The Drama Thread (WARNING: DRAMA AHEAD)

[aurora85]

Hey all, back again with another question. Is this normal? https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180626/1ddebedd94a005b583c4276523a75db6.png
After everyone else validated my feelings that something was a bit off with this group and it’s ‘leader’ I pretty much forgot about them and went on with my life. Well now he has started messaging me again about coming to his pods meet ups and then I see this in my fb feed. I have never seen the bc mermaids or mermaids of Canada fb groups be so...bossy about how to be a mermaid. Kinda takes the fun out of things when someone is drilling you like ur joining the Olympic team



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[PhaylennMurúch]

unless your pod is a gig working pod and you're doing jobs, etc, then there is no reason for a meetup to be anything but fun swimming

[Arking]

Seconded it sounds more like like employee management, someone who's wanting to perfect and sell a product than enjoy the activity.

Though you could stretch the imagination greatly and assume the person is trying to look after the safety of the individuals (assuming they are actually a trained professional and teacher). But it's def not framed in a way that says "lets reduce risk".

Your best bet would be to continue to ignore him if it makes you uncomfortable considering it sounds like he's only interacting with you through social media, I'd say block him and unfollow the group as you've indicated you don't really engage with them anyway.

[AniaR]

where the hell IS this Northern pod. lol I thought *we* were the northen pod up here in Canada.

Also, I don't make my mermaids as part of our business swim laps.

This honestly just sounds like a crazy person on a power trip

[AniaR]

ok I checked out the page, it's run by someone in BC??? There's WAY better BC groups out there my friend. Come Join the Mermaids in Canada pod group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/375142929328888/?ref=br_rs

The Vancouver Mermaid is always running meetups, and so is her friend Nerdmaid Faith. Other BC mers there too

[AniaR]

here's a group for the mermaids of BC run by some excellent mers: https://www.facebook.com/groups/446484172389959/


basically I am telling you to quit your pod and find a better one lol

[aurora85]

ok I checked out the page, it's run by someone in BC??? There's WAY better BC groups out there my friend. Come Join the Mermaids in Canada pod group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/375142929328888/?ref=br_rs

The Vancouver Mermaid is always running meetups, and so is her friend Nerdmaid Faith. Other BC mers there too

Alas - while I am in both these other groups and they are much better I agree, the problem is I am in Northern BC (Prince George) and most everyone is in the greater Vancouver area. And unlike Nerdmaid Faith, Korin is not trained as a lifeguard or swim instructor. He is a ‘psychic’. They are not working mermaids, I don’t think many of them even have tails, as they only show pics of two people swimming in finis monofins on the group




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[Arking]

Alas - while I am in both these other groups and they are much better I agree, the problem is I am in Northern BC (Prince George) and most everyone is in the greater Vancouver area. And unlike Nerdmaid Faith, Korin is not trained as a lifeguard or swim instructor. He is a ‘psychic’. They are not working mermaids, I don’t think many of them even have tails, as they only show pics of two people swimming in finis monofins on the group




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Is it him or the pod that's the problem? Doesn't sound like you've invested any time into the pod itself which I think then might be better for you take the opportunity to craft an image for yourself and start your own meet ups. Do something a little different than he's doing, take Raina's advice look at other pods and how they work and maybe use that knowledge to craft a pod. :)

[Ransom]

Yup, blocking them seems like the way to go. I've no idea why they're so aggressively trying to recruit you -- sounds like you're better off starting your own with like-minded mer friends.

[KTMaggs]

Hey all, back again with another question. Is this normal? https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180626/1ddebedd94a005b583c4276523a75db6.png
After everyone else validated my feelings that something was a bit off with this group and it’s ‘leader’ I pretty much forgot about them and went on with my life. Well now he has started messaging me again about coming to his pods meet ups and then I see this in my fb feed. I have never seen the bc mermaids or mermaids of Canada fb groups be so...bossy about how to be a mermaid. Kinda takes the fun out of things when someone is drilling you like ur joining the Olympic team



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Pod meet ups are supposed to be fun. And maybe a bit of training. But mostly fun. The pod FB director should step down or make a new one.


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[Keiris]

That goof would be a BIG "Bye Felicia" from me.

[Mermaid Jaffa]

He sounds like a collector of mermaids. There are no mermen in the pod? I'd say quit now and never look back.

[inanna]

i have never heard of pod meetups doing training like that. probably should run for the hills

[Ara Mermaid]

I thought pod meetups were for fun?!?!

[Mermaid Jaffa]

I thought pod meetups were for fun?!?!
Same. This guy sounds like a perv.

[Keiris]

I doubt he's a perv, he just seems a bit pushy and demanding for something that should be FUN.

[Arking]

I doubt he's a perv, he just seems a bit pushy and demanding for something that should be FUN.

I'm going to second this. So far nothing really points to him doing anything predatory he's just taking the role too seriously.

[Mermaid Kane]

Hmm, I might be the unpopular opinion here, but I don't think he's being pervish or creepy.

EDIT: didn't have time to finish, sorry.

Anyways, I think he just has a different idea of what his mermaiding squad should be. If you don't like it, I know I wouldn't, I would just find a new position.

[Mermaid Jaffa]

Is he a merman or just some random guy running a pod of young girls?

[AniaR]

I honestly think he's powertripping. it happens a LOT in pods

[Pegwillen]

I am bringing this here as FB is not the only place where I can be heard.
---------------------------

I'll just leave this here since my voice has still been silenced.
--------
I have thought long and hard about making this post and I am willing to bet my meager FinFolk Pod Squad membership on it as I can clearly see that real opinions don't mean much to this business.
I am beyond disappointed at this crew. Your lack of customer service, and frankly you lack of business know-how.
Not one issue I have seen handled in a professional manner. Mostly just posts being deleted or emails being ignored.
I wasn't aware that we were making deals with sea witches who stole voices to trade for tails.
Why are my friends being bullied by you into keeping their orders? Suddenly when they want to cancel you magically get around to saying something? This is bad business and I have honestly seen enough of it.
Let us not forget when Bryn told a girl whose mythic she WON in a contest to send it back and they would just give it to someone else because she was upset there was an issue with it?
Or do I need to start posting screenshots.
What about the other contest winners you've never fixed orders for? Especially after it was ALREADY shipped to you.
You have HUNDREDS of upset customers asking for orders that haven't even been shipped out yet and here you are making more promises that people will receive them. But not after taking more money from them with products that haven't even been made.
Let alone the issues your CUSTOMERS are having to fix themselves. Zippers, waistbands, tops, and adding our own drainage?
Anyone get their Te-Fiti tops yet? Don't worry. I'll wait.
What about the customers that have been waiting literal years for orders but you get to rush order for your friends? That seems fair to everyone involved.
How about those Gen 1-2's that still haven't been shipped? But all those misprints MUST GO.
Did you ever answer if they would give refunds to the people that paid full price for misprints? Or are you still talking about it. I'm sure those people will continue to wait while you enjoy whatever it is you'd rather be doing.
Your sizing? Ridiculous. 'True' to size? To whose size? Your quality control is lackluster lately and its hard to see friends being so disappointed.
Why are my friends crying because they aren't answered?
Oh. Because they're scared. They want the product and my friends are left hurt still. How's that new ceiling?
Never mind. I'll show myself out. This will be deleted anyway.
Bye fishes.

-----

Wild guess. It was deleted.

Post has been tamed from the initial so it would stay up longer.
-----

Now, I make this post to bring attention to the problems that a lot of people are having with the FF company and for my friends who are silenced. Deleted posts. Unanswered emails. Ignored messages.
This is unfair to them all and I will not sit idly anymore.

[Yeka]

I saw your post in Mermaid Mania. I didn't see it in the podsquad because I've had to unfollow that group. I got tired of the constant posting of pictures of dead animals (that REALLY affects me), and the complaining about getting fabric tails a week or two after their estimated ship date when so many of us are still waiting on items from months, even years ago.

Anyway, I think, Pegwillen, you should bring up these concerns in the reveiw threads, too. That is where most people who are looking to purchase will go to learn about the product.

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[AniaR]

reviews are for actual customers. Opinions have to go in discussion threads.

There are lots of opinions on finfolk but at the end of the day people have to post their own personal experiences, and proof of such is always helpful for others to make their own decisions based on it. Actual reviews are always the best (I have been meaning to get around to mine just so busy)

Calling people "sea witches" is a bit much along with accusations of stealing without any proof. If someone has given finfolk money and been told they wont be getting a tail, they should absolutely post that with proof (I saw one woman claiming this, and also claiming blackmail- that's the kind of stuff you back up with proof). To my knowledge no one has been maliciously scammed.

If you have friends with specific issues, encourage them to post them in the review section here with their screen shots/photos proof. Or in the discussion thread. It keeps a record instead of hearsay, helps other buyers make better informed decisions, and one of the silver linings sometimes is that someone else may have solved the issue for you. (When I posted about the issues with my tail people gave me fixes and each one actually worked and now I have no issues).

[Mermaid Ankhali]

I wasn't aware that we were making deals with sea witches who stole voices to trade for tails.


Holy fish sticks! I never thought I’d see such a severe undersea burn! The depths of the Mariana Trench could not compete with the epic levels of shade in this post. These facts need to be stated.


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[Mermaid Ankhali]

I saw your post in Mermaid Mania. I didn't see it in the podsquad because I've had to unfollow that group. I got tired of the constant posting of pictures of dead animals (that REALLY affects me), and the complaining about getting fabric tails a week or two after their estimated ship date when so many of us are still waiting on items from months, even years ago.

Anyway, I think, Pegwillen, you should bring up these concerns in the reveiw threads, too. That is where most people who are looking to purchase will go to learn about the product.

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Why are people posting pictures of dead animals on the Pod Squad group?


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[Yeka]

Why are people posting pictures of dead animals on the Pod Squad group?


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Usually because they are trying to bring awareness to water pollution and the like. Which is fine, but after seeing a dead whale full of plastic for the 10th time, I just couldn't do it anymore.

[AniaR]

Usually because they are trying to bring awareness to water pollution and the like. Which is fine, but after seeing a dead whale full of plastic for the 10th time, I just couldn't do it anymore.

I am with you on that. LOL I am in the podsquad but I turned off notifications. There's a lot of things that get posted I don't want to see. LOL

[Saelyyia]

Same here. I just don't want to see many of the things that get posted and there are so many posts it was drowning my other notifications.

[Mermaid Delphinidae]

Usually because they are trying to bring awareness to water pollution and the like. Which is fine, but after seeing a dead whale full of plastic for the 10th time, I just couldn't do it anymore.

Yeah, people don't come to a pod group for that, even though it is a real problem. Shoot, I have cetacean blogs on Tumblr but I always put trigger warnings on anything with blood or dead animals.

[inanna]

i'm starting to wonder if there's a sinking ship.

[AniaR]

meh I think it's just typical growth period. There are valid complaints, all in which the team seems to be bending over backwards to address. I have been around long enough to see companies rise and fall, all of the missteps of every single company (and they ALL have had them) and I think once FF warehouse is done a lot will improve. Other tail makers went through these same growing pains just a few years ago... and are now hugely successful.

To me the sign of a sinking company has always been when people start to crop up saying they paid for a tail X amount of years ago and haven't gotten it and haven't heard anything from the tail maker. That's what happened with fishbutts and mermaid creations and a few others.

[Mermaid Ankhali]

To me the sign of a sinking company has always been when people start to crop up saying they paid for a tail X amount of years ago and haven't gotten it and haven't heard anything from the tail maker. That's what happened with fishbutts and mermaid creations and a few others.

Isn’t that one of the things people have been saying about Finfolk?


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[AniaR]

Nope. No one has proven that they've paid for a tail and never got it. There are people on the wait list, but they've had communication (just sometimes not as often as they want) seen pics, etc. No reason for anyone to believe their money has been stolen

When other companys sank, they didn't just stop replying, they took themselves off the internet.

[Ransom]

How did years-long wait lists become a norm? There's plenty of time for things and bodies to change, and what's ordered now isn't going to fit come delivery.

Companies that don't solve this issue quickly will lose out to those that do. I can only hope for Finfolk it isn't too late, because goodwill can only take you so far.

[AniaR]

years long waits are the norm for 3 large scale companies right now. and while the others aren't bad like that - they were at some point- and got through it. It seems to me to be a normal growth snag that any company worth their salt hits. I am sure now that their factory is done they'll get through it.

Keep in mind the most vocal people on this particular issue- are not actually clients of customers of Finfolk. a lot of people just *love* to jump in, and it gives the impression of a situation being much worse than it us because of loud people.

[MidnightMer]

I feel like on this issue both sides have very valid concerns and criticisms. On the one hand, quality art takes a long time to make, and if you take on a lot of orders and have very few people working on them, it can be a daunting task to answer a ton of emails every day on top of the regular work you have to do to keep your tails coming out with the quality that is expected. But, on the other side just because multi-year waits are a norm in this area, that doesn't mean that that is a good thing necessarily or something that people shouldn't point out in their complaints as something that should be improved. Plus, communication when working on commissioned work helps to make sure every customer gets exactly what they wanted in the end, and fosters a good relationship with the company.

But, it is also the case that there are many tailmakers out there whose wait times aren't so long, and are still reputable, that people could buy from knowing how bad the waits will be for some other tail makers ahead of time. I know if I were ever going to get a silicone tail, as things stand right now, it would be from Mernation, since I think their work is beautiful, you don't have to wait years for it, and they answer their emails pretty frequently I have heard. I just couldn't stand to wait for months without being able to talk to the maker at all, but some people can. There is also the tails from Mermaid Amatheia which are starting to come up more and more, and other people with shorter waits.

[Mermaid Delphinidae]

How did years-long wait lists become a norm? There's plenty of time for things and bodies to change, and what's ordered now isn't going to fit come delivery.

Companies that don't solve this issue quickly will lose out to those that do. I can only hope for Finfolk it isn't too late, because goodwill can only take you so far.

To be fair, the size thing is an issue even after you get your tail. I mean, even if a company can get your tail to you in a week, it won’t fit properly in two years if your size changes.

From what AniaR is saying it seems to me that this time period is the make it or break it moment for tail companies. If they’re building a factory then I lean more optimistic.


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[inanna]

i trust raina's word so i'm hoping the factory clears everything up

[AniaR]

I have hope for sure! I have seen this period of time make or break people. It wasn't that long ago other well known accomplished folks were going through the same thing. So fins crossed and I hope for the best for all involved.

[Mermaid Alea]

The Te-Fiti tops - since they are silicone, those will definitely take some time to create especially if they don't have many molds for the top (more molds = more tops you can make at once). You have to wait for the silicone to cure, then paint it carefully. Not the easiest looking design to paint quickly with that palm frond going across it and the flower details.

[BlueCorvidae]

The Te-Fiti tops - since they are silicone, those will definitely take some time to create especially if they don't have many molds for the top (more molds = more tops you can make at once). You have to wait for the silicone to cure, then paint it carefully. Not the easiest looking design to paint quickly with that palm frond going across it and the flower details.

I bought a TeFiti top. Back when they were selling them, they were going over how they tested them and had all the features figured out, and they'd be shipping out at the same time as the mythics they sold that spring. The way they pitched it made it seem like they already had the molds and materials ready to go and that they'd be ready for the summer. Had I known how unprepared they were, I would have used that three hundred dollars to buy a top from a smaller maker that could actually focus on my order. I get that silicone products take a bit of time, but I feel like the way they promoted it was kind of dishonest.

[AniaR]

So.... this guy seems like a serial killer waiting to happen.

Original post:

https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/44558240_10156958818894427_1591701522549309440_n.j pg?_nc_cat=104&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&oh=78be81ce570eeafe2e93ce11ab135849&oe=5C82BDAA

His replies: (this was publicly posted on the fanpage)

https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/44620873_10156958818904427_2342197669696372736_n.j pg?_nc_cat=103&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&oh=8576c2d6a3951debdb13a62f3b6c68a7&oe=5C897B87

https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/44633521_10156958818974427_2825562025151692800_n.j pg?_nc_cat=103&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&oh=a0c172d14fd5124985672ca839863d10&oe=5C8750E5

OK sure, that's your opinion. Whatever. But then ....

https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/44754604_10156958818999427_6783153064455962624_n.j pg?_nc_cat=106&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&oh=305459d720ee60c85a1cb309a4478382&oe=5C51B4C5

Uh... What?

https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/44628890_10156466374851223_9089790762878500864_n.j pg?_nc_cat=110&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&oh=7f6423635141d3e2ae62ad97f64b9982&oe=5C403616

Wow, so yeah he said that.

https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/44561800_10156466374926223_8037055988995457024_n.j pg?_nc_cat=106&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&oh=f11473ed6c62d13781377790cde502b4&oe=5C877795

https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/44639241_10156466375056223_853941946299711488_n.jp g?_nc_cat=106&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&oh=d30a44ce3ebc41bc6079f9164db8b264&oe=5C43FBC6

https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/44658247_10156466375196223_1123073844131659776_n.j pg?_nc_cat=106&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&oh=8d55ab42aa3df5ec7b704a11a780dc56&oe=5C883C16

uh... ok then...
https://tenor.com/HNbb.gif

https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/44679998_10156466375476223_7303279556826234880_n.j pg?_nc_cat=102&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&oh=30aa27c35c774bfef58279729400119f&oe=5C54C30B

Kinda a shitty tactic for competing companies...?

This guy has a history, check out another issue he was involved in here and be weary: https://mernetwork.com/index/showthread.php?10434-A-Tail-of-Art-Theft-(WARNING-STRONG-LANGUAGE)&highlight=charles+kemp

[inanna]

okay, well he's definitely one chicken short of a coop. caught up on the other thread, this guy really needs some professional help. whatever his beef with eric is, posting death threats really isn't cool and hopefully facebook will take him down, but tbh with the way they've been going that isn't likely. :/

maybe he'll get banned from the mertailor squad?

[AniaR]

That was a post on the public mertailor fan page not the squad. I doubt he has actual beef. As you can see from the other thread he lies constantly.

[KatieScottArt]

https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/44628890_10156466374851223_9089790762878500864_n.j pg?_nc_cat=110&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&oh=7f6423635141d3e2ae62ad97f64b9982&oe=5C403616



Guys don't worry, he's only praying to the god "Lucfire", the lesser known half cousin of Lucifer. Way less powerful, no one will be dying. XD lmao

All jokes aside, this is not how you go about marketing for a rival tail maker at alllll hahaha.

[AniaR]

I think he has been watching too much of this season's American Horror Story

[inanna]

That was a post on the public mertailor fan page not the squad. I doubt he has actual beef. As you can see from the other thread he lies constantly.

Good point

[AniaR]

woke up to this lovely message from Charles, who blocked me so I can't reply, lol (sent to my business page)

https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/44779445_2222702531341451_4005427654902677504_n.jp g?_nc_cat=111&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&oh=5bcb13b772bf435d9e5755c67c79eab6&oe=5C7E8BFB


You're welcome dude. Maybe don't wish death on people.

[PearlieMae]

... Your welcome dude. Maybe don't wish death on people.

*you're

HAHAHAHA!
(How could I not bust your chops over that? :mermaid kiss: )

[AniaR]

*you're

HAHAHAHA!
(How could I not bust your chops over that? :mermaid kiss: )

bahahaha you got me.

[PhaylennMurúch]

He seems unhinged

[AniaR]

it gets CRAZIER. lol

https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/44789903_2222952127983158_4088754053419368448_n.jp g?_nc_cat=102&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&oh=0b5c5a0c522f261862e1e19742c8d7fd&oe=5C4B3A16

Dude, I didn't have to SAY anything... lol. Just posted what YOU said.

[KTMaggs]

Oh wow. Does he have a reason for saying what he said?


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[AniaR]

he's mad I shared the screen shot of him threatening eric the mertailor with a slow and painful death lol previous page.

[Satine]

He should have been taught if you don’t have anything nice to say don’t say anything at all !!! People don’t need extra negativity in their lives! You never know what others are dealing with!

He needs to have some respect and human decency !!!!

I hope the mertailor was not affected by him at all !!!


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[Ransom]

Dang that is some Class A hypocrisy right there. Some people can dish it out, but they sure can't take it.

I don't know what issues he has, but I hope he gets the help he needs.

[Slim]

Once in awhile someone will remind me of the drama from two years ago that someone had a case against me. I'll set the record straight here. There was actually two cases and she lost. Her bringing me to court one time wasn't enough, she actually took the time to find my ex g/f which is creepy imo for that 2nd case. I just wish she would stay out of my life. Florida has a sunshine law so all the information is out there for people to look up once it reaches court hence why Florida gets so much crazy news.

[Slim]

I really wanted to avoid posting this thread but I felt I need to make a simple post. I'm going to keep it straight to the point. Alice, your friend lost. Their claim was proven false. Check the clerk of court page if there is any doubt. Your public shaming of me is unnecessary in your anti-bullying group. Your friend mention about trading information between your group and a group I help mod. I feel your friend baited me so you can make your post The answer is no on trading information. Your post slandering me mentioned that you even posted on mernetwork but both people claim they weren't you. You did message me first on Facebook 3 years ago (not 2 years as your shaming post says) and I try to tell you stop talking to me because you don't have the fact. That why I asked those two people publicly in this drama thread if they were you when they snap without facts on me. So I ask now is to stop with the slandering of me.