rediculous youtube "fans" and constant emails

[AniaR]

Seriously, Im at the point where I just wanna turn comments off.

I deal with so many rude people who demand answers to questions on my youtube. I have answered these questions a billion times, and I also have a FAQ linked in every description. Do NOT get all rude and uppity with me. I don't owe anyone any answers, If I can take time out of my day to answer a question I have already answered but a person is too lazy to actually read- then seriously, how bad do you want to know the answer? I've been turning my videos to comments moderated. I hate having to do that, id rather let people chat in the comments. but Im just getting tired of the non-stop selfish attitudes and rudeness. I learned what I know about being a mermaid from a lot of research, trial, and error. I do a LOT to share my information including running a magazine, posting on forums, doing live video chats answering questions, and putting a lot of hard work into my FAQ. I would have NEVER treated someone like Hannah Mermaid (my biggest inspiration) with the amount of disrespect people treat current mermaids with.I get the most ridiculous questions I just dont have time to answer them all. One girl asked me how much Raven sells tails for and I said "3k" and she says "what's 3k" omg...

A little look into what I deal with....

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this one has been spammed all over my page by like 50 diff people. I keep blocking them, they keep making more accounts. Starting to think it's the same person just trying to be a jerk since so many of the accounts are deleted right after

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then we get the questions that arent just answered on the faq/website, they're answered in the comments, and in the video!

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after that on this one video I have 2 pages of nothing but spam I had to remove....

Then I get the people who really take no time to learn and assume my tail is made by another tail maker whose tails look nothing like mine, more spam, and other fans start jumping in to help

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so we hit the point where I turn comments moderating on.... thank God

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skip past another page of spam....

Next, someone asking me for my website and FB that are IN the video and in the description (you cant post website links in youtube comments anyway), someone else jumping into help, and a girl who calls me a jerk when I reply to her comment directly to me because she apparently wasnt talking to me! She ended up removing her own comments, but basically she tells me Im an idiot for wasting money on silicone when I can make my own tail using joanne fabrics (ps we dont have that store in Canada) and she's then replying all rude to other people

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this is just a very small example of what I deal with on youtube. The thing that frustrates me, if these people want to be mermaids sooo bad, why cant they just read the description where it tells them everything they need to know? I cant post urls in comments, I only have so much space in comments, and so many people dont watch the videos because their questions are answered in them.

I have 2 websites, my professional one and one for kids. They both have really big signs saying I dont make or sell tails. I have over 100 emails in my raina mermaid email, the majority of them from people (not just kids, lots of adults) asking me to make them a tail. On my FB the first thing you see under my name is "sorry, I do not make or sell tails" and yet at last count I had over 50 messages backlogged on fb about this topic. On here, people still PM me constantly despite me having answered all this stuff in my FAQ and all over, and on mernetwork.

I do DO a lot to give out info, but this is why I get pissed off when people just want more and more and more. Because 9 times out of 10 they arent being polite, they're being demanding. I make my information so available, it's just hard to believe people have been "following my work" when the next thing that comes after that sentence is "can u make me a cheap tail?" if you've been following my work you know I dont make them.

I am not ungrateful for having fans and support, but I dont like the attitude that we need to bend over backwards to please people, and I certainly dont think anyone should have to put up with the type of comments I get at times. Sometimes people call me a "big name mer", but I dont see myself that way. Even if I was up there with the ranks of Hannah, Linden, Melissa, Raven etc I wouldnt put up with this type of stuff.

I actually dont mind answering questions when they are something new, people have taken the time to be thoughtful and actually read, and people use the proper channels. Im never going to be able to give people what they want. They want all the directions, none of the work, and a free tail. I cant do that. But people will call me a bitch if I dont try. Im starting to see the same thing a bit here on mernetwork- no offence to anyone, I know forums can be difficult to navigate but Iona has been busting her fins stickying all these important threads to the top so they're the first things people see, then we have 3 threads going on the same topic after it's done cuz people dont take the time to read and see the information is all organized and right in front of them!

I find some fans can be a bit selfish and obsessive too. Working out these scenarios in their minds where you owe them. Im grateful for support, but I dont owe anyone anything. Anyone I have owed has been paid up, I take several times out of the year to write huge thank yous and give acknowledgement to people who have helped me along the year, Im always thanking my fans, and I certainly realize I wouldnt be where I am without them. But that's where it ends. I dont owe a person my non stop attention, free things, constant discounts etc.

Anyway, just a little venting, and something funny to look at too. I get a little taste of it I cant imagine what it's like for big name mers. Then I go on wondering what it's like for celebs!

[Thalassa]

You poor thing! I've seen those comments, and sometimes I wish I had enough time to volunteer to be a moderator for your page or something. XD

I've always found you to be extremely gracious and responsive when I have a question that is well thought out and not one you frequently have to answer. Your videos and posts are very informative, and you share so much information that is useful for a startup mer like me (that one on getting ready for a gig was great...I never thought about being hydrated before XD).

I'm sorry you have to deal with idiots, and I hope you know how most of us appreciate you! I don't feel like you owe us anything, that we're privileged to get to share your adventures and the advice you give!

(And seriously, to those who keep asking for your old tail...I feel like, "She doesn't even KNOW you. You're some random commenter, and you think you're entitled to a free tail? Seriously?")

[SilverSiren]

:( Hugs? I'm new here. I'll be opening a shop soon with Mermaid related stuff and other fantasy dress (ie. fairy wings) then tails will be added soon after. I also want to do Pro Mering and I have followed your posts, they are extremely helpful and I think your VERY kind to give what you know back to the community. I show a lot of your vids and pictures to my very supportive Hubby and just gush over how sweet you are, doing so much for people despite your illness. I think you deserve a little back for your kindness... I will name a item after you in my shop, give you a discount on that item if you choose to purchase it and send it to you with free shipping! If you have time in your busy schedule, I would be more than happy to hear what you want that item to be and what it should look like too! :D

Thank you again for your information. I know more about what is in store for me, both the good and bad, if I continue to pursue this path. I wish people would see that just because you sell a service does not mean your a object bought from a shop to be treated as they see fit. :headwall:

[Danimer]

Hi, long time reader/appreciator/tail-coveter here,

I also have Youtube videos, as well as a website, and I get this sort of thing all the time - though not as often as you do. Frequently, I get letters from students who are writing reports or research papers on the subject I study, and ask me all sorts of questions that are, of course, answered in depth on my website. So in this case, it's like they are literally asking me to do their homework for them - which, as I'm sure you can relate, makes me feel uncomfortable on a couple of levels. On the one hand, I feel like yelling at them for the assumption/rudeness - I would never, as a kid, have treated a professional like that. On the other, I'm glad they have interest in my subject and I don't want to just ignore them...

I think, ultimately, it just comes with the territory of doing something that gets attention. Some of it's good, some bad, some freaky (and then you call the cops). Why let it get to you? Celebrities don't, because they can't. It would sink their ships on a daily basis if they let it get to them - at least, a distraction from their goals; at most, a true derailment. I think it might be helpful to chunk it in with celebrity. I know that feels weird to think of, but I think that the moment the attention starts to bother you, you have reached your own level of celebrity (and then you get to act like one). ;)

The other thing to keep in mind is that when it comes to mermaids, sooo many people are just desperate. You know how strong the feeling, the desire can be. Especially for kids, who may not have financial power, and thus, no real way to reach their goal. What you represent to these people is an impossible (for them, they think) dream, and the jealousy can be acute. It can be so strong they may not even realize what it is or how it's speaking through them. It's really easy to hate someone who has what you want.

So you are dealing with a couple of incendiary things: 1.) being a semi-clad girl on the internet; and 2.) representing mermaiding with a beautiful tail. You're going to get gross comments from guys, and over-the-top hateful, jealous, and greedy comments from girls and some boys. A lot of little, as yet un-grown-up kids are into mermaids - that's a big part of your audience. And it takes kids a long, long, long time to grow up. And a lot of them don't have parent supervision on the internet, etc. Are you really going to stoop to the level of responding to rude questions from 12 year olds?

At any rate, I know you might be a bit uncomfortable with the idea of assigning yourself celebrity status, and I think it's highly admirable of you to care so much about your fans and fellow up-and-comers, but if it affords you the peace of mind you require to forge ahead with your vision, then it may be essential.

People is crazy, and it ain't your problem.

[Samantha Siren]

I'm tearing my hair out just reading this!!!

[Kanti]

xD people never read the descriptions, I find it humorous in a way, because when I find someone asking
a question that's in my description, I never answer it, I just tell them "I dunno read the description" to MAKE
them read it themselves like you did xD So far I've never gotten any lip from that, but if I ever did I'd just try
to reason with them that I took the time to wrote that for a reason.
I find it sort of a waste of time, too. It's not the more convenient route, either. If everything you need to know
is on a video's description, there's no need to contact anyone and wait for them to reply etc. You just get the
info right there. And I usually find that if I REALLY WANT something in a video, the first thing I do is read the
description and the poster's comments to see if they've already answered my question.
I think people are just stupid sometimes, and even more often, they're young kids who don't understand the
concept of doing their own research so they just want someone to spoonfeed them everything.
I mean, the whole h20 and "say mermaid 4 times" is kind of proof of the fact a lot of the commenters are
younger.

As for the trolls, well, trolls happen on every video, I just tend to ignore them and not give them the attention
they're looking for. I only delete the comments if they're very lude or disturbing.

It's unfortunate you have to deal with rude people, but in the end I'd try to look at it from another angle. Look
how popular your videos are that you get people commenting on them so much, I think to me, that'd be a great
enough incentive to keep being patient with them, especially since they're the ones who are your customers, to
an extent. They see your video, they like it, they show it to friends.. etc.
Sometimes fans can be annoying, but they're the ones supporting you in the end, so I always try my best to be
patient and nice to them.

[AniaR]

thanks for the insight everyone. I think I just need to vent, people dont realize but not just as a mermaid as a teacher and an educator etc I am constantly doing self improvement, learning, seeking out new experiences etc. I just get so frustrated when they demand things from you, or they talk to you like you owe them, or what I seem to be getting is people trying to "school" me on being a mermaid. -_-; it's like, how about you let the mermaid decide what the mermaid does...

It can be tricky online, people always get so self-righteous and I know Im one to talk lol. But I think Kanti and Danimer (welcome to the site!) got it right. I always find it easier to move past stuff once I vent. It also makes me appreciate Hannah so much more when she shares things.

[Mermaid Fenicia]

I had the same problem with my videos on YouTube, so I moderate them now and the spamming stop. Most posts that I've got where about me being to at to be a mermaid and that I need to get more movement and eat less sweet stuff :( They don't know me, so they don't know that the fat I've got is from nerves and that as I"m disabled I cannot go sporting like everybody else. :(

[Mermaid Dottie]

Wow.... I knew you had annoying commenters, but some of these people have just GOT to be missing a slice of their brains...

[Mermaid Fenicia]

@Xuchilpada: Now that I'm living with a good friend (boyfriend even) I can get relaxed en do things I realy like to do. Also, today to people I know told me that I lost weight and look very healthy now :)

[Joy&RaptorsUnrestrained!]

Wow, Raina, someone really smacked these people with the idiocy stick. I'd try not to let them bother you (as you're a mermaid, they're trolls) if you can possibly avoid it, delete anything too obnoxious and move on if you can... maybe go for a swim and let it wash away.

[AniaR]

see I try so hard not to delete things, I really dont like that mertailor deletes things it makes everything so one sided and people cant make their own unbiased opinions. If someone doesnt like me that's fine, and I just feel like having all these "comments removed" on my video just looks suspicious. The only ones I delete right now are the insane spam

[Angel the Little Merman]

As I said this early once I start uploading my videos comments will be block! All for these reasons. In my eyes we're the artist and we're sharing our day in the life videos to see how it is and these Youtube nayers are failing to see that! And I really hate that "H2O" spam! Don't let them bother you they have nothing better to do in their life.

[MermanJesse]

I like the ones who throw in "I'm 11." or "I'm only 12 and don't have a job, can you make me one?"

I'm like, "and your point? You still have to PAY up if you want a tail!"

It is amazing.

OMG.... RAINA.... i have to forward an email I just got yesterday! It made me :doh:

[New York Mermaid]

Id love to help out if you need it raina, let me know, I know how you feel about the spam. sometimes in life you need an assistant, and not a mermaid pulling out her already short hair.

[Mermaid Crystal]

Poor you i hate when people don't read the comments and i am in the preteen years and i made a fabric tail already!

[Talia]

So sorry you have to go through that!
I have personally seen the comments on your videos, and I thought you were always polite and correct, even to people that do not deserve it. I applaud you for being professional about it.
Maybe you could post an announcement saying that because of spamming comments will be moderated, and repeatedly asked questions will not be posted? The polite people cannot get offended and the rude people will not have their way.

I normally am on the opposite site; that is, I usually never comment in people's videos, even though I watch them till my computer screams "enough already!". I am always afraid that the owners will see me as an annoying person, always wanting to say something, or worse, a stalker. But just so you know, you have a fan here, despite of her silence most of the time :)

[AniaR]

Maybe you could post an announcement saying that because of spamming comments will be moderated, and repeatedly asked questions will not be posted? The polite people cannot get offended and the rude people will not have their way.

I have, and people still get nasty, lol they dont read

[MerEmma]

It's people like that that get kids my age stereotyped as being idiots. xD I'm sorry you have to deal with that--I'd say just to turn the automatic-email for comments off, if you can, and just try to ignore it. What I can't understand is how they're saying you wasted your money and you should buy from Mermagica. Your tail is worth every penny you paid for it, and imo, is way prettier than any of the others on Mermagica. Mermagica is more for people who aren't doing it professionally, or those on a tight budget.

[Mermaid Saphira]

They not only give us Merlings bad names, they ruin it for us Mers! They don't do any research on anything about tails before going and asking people questions about them. DO YOUR FRIGGIN RESEARCH!!! My apologize for freaking out there..:$. I am so sorry you had to experience the spammers of this world, Raina :p

[TheRawPanda]

Hi, I'm a bit new here :$... I think that not answering repetitive questions is a good idea, or like one mer said 'I dunno, read the description' is definitely a great thing to do, too... I will say that these repetitive questions are doing at least one good thing ~ giving your vid more views! That's important on youtube from a business perspective and can help you with your presence there. If nothing else be thankful for that ;) Haters and idiots have their place, haha

[FreshWaterMermaid]

Well I'm glad it's been said already by other Mers on here, but definitely Raina, it never stops.
I only respond to questions I haven't answered, and any stupid comments like "Fake!" (I get those alot >.<) or "where'd you buy your tail?"(I as well, don't like repeating myself lol) I simply delete and block the user (especially if it's vulgar).
YouTube unfortunately is a place for all, no matter the degree of intelligence :)

Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk 2

[Elle]

I always hate those "OMG it's fake posts", "you can see her/his knees" etc. I like checking the description, it saves a lot of time rather than combing through all the comments.

[Lorelei]

Some people are so infuriating, but I guess it's like what my parents always told me, 'common sense is not that common'. I'm sorry all of this is happening to you :( I got annoyed just reading that.

[Ashe]

Im sorry Raina :( Honestly, ill sometimes go look up random mermaid videos JUST to look at the comments hehe! Like, "OMFG FAKE!" my thought: Nooooo..... really? And then, "Make me a tail." my thought: do you really think youre gonna get a tail just by commenting 'make me one' on a video?! And then my favorite, "Say H20 ten times, repost and touch water, NO JOKE!!!!!" my thought: you really think you're gonna become a real mermaid by doing that? :doh:

So again, sorry Raina and even though i dont have an account, you have my and many other's support! :D