Merrowfin Tail HELP

[Mermaid Cataleya]

Ok ......so I gotten a merrowfin tail from matt..and if any of you seen my review on the tail I am very unhappy with the tail itself. Well that is not why I am posting this. So when I ordered my tail i followed as to what to do.....he told me he would take it in a little bit from my measurements to asure a snug fit....well when I first got it I naturally wanted to try it on. .....I couldnt even get a leg an and arm into the bottom of the tail after folding it down let along Both legs.

So I was able to now get into the tail twice i have noticed it is getting a little easier to put it on. After each time I take it off i do my clean work *which I am very UPSET he didnt tell me how to upkeep the tail. that I had to figure out on my own....* I clean it wash it out dry it...then I look it over. WEll....the first time I wore it I noticed a small rip in the waist line only the silicone came apart. I told matt he said it is fine and to take it to a seamstress in my area and have them do a lock stitch on it....SEcond time I wore it I once again looked it over....I am now starting to notice I can see the stitching from the outside of the tail. I however dont remember if i could see it before I dont think I could....is this normal

[Theobromine]

Can you please post pictures so we can see the problem?

[Mermaid Cataleya]

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160614/31d8d8e0354df2e37c13f0e923e303ad.jpg
This is the tear the first wear


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[Mermaid Cataleya]

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160614/cd0e077f4af8614f3863906f56eb3902.jpg
This is what worries me the stitching and next pic will be a close up


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[Mermaid Cataleya]

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160614/db74913848493705fc6f31c85fc16902.jpgwhat worries me the most is that is how it appears when I wear it I'm not stretching it out I'm just picking it up to get a better angle so you can see it if you want me to post a picture of it flat I can do that


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[Theobromine]

Yeah, that's definitely not normal. I'm not sure how much a lock stitch would help, as that isn't supposed to be happening in the first place. The whole entire seam could be weak. I haven't encountered this problem before, sorry :-/

[Mermaid Cataleya]

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160614/28d1cdf15f758464dedc5d8578a1dfd8.jpg
This is it flat you can see on the opposite side the silicon part is starting to tear away from it so just like the opposite side did so I believe it is too small but that doesn't believe me


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[Theobromine]

Oh, you posted the second picture as I was replying. Wow, that's even worse than I thought initially. Um...yeah, you might want to post some more pictures, less blurry if you can because you're going to want to document this. No tail should be falling apart at the seams when you first get it. Did the silicone actually peel apart over the seams, or were the seams just not covered by silicone at all? (I've never actually seen one of those hybrid tails up close).

[Mermaid Cataleya]

when I first got it i couldnt get into it at all i was dry. the guy said it would be snug i told him he was to small he said it will be snug. I said Ok. he said try it in the water. I did when i got out and got it dry I noticed the first tear. It had come apart just at the silicone the neoprene was still together underneath but the silicone had ripped apart....and now its starting to happen on the opposite side as well.... Now when I was In the yesterday You could see the stitching all the way down to the fluke you can see the not colored part as well. I had a kid say something so I made up a story . I felt like a dumbass... when I got out of it I noticed the second tear by the waist line and the visible stitching still.

[Mermaid Cataleya]

If things go...sour with him...do you know of anyone that would make the tail a little Bigger so I can actually use it..

[Mermaid Alea]

You may want to put this in your tail review too. I read your review and saw the photos, but you may want to put these photos in there too. I am really sorry this is happening to you, especially since the tail is still so new!

[Mermaid Cataleya]

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160614/e3de18e238cbba87f4eb51033c59d341.jpghttp://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160614/976c91e43530d197e431a53468982fcb.jpg


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[Mermaid Cataleya]

Are those better ?


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[AnnaAbyss]

You could try putting some caulking silicone in it. That stuff is super strong.

[AniaR]

OK i don't care if i catch shit for this imma say it like it is as someone who has owned multiple tails from different tail makers, and experienced multiple tails at conventions.

it just sounds from your description that the tail is likely too tight (causes the tearing/popping of seams) and the seams weren't done well enough.

I have torn my own tails when I put on weight. Mine dont split at the seams though because the seams are really well done, more so I am stretching the tail so much the spaces around scales will start to split.

You can reinforce these problem areas by grabbing some silpoxy, and making a patch on the INSIDE of the tail using powermesh. This will keep it from stretching and popping worse. But honestly, from the photos and your description, it sounds to me like this may be an ongoing issue.

The only ways I can think to prevent it would be as others suggest: reinforce the seams yourself from the inside. Sewing is OK in a pinch but still puts stress on the silicone and over time in my personal experience of having tried that with my first tail, it will make the spot weaker. Always make sure you are as lubed up as possible. It'll take some off the stress of the tail when getting it off and on. Right now my tails are too snug due to weight increase, so I use like sooo much lotion and it lowers the resistance getting the tail on. I also use lotion to get the tail off.

I am sorry you had a poor experience, that sucks. In the beginning i felt he had so much potential, but it seems to be a gamble at this point. Some people are very happy. some arent.

Hopefully you find something that works.

Ps I have a few videos about cleaning your tail and caring for it at www.makemeamermaid.com

[AniaR]

There are people here really experienced with pigmentation who might be able to walk you through the outside of the seam fixing it. Just be sure to check with people who have actually done it, rather than those just passing on the info, because there are all kinda of variables that can make it tricky. good luck

[Mermaid Cataleya]

OK i don't care if i catch shit for this imma say it like it is as someone who has owned multiple tails from different tail makers, and experienced multiple tails at conventions.

it just sounds from your description that the tail is likely too tight (causes the tearing/popping of seams) and the seams weren't done well enough.

I have torn my own tails when I put on weight. Mine dont split at the seams though because the seams are really well done, more so I am stretching the tail so much the spaces around scales will start to split.

You can reinforce these problem areas by grabbing some silpoxy, and making a patch on the INSIDE of the tail using powermesh. This will keep it from stretching and popping worse. But honestly, from the photos and your description, it sounds to me like this may be an ongoing issue.

The only ways I can think to prevent it would be as others suggest: reinforce the seams yourself from the inside. Sewing is OK in a pinch but still puts stress on the silicone and over time in my personal experience of having tried that with my first tail, it will make the spot weaker. Always make sure you are as lubed up as possible. It'll take some off the stress of the tail when getting it off and on. Right now my tails are too snug due to weight increase, so I use like sooo much lotion and it lowers the resistance getting the tail on. I also use lotion to get the tail off.

I am sorry you had a poor experience, that sucks. In the beginning i felt he had so much potential, but it seems to be a gamble at this point. Some people are very happy. some arent.

Hopefully you find something that works.

Ps I have a few videos about cleaning your tail and caring for it at www.makemeamermaid.com (http://www.makemeamermaid.com)

Haha yes I watched that video ten times Over. and make sure I clean it after each swim even a dry wear or ...dry try and wear to asure the tail last as long as it possibly can.....If By any chance matt wont take it back and fix it..do you know of anyone who would take it to fix it... ?? I mean.....at this point due to the damage done just in two swims I cant resell it.... and I dont wanna just let 850, +169 in shipping go to waist...with it just sitting there and not get used...so do you know of anyone that can help me take it out if he wont?? I was just about in tears last night because of this.. that took over a year and selling my car to get so it would really really suck if I cant use it at all...

[AniaR]

I know in the past mernation would fix tails, maybe they might for you? I am not sure if they're still doing it

I was scammed by mertailor in the early days, saved 1000$ and waited forever for a tail that was 10 inches too short, 5 inches too wide (did not match the measurements I gave him by a long shot and he admitted he just sent me a random orange tail) and was made of a poisonous material. I was the first person to ever speak out about him and it got me harassed for YEARS. I think it deeply shaped who I am as a mermaid in both good and bad ways. I hear you girl. I really do. My heart breaks for you. It sucks

[Moongazer]

Cataleya it does seem like its way too tight, like everyone before me mention (beating a dead horse).

Can you post a picture of the inside seam? Maybe if there is some seam allowance you can unstitch it in the problem areas and then resew and strengthen it in the way raina described. However if you just strengthen it without letting it out a bit, you will always have this problem x.x

I would say I could help you but I don't want to get in over my head just yet. It's a shame this hadn't happened a few months from now when I plan to have my tails up and running. Right now I'm just too new to this and I don't want to wreck it trying to fix it for you.

[Mermaid Cataleya]

There is a about am in h maybe a little less on the inside my. Thing is I am afraid to unstitch it because idk how far down it goes I don't wanna undo it then be worse off then I am now I can take a pic when I get home I am at work right now . Thing is it's tight all the way down only place it's now is around the ankles . Dad even mentioned about taking it to a scuba place to have them fix it little bit but I feel if he made it to small it is his responsibility to fix it to where I can actually use it and have it not rip out on me during a gig. I am going to start sending messages to tail makers to see if they can help me put it out a little bit it only needs like a hair because I can fit into it but it is extremely tight and I'm comfortable it seems the more I wear it the worse it gets. I'm hoping to God he messages me back. But I refuse to get into it again until something is done ... If and when you do get yours up and running and you are willing to I would love for you to help me fix this I have a strong is sickening feeling that he will get back to me to help me fix the problem I'm just glad I have you guys here to reassure me what my gut feeling was right that it was too tight I just wish he would have listened to me sooner before I had even worn it in the water .


I do want to tell everyone in here .....thank you

Thank you for letting me know I am not nuts and that it just needs to be broken in

Thanks for telling me it will all be ok and that your all on my side about this. You can't believe how alone I feel . Like my dream to do kids parties has been destroyed before it even began .

Just thanks for everything for being there for letting me know everything is alright form letting me talk to you about it just thanks


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[AniaR]

is it neoprene on the inside? can you confirm if it's neoprene or neoPRIN? Neoprin will start stretching (and also causes sloppy seams imo) so if it's neoprin the silver lining is it will stretch out. There is a thread here somewhere that compares the two I'll see if I can find it

[Mermaid Cataleya]

This is what he calls it he's not answering my message so I can't ask him sorry


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[Mermaid Cataleya]

It is made of 100% dragonskin silicone backed with a double layered thermal scuba knit with a custom sized and shaped monofin to your specific needs!


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[Moongazer]

oh its not neoprene or neoprin at all. it's scuba knit. Which is much thinner and typically acts just like fabric. That's probably why your not getting much stretch... Yeah when you can post a pic of the inside seam with a ruler beside it. And we can try to help you from there.

[Mermaid Cataleya]

[emoji22] ok


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[Mermaid Cataleya]

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160615/1118b6f7f4ab709f23bb2d901ffbd5b9.jpghttp://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160615/af6d9fed1c01044ad903858e1a737f21.jpg

There is not a lot to work with at all..


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[Mermaid Cataleya]

If u can walk me through how to do a better pic let me know what to do and I will


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[Moongazer]

Wow that's like half an inch... If you where really careful you could maybe get 1/4 of an inch from both sides but that would require you to hand sew it unless you took it to a tailor or seamstress. Luckily there isn't much silicone on the fabric in the seams so sewing it shouldn't be a problem... Hmmm

If you are really desperate and don't mind a timely but long lasting fix, I'd take the whole seam out all the way down to where it isn't tight on you, I think you said ankles, and do a blanket stitch (google is your best friend) back up to the top right along the edges of the fabric. And then repeat the process 2 more times. And then do the other side. Then test that and see if you need to reinforce that with silicone on the outside in the seam in the right color. (if the silicone in the seam isn't colored, I think I saw purple, then this method would make the purple stand out more sadly...

Not sure if I explained that well. Ask questions if this doesn't make sense.

[Theobromine]

Whoa whoa wait hold on...am I seeing things or is that silicone tinted purple?? Like, those raw edges definitely look purple to me. Is that true, or is it just a trick of the light? Can you please post a picture of that under direct light showing the color as accurately as possible? I might have a whole new set of questions here....

[Moongazer]

Yeah Theo I was going to ask you why someone painting an orange/red tail would tint silicone purple, if it indeed isn't a trick of the light.

[Theobromine]

Also, exactly how stretchy is it? Can you pull on one of the full-silicone areas and have it stretch a noticeable distance?

[Mermaid Cataleya]

No it's purple why I wapear it u can see a good half inch on both sides all the way down of purple and in the middle stitching


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[Mermaid Cataleya]

Yeah Theo I was going to ask you why someone painting an orange/red tail would tint silicone purple, if it indeed isn't a trick of the light.

It's not really stretchy at all I have an mini workout just getting the damn thing on and off :meaning it's so tight on me I struggle for a good 30 putting it on and this is in the water even after its broken in ;


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[Mermaid Cataleya]

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160615/4ca90c8a4e31777fd84243f91025f574.jpg see purple and any areas that you do to me trying to get anon you can see purple underneath as well that's why I literally broken tears in front of a customer because a little girl that was taking a picture with me pointed out that she could see purple going all the way down my legs. Ididn't know what to say so I made up a little story that I ran into a boat propeller and it was just how my stars healed I was horrified that she seen


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[Theobromine]

Ok guys, so here is what I think. I wanted to wait until I'd seen more detail before I said anything, but I'm almost dead certain at this point that this is not dragonskin silicone. When I saw that purple, I realized it looks EXACTLY like the purple color of Smooth-Sil 945 (https://www.smooth-on.com/products/smooth-sil-945/), a moldmaking silicone I've used before. It's harder than dragonskin and has barely any stretch to it. But it's also expensive, so it wouldn't make any sense for Matty to be using that if he's trying to save money....and there's really no reason to use it for this purpose at all (that would be the only conceivable justification I could see him using). So I did a little more hunting around and found that one of the tin-cure moldmaking silicones, Mold Max 25 (https://www.smooth-on.com/products/mold-max-25/), is also purple in color. It is also very much cheaper than dragonskin, so there's a possible motive right there. It has a shore hardness of 25 (as opposed to the 10 of most dragonskin tails) and also had a low tensile strength/modulus of elasticity. So...while it's POSSIBLE that he could have just tinted his dragonskin that exact shade of purple for some absolutely pointless reason, dragonskin would still have the high amount of stretch that it's specifically designed to have. If the silicone on this tail does not....then the only explanation I can see is that it's made from cheap mold-making silicone.

[Mermaid Lorelei]

Ok guys, so here is what I think. I wanted to wait until I'd seen more detail before I said anything, but I'm almost dead certain at this point that this is not dragonskin silicone. When I saw that purple, I realized it looks EXACTLY like the purple color of Smooth-Sil 945 (https://www.smooth-on.com/products/smooth-sil-945/), a moldmaking silicone I've used before. It's harder than dragonskin and has barely any stretch to it. But it's also expensive, so it wouldn't make any sense for Matty to be using that if he's trying to save money....and there's really no reason to use it for this purpose at all (that would be the only conceivable justification I could see him using). So I did a little more hunting around and found that one of the tin-cure moldmaking silicones, Mold Max 25 (https://www.smooth-on.com/products/mold-max-25/), is also purple in color. It is also very much cheaper than dragonskin, so there's a possible motive right there. It has a shore hardness of 25 (as opposed to the 10 of most dragonskin tails) and also had a low tensile strength/modulus of elasticity. So...while it's POSSIBLE that he could have just tinted his dragonskin that exact shade of purple for some absolutely pointless reason, dragonskin would still have the high amount of stretch that it's specifically designed to have. If the silicone on this tail does not....then the only explanation I can see is that it's made from cheap mold-making silicone.

If this is the case, then you will need to be very careful about not becoming sick. Tin cure silicone is not the same as platinum cure and it is not usually skin safe!

[Theobromine]

Moongazer reminded me to mention that since scuba knit fabric is basically just thick spandex, and very stretchy, that could not be the cause of the no-stretch issue. It's definitely the silicone. (Thanks Moongazer!)

Whatever the reason for it, that tail, I am so sorry to say, is horrendous. I would be absolutely furious if I were you, Cataleya. We could try helping you figure out a way to fix it, but from what I've now seen, I don't even think it would be worth it. Any fixes probably wouldn't last long and if the tail isn't even stretchy, it will just continue to make you miserable. I would seriously be pursuing this with Matty and/or open a Paypal claim RIGHT NOW. Because you did NOT get what you paid for.

[Mermaid Cataleya]

Is there a way to prove its not dragon skin ??


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[Mermaid Cataleya]

I only ask because to put in a clams I didn't get what I payed for I. Need proof . Please know I am not undermining your words I know nothing about tail making and dragon skin I just need to know what to tell them to prove I didn't get what was paid for


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[AniaR]

Ok guys, so here is what I think. I wanted to wait until I'd seen more detail before I said anything, but I'm almost dead certain at this point that this is not dragonskin silicone. When I saw that purple, I realized it looks EXACTLY like the purple color of Smooth-Sil 945 (https://www.smooth-on.com/products/smooth-sil-945/), a moldmaking silicone I've used before. It's harder than dragonskin and has barely any stretch to it. But it's also expensive, so it wouldn't make any sense for Matty to be using that if he's trying to save money....and there's really no reason to use it for this purpose at all (that would be the only conceivable justification I could see him using). So I did a little more hunting around and found that one of the tin-cure moldmaking silicones, Mold Max 25 (https://www.smooth-on.com/products/mold-max-25/), is also purple in color. It is also very much cheaper than dragonskin, so there's a possible motive right there. It has a shore hardness of 25 (as opposed to the 10 of most dragonskin tails) and also had a low tensile strength/modulus of elasticity. So...while it's POSSIBLE that he could have just tinted his dragonskin that exact shade of purple for some absolutely pointless reason, dragonskin would still have the high amount of stretch that it's specifically designed to have. If the silicone on this tail does not....then the only explanation I can see is that it's made from cheap mold-making silicone.

good detective work, Matty confirmed how often Mertailor uses tin cure, well he learned from somewhere.

[Mermaid Cataleya]

Moongazer reminded me to mention that since scuba knit fabric is basically just thick spandex, and very stretchy, that could not be the cause of the no-stretch issue. It's definitely the silicone. (Thanks Moongazer!)

Whatever the reason for it, that tail, I am so sorry to say, is horrendous. I would be absolutely furious if I were you, Cataleya. We could try helping you figure out a way to fix it, but from what I've now seen, I don't even think it would be worth it. Any fixes probably wouldn't last long and if the tail isn't even stretchy, it will just continue to make you miserable. I would seriously be pursuing this with Matty and/or open a Paypal claim RIGHT NOW. Because you did NOT get what you paid for.

Can you maybe write a letter telling them you're exsperecne and how you can tell it's not what I paid for but in fact something else that would help greatly


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[Theobromine]

I understand your concern. I'm not an analytical laboratory so I can't tell you 100% conclusively, but I work with Dragonskin as well as other mold rubbers and I feel pretty confident. You COULD try calling Smooth-on and speaking to one of their actual technical support people who may be able to help you out with finding/providing conclusive evidence. In the meantime, would it be possible for you to post a short video showing the exact stretch of the material? If you can snip off a piece of the seam on the inside and hold it up in front of the camera and just flex and pull on it a couple of times. I might be able to do a comparison video showing samples of a couple different types of silicone so you an see how they compare, when I get a chance, but it would really help if I could see how yours behaves. Basically, the more photographic/video evidence you have, the better.

Edited to add: As for proving you didn't get what you paid for, I would think that pictures of the seams falling apart would help a lot there.

[Theobromine]

good detective work, Matty confirmed how often Mertailor uses tin cure, well he learned from somewhere.

Yeah, it seems the apple doesn't fall far from the tree in this case...I feel really bad for anyone who's purchased one of these tails :( I know Matty said a lot about how he was not going to make the same mistakes as Mertailor, but we all know where he learned his trade. It looks to me like he's Mertailor 2.0, unfortunately...

[Mermaid Cataleya]

So you need some of the purple stuff ?


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[Mermaid Cataleya]

I didn't cut it yet hers this see if this video will work for u if not I'll cut if have to https://youtu.be/V_jS4kE59nA


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[Theobromine]

Yeah...that doesn't look very stretchy to me at all. Dragonskin is WAY stretchier than that. And the tail itself looks really weirdly stiff. I'll have to go back and look at your pictures again to see the thickness (about to make dinner right now) but I am preeeeeetty sure that is not dragonskin. Anyone else here able to weigh in?

[Mermaid Cataleya]

When you get a free time would you be able to do that comparison video for me so if I end up do putting a claim through PayPal I can post that to them? I hope you have a wonderful time at dinner and I will talk to you soon thanks so much for all your help


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[Moongazer]

No open a case NOW. from someone who has been scammed before opening a PayPal case needs to be done ASAP. you only have 45 days from the day you pay to dispute anything!!

[Mermaid Cataleya]

Then I am way past it he doesn't make the item until I pay it was over 90 days before I got it I got it on the 28th of last month


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[Mermaid Cataleya]

Any take maker makes u pay all before making the tail and generally it takes over 45 days before the tail is even don't so that isn't even possiBle to pay get the tail made and use in 45 days


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[Mermaid Lorelei]

You still need to make a claim. You can include the fact that the creation of the tail took longer than 45 days and thus you weren't aware of the issues immediately, but you still need to make a claim with Paypal. And yes, do it immediately. The longer you wait, the less likely you are to get the refund you're hoping for.

[PearlieMae]

Exactly what Mermaid Lorelei just said! PayPal has both buyer and seller protections, but you can't waste any time.

[AniaR]

Yeah, it seems the apple doesn't fall far from the tree in this case...I feel really bad for anyone who's purchased one of these tails :( I know Matty said a lot about how he was not going to make the same mistakes as Mertailor, but we all know where he learned his trade. It looks to me like he's Mertailor 2.0, unfortunately...

Between this and the last drama where it really appeared as though he and some others tried to take the forum down, I am over it. We all gave him a sincere chance in the beginning. A chance to get out from under eric's shadow. But he seems happy to be there.

I don't doubt this thread will cause it's own drama with FB callouts and perhaps another barraging of the forum

[Theobromine]

I sincerely hope this doesn't turn into a shitstorm, but I'm also not terribly optimistic. I was really afraid of provoking more of what happened before, but people deserve to know. And honestly, it's not MY fault he's making crappy-quality tails and being dishonest about it. Again. It would have come out sooner or later anyway. I am also over this kind of shit happening in the community.

Cataleya, please please PLEASE heed everyone's advice and open a Paypal claim immediately! We're all sympathetic and trying to help you, but you NEED to do it ASAP and it's something you have to do yourself. It's the best chance you have of getting your money back. We can only advise you.

Ok, now rant time. Guys....I honestly won't be the least bit surprised if Matty tries to weasel his way out of this somehow. I've been getting bad vibes from him for a while now, but I haven't wanted to say too much in case it would just look like me being petty, but everything he posts on his Facebook page, for example, comes across as extremely pompous and arrogant, to me. Recently I saw something which struck me as downright dishonest. A friend sent me this picture he posted on his page: https://www.facebook.com/MerrowFins/photos/a.1699310503634095.1073741829.1674003116164834/1787678328130645/?type=3&theater
I could tell it was neither fish scales nor anything made of silicone, and my immediate thought was "that looks like a pinecone" so I did a reverse image search and found the original picture on the photographer's Flickr. It's definitely a pinecone, and Matty definitely did not credit the photographer or have permission to use the image. And the reason I don't think it was an innocent mistake is that he didn't say "this is my new scale inspiration" or anything, he specifically left the wording vague enough to imply that it was something he himself MADE. A lot of the comments on the photo show that people DID think they were something he made, and he's said nothing to disabuse them of that notion. So....image stealing and purposeful misdirection, I think that's pretty freaking shady.

Plus, if you really have the skills, you don't NEED to resort to hand-waving and misdirection. That might be the part that annoys me the most. He constantly talks himself up and acts like he's the best at what he does and has no room for improvement. Well, of course with an attitude like that, you never WILL improve. You can't just tell people you're good, you have to show it, and so far he hasn't shown anything that has convinced me he has any particular skill. In the other Merrowfins thread, there was a picture of his sculpted scales when they were new, and someone asked what everyone thought of it. So I, as politely and diplomatically as I could muster, pointed out the flaws I saw and where I thought there was room for improvement. It wasn't my intent to hurt anyone's feelings of course, and I figured if my comments every got back to Matty, hopefully he'd be able to use them as constructive criticism. Well, apparently not, because not long after that he made a post about the scales that I'm preeeeeetty sure was spurred by my comments (unless he also had a lot of people directly telling him his scales looked sloppy and rushed): https://www.facebook.com/MerrowFins/photos/a.1699310503634095.1073741829.1674003116164834/1737886619776483/?type=3&theater Well...if you have to make a post explaining that your scales look sloppy and rushed not because you rushed them, but because you actually spent a lot of time making them look that way, I am not impressed. Sloppy is sloppy and when it comes to fish scales, rough is not natural. If you were ACTUALLY trying to make fish scales that look natural, you should have taken five minutes of your time to google some actual PICTURES OF FISH SCALES. Seriously, it's not that hard. You don't need a master's degree to look up some reference images, and any decent artist knows to use reference images if they're trying to make anything that looks natural or realistic. Sure, it's fine if you just want your scales to look like concrete that was scraped with a fork, but don't go trying to tell me you made them that way so they'd look "natural." No. You didn't. And if you think that using a photo of pinecone scales is an acceptable substitute reference image for a photo of actual fish scales, then all I can do is laugh. The ONLY time a real live fish ever has scales that look like pinecone scales is when it's suffering from dropsy, a symptom of severe internal infection and bloating that causes the scales to stick out, or "pinecone". If you don't believe me, go google "pinecone fish scales". Do it right now. You will get lots of hits for dealing with dropsy, and none for "look at this pretty fish". I would never, ever, ever want my tail to look like it had dropsy...but maybe that's just me.

[Merman Arion]

http://str8upgayporn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/63e5b840-a28b-11e3-83ac-dbd001b9a9c0_Oscars-20-Feet-4.gif

http://a.disquscdn.com/uploads/mediaembed/images/3687/1075/original.gif

[Theobromine]

And another thing! He uses photos of Mertailor tails on his own page and website to advertise his products. I know Matty has made a big deal of telling everyone how HE was the one who did most of the sculpture work when he was with Eric, but has anyone actually confirmed that?? I'm actually serious, I don't know if anyone has, so please enlighten me if I'm wrong. But at this point in time I haven't seen any actual evidence that Matty did as much of the work as he says. I wouldn't be surprised if he's taking credit for far more of the work than he should be (go have a look at the reviews on his facebook page and read the one written by Robert Short). REGARDLESS, I don't care if he did 50% or 90% or 100% of the work on those tails, the rights to those images belong to another company, not him. He is using examples of products produced by another company to promote his own business, and not only is that misleading and unethical, I'm pretty sure it's illegal. They're Mertailor tails, not Merrowfins tails, and I highly doubt he has acquired the rights to use those images for his own promotion. Again, I'm not actually surprised, because he's already demonstrated a pretty feeble grasp of the laws and ethics pertaining to this situation. Not only did he use Mertailor images, he had also used images of his sculpt of the fluke design that was stolen from Mermaid Lorelei. This has already been discussed in another thread and I believe he ended up taking the images down, but not until after he'd already insisted that he had the right to use them because he had made the physical sculpture and at the time hadn't known the design was actually stolen. THAT IS NOT HOW IT WORKS, as several members here thankfully pointed out (thanks, you guys). The design was Mermaid Lorelei's. The sculpt was just a physical representation of that design. Just because he had his hands on it and shaped the clay (again, if he's even telling the truth about that), that does not mean he owns the rights to any part of that design. There are a TON of examples out there of, for example, small independent jewelry designers and artists having their exact designs ripped off by big companies, which then mass-produce them. Just because a cheap copy of that piece was physically produced by the big company, it's still a stolen design and the design belongs to the original creator. You're not in the clear because you have a different material copy of the design, IT IS STILL A COPY.

If I seem angry about all this, it's because I AM. I'm sick of watching this shit happen. One or two innocent mistakes I could definitely understand, but this is clearly a case of chronic dishonesty. At this point I wouldn't believe a single word he says unless it's backed up by hard evidence. And he has no one to blame but himself; he's put himself in this situation by being a serial liar, thief, and all-around shoddy craftsman. If you want to be respected as an artist, just do your best and never stop looking for ways to hone your skills, but above all BE HONEST!! Take some freaking responsibility for your mistakes and make them right when they happen! I have never seen a single thing from Matty that suggests that he even understands these concepts and I am sick and tired of this bullshit going unchallenged.

[AniaR]

yeah I regret defending him on that review. He did do sculpting work though and a lot of the assembling, I have that from multiple multiple sources.

[Theobromine]

I figured he at least did some of that, but it seems like he's trying to take credit for MOST of it. That's the impression I got, anyway.

[Mermaid Julianne]

I haven't been on Mernetwork in a while (and probably won't be able to be on much this summer unfortunately), but I just want to say that I was very happy to come back on here and see that you reached out to the community about your tail Cataleya. I know how concerned you were in the chat room and I was worried that your problems with your tail weren't going to be made public. I know many members of this community have been scammed and mistreated (including me) and it's important that we stick together and protect our fellow mers from people who are schiesty and manipulative. I hope you've made a PayPal claim and that you can get back what you deserve. And more importantly, I'm glad you shared what you were going through so that other people can know about Matt's business practice and potentially save themselves from a similar situation.

[Mermaid Julianne]

Also, to anyone else subbed/involved in this thread, maybe we should mention Matt's shoddy business practices in the "thoughts about Merrowfins" thread. I know there's a bunch of positive things in there and I wouldn't want someone to read that and think that Matt is a trustworthy tail maker.

[Theobromine]

That's a really good point Julianne, thanks. Maybe I'll start by linking this thread...

[PolarMermaidIzzy]

I'm actually really happy I saw this I was litterally about to order from Merrowfins today.. So what would you all suggest I get for the around 800.00 price?

[Hydra1337]

...Wow. I just went through this thread. I am so sorry this has happened to you. I was going to order from him instead of making my own but now I think I'll just stick to making my own...

[PolarMermaidIzzy]

Same here.. I just canceled on doing that.

[Mermaid Cataleya]

Polar...its not 800....trust me I found this the hard way as well. that is the price of the tail yes...but he will have you pay almost 200 for shipping which sucks balls i almost crapped myself when I found that one out.....so 800 for the tail .....150 for a rush free....then 180 for shipping

[Hydra1337]

Yikes

[UtahMermaidPearl]

For a full silicone the shipping is $250 so that's something to consider too

[Theobromine]

Yeah, shipping for silicone tails is expensive no matter what because they're so heavy. However, it sounds like maybe he should have been a little more up-front about that part, because not everyone knows that.

[UtahMermaidPearl]

Yeah, shipping for silicone tails is expensive no matter what because they're so heavy. However, it sounds like maybe he should have been a little more up-front about that part, because not everyone knows that.

Yaaaaaa. Part of it is insurance too

[Dolphin Man]

At first I was hesitant to publicize my worry just in case it was unfounded. I haven't received my Merrowfins tail yet. It was ordered Oct. 31st, but I do understand silicone tails take some time to make. The design called for specific details as this to look like a dolphin tail. Of course, I'm getting antsy. He emailed photos some months back, but I haven't gotten an email recently. Should I be concerned? His earlier emails showed photos of the fluke tail. Looked like a wood carving. He was talking about it having been poured and molded and the anatomic details put in. That was several months ago.

[UtahMermaidPearl]

Have you tried emailing or texting?

[Dolphin Man]

The last time I emailed and got a reply back was May 3rd. It's not that long ago. I emailed for an update on June 14th. No reply yet. These are the photos he sent way back in Nov 10th.

[Dolphin Man]

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[Dolphin Man]

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[Dolphin Man]

Jan 12, he was finishing up the sculpture. By Feb 19, the fluke had been molded and body was poured. He was about to work on the mono fin. In March, I sent over pigment colors. Then in May 3rd, I asked if he could attach the dorsal fin. No photos except these two above sent Nov. 10.

[Theobromine]

That does look like a wood carving...or something... :thinks: Why does it have that rough texture?

[Dolphin Man]

I don't know. I figured it was part of the molding process.

[Seraphina Suds]

That does look like a wood carving...or something... :thinks: Why does it have that rough texture?
Because that looks exactly like Mertailors Orca tail which makes me think that's not a new creation at all. let me see if I can find an old pic before I go back into lurk mode.

Sent from my Z958 using Tapatalk

[Theobromine]

It's not part of the molding process, it's part of his sculpt. Which looks like a butt, by the way. The texture just makes it look like a chapped butt.
Pretty sure real dolphin flukes don't look like chapped butts.

[Dolphin Man]

Any opinion? Should I be concerned?

[Seraphina Suds]

This was the tail/sculpt I was thinking of: http://mernetwork.com/index/showthread.php?p=104260

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[Mermaid Alea]

When I saw those photos in the other Merrowfins thread I was thinking the same thing Seraphina. I am glad you posted a link.

I agree the texture is strange.

[Mermaid Cataleya]

Any opinion? Should I be concerned?

Personally I'd send him a message try and be as polite as you can tell him when u ordered when the date was that you said it would be done by and got into by telling him you are extremely concerned and why you were concerned and I will put it bluntly that you would either like a refund or a free update or a free dorsal or fin or wrist scales something to compensate you. I understand he's busy and I understand has had a lot of stress on him. When you own a business I don't know if he has given you a date or not but if you are given a date and should be out by that date and if you have to eat cost you half the cost. I do it quiteoften with my business due to my own personal mistake. I hope everything resolves and I can't wait to see pictures when you get your tail


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[Merman_Ryan]

I have been looking into getting a tail from here. This is the first bad review I've seen. :(

[PolarMermaidIzzy]

Apparently the situation was taken care of?? Is that true?

[Mermaid Cataleya]

Apparently the situation was taken care of?? Is that true?

Kelly offered to help me fix it I haven't had time to get the stuff once this really got some feedback I got a message from him but it shouldn't have taken me posting a bad review to grab his attention. He is still holding fast that the tail is fine and has no defects thing is I don't have 400 dollars to ship it to him then get it back of I did that the tail would be worth over 1300


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[Mermaid Lorelei]

He needs to refund you and pay to have the tail shipped back to him. Did you ever open a Paypal dispute?

[Mermaid Cataleya]

Here is the message honestly I have just decided to fix it if and when it rips more I learned a hard lesson and that's fine I am very grateful Kelly and u all are teaching me how to fix it . All tail makers need to learn to fix there tails I like the power of the tail itself I just don't like how it is ripping at the waist I mighta measured wrong there wasn't a real detailed way to do it on his site it's more a wing it thing lol my next tail is gonna be a Merbella tail if I am lucky to catch an opening when I have the cash http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160626/ea64b4800ff9a1323ec0204120e78bb3.jpg



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[Theobromine]

He is still holding fast that the tail is fine and has no defects thing is I don't have 400 dollars to ship it to him then get it back of I did that the tail would be worth over 1300

= Mertailor 2.0

Confirmed.

[Theobromine]

37613

Fixed it.

[AniaR]

http://persephonemagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/colbert-popcorn.gif

[Imogen Finnly]

http://persephonemagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/colbert-popcorn.gif
Couldn't have summed it up better myself haha

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[Keiris]

Raina! LOL

[AniaR]

legit my face, legit :)

[MermaidNerenia]

This is the best forum response I have ever seen Theobromine.

[PearlieMae]

Theo, we know what needs to be done. ;)

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[Theobromine]

:eyebrows: