to use it recreationally until their business starts getting gigs. Due to the high cost of silicone tails, the overall investment it takes to make, measure, buy, and the safety concerns involved, children lose buying power in the silicone tail market. (As with most large purchases, they still have some buying power in upper income families.) Thus, with middle and lower income families, silicone tails buying is near non-existant for children under 18. As you predicted, the cosplaying mers that buy so they can mermaid for profit and recreationally are the majority of the market. They come from all walks of life, all income levels, some saving up for years to get their silicone tail. Eventually, some get the guts and the money to make their own silicone tails, but few actually get good enough to make tails for others to run as a company. We've seen plenty of companies fall by the wayside because the demand for tails was too much for one person to handle, and the company collapses. Silicone tails are a premium product at a premium price with a long lifespan (if they are built well and are taken care of well), with only a few strong competitors.


Anyways, it doesn't matter what type of consumer you are because as long as anyone is willing to buy a tail, a market will exist. BUT that brings me to another issue in the tailmaking market. Out of the roughly 65% of cosplayers that purchase a tail then go on to make their own tails and begin to sell them. Additionally, people are constantly starting to sell and make tails. It seems like almost every mermaid on here has an etsy shop or sells some of their creations. I guess I'm just wondering, are there real profits in the tailmaking market?

Now let's talk about a little thing called Porter's Five Forces to Market Entry (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Porter_five_forces_analysis).
The following five forces determine the overall competitive intensity and attractiveness of the market: Threat of New Entrants, Threat of New Products or Services, Bargaining Power of Customers, Bargaining Power of Suppliers, and Intensity of Competitive Rivalry. Let's take the silicone tail market as an example.

1. Threat of New Entrants: Not many people try to open up businesses to sell silicone tails, as the craft is insanely difficult to reproduce multiple times without the proper supplies, time, environment, crafting ability, and so on. The new entrants is low, so that's a plus for your market attractiveness.

2. Threat of New Products or Services: This is a problem for new entrants. The already-established tailmakers are constantly evolving and coming up with new products, lines, and processes for their products. Once a new entrant comes in with one fluke mold and a scale sheet all their own, Mertailor comes out and makes an orca tail. While the new entrant may be attractive due to the low cost of their tails, they don't provide as wide of a range of new products and services. Minus for market attractiveness.

3. Bargaining Power of Customers: Due to the high cost of materials plus labor, the buyers don't have as much bargaining power as they think. Even with an "at cost" tail, it would still run the buyer at least 1k in materials alone. Sure, the customers could go with another tailmaker, but at the same time, their cost could be the same or more. The risk here is that the customer could change their mind and downgrade to a neoprene tail for a whole lot less money and shorter production time. Since the bargaining power is low, the attractiveness is good.

4. Bargaining Power of Suppliers: Good news here. Silicone and materials is easy to get if you know how to get it. Suppliers can't tell anybody that they can't buy, especially if you are buying in bulk. I've heard most of the companies involved with tailmaking materials are really good to work with and communicate with, so the bargaining power of suppliers here is a non-issue. Good for market entry.

5. Intensity of Competitive Rivalry: Here's the big one. It's not just competitor vs competitor in this game, it's also loyal customer vs other loyal customer. Some people who bought from Mertailor are so in love with his product that they will never say anything negative about him and will defend his product as much as they can. Others who bought from Finfolk, Merbellas, and Mernation would do the same. And it's difficult for Joe Shmo who just entered the market and only makes one type of tail to compete with guys like these, with hardly any customers to speak for them, no multiple product lines to back them up, no variety to his work. No offense to the individual tail makers out there, but it's near impossible for them to compete with the big guys. The larger tail makers have wait lists that are upwards of months, years long and are still pumping out tails every week. But smaller companies that operate as a side job don't have the time to stop what they are doing and make tails for a living. It's too risky. So in this case, it would be a negative to market entry.

In conclusion, we are looking at an industry that can be quite profitable and rewarding IF the maker is talented, has enough start up money to make good, quality tails to get a loyal customer base to vouch for said tailmaker, and can keep innovating and growing with the industry to remain profitable. Are there going to be plenty of barriers to entry? Sure. But they can be overcome. The main thing to watch out for are the major competitors, the risk of failure and of the customers switching to other tailmakers or switching to neoprene or fabric, and the cost of supplies to keep the business running. It is an attractive, growing, and prosperous industry, but it's not without its faults.

I hope this answers your questions!

-your helpful mermaid with a marketing degree

[Princess Pearl]

I've got no interest in making tails, but that was a fascinating post, Celeste!

[Yulia]

Celeste;

http://media.giphy.com/media/n5oYbKrHYXylq/giphy.gif

[Starfrit]

[Literally everything Celeste said]

http://reaction.club/r/hqg-647.gif

Celeste, you are AMAZING. <3

[PearlieMae]

Brava, Celeste!
:clap:

[teeth4u]

Celeste, I really appreciate you taking the time to put thought into your response. It's interesting you point out that the market is "loyal customer vs other loyal customer". I am aware that there is a long waiting list for many of the 'big name' tailmakers. The majority of the buyers (cosplayers) are very loyal to their preferred brand. As you stated, this makes it very difficult to compete against the more well-known brands. For these few competitors, I agree that it is a very profitable business.

How do you think a new brand, just starting up, can work up to compete with Merbellas, MerTailor, Finfolk, etc? Assuming a high quality product at a competitive price, how do you gain market share? Marketing is key here, I would love your opinion and anyone else's!

[MerEmma]

New ideas. New designs. The look of tails is basically entirely the appeal; obviously durability and customer service are important too but I think it's pretty obvious that people are drawn to what they want their tails to look like. That's how to get the first customers.

After all, PearlieMae came out with a VERY innovative idea for creating an idea, beautiful sculpting abilities and an eye for glitter and she has had a LOT of interests in her selling tails afterward, with good reason. Personally for my future tail I'm likely to buy Merbellas; a company I trust a lot (despite my first and only order so far being messed up initially, Raven handled it very well) with my favorite fluke designs I've seen on the market. If I don't make it myself, and personally I'm not interested in it but my mother is, haha.

In the mermaid community really the network is the only marketing I feel? I mean now we've got MerFest, and Facebook and Google but otherwise it's really just Mernetwork and word of mouth.

[teeth4u]

MerEmma, may I ask how Merbellas gained your trust? Obviously the company has built up a great reputation. Besides the physical appeal of the tails, what drew you to that particular brand?

[MerEmma]

Raina has always been a great advocate of Raven. I've seen her work, I've seen how spectacular and immensely creative she is. I love how smooth she paints tails, the transition between colors always looks so gradual and natural to me. I trust her. I also trust FinFolk, but I don't like current their flukes as much as Merbellas.

I bought scale bracers from Raven a while back (2013 ish) when she did her first mass-order of them on Etsy. The first pair I received, one was MUCH larger than the other, they were way too silver and the seams were awful looking. I believe she said she had tried taking on new help and the new help wasn't as beneficial as she had thought, so I sent them back and got them replaced for a beautiful pair I now own. :) There are a few posts about everything on the Merbellas thread that I tried to find but I only found the ones I made when I was trying to decide which scales/colors I wanted around page 34 ish.

As for other smaller tailmakers, at this point I haven't seen a whole lot of tails done by quite a few (Sirenalia is one, but a bit too new for my paranoia). A LOT of mers here have invested in new makers and gotten screwed. Kanti, Adam Martyn, the latex tailmaker I'm forgetting the name of right now (oops) but goes by FINSPO now...I don't want to go down that road.

[MermaidCelesteFL]

How do you think a new brand, just starting up, can work up to compete with Merbellas, MerTailor, Finfolk, etc? Assuming a high quality product at a competitive price, how do you gain market share? Marketing is key here, I would love your opinion and anyone else's!


New ideas. New designs. The look of tails is basically entirely the appeal; obviously durability and customer service are important too but I think it's pretty obvious that people are drawn to what they want their tails to look like. That's how to get the first customers.

MerEmma pretty much hit it on the head here. Keeping ahead of the competitors is the name of the game. You would need to offer something that the competition doesn't have. As for your question, how does a newcomer with a competitive price and a high quality of product gain market share? Let's look into this further.

(EDIT: Sorry, but I definitely plugged Mernation a lot more than I intended to. I was just going off of my experiences.)

1. Know your customers. We covered this in the last post, but it's worth bringing it up again.
-Who are your customers?
-What kinds of things do they buy?
-Why do they buy them?
-How do they buy them?
-Who else could buy from you?
-The typical budget of existing and new buyers
-Who are your competitors?
In this case, your customers are going to be a wide variety of ages, between 6-86 (give or take), with all sorts of buying power. They buy tails to a)start a mermaiding business, b)work for an existing business, c)use recreationally, d) use for modeling, or all of them. Your customers are likely to buy things to go with the tail in order to take care of it, transport it (tail bag), and accessories that go with the tail (such as bracers, circlet, necklace, etc.). Your market doesn't just span where you live, either. Many tailmakers' clients are overseas. You need to keep in mind that your product can go anywhere. Have a money converter on hand, and you open up your possibilites to clients around the world. Assuming that your product is a high-quality product with competitive prices, your customers are willing to pay premium prices for premium products- but to an extent. The average cost of a high-quality silicone tail is around 2-3k, sometimes more. This means that your customers won't settle for poor quality or poor service at that cost. As soon as they get even the slightest whiff that your product is shoddy or you fell behind, they will flee to the closest competitor. Why? Because you don't have a sturdy customer base yet.

Whew.

2. Sell more to existing customers. This only applies to the customers who plan on buying more than one tail after they get their first tail. If you have built up a sturdy customer base, your loyal customers will start to spread the word about your tailmaking business and will save up for your newer, better tails as they begin to come out. The key here is to encourage more frequent buying and getting customers to spend more. Prime example: Mernation did a wonderful job patching up my tail in the past, and offered me a great discount on a new tail from them. A year later, I took them up on the deal, because of their great customer service. And in this example, Mernation also offered me free bracers as a part of my tail package, because I ordered all of the bells and whistles. I could have gone somewhere else, but because Mernation set it up in one big package, I don't need to commission anyone else to match bracers to my tail as well as they can!

3. Get old customers back. If you know that your client very well, you might have a chance at a repeat purchase with them. But if ANYTHING went wrong or if they liked someone else better, they are going to go with another competitor. Here's what to do: Find out why customers stopped buying from you. Is another tail no longer necessary? Is your product too expensive for another one? Are you sending out unsatisfactory work or bad service? Are the competitors changing faster than you are? Keep all of that in mind. Get in contact with your previous clients and ask how they are enjoying their product. Listen to what they say on public forums like this one. And make an offer to tempt them back. Mernation is doing this right now as well. They are offering the single-color, thinner version of their silicone tails at a much lower cost than their premium tails. They just made buying a silicone tail a TON more affordable to own a first or second tail.

4. Market and sell effectively to similar customers. This one's a toughie. You really need to think outside the silicone box for this. Your goal is to find similar customers and reach out to them. You have a whole market of mermaid tails that (until now) hasn't been discussed yet. Fabric and Neoprene tails! Wherever you have customers that are looking for silicone tails, you are going to find dozens of customers looking for affordable fabric and neoprene tails. What do most of the big name silicone tail companies offer? Multiple product lines for different price points. Your company needs to stay ahead of the game and think about the companies that are not only selling silicone tails to their clients, but can also make a quick buck on fabric tails to build up a sturdy client base that might one day turn into a returning customer.

There is a lot more that goes into this topic in regards to market research and different forms of reaching out to your customers, but for the sake of simplicity, let's stick to social media marketing and word of mouth.

5. Market effectively. Create and commit to a marketing plan and try to reach out to the most likely customers first. Segment your target customer base into similar characteristics, and you'll be set.

6. Selling overseas. Reaching out to customers overseas will have a significant impact on your business, but you have to manage it correctly. Customs fees are nothing to laugh at, and the more remote locations would need more management to get there. There is also the possibility of teaming up with other businesses as a joint venture to sell into new sectors and making both businesses more well known.

and lastly,

7. Consider diversification. As mentioned earlier, diversification is the key to staying ahead of the competition. Come up with new product lines and services, but Understand the risks involved. For an already-established company, a failed new product could be disasterous for previously successful products. The cost of R&D could also be high considering what you might be planning on doing. However, if you get it right, then you add a significant chunk of the market share to your business, and many loyal customers to follow.

Again, there's a lot of marketing, sales, and financing advice to follow under this category, but for the sake of simplicity, we'll just leave it at that.

-Your friendly, neighborhood mermaid who needs to go to grad school.

[MerEmma]

Wow, Celeste. Sounds like you should make an entire "So you wanna sell silicone tails" thread! All very, very good points made.

[MermaidCelesteFL]

Meh. The mods can sticky the thread if they like. If there's anything I know I'm good at, it's talking about marketing and swimming. I can do this for days. After all, I graduated with a degree in marketing and an emphasis on entertainment marketing and consumer behavior. I breathe this stuff. I literally read marketing books for fun.

[teeth4u]

After close observation of the mermaid community, I have realized that my problem with entering the mermaid market is the consumer base. Mermaids and mermen alike seem to be expecting something out of this mermaid lifestyle. Celeste pointed out that people buy tails to 'a)start a mermaiding business, b)work for an existing business, c)use recreationally, d) use for modeling'. Besides the 'use recreationally' part, I feel that many merfolk are expecting returns on their tails whether it be internet popularity, money, or acceptance into a group.

In my experiences, merfolk are constantly trying to sell things, gain facebook likes, or make a name for themselves somehow. To me, this is the problem with the mermaid tail market. The drive behind these consumer purchases is mostly... self-fulfilling reasons. The best inventions solve a problem or make life easier. Mermaid tails do neither and are a luxury item that somehow people seem to mistake for a lifestyle change. After all, it is just a costume and despite what we think, the demand for mermaid costumes (and mermaids) is no different than any other cosplay costume (or cosplay actor).

Anyways, this (and other experiences) leads me to the conclusion that there isn't much profit in the mermaid business. The few tail makers who seem to have done well in the business like Raven, Finfolk and MerNation are doing well because they treat it like a business. They make a product and sell it well in a professional manner. Aside from those select few, the mermaid community has given me an extremely unprofessional vibe. I feel this will always limit the possibilities of expanding the tail making and general mermaid market.

[Yulia]

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/a524/LeslieM8625/Bye-Bye-GIF_zps1cbe83ec.gif

[PearlieMae]

Well, I was going to add something clever, but Yulia said it so much better.

[SeaGlass Siren]

http://cdn5.michaeljacksonspictures.com/wp-content/gallery/popcorn-meme/jackson-im-just-here-to-read-the-comments-03.jpg

[teeth4u]

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/a524/LeslieM8625/Bye-Bye-GIF_zps1cbe83ec.gif

I don't understand what this is supposed to mean.

[Mermaid Freyja]

Yep. After all that, Yulia nailed it :lol:

[teeth4u]

This is only further proving the unprofessional attitude of the mermaids here. I really do not appreciate people not taking my comments seriously because I am serious.

Yulia, your gofund me link is broken.

[PearlieMae]

This is only further proving the unprofessional attitude of the mermaids here. I really do not appreciate people not taking my comments seriously because I am serious.

Yulia, your gofund me link is broken.

We ARE taking you seriously. The thing is, you are taking yourself too seriously. If you don't think there is money to be made in the mermaid market, fine. Don't make mermaid tails or items. You won't be missed. There is more to mermaiding than SELLING stuff to merfolk. If you just came here to see if you could profit from the mercommunity, then you are not Merfolk.

Maybe you could hawk your talents to a more consumer-based community more willing to part with their cash.

I wish you the best of luck.

[teeth4u]

We ARE taking you seriously. The thing is, you are taking yourself too seriously. If you don't think there is money to be made in the mermaid market, fine. Don't make mermaid tails or items. You won't be missed. There is more to mermaiding than SELLING stuff to merfolk. If you just came here to see if you could profit from the mercommunity, then you are not Merfolk.

Maybe you could hawk your talents to a more consumer-based community more willing to part with their cash.

I wish you the best of luck.

I know there is but I am trying to discuss with you how the mermaid community and business can move forward and progress in the world. As Merfolk, I believe we should be trying to establish some credibility to further increase demand outside of the mermaid community. My first gig as a mermaid someone asked me "Oh did you go to that freak mermaid convention I read about?". If you haven't noticed, people don't respect the mermaid community and I can honestly see why.

Here is the article.

http://www.businessinsider.com/these-are-the-strangest-conventions-in-america-2015-3

I guess you guys do not share the same goal of making mermaiding a respectable business and profession.

[SeaGlass Siren]

Here's the issue though. Nothing is wrong with us. We're normal people with hobbies and we're living out our dreams. What is wrong are the people judging us for it. If this was a home convention or wedding convention or even a car or body building convention, the media wouldn't paint it in a bad light. Once they see something strange and they don't like it, they paint it in a negative light which is why no one ever respects any kind of community be it the cosplay community, mer community, furry, vampire etcetc what have you

[Imogen Finnly]

This is only further proving the unprofessional attitude of the mermaids here. I really do not appreciate people not taking my comments seriously because I am serious. <br />
<br />
Yulia, your gofund me link is broken.<br />
<br />
We ARE taking you seriously. The thing is, you are taking yourself too seriously. If you don't think there is money to be made in the mermaid market, fine. Don't make mermaid tails or items. You won't be missed. There is more to mermaiding than SELLING stuff to merfolk. If you just came here to see if you could profit from the <i>mercommunity</i>, then you are not <b>Merfolk</b>. <br />
<br />
Maybe you could hawk your talents to a more consumer-based community more willing to part with their cash.<br />
<br />
I wish you the best of luck.


👏👏👏👏👏👏


formerly jayy

[Mermaid Freyja]

Teeth4u, I understand where your coming from, many of us do. But your approach with the Merfolk community needs a little work, and perhaps more understanding.
Personally, I didn't become involved in mermaiding with the hopes that it would somehow make me a big profit. Nor did I hope that it would become as mainstream as Coca-Cola like so many things these days.
Many of us do this to escape that world, does that make sense?
Sure, let it become popular and more understood, I'm all for it. Make those naysayers eat their foot after calling us "Freaks".
If people are able to create and support their own livelihood by making a business out of what they love, then more power to them. For many people the mermaiding world *is a respectable business* and a very successful profession, but it just sounds like you want to then turn around and sell that dream for mass production. I could be totally wrong, and I apologize if I am. But that's the vibe I get from many of your inquiries here.
Best of luck to you.

[AniaR]

K imma just come out and say this: I asked Iona to check teeth4us ip address last time they were around. It was the same IP as another user Iona is nice about this stuff even though people aren't allowed to make alt accounts ( its connected to another account too). She tries to give people a chance to provide evidence that they arent just alt accounts. ( there was another meenet account the ip is connected to also to the ig user and the email went to their associated etsy)I think it is interesting I made that point to the IG user and a day later teeth4u is back. Since I made the original thread calling out the user for theft it would make sense why teeth4u a 'new' user would have such vocal opinions about me... And the tail making market???

Could it all be a giant coincidence??? Sure. But one hell of one....

[Mermaid Sirenia]

K imma just come out and say this: I asked Iona to check teeth4us ip address last time they were around. It was the same IP as another user recently caught on IG stealing finfolk and merbellas designs to a T. Iona is nice about this stuff even though people aren't allowed to make alt accounts ( its connected to another account too). She tries to give people a chance to provide evidence that they arent just alt accounts. ( there was another meenet account the ip is connected to also to the ig user and the email went to their associated etsy)I think it is interesting I made that point to the IG user and a day later teeth4u is back. Since I made the original thread calling out the user for theft it would make sense why teeth4u a 'new' user would have such vocal opinions about me... And the tail making market???

Could it all be a giant coincidence??? Sure. But one hell of one....
Yeah that would be QUITE the coincidence.
And personally I don't want mermaiding to be mainstream, because if that were the case our community would just be another trend, not the family it has become! I don't mind it becoming more popular, but I wouldn't want it to be some big thing like Coca-Cola!

[PearlieMae]

I know there is but I am trying to discuss with you how the mermaid community and business can move forward and progress in the world. As Merfolk, I believe we should be trying to establish some credibility to further increase demand outside of the mermaid community. My first gig as a mermaid someone asked me "Oh did you go to that freak mermaid convention I read about?". If you haven't noticed, people don't respect the mermaid community and I can honestly see why.

Here is the article.

http://www.businessinsider.com/these-are-the-strangest-conventions-in-america-2015-3

I guess you guys do not share the same goal of making mermaiding a respectable business and profession.

Why are you so hellbent on marketing mermaiding? You're like a proselytizing missionary! I DON'T CARE IF ORDINARY PEOPLE DON'T RESPECT THE MERMAID COMMUNITY.

[teeth4u]

K imma just come out and say this: I asked Iona to check teeth4us ip address last time they were around. It was the same IP as another user recently caught on IG stealing finfolk and merbellas designs to a T. Iona is nice about this stuff even though people aren't allowed to make alt accounts ( its connected to another account too). She tries to give people a chance to provide evidence that they arent just alt accounts. ( there was another meenet account the ip is connected to also to the ig user and the email went to their associated etsy)I think it is interesting I made that point to the IG user and a day later teeth4u is back. Since I made the original thread calling out the user for theft it would make sense why teeth4u a 'new' user would have such vocal opinions about me... And the tail making market???

Could it all be a giant coincidence??? Sure. But one hell of one....

This is absolutely not true. I do not even have an instagram account. Everyone here is missing the point. I'm not trying to profit off the mermaid community. We're all on the same team. I come on here and try to have a discussion about the tail making business and only one person actually gave me their input. I'm not saying mermaids should be mainstream or some crazy profitable franchise. All I am getting at is that innovation comes from (among other things) critical thinking and challenging your ideas. Obviously everyone here would rather start some petty drama rather than engage in a stimulating conversation.

Raina, please message me. I would like to further discuss your accusations in private.

[AniaR]

I'm not accusing you. I'm stating. Your IP is connected to the MerNetwork account and the Instagram an etsy of a tail maker.

[teeth4u]

I'm not accusing you. I'm stating. Your IP is connected to the MerNetwork account and the Instagram an etsy of a tail maker.

Can we discuss this in private?

[PearlieMae]

Excuse me, but there was an interesting and lively conversation until you decided how worthless it is to pursue as a business opportunity.

"Anyways, this (and other experiences) leads me to the conclusion that there isn't much profit in the mermaid business. The few tail makers who seem to have done well in the business like Raven, Finfolk and MerNation are doing well because they treat it like a business. They make a product and sell it well in a professional manner. Aside from those select few, the mermaid community has given me an extremely unprofessional vibe. I feel this will always limit the possibilities of expanding the tail making and general mermaid market."

No drama here until you insult the community outright. Celeste, for one, went to great lengths to address you with thoughtful and intelligent conversation and you gave her a one sentence response before disappearing for several weeks, only to come back and insult everyone.

[teeth4u]

Excuse me, but there was an interesting and lively conversation until you decided how worthless it is to pursue as a business opportunity.

"Anyways, this (and other experiences) leads me to the conclusion that there isn't much profit in the mermaid business. The few tail makers who seem to have done well in the business like Raven, Finfolk and MerNation are doing well because they treat it like a business. They make a product and sell it well in a professional manner. Aside from those select few, the mermaid community has given me an extremely unprofessional vibe. I feel this will always limit the possibilities of expanding the tail making and general mermaid market."

No drama here until you insult the community outright. Celeste, for one, went to great lengths to address you and you gave her a one sentence response before disappearing for several weeks, only to come back and insult everyone.

That was not meant to be an insult, I'm sorry it offended people. I expected you of all people to be a bit more understanding because you are pursuing your own tail business. To me it sounds like you guys are okay with the way people are not accepting of mermaids, don't care if anyone respects you and aren't willing to put in any effort to change that. I've read threads on here about people who lose their jobs because they have a mermaid hobby and kids who are bullied every day for wanting to be a mermaid. This is not okay in my opinion and I doubt it is in your either. I have wanted to be a mermaid my entire life and everyone has always told me I'm queer for wanting to play adult dress up. I'm not one to sit around while other people disrespect me. I guess I was hoping that more people would be interested in discussing facts and the reality of the mermaid community and how to improve upon it.

The mermaid community has given me an unprofessional vibe and I believe that this right here is the reason why people can't take us seriously. It seems we can't have a serious conversation on here without personally attacking someone with different views or a little bit of criticism. I've seen it here before and it's happening again now.

[teeth4u]

Excuse me, but there was an interesting and lively conversation until you decided how worthless it is to pursue as a business opportunity.

"Anyways, this (and other experiences) leads me to the conclusion that there isn't much profit in the mermaid business. The few tail makers who seem to have done well in the business like Raven, Finfolk and MerNation are doing well because they treat it like a business. They make a product and sell it well in a professional manner. Aside from those select few, the mermaid community has given me an extremely unprofessional vibe. I feel this will always limit the possibilities of expanding the tail making and general mermaid market."

No drama here until you insult the community outright. Celeste, for one, went to great lengths to address you with thoughtful and intelligent conversation and you gave her a one sentence response before disappearing for several weeks, only to come back and insult everyone.

I would also like to add that I did respond to Celeste's posts and thanked her for taking the time to respond. Imagine where the conversation would be if everyone took that kind of time to think and respond like that! As for my "disappearance", I have a demanding full time job and can't always spend the time necessary to respond adequately. After all, this is just hobby for me and not my career.

[SeaGlass Siren]

People don't take us seriously because we dress up in tails. Not because of our attitude. It's because they are not understanding and they are judgey. how is it our fault if they judge us based on our hobbies?

[SeaGlass Siren]

and anyway the forum is locked to people who havent signed up onto the forum so how can they know how we socialize and how we talk, or what "vibe" we give off unless they sign in?

[Merman Arion]

I'm just gonna leave this here :meditation:

http://newnownext.mtvnimages.com/2015/03/tumblr_m7mop9yrRD1qlvwnco1_400.gif

[Imogen Finnly]

If you dont intend to insult anyone, (not trying to stir the pot, or defend you or any thing) but maybe you should consider re-wording or thinking about how you want a statement to come across.
Whatever the situation is with the IP, I'm just saying, that it is important you or anyone for that matter to be considerate of any community. This isnt a place to be negative or anything.
✌✌✌✌✌✌

formerly jayy

[teeth4u]

People don't take us seriously because we dress up in tails. Not because of our attitude. It's because they are not understanding and they are judgey. how is it our fault if they judge us based on our hobbies?

I respect the fact that you do not care what other 'judgey' people think. Unfortunately about 95% of the population is 'judgey' in some way or another. I, on the other hand, want to be taken seriously and want people to respect my mermaid hobby even if they think it the dumbest thing in the world. If ignoring the real world works for you then I'm happy that you're pleased with that.

[SeaGlass Siren]

it's not so much "ignoring the real world", it's more like you've grown to accept that they think you are weird and you really don't give two shits.

If you want people to accept and respect you, you must first accept and respect yourself.

That is when you will find people who will love you and accept you, even respect you for your hobby. Trust me I've been there.

[Marlin]

@Arion-
As always- King of the Gifs- Well played sir. :highfive:

[SeaGlass Siren]

95% of the people that i have let in to be part of my mermaid world have supported me. you just have to cut out all the negativity if acceptance is what you're after.

edit: also, you might be catering to the wrong crowd. mermaiding isn't for everybody. just like most things out there. maybe try to find a different audience.

[Meronica]

Dude, stop. Just stop. Most of us know who you are and the fact that Raina and Iona confirmed the matching IPs just confirms it. You're so butthurt and it's funny but also really pathetic.

As far as mermaids "not being taken seriously" and being "unprofessional"...we're people in fish tails. Most of us don't care and laugh right along with people if they point out that it's odd. I personally have way more supporters than I do haters, just in my social circle alone-- and most mermaids here have fanpages with hundreds and thousands of fans. People love mermaids. Quit yer bitchin' and stop sipping the haterade.

Oh, and you probably feel there is no money to be made in mermaiding because you've been caught stealing others' designs. Maybe if you came up with your own ideas and had a more positive attitude, you'd be more successful.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Imogen Finnly]

That gif doe!

formerly jayy

[SeaGlass Siren]

I'm just gonna leave this here :meditation:

http://newnownext.mtvnimages.com/2015/03/tumblr_m7mop9yrRD1qlvwnco1_400.gif


oh yes, arion summed it up pretty perfectly. "fuck the haters"

[Merman Arion]

@Arion-
As always- King of the Gifs- Well played sir. :highfive:


That gif doe!

formerly jayy


oh yes, arion summed it up pretty perfectly. "fuck the haters"

;)

http://25.media.tumblr.com/0dc488c9de8526d34f0431288a30df0a/tumblr_mwfc0v4ayc1r4ka7mo1_500.gif

[teeth4u]

Dude, stop. Just stop. Most of us know who you are and the fact that Raina and Iona confirmed the matching IPs just confirms it. You're so butthurt and it's funny but also really pathetic.

As far as mermaids "not being taken seriously" and being "unprofessional"...we're people in fish tails. Most of us don't care and laugh right along with people if they point out that it's odd. I personally have way more supporters than I do haters, just in my social circle alone-- and most mermaids here have fanpages with hundreds and thousands of fans. People love mermaids. Quit yer bitchin' and stop sipping the haterade.

Oh, and you probably feel there is no money to be made in mermaiding because you've been caught stealing others' designs. Maybe if you came up with your own ideas and had a more positive attitude, you'd be more successful.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

can you please tell us who you think I am?

[Mermaid Freyja]

This is pretty much the gif that plays out in my mind when someone takes an issue with me being a mermaid...or my cosplay hobby...or the burlesque, to name a few. I've learned to just not give a frack :) (martini not always included).

http://i.imgur.com/vQepWb7.gif

[SeaGlass Siren]

digressing from the topic, freyja senpai i think you should totally carry a martini glass everywhere you go. you'd make the most awesome pin up mermaid :swoon:

i did just totally called you a senpai

[teeth4u]

This is pretty much the gif that plays out in my mind when someone takes an issue with me being a mermaid...or my cosplay hobby...or the burlesque, to name a few. I've learned to just not give a frack :) (martini not always included).

http://i.imgur.com/vQepWb7.gif

I would love to take that attitude if I could! Unfortunately I have to live in the real world and have a day job that requires me to be normal. Otherwise I risk getting fired and losing support from my family. So yeah, I am a little butt hurt that the haters are gonna hate and you guys are going to stand there and take as if you like it!

You guys are lucky that you have jobs, family and friends that are so accepting of this hobby.

[SeaGlass Siren]

we are not "taking it as if we like it" we are "shaking it off." fakers gonna fake, haters gonna hate.

you really should take a lesson out of taylor swift's book and just do you.

edit: also you talk as if none of us have real jobs. dont do that.

sincerely, your friendly and zen cast member from the disneystore : peace:

[PearlieMae]

"I expected you of all people to be a bit more understanding because you are pursuing your own tail business."
"I have a demanding full time job and can't always spend the time necessary to respond adequately. After all, this is just hobby for me and not my career."

I have a full time job that is quite demanding, too. I am also an artist and I love making tails. I won't lie, it is quite lucrative, and a LOT of hard work. I don't care, I love doing it. I'm not in it to mass-production like Mertailor - WHO TOLD ME THIS AT MERFEST.

http://replygif.net/i/1005.gif

[Merman Arion]

I would love to take that attitude if I could! Unfortunately I have to live in the real world and have a day job that requires me to be normal. Otherwise I risk getting fired and losing support from my family. So yeah, I am a little butt hurt that the haters are gonna hate and you guys are going to stand there and take as if you like it!

You guys are lucky that you have jobs, family and friends that are so accepting of this hobby.

http://25.media.tumblr.com/901d805869f285bf0aa381e46dd8a1f6/tumblr_mjpt267yGA1qlvwnco1_500.gif

[teeth4u]

"I expected you of all people to be a bit more understanding because you are pursuing your own tail business."
"I have a demanding full time job and can't always spend the time necessary to respond adequately. After all, this is just hobby for me and not my career."

I have a full time job that is quite demanding, too. I am also an artist and I love making tails. I won't lie, it is quite lucrative, and a LOT of hard work. I don't care, I love doing it. I'm not in it to mass-production like Mertailor - WHO TOLD ME THIS AT MERFEST.

http://replygif.net/i/1005.gif

That's great, I'm sorry I mistook your tail sales as business. I understand now that is is just a hobby and for personal enjoyment.

[SeaGlass Siren]

but also, honey if they're threatening to fire you based off of your hobbies, maybe you need to search for a job that has a hiring manager that wont judge. #disneylife

[teeth4u]

but also, honey if they're threatening to fire you based off of your hobbies, maybe you need to search for a job that has a hiring manager that wont judge. #disneylife

Lol! I'm not quitting my job! My job and income is the only thing that has supported my mermaid adventures. I just choose to keep it in private because people get the wrong idea about us. I even had a coworker come onto me because he found out and thought it was a fetish thing.

[SeaGlass Siren]

then it's not your problem. it's theirs. HR exists for a reason.

[AniaR]

I always like it when people without successful business come into any group and tell them how to get business lol.

I feel like this whole thread is gaslighting

[teeth4u]

I always like it when people without successful business come into any group and tell them how to get business lol.

I feel like this whole thread is gaslighting

Raina will you stop with the passive aggressive comments and stick to facts. I would like to speak with you in private and possibly Iona in a group message on facebook if possible.

[SeaGlass Siren]

^she kinda does make a valid point though.

[Seatan]

I'm just gonna leave this here :meditation:

http://newnownext.mtvnimages.com/2015/03/tumblr_m7mop9yrRD1qlvwnco1_400.gif

I love you, man. Seriously.

[Merman Arion]

Raina will you stop with the passive aggressive comments and stick to facts. I would like to speak with you in private and possibly Iona in a group message on facebook if possible.

http://newnownext.mtvnimages.com/2014/12/tumblr_mm166gn4vU1qlvwnco1_500.gif

[teeth4u]

http://newnownext.mtvnimages.com/2014/12/tumblr_mm166gn4vU1qlvwnco1_500.gif

Raina seems to have plenty of time to post passive aggressive comments but not a minute to speak with me directly? Weird...

[Seatan]

As one of the people who inadvertently lost their jobs because of mermaiding I can attest that it had nothing to do with the fact that they didn't think that people in the mermaid community are unprofessional. They simply thought it was unprofessional to dress up like a fish and play a part at kids parties. They weren't thrilled with me being a fairy or a princess, either. Sorry, teeth4whatevs, but 99% of the world has no freaking clue we exist. Including people like free divers and other party performers. Nobody thinks anything about us because besides this relatively small forum, some You tube vids, and some Facebook accounts, we are nobodies. People are busy worrying about important things like ISIS and the vacillating world economy and and whether or not they can still fit into the shorts they paid seventy-two bucks for last summer.

As for discussion about the tail making business, back up and read the junk posted on May 6th. It was pretty much all covered so people prolly just don't want to repeat the same junk they've already written in this thread.

And as somene who is very not passive aggressive, you're being pretty rude, stating how unprofessional mermaids are to the mermaid themselves. If a bunch of pissed off people is not what you are looking for then You might want to complain about mermaids being unprofessional to people who ain't mermaids. Peace, love, and tuna fish sandwiches.

[Merman Arion]

I love you, man. Seriously.

http://38.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lh1fgtwLa51qcxeggo1_400.gif


Raina seems to have plenty of time to post passive aggressive comments but not a minute to speak with me directly? Weird...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v42/StupidityKills/gifs/sutantragic.gif

[teeth4u]

alright, i'm done with this. I said it before and I'll say it again. This mermaid community is extremely unprofessional. You guys have fun doing what you do.

[SeaGlass Siren]

No. you're just too uptight. go for a swim, it'll loosen you up.

[AniaR]

facts= you don't run a successful mermaid business or tail making and are coming in here as a "new" member telling us how a successful business would run. It's not passive aggressive it's truth. lol along with trying to tell us all what we want, and what we think. I did not realize you were telepathic and could read all our minds or that in your vast experience you knew how this all worked. Whether you're an alt account or genuine, your approach to the community has been very rude, invalidating, undermining, and snobbish. You act like you want input but you don't really... because when people give it you can't handle it. Your first act as a 'new' member was to go after Raven and I. Don't expect people to take you seriously or be professional when you haven't done that from the start.

I run a successful business, one being validated constantly this year through business awards, client feedback, and country specific acclaim. I have a long history in the mer community as a professional and a lot to offer people in terms of learning. BUT THAT STILL DOESN'T MEAN IT'S OK FOR ME TO ACT LIKE I KNOW EVERY ASPECT OF MERMAIDS, WHAT THEY WANT, HOW BUSINESS IN THIS CLIMATE WORKS, OR ANY OF THE OTHER STUFF YOU KEEP GOING AT. Take a step back. We don't even know who the heck you are (side account or not, you've done nothing but talk at people) who has made you the king/queen of mermaid business?

I could sit here and argue every point you've made in this entire thread and back it up with evidence from other tail makers, I could argue your poll too. But I saw early on there was no point because you aren't interested in learning from others or adapting to the market. You're accusing members here of doing things that you've been doing since you've joined. So perhaps it's not us who can't be professional, or who aren't really looking for a business, or who don't care what others think. I don't think you're genuinely here for the community, to learn, or to contribute. If you are you're going about it in the worst way possible. :/ Might be good to take a step back, gather yourself, and re-evaluate what you're hoping to get out of mernetwork and then come back again with a clear head.

your 'professional behaviours so far':
insult mermaids
insult mermaid's businesses
insult well known tail makers
rude comments to others when they reply to you in sincerity

[Merman Arion]

facts= you don't run a successful mermaid business or tail making and are coming in here as a "new" member telling us how a successful business would run. It's not passive aggressive it's truth. lol along with trying to tell us all what we want, and what we think. I did not realize you were telepathic and could read all our minds or that in your vast experience you knew how this all worked. Whether you're an alt account or genuine, your approach to the community has been very rude, invalidating, undermining, and snobbish. You act like you want input but you don't really... because when people give it you can't handle it. Your first act as a 'new' member was to go after Raven and I. Don't expect people to take you seriously or be professional when you haven't done that from the start.

I run a successful business, one being validated constantly this year through business awards, client feedback, and country specific acclaim. I have a long history in the mer community as a professional and a lot to offer people in terms of learning. BUT THAT STILL DOESN'T MEAN IT'S OK FOR ME TO ACT LIKE I KNOW EVERY ASPECT OF MERMAIDS, WHAT THEY WANT, HOW BUSINESS IN THIS CLIMATE WORKS, OR ANY OF THE OTHER STUFF YOU KEEP GOING AT. Take a step back. We don't even know who the heck you are (side account or not, you've done nothing but talk at people) who has made you the king/queen of mermaid business?

I could sit here and argue every point you've made in this entire thread and back it up with evidence from other tail makers, I could argue your poll too. But I saw early on there was no point because you aren't interested in learning from others or adapting to the market. You're accusing members here of doing things that you've been doing since you've joined. So perhaps it's not us who can't be professional, or who aren't really looking for a business, or who don't care what others think. I don't think you're genuinely here for the community, to learn, or to contribute. If you are you're going about it in the worst way possible. :/ Might be good to take a step back, gather yourself, and re-evaluate what you're hoping to get out of mernetwork and then come back again with a clear head.

your 'professional behaviours so far':
insult mermaids
insult mermaid's businesses
insult well known tail makers
rude comments to others when they reply to you in sincerity

http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lp1yhzww6J1qbzqexo1_400.gif

http://buzzworthy.mtv.com//wp-content/uploads/buzz/2013/08/rupaul_shantay.gif


alright, i'm done with this. I said it before and I'll say it again. This mermaid community is extremely unprofessional. You guys have fun doing what you do.

http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m47ggouBOl1rvcf2vo1_500.gif

http://vignette3.wikia.nocookie.net/logosrupaulsdragrace/images/e/e6/Sashay_Away.gif/revision/latest?cb=20130523213511

[Fifi Tigg]

OMG I just read this whole thread and I'm disgusted with Teeth4u for trying to downgrade every mermaid/merman on here! I run a very successful mermaid business in my town and I have never come across any negativity! My daughter and I usually feel like celebrities as children/adults will approach us in the street and tell us how much they love what we do!
I love my job and seeing all the smiling faces is the bet part! NOT THE CASH!

[Mermaid Freyja]

http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m47ggouBOl1rvcf2vo1_500.gif

http://vignette3.wikia.nocookie.net/logosrupaulsdragrace/images/e/e6/Sashay_Away.gif/revision/latest?cb=20130523213511

AAAAAHAHAHAHA!!! Speaking of work and employees perhaps thinking I'm odd; I just laughed out loud at this one at work (while on a break), like a crazy person :lol:
Thank you, Arion.

[Merman Dan]

And personally I don't want mermaiding to be mainstream, because if that were the case our community would just be another trend, not the family it has become!


I DON'T CARE IF ORDINARY PEOPLE DON'T RESPECT THE MERMAID COMMUNITY.


it's not so much "ignoring the real world", it's more like you've grown to accept that they think you are weird and you really don't give two shits. If you want people to accept and respect you, you must first accept and respect yourself.


Peace, love, and tuna fish sandwiches.


I love my job and seeing all the smiling faces is the bet part!

http://www.citypresokc.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/images.jpeg

[Merman Arion]

AAAAAHAHAHAHA!!! Speaking of work and employees perhaps thinking I'm odd; I just laughed out loud at this one at work (while on a break), like a crazy person :lol:
Thank you, Arion.

Anytime ;)

[AniaR]

I don't need to PM you I figured out who you are when I backtracked some of your posts and recognized stuff from an account on FB- (which I'm sure an admin can confirm through IPs) and there really isnt any excuse for all of this. :/ I won't blow your cover but you should know mernetwork combines accounts when people make alts. It's in the rules that are important to read when you join and everyone gets a message about them. Maybe you felt like you couldnt say this stuff under your real name, or maybe you simply forgot your old password. What gets me was the refusal to introduce yourself or say anything about yourself personally that set off alarms. My point here isn't to oust you or be a bully or anything like that. You started off your posts right from the start with the wrong tone and your approach. You're insulting a lot of hardworking and passionate people. That's what I have a problem with. But honestly at this point I think you've done a job of showing everyone yourself and there's no sense in my beating at the issue any further. You cant cry UNPROFESSIONAL when people call you on that. And don't forget loads of people on here ARENT professionals! This is fun for them!

Good luck with whatever business you decide to pursue or any business you decide to support. Next time use your main account or ask an admin to help you recover a password. (I don't know if that's why they made alt accounts, I just know many people do for that reason so I'm giving the benefit of the doubt).

[SeaGlass Siren]

http://www.citypresokc.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/images.jpeg
http://memeorama.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/oh-stop-it-you-meme.jpg

[PearlieMae]

alright, i'm done with this. I said it before and I'll say it again. This mermaid community is extremely unprofessional. You guys have fun doing what you do.

I AM having fun with what I do! And making a decent living at it, too. And I'll be a full time tailmaker by the end if the year, thank you very much.

I have no idea what you think is "professional", but then again, I don't think you do, either.

GFY, and don't let the door hit ya where the good Lord split ya.

[Winged Mermaid]

As the MerNetwork rules state,


Users may not have multiple accounts, unless they are a tail maker and have 1 account for personal posting and 1 account for business posts. In any other case, any user who creates multiple accounts without approval from the admins will have that account merged with their current account. (This means any posts that were created will then be under the first account's name.)

I have now done that.

I do want to clarify, there was a mix up with which Eva was identified. It was not the Russian tail maker Eva, or "Eva Tail" who copied designs from other tailmakers. Obviously, that is not the same Eva who was using an alt account to post- just wanted to make that clear.

[Mermaid Fenicia]

Also, I like to tell you that there are not only commercial (pro like you call them), recreational (the ones who only swim for them self) and cosplay consumers (the ones who only are a mermaid at conventions and fairs), but there are also people who preform all 3 kinds.
- I'm disabled and not allowed to work
- I do pay for the tails (and other outfits) that I make myself
- I'm a party princess/mermaid/... (and do face-painting in costume) and get paid to do it
- I'm a cosplayer and also cosplay mermaids from different shows
- the money I get from preforming at kids-parties and other events, I'm saving up for a silicon tail

[Merman Dan]

To be fair I do not fit any of the aforementioned categories:
- Commercial Consumer... nope, I do this for fun.
- Recreational Consumer (You did not pay for your tail)... ah, but I DID pay for my tail.
- Cosplay Consumer... but I am not dressing as a character from a book, TV show, or movie.

[AniaR]

I do want to clarify, there was a mix up with which Eva was identified. It was not the Russian tail maker Eva, or "Eva Tail" who copied designs from other tailmakers. Obviously, that is not the same Eva who was using an alt account to post- just wanted to make that clear.

Yeah I went back and edited that out! There were reasons why it looked like that but now it's clear.


To be fair I do not fit any of the aforementioned categories:
- Commercial Consumer... nope, I do this for fun.
- Recreational Consumer (You did not pay for your tail)... ah, but I DID pay for my tail.
- Cosplay Consumer... but I am not dressing as a character from a book, TV show, or movie.

Yeah I felt similar about the poll too.

[SeaGlass Siren]

http://danisdailydose.files.wordpress.com/2011/08/i-do.gif

me too.

[MermaidCelesteFL]

To be fair I do not fit any of the aforementioned categories:
- Commercial Consumer... nope, I do this for fun.
- Recreational Consumer (You did not pay for your tail)... ah, but I DID pay for my tail.
- Cosplay Consumer... but I am not dressing as a character from a book, TV show, or movie.

I mentioned this in the first page of the conversation.

[Merman Dan]

I mentioned this in the first page of the conversation.

And I mentioned it in the 5th ;)

Now when he adds a "Recreational Unprofessional Merman With a Farmer's Tan"* category, I'll be all over that!




* shortened from Recreational Unprofessional Merman With a Farmer's Tan and Twelve-Pack abs, Self-Proclaimed Duke of Diamond Shoals and Imperator of the Atlantic - The Red Drum Merman.

[MermaidCelesteFL]

* shortened from Recreational Unprofessional Merman With a Farmer's Tan and Twelve-Pack abs, Self-Proclaimed Duke of Diamond Shoals and Imperator of the Atlantic - The Red Drum Merman.

I approve!

[Merman Arion]

MEANWHILE...

30070

http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m4cqjy4Zfg1qh14t2o4_400.gif

[PearlieMae]

Oh Arion! I do love you so!

[Seatan]

I dunno what you're talking about all this professional recreational cosplayer stuff... I'm a real mermaid. Oh s%#* this isn't the Real Live Mermaid forum? And I spent so much money on this waterproof laptop! Darn it!

[Merman Dan]

I just can't get THIS out of my head, now...

https://31.media.tumblr.com/6d81022365082e0900e3eff853a2ace2/tumblr_inline_n4jv5h82gJ1sebci4.png

[teeth4u]

not that you give a shit but not everyone can go around announcing they are a mermaid to the world. I wasn't before and nor will I ever because I'm extremely embarrassed to be a part of such a pathetic and dumb hobby. And since everything is all out there, I think Raina's new tails suck. Actually I think almost everything raina does sucks. She is like some mermaid queen who thinks she knows everything and everyone follows her lol i can't stand it! I've never seen raina post one decent underwater picture. But none of this shit matters. What really matters is what we are doing with our lives and I am not going to sit around pretending to be a mermaid.

[Merman Arion]

not that you give a shit but not everyone can go around announcing they are a mermaid to the world. I wasn't before and nor will I ever because I'm extremely embarrassed to be a part of such a pathetic and dumb hobby. And since everything is all out there, I think Raina's new tails suck. Actually I think almost everything raina does sucks. She is like some mermaid queen who thinks she knows everything and everyone follows her lol i can't stand it! I've never seen raina post one decent underwater picture. But none of this shit matters. What really matters is what we are doing with our lives and I am not going to sit around pretending to be a mermaid.

aaaand there you have it! the UNEXPECTED UNPREDICTABLE "Raina is a bitch" card :eyebrows:

I say "BINGO"!!! Tiery, I drink a shot for you ;)

http://37.media.tumblr.com/e3b305d5d03e00c14e2497075719014e/tumblr_n3zb2jdkHG1rdutw3o1_400.gif

[PearlieMae]

I dunno what you're talking about all this professional recreational cosplayer stuff... I'm a real mermaid. Oh s%#* this isn't the Real Live Mermaid forum? And I spent so much money on this waterproof laptop! Darn it!

I just post from my shellphone :doh:

[teeth4u]

Also, i bring up profits because i'm sick of all these mermaids complaining about how they have no money and need donations. Stop spending your money on fucking mermaid tails and get a job. I understand some of you have disabilities and everything but come on, you guys are fools if you honestly think that being a mermaid is going to get you somewhere in life. I respect Raina because she does have a successful mermaid business but i don't respect raina because she puts her whole life on facebook and the internet. A lot of you do actually. Get a life! That's what I'm talking about when i mean unprofessional. You're not a celebrity and no one cares.

[PearlieMae]

aaaand there you have it! the UNEXPECTED UNPREDICTABLE "Raina is a bitch" card :eyebrows:

I say "BINGO"!!! Tiery, I drink a shot for you ;)

http://37.media.tumblr.com/e3b305d5d03e00c14e2497075719014e/tumblr_n3zb2jdkHG1rdutw3o1_400.gif

Damn. All I needed was "that escalated quickly" and I could have called bingo!

[teeth4u]

aaaand there you have it! the UNEXPECTED UNPREDICTABLE "Raina is a bitch" card :eyebrows:

I say "BINGO"!!! Tiery, I drink a shot for you ;)

http://37.media.tumblr.com/e3b305d5d03e00c14e2497075719014e/tumblr_n3zb2jdkHG1rdutw3o1_400.gif

Alex you're a bitch too. Everyone is a bitch including myself because i started this whole thing. I just want Raina to know I don't like her.

[Seatan]

not that you give a shit but not everyone can go around announcing they are a mermaid to the world. I wasn't before and nor will I ever because I'm extremely embarrassed to be a part of such a pathetic and dumb hobby. And since everything is all out there, I think Raina's new tails suck. Actually I think almost everything raina does sucks. She is like some mermaid queen who thinks she knows everything and everyone follows her lol i can't stand it! I've never seen raina post one decent underwater picture. But none of this shit matters. What really matters is what we are doing with our lives and I am not going to sit around pretending to be a mermaid.

Dude, you are so right! What would I do without Raina in my life, directing my every thought and ruling from the watery heavens? I love her Hitler moustache the very most. And my eyes just water with joy when she announces that she will let us all eat cake. All hail the mighty Raina, the heaven sent Raven, and Arion because he has such a nice butt! The trinity lives!

edit: I gots bitch pride. Woohoo! Yay bitches everywhere! It's a seven foot talk Russian prisoner's dream! Oh wait, is that the wrong bitch? Darn it.

[PearlieMae]

Also, i bring up profits because i'm sick of all these mermaids complaining about how they have no money and need donations. Stop spending your money on fucking mermaid tails and get a job. I understand some of you have disabilities and everything but come on, you guys are fools if you honestly think that being a mermaid is going to get you somewhere in life. I respect Raina because she does have a successful mermaid business but i don't respect raina because she puts her whole life on facebook and the internet. A lot of you do actually. Get a life! That's what I'm talking about when i mean unprofessional. You're not a celebrity and no one cares.

:rollover: :shark::catfight::catfight::catfight::lol ^::neener::crazy::rolleyes::thinks::lol:

[Imogen Finnly]

😰😰
Youre in the wrong place then if that is your true opinion. We are here to support each other and even if we may not like what someone else does, if you have nothing nice to say dont say anything. You clearly dont follow that. But its your prerogative.

formerly jayy

[teeth4u]

Dude, you are so right! What would I do without Raina in my life, directing my every thought and ruling from the watery heavens? I love her Hitler moustache the very most. And my eyes just water with joy when she announces that she will let us all eat cake. All hail the mighty Raina, the heaven sent Raven, and Arion because he has such a nice butt! The trinity lives!

you're so clever using sarcasm like that

[teeth4u]


Youre in the wrong place then if that is your true opinion. We are here to support each other and even if we may not like what someone else does, if you have nothing nice to say dont say anything. You clearly dont follow that. But its your prerogative.

formerly jayy

You're absolutely right, I am in the wrong place because I have received no support in my mermaid ventures from any of you. In fact, I've received quite the opposite since the very beginning which was over 10 years ago. Mermaid people are a little fucked up in the head, including myself, but at least i can admit it.

[teeth4u]

Honestly, I think this is all hilarious because the sad part is this is your life and this is what you're doing with your time. I don't plan on wasting any more time here.

[Imogen Finnly]

Haha okay. Good luck with whatever you plan on doing, strive to be proud of yourself one day, and do your best to not be an cheeky monkey
I know this is a part of my life, but its not front and center for me like some men and women, but i love it all the same.
Lates gurl. ✌✌

formerly jayy

[Merman Arion]

alright, i'm done with this. I said it before and I'll say it again. This mermaid community is extremely unprofessional. You guys have fun doing what you do.


Honestly, I think this is all hilarious because the sad part is this is your life and this is what you're doing with your time. I don't plan on wasting any more time here.

You're leaving? Are you sure??? The fun was just getting started :rotfl:

http://media.giphy.com/media/38fblIIrHLMPe/giphy.gif

[PearlieMae]

For someone who's stormed out several times, you are still here. :thinks:

Wait...teeth4u/mermaid eva...one in the same? Did I miss a superhero move?

[Seatan]

you're so clever using sarcasm like that

Thank you so much! I'm so glad you appreciate it. I hate all those people who are like "sarcasm is the lowest form of wit." Pah! Thankfully I have chicks like you to keep me going. I am the goddess of clever and the queen of comedy! Pearlie Mae? Hah! My sitting comedy beats her stand up any day, glittery V area or no glittery V area! :D I'm such a cool person. Living the dream as the smartest, coolest, bestest babe ever. Oh yeah...

[Yulia]

Wow, I'm glad my GoFundMe link didn't work.

[Merman Dan]

you guys are fools if you honestly think that being a mermaid is going to get you somewhere in life.
It got me here! Good enough for me!


Get a life! That's what I'm talking about when i mean unprofessional. You're not a celebrity and no one cares.

unprofessional?!? Moi?!?


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=86jbnMOAcy0

[Ashe]

“Don't you ever let a soul in the world tell you that you can't be exactly who you are.”


Babe that's literally in your signature. Yet you tell us to stop wasting our money on tails? And being mermaids won't get us anywhere? ITS A HOBBY. GET OVER YOURSELF. Haha I remember I PMed you saying sorry on behalf of the community when the whole baggy Merbella thing flared up. Wow, big mistake on my part. Thought the community was being stubborn and rude, but it was quite the opposite.

[Seatan]

Thank you, Dan, for getting "Welcome Christmas" stuck in my head. I will now be singing "ah hoo Horus dah hoo dorus" in my sleep.

[MerEmma]

For someone who's stormed out several times, you are still here. :thinks:

Wait...teeth4u/mermaid eva...one in the same? Did I miss a superhero move?

Yeah, same! I was so confused when I saw Mermaid Eva and thought they were different and everyone was confusing them for the same or something. Luckily only took me a minute to figure it out, though. :P

[Merman Dan]

Thank you, Dan, for getting "Welcome Christmas" stuck in my head. I will now be singing "ah hoo Horus dah hoo dorus" in my sleep.

Any time! ;) I have been known to tell my older kids that our holidays are often graced by Cindy Lou Who's double cousin, Boo-Fucking-Who.

[Mermaid Freyja]

Also, i bring up profits because i'm sick of all these mermaids complaining about how they have no money and need donations. Stop spending your money on fucking mermaid tails and get a job. I understand some of you have disabilities and everything but come on, you guys are fools if you honestly think that being a mermaid is going to get you somewhere in life. I respect Raina because she does have a successful mermaid business but i don't respect raina because she puts her whole life on facebook and the internet. A lot of you do actually. Get a life! That's what I'm talking about when i mean unprofessional. You're not a celebrity and no one cares.

And baby, what a life it is!

http://33.media.tumblr.com/e0c4d595e014ec306f00540ef22d2f1c/tumblr_n96lai0PDA1qa70eyo1_500.gif

[Winged Mermaid]

Apparently this has devolved into "Mermaid Eva bashes the mer community" thread and isn't actually going anywhere productive. So I'm locking it. Eva, you're on thin ice babe. Alt account, harassment, baiting -not officially against the rules but looked down upon when it's that nasty and obvious-, and insulting other mers. I think you need a few days to cool off. Pull this behavior again and you'll be looking at a longer ban.