New mermaid forum???

[Nicoseamus]

Hey!;) I'm fairly new to the online Mer-community, so when I got a Facebook notification for this, I was a little confused. I really like the look of The Mertailor's tails, so naturally, I liked his page. This morning, he posted a link to a MerForum website (http://www.MerForum.com/) he had just created. Does this happen often? I mean, the making of new Mermaid forum websites? :confused:

[MerEmma]

Not really. It's happened once before already but it's not a super common experience. Eric has discussed making his own forum for a while now though.

[Mermaid Crystal Shimmer]

But what's the difference with this forum? He has the exact same topics.

[Talia]

The difference is that he owns it, and he can do what he likes on it - censoring, banning, whatever - without repercussions, if he chooses to do so.
At least, that is the first thing I thought of when I saw it.

[Mermaid Oshun]

I just signed up on the forum. There is another called atlantis also I believe.

[Mermaid Riia]

That's.. interesting. How many forums do we need? :D this one does it's job very well and has most of the info a mer could need.
Edit: the rest you can read from Raina's book lol :D

[Nykur]

Don't get me wrong, I'm a huge mertailor fan but there has been a few occasions were he copied things from mers, and I believe he has just copied the entire mernetwork! Wouldn't surprise me if he claims he designed it all on his own.
hes a excellent tail maker, but he has got an other side when it comes to this community...

With all respect
Nykur

[AniaR]

The difference is that he owns it, and he can do what he likes on it - censoring, banning, whatever - without repercussions, if he chooses to do so.
At least, that is the first thing I thought of when I saw it.

Yup. Pretty much it. Though, if he slanders people, you can still report through his hosting service.


That's.. interesting. How many forums do we need? :D this one does it's job very well and has most of the info a mer could need.
Edit: the rest you can read from Raina's book lol :D

Haha aww thanks ;)


Don't get me wrong, I'm a huge mertailor fan but there has been a few occasions were he copied things from mers, and I believe he has just copied the entire mernetwork! Wouldn't surprise me if he claims he designed it all on his own.
hes a excellent tail maker, but he has got an other side when it comes to this community...

I find it confusing since he claims to hate the community so much (I have that in writing from him several times). So why start a community forum? lol Also, Iona and Malghni can file against him if all he does is copy the mernetwork. (I mean actual copy, not just take inspiration from)

He's always trying to look so busy on FB, but clearly he isn't if he has time for FB drama and running a forum. January IS a slow month, since it's just after Christmas.

Honestly, I'm not worried in the slightest. Mernetwork has been around for years and we've pretty much discussed all there is to be discussed. I expect his forum will simply turn into hating on people who call him out and while he thinks he may be able to do that, I don't think his fan base will be nearly as forgiving as he thinks or believing once he really gets going. People see through that stuff.

He's been threatening for years in a very child like way "well, I'm gonna go make my own forum!" so good for him for finally doing it. He's banned from here, so he might as well have some place where he can say whatever he wants. :p it's all fairness.

[PearlieMae]

Out of all the thousands of fans he has on Facebook, I bet probably 20 have tails.

[AniaR]

edit: just took a look at it, I see one of the rules is "Do not give away anyone's real life information via the thread. You can re-route a page where someone has mentioned their real name or phone number, but do not do it yourself. This rule will be context sensitive depending on certain situations" I wonder if they realize it's illegal to post someone's personal information... you're allowed to post business numbers/websites/emails, but even if you found their personal phone number, lets say via facebook (e.g. facebook will autoput in your phone number some times, without your knowledge) it's still illegal to take it and post it. Perfect example, Matty tried to post my stuff on an extortion (that's blackmail) website called Obama Nudes. The guy who runs that site? Was just arrested for creating a platform for people to do that, and is facing big long jail terms. People think they can get away with it because groups like anonymous do it, they don't realize they get aressested and often get more jail time than the people they expose.

Other than that point, I think the rest of the rules are great and if the admins hold people subject to it, should be fine. I see Annwyn is a mod, I'm sure she'll kick butt and take names if people get out of line.

After looking at it, it doesn't look to me like copying for the most part. They came up with their own original threads/boards- many that we don't have. (Like the dedication idea) Obviously there is overlap. They have the same sections for reviews and discussions but honestly that makes sense to me.

I like how there's no North or South in the Mer Pods... lol I do believe Mal invented the whole pod system.

Overall, good for them. They kept saying they were going to do it, and they finally did it. I honestly don't think you'll end up with anything different on there than what's on mernetwork, but mernetwork isn't for everyone and maybe people want a different crowd.

[MysticMerman]

Yup. Pretty much it. Though, if he slanders people, you can still report through his hosting service.



Haha aww thanks ;)



I find it confusing since he claims to hate the community so much (I have that in writing from him several times). So why start a community forum? lol Also, Iona and Malghni can file against him if all he does is copy the mernetwork. (I mean actual copy, not just take inspiration from)

He's always trying to look so busy on FB, but clearly he isn't if he has time for FB drama and running a forum. January IS a slow month, since it's just after Christmas.

Honestly, I'm not worried in the slightest. Mernetwork has been around for years and we've pretty much discussed all there is to be discussed. I expect his forum will simply turn into hating on people who call him out and while he thinks he may be able to do that, I don't think his fan base will be nearly as forgiving as he thinks or believing once he really gets going. People see through that stuff.

He's been threatening for years in a very child like way "well, I'm gonna go make my own forum!" so good for him for finally doing it. He's banned from here, so he might as well have some place where he can say whatever he wants. :p it's all fairness.

Raina, if I may ask. What is it he did on here to create such negative opinions of himself? I don't want to add fuel to any fires, but I'm curious. Seems like every time his name is even mentioned there's a strong tension created here in the mermetwork community.

[AniaR]

Raina, if I may ask. What is it he did on here to create such negative opinions of himself? I don't want to add fuel to any fires, but I'm curious. Seems like every time his name is even mentioned there's a strong tension created here in the mermetwork community.

Really, too big a question to answer. Your best bet is to read posts in the drama thread, and discussions in the mertailor section, and the mertailor reviews. I think If I tried to answer it here, it would come off pretty biased and start a big flame war ;) best to read the history and make your own opinions. :)

[MysticMerman]

Agreed, you just seem to be the least biased so far so I thought I'd ask what it was. My gathering it's just a build up of things. Lol. I suppose it doesn't really mean much to me though. (Being somebody who wasn't involved in that all and is relatively uneffected)

[AniaR]

Agreed, you just seem to be the least biased so far

the people who have been around a while ar elaughing ;) I'm biased, but only because I've had one of the worst ongoing experiences with him out there I think.

[Merman Arion]

Well, in the long-run, I don't think it will last. I mean, we can do the math now : out of 11 introductions there, we already have Eric, Matty, Annwyn, Morticia, Golden Pearl and Bonnie that we know which means that only 5 people from his "thousands" (I suspect he bought some) of fans care for this forum. His post was liked 47 times so far and 5 people only commented it...
Not a great success for now but it's only 8 pm in France for me so the day isn't finished from your side. As long as he isn't crossing line with his new toy, I'm perfectly fine. Good for him if he has more time to play around instead of working :rolleyes:


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[deepblue]

Seriously, let him go for it. The community doesn't need another forum, but I don't think it's going to spread people out thinner. If the forum has an atmosphere that is reflective of the way he does things, it's not going to be a place for everyone. I do wonder how his review section will go. Hard to imagine accurate reviews there, but who knows.

eta- Incidentally, I used to be a huge fan of his work, but seeing his interactions online with others changed that. Not anyone else. If I seem biased, it's not actually bias, it's coming to conclusions based on his own behaviour that made me decide to steer away from anything he's involved in. If I see someone has a penchant for causing problems, taking things out of context, blowing things up into huge dramas, and esp claiming it's everyone else's fault... I certainly know I won't be doing business with them.

[blenny]

Best of luck to him. Running a forums is probably the most annoying and dramatic experiences I've ever had. I'm not sure he has the temperament for it. He seems too competitive and vengeance filled for the job of forums admin. Running a successful forums is a hell of a lot of work and maintenance. And why would he give a section to all his competitors, this will just end in so many bans. The one thing that makes these forums so cool is it inspires competition and greatness in making a cool new creation. If it were owned by a tail maker then so many peoples posts would have been deleted and gone missing and the forums regs would revolt. My hat tips to the forums admins here, it's a tough job but so many here appreciate a forums with so little bias.

id say from my own personal opinion Raven is the best at this currently, however what makes a non biased forum not owned by a tail maker so cool is, Raven will always try to please the customer here. And god forbid if she ever slips... This place will be the one to inform the customer she is not producing the quality she once did.

[deepblue]

That's a point I made to my bf this morning. Mernetwork is a labour of love, not one of commercial interest, which is why (I think) it works. I've not owned a forum, but I've been mod on a couple, and it's quite enough work on its own.

[Bellasea]

the people who have been around a while ar elaughing ;) I'm biased, but only because I've had one of the worst ongoing experiences with him out there I think.
I was haha.

I looked at the new forum. I probably will not be joining soon. I'm going to wait a bit and just watch. If it seems like it will become one huge drama thing and like what SurlySeaNyphm and blenny described, I won't join the forum at all.

[Rogue Siren]

I signed up. I like stalking forums, and occasionally having a say.....Lol :)

Omg....look what I found! XD

http://www.merforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=42

I wonder what the Mertailor will have to say about that. Hahaha!

[PearlieMae]

:clap:

[Merman Arion]

Lol :lol:




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[Bellasea]

Oh my, I haven't seen that tail in ages. haha! also PearlieMae, "Please don't fucking drown" so funny and probably something everyone has told me :D

[Mermaid Dottie]

Awww. What a lovely tribute to a lovely Mermaid. I hope he doesn't delete it.

[Miyu]

the people who have been around a while ar elaughing ;) I'm biased, but only because I've had one of the worst ongoing experiences with him out there I think.

*raises hand* I must admit, I actually did LOL when he said that... :P

Mystic Merman, just poke through threads and conversations, and watch his FB... you'll see why all the fuss. When I was very new, I also tried to give him the benefit of the doubt and see everything subjectively... But time and time again he just does things...

Which sucks, because I really like some of the tails he's made. Not all of them, not the majority, but there are a few that I have actually like the look of.

[Miyu]

"And after wearing out her Mertailor (tail) with a little use..."

:lol:

[Winged Mermaid]

My hat tips to the forums admins here, it's a tough job but so many here appreciate a forums with so little bias.


That's a point I made to my bf this morning. Mernetwork is a labour of love, not one of commercial interest, which is why (I think) it works. I've not owned a forum, but I've been mod on a couple, and it's quite enough work on its own.

Thank you so much guys <3 It certainly is a labor of love! Loving the community and having so much support and kindness from everyone certainly helps :) To run a forum you certainly have to get use to giving and giving and giving and not expecting anything in return. You do it because you love the community and you love the subject (like mermaiding/mermaids), but to be honest the people become more important than even that. Honestly running this forum gave me a probably much-needed make over in terms of keeping my head on straight in the face of disagreements and drama (alternative- rage and tears :P), learning to detach so you can look at arguments from both sides, and learning to detach and let go of personal opinions as much as you can so you can be fair to everyone. I'm not perfect of course, but I'm certainly a lot better when I started! It's kind of working out a muscle- it's hard at first, but you get better as you go. That and Malinghi tends to rein me in when I start slipping ;) Maybe the experience of running a forum will help Eric grow in that way as well!

Either way, I'm glad for anything that will support and help the merfolk community move forward in a positive way!

[Coradion]

I think it's cool, why not have even more material to work with? Everyone has their own options, but I for one am stoked. Most of the people who make commercial tails aren't really posting that much stuff and an inside look at exactly what materials people are using can only benefit general knowledge!

[AniaR]

Omg....look what I found! XD

http://www.merforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=42

I wonder what the Mertailor will have to say about that. Hahaha!

Hahaha well, nice for Matty to work so hard to give me a compliment. The mertailor tail pictured on the top was actually reworked by Raven. Taken in, re alexed, re painted, and 10 inches added. I was blonde for a while. The head dress was made by Alexandria.

I have no idea who Queen Elsa is though, lol. Thanks Elsa!

[AniaR]

Thank you so much guys <3 It certainly is a labor of love! Loving the community and having so much support and kindness from everyone certainly helps :) To run a forum you certainly have to get use to giving and giving and giving and not expecting anything in return. You do it because you love the community and you love the subject (like mermaiding/mermaids), but to be honest the people become more important than even that. Honestly running this forum gave me a probably much-needed make over in terms of keeping my head on straight in the face of disagreements and drama (alternative- rage and tears :P), learning to detach so you can look at arguments from both sides, and learning to detach and let go of personal opinions as much as you can so you can be fair to everyone. I'm not perfect of course, but I'm certainly a lot better when I started! It's kind of working out a muscle- it's hard at first, but you get better as you go. That and Malinghi tends to rein me in when I start slipping ;) Maybe the experience of running a forum will help Eric grow in that way as well!

Either way, I'm glad for anything that will support and help the merfolk community move forward in a positive way!


I agree, as Iona's friend, and someone who pisses her off on occasion with my forum antics... lol I have certainly seen her grow and change and morph. It's not easy, and I have been approached several times in all my time on both forums to see if I'd do some minor modding and my answer is always No, because I honestly don't think I could strive to be nearly half as neutral and Iona works so hard to be. I would get fed up with people, and just boot them. She doesn't. You have to realllllly break a lot of rules, chances, and demonstrate you aren't willing to try and change before getting the boot from mernetwork. And even then, she is ALWAYS big enough to let people come back and try again. I couldn't do that. I've seen Iona cry through things on this forum because she cares about people so much and doesn't want them to be taken advantage of. This fishbutts drama of last year just about tore her apart. And I am routinely trying to not cross that line but I end up with respectful reminders to not call people crazy, for example haha. ;) And I know people don't always believe it, but she's suspended me on occasion as well. I have taken whole months sometimes 2 or 3 off from the forum in the earlier years when drama was prevalent. It takes a big person to say "Hey Raina, I love and respect you, but you really need to shut the hell up." LOL <3 (paraphrasing here :p)

Hopefully having his own forum will change Eric too. I think he's only seen the negative that can come from a forum, and maybe not the positive and the growth.

[Morticia Mermaid]

Whether it turns out negative or positive, I'm glad there is another forum where people can feel welcome. I've seen a couple of you mention that Mernetwork is enough, but there are some people who don't feel welcome here. Just as there are people who don't feel welcome at Atlantis. Which is completely fine.

The MerForum will give another opportunity for people to find a place they fit in and feel welcome. I know some of you are thinking "what's wrong with MerNetwork". It really all comes down to clashing personalities. Some people can handle it, some can't. I think its great that Eric is giving people another choice of someplace to go.

And seeing as how he's added subcategories in the tail makers section, I doubt he's going to delete posts about other tail makers. If he didn't want other tail makers there, he wouldn't have added the subcategories. Just saying :)

[Elle]

Whether it turns out negative or positive, I'm glad there is another forum where people can feel welcome. I've seen a couple of you mention that Mernetwork is enough, but there are some people who don't feel welcome here. Just as there are people who don't feel welcome at Atlantis. Which is completely fine.

The MerForum will give another opportunity for people to find a place they fit in and feel welcome. I know some of you are thinking "what's wrong with MerNetwork". It really all comes down to clashing personalities. Some people can handle it, some can't. I think its great that Eric is giving people another choice of someplace to go.

And seeing as how he's added subcategories in the tail makers section, I doubt he's going to delete posts about other tail makers. If he didn't want other tail makers there, he wouldn't have added the subcategories. Just saying :)


I was thinking the same thing. With any forum, comes great drama. It's going to happen no matter what, but it can leave people feeling unwelcome or excluded. Hopefully it helps the community spread out and grow rather than cause more division. Last thing anyone needs is a MerNetwork vs MerForum war.

[Morticia Mermaid]

I think if people take it at what it truly is, which is just another place for people to feel welcome, instead of just who it is run by then there shouldn't be any problems. Eric and Matt are running it, so what? Have they had issues? Yes, but that is not why they created it.

They created it based on their love of mermaids and mermaiding. They wanted to make a place for them and other to be able to share that. And only time will show how it will be run. So far, it seems to be a great place. And it's welcoming to everyone.

[Winged Mermaid]

It really all comes down to clashing personalities. Some people can handle it, some can't.

This is true for sure. Sometimes it's not that you dislike or hate someone, it's just that your personalities don't mesh. Sometimes it's mild enough to work past, sometimes it's moderate but you can get past it if both parties work at it, and sometimes it just can't be gotten around. People are different. It happens!

I've said before that I have no problem with other forums, and I mean that! It's not like MerNetwork owns the merfolk forum empire or something XP People were pretty good about keeping drama on the other forum off this one this past year, so I think the members here are mature enough IF anything breaks out to keep their cool. Which I hope it doesn't, but.. ya know.. people, internet.. drama is inevitable. *shrug*

I wish I could take all the feeling of love and support I heard that MerFest was, and just wrap the community in it so we can all get along all the time! :group hug:

[Coradion]

I think if people take it at what it truly is, which is just another place for people to feel welcome, instead of just who it is run by then there shouldn't be any problems. Eric and Matt are running it, so what? Have they had issues? Yes, but that is not why they created it.

They created it based on their love of mermaids and mermaiding. They wanted to make a place for them and other to be able to share that. And only time will show how it will be run. So far, it seems to be a great place. And it's welcoming to everyone.


Agreed, I think it's counter productive to the hobby in general to waste energy on any form of negativity towards another forum. Better to put that energy into creating and doing.

[Nicoseamus]

Thanks. I was just a bit confused, as this was the only forum I was aware of. Joining there might be a possibility, as I have been a fan of the Mertailor's work for a long time. Thanks for the answers!

[Winged Mermaid]

Thanks. I was just a bit confused, as this was the only forum I was aware of. Joining there might be a possibility, as I have been a fan of the Mertailor's work for a long time. Thanks for the answers!

Sorry, you kind of got more thank you asked for with this post! There's 10+ years of history for a good chunk of this community, so good and bad history can come up here and there.

[Nicoseamus]

Sorry, you kind of got more thank you asked for with this post! There's 10+ years of history for a good chunk of this community, so good and bad history can come up here and there.

No, that's fine! This is such a great place, I hope it has another fantastic 10 years in store!

[Miyu]

I pretty much agree with what Morticia says... There are tons of forums on other subjects, I'm happy to have the expanded reach to the mer community! :)

[Blondie]

I really can't convert to these new forums. More power to them and all, I just really prefer the Network.

I don't like change! :gah:

[Mer_Adella]

I think I will keep tabs on the new forum, but I'm not ready to join. The network has always treated me good and I dont want to stray away from it. Plus honestly, I am suspicious. I hate to say it but I am

[MermaidBonnie]

As a member of both forums, I can state the differences so far in these forums. The MerForum is designed to attract a more "mature" audience, have more recent reviews/information, and attract more professionals in this industry. It's in its beginning phases but already I have made some connections with mers I've admired and never met (who will remain unnamed-love that privacy policy), and they have never once been to this forum. There are many mers I met at MerFest who have not been on this forum for about a year. The reasons are drama and too many kids; this is what I heard from those members (who don't have mertailor tails btw). I think it's a great idea to have a fresh group and perspective on mermaiding. Don't get me wrong, I've been here for about 6 years and will continue being a positive member to both forums. One may call it diversification... :) Also, less bullies. For example, when I posted about my tail on here, Alex had to say he did not like it. You don't have to like everybody's tail, but did you really have to post that on someone's post who is excited about something they love and also invested a ton of money in? No, you don't. That totally turned me off of posting much on here. That's just immature to say the least, not to mention when people so rudely say bad things about people who wear tails made by the Mertailor, or describe his tails as crap...it's hurtful to me and I do take it personally and take extreme offense to it bc it's not once or twice, it's over and over and over....On that forum, a comment like that would be removed to save a person's feelings. I'm a professional performer and open to critiques from peers (I studied opera at a conservatory in Austria, trust me, I know what constructive critique is), but some people on here have gone out of there way to give negative comments that are hurtful and not helpful. In ways it's good to have posts from years ago, and in other ways it is not. Imagine if a job you performed from 6 years ago followed you no matter what, that would be terrible. All of us have made mistakes or have utterly failed in our schooling or employment at one time or another. It's unfair to me. From what I perceive as Eric's point of view, I can see why he opened another forum to have his fresh start. I think everyone deserves one. I will close this post by adding, if I have offended anyone, I did not intend it. Raina and others on here have met me and person and know that I have a good heart and am a sweet person. I look forward to learning from both forums in the future!

[Rogue Siren]

"So far" is probably the key word. :/ There are so few posts there, and it will take a lot of work on the admin's parts to keep things "mature". Especially on forums where anyone can join. :)

And disliking something is one's opinion. Everyone has a right to their opinion. If someone is offended by it well then:
http://toomanyposts.files.wordpress.com/2013/10/fry-offence.jpg?w=740&h=549

I keep that image on hand nowadays....People are just too sensitive. Anywhere you go, if you say you dislike something, those who love it flip out on you.....well, great. It's fine that you love it and post about it and worship it....so why can't I say that I don't actually like it?

[AniaR]

Raina and others on here have met me and person and know that I have a good heart and am a sweet person.

Bonnie is lovely :D

[Mermaid Dottie]

I keep thinking I'll probably join, just to lurk for a bit, and test the waters. If it feels okay when I get on there, I might get active on it. We'll see. Though, I know I won't abandon this forum altogether. I love the people on here too much, young and old.

[Merman Arion]

Also, less bullies. For example, when I posted about my tail on here, Alex had to say he did not like it. You don't have to like everybody's tail, but did you really have to post that on someone's post who is excited about something they love and also invested a ton of money in? No, you don't. That totally turned me off of posting much on here. That's just immature to say the least, not to mention when people so rudely say bad things about people who wear tails made by the Mertailor, or describe his tails as crap...it's hurtful to me and I do take it personally and take extreme offense to it bc it's not once or twice, it's over and over and over....On that forum, a comment like that would be removed to save a person's feelings. I'm a professional performer and open to critiques from peers (I studied opera at a conservatory in Austria, trust me, I know what constructive critique is), but some people on here have gone out of there way to give negative comments that are hurtful and not helpful.

What I said EXACTLY on your tail was this :


I'm happy for you, this tail is gorgeous and I hope that you will have good memories with it. :)

But again, this is not a product that I would buy because the monofin is way too obvious... Methinks that the quality of his flukes is dropping. He did much better in the past.

Looking forward to see the pictures and maybe the video. Have a nice swim! :thumbs-up:

You said afterwards :


Arion, yes you can see the outline of the monofin in this pic, but what was funny was that all the people who've come over to see it have asked where the monofin was....so I guess it takes a mer to see it, and non-mers don't see it. Thanks for keeping it real.

Where did I say that I didn't like it? I'm kind of sad and disappointed that you just called me a bully from just this... :(
Honestly, if you have told me that my words were hurtful to you, I would have apologized right away because I know that I can be clumsy with my English (always working on it) and I didn't imagine that my post was uncalled for. I'm sorry, Bonnie. Really. It was never my intention from the beginning to ruin your thread or your excitment about your dream becoming true. I was happy for you. Believe that.
However, I'm not gonna apologize for saying my opinion about Eric's products. To me, when you buy something worth 2k or 3k, you gotta get a flawless tail and in my personal opinion, from everything that I gathered in this forum, Eric fails to produce that. I think he's talented but he could do so much better if he was putting himself 200% on his tails like Raven. I could say so much more but it doesn't matter because everything has already been said. It's a forum, everybody is entitled to say what he thinks. I will come to Merfest 2015 and I look forward to get to know you there if you give me the chance. If not, that's ok. I won't force you. Just know that I'm not the bully that you think I am...

[Elle]

I think at the end of the day, I'm happy where I am. So I'll just stay here and do my own thing :)

[Echidna]

As a member of both forums, I can state the differences so far in these forums. The MerForum is designed to attract a more "mature" audience, have more recent reviews/information, and attract more professionals in this industry. It's in its beginning phases but already I have made some connections with mers I've admired and never met (who will remain unnamed-love that privacy policy), and they have never once been to this forum. There are many mers I met at MerFest who have not been on this forum for about a year. The reasons are drama and too many kids; this is what I heard from those members

I've been invited to the forum and took a look at it.

From what you say, it sounds very enticing, but I wonder how and where you already made such connections to pro mers, as the forum is almost empty.
The themes and subforums are basically the same as MN (excepting the Underwater Modeling one, which is an awesome idea), but it's all empty as well...

I realize it just started out, but I wonder why one should need all the same themes double if it's all been discussed here already, other than to get away from the "kids" and "bullies".

From what I've seen, everyone can sign up on the merforum, so I find it hard to believe only adult promers will join.
Also, there's very little drama on here...this is a hippie con compared to "normal" forums out there.
There is only a fine line between "avoiding drama" and "banning everyone who says peep in a way we don't like".

Now, the "too many kids"-statement.
I'm not sure what that means.
I know there's quite a few underaged mers on here, but they behave as well (if not better :p) than the adult mers.
Frankly, it sounds to me like an excuse to diss this forum.

Be that as it may, I'm sure now everymer can find a place where they're most happy.

[AniaR]

I gotta be honest, the actual kids on mernetwork or even if we say those under 19, are rarely if at all involved in drama. And we do have adult subforums. I like having merlings on here :)

[MerEmma]

What kids? lol. I'm one of them and I get that there are quite a few but honestly I still think the ratio is more adults to children. Granted, this is just a guess entirely, but I don't see there being a whole lot of kids on here.

[Seatan]

MerEmma, you are certainly correct. The kids on here are FABULOUS! You and Jazz are two of the most creative people I know (I love your velociraptor cosplay blog, BTW) and help make this place fantastic. I have never seen anyone acting "childish." No "magical mermaid chants" or other junk that kids put all over the net about mermaids. I would say that our underage mers are very, very mature indeed.

[PearlieMae]

What kids? lol. I'm one of them and I get that there are quite a few but honestly I still think the ratio is more adults to children. Granted, this is just a guess entirely, but I don't see there being a whole lot of kids on here.

You're a kid??

;)

[SeaGlass Siren]

... you're a KID? O.O (SORRY SERIOUS QUESTION)

[lynsea]

Yeah you and Jazz are some of the most active members here. Jazz has to be one of the youngest people to complete such a successful silicone tail. Seriously, that thing is perfect.

[AniaR]

you know we've got mature members when they can't tell who the kids are because they act so mature ;)

[MerEmma]

MerEmma, you are certainly correct. The kids on here are FABULOUS! You and Jazz are two of the most creative people I know (I love your velociraptor cosplay blog, BTW) and help make this place fantastic. I have never seen anyone acting "childish." No "magical mermaid chants" or other junk that kids put all over the net about mermaids. I would say that our underage mers are very, very mature indeed.

Thank you so much! It's really nice to hear that about the costume so far since I'm kind of panicking about how much time I have left. :P Plus I've already got like four other projects in line after this costume...some merelated!

Omg hahaha, seriously though. That's kind of crazy. You guys didn't know? I thought it was evident that I was based on my avatar but maybe it's not quite the best show of age either. xD I'm only fourteen, definitely not quite an adult yet. :P

Overall I'm very happy here, when I first joined I had a hard time understanding the forum software but now I've got it down, and I should by 2,000 posts (and where did they even come from? I noticed that just last week!). I love the community here and Seavanna's right on with that us merlings tend to keep things in check so it still sails smoothly with us here. ;)

[jazz2453]

I've noticed this forum but I'm not sure if I'll join. Thanks for the nice comments about me btw:)



I gotta be honest, the actual kids on mernetwork or even if we say those under 19, are rarely if at all involved in drama. And we do have adult subforums. I like having merlings on here :)

I'd like to say that I sometimes have a good time lurking around in the drama threads xD At least I don't get involved! :)

[Mer-Crazy]

I noticed it on my feed, cause I do follow Eric's work, though a lot of the time it's just because I like to keep in the drama loop, though only as an observer. So I clocked on it and my first reaction was 'Well... this would be a nice gesture if it weren't just another thing to inflate his ego that he has total control over, likely because he doesn't have the biggest fan base here'.
I DO have reasons behind this too, first off, when you click on it, the first thing you see is *surprise!* one of his tails! And the font he uses for his website. Well isn't that just neutral and unbiased and not egocentric at all. I love that the mer-network never really features certain images, unless it is a very neutral subject, like a big group shot from mer-fest just to use as a recent example. Or they use photos from many tail makers. Not just one.

The other thing that bothered me (and this is a bit more trivial and was observed in the 2 minutes or so I took to browse the site before deciding it's just not for me) was that in the"Tail Makers" Section, there was an extensive description posted about mer-tailor, but not about any other tail-maker. This wouldn't have bothered me so much if it hadn't been for the fact that this description was posted by the Admin Account. I believe if you're going to post as the admin, you can't afford to be bias. If you're going to post and informative post about a certain tail maker you need to post one about ALL the tail makers. If you wanna post a description just about your own company then do it on a personal account like 'mertailor' or 'Eric Ducharme'. Not as the Admin.

Also, this made me giggle a little.
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[Morticia Mermaid]

As a member of merforum and also a tail maker, Matt AND Eric have been nothing but supportive of other tail makers. There is also a post that states if you have information you want added to your tail making section, to just message the admin or mods. So it's not really that Eric only wanted to post about his company, he's just leaving it to each person to decide what they want in their section.

Also, his isn't the only one with a description. Mine has one also, it's just been entered from my account because then I can edit it and update it as needed without having to hassle a mod top do it :)

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[Morticia Mermaid]

There's also nothing wrong with MN. As posted earlier in the thread it's just another place for people to feel welcome. And an opportunity for those who don't feel welcome here to have a forum they can post on

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[Mer_Adella]

I hate to say this....but as stated by someone else...."tired of biting my tongue"...and this is a valid question that just makes me curious (which i believe that I would have been a cat in another life cus "curiosity killed the cat")

anyone else notice that there is a dedication thread to Raina, but after only a few posts it was locked so no one could make anymore replies? I see that both Matt and Eric posted very nice things about Raina, but that just makes me all the more curious. Its like they posted nice things, just to show that they do say nice things, and then locked the thread so nothing else could be said. I, personally, wouldn't have said anything bad about Raina (ever!) but it just makes me wonder what that was all about. I'm not saying that Eric and Matt posted just to make themselves look like the bigger person or that they put it behind them, I'm just wondering.

I'm also curious about what they are going to do when someone buys a tail from the Mertailor and it falls apart/paint comes off/ shody workmanship and they post a review. Is he going to remain biased and let them have their say or is he going to delete it and pretend that it didn't happen?

[MerEmma]

Valid questions, Adella...I've been wondering about that second one too. Maybe he just anticipates they won't post, since a lot of people don't post about their negative experiences. I guess we'll have to wait and see.

[Ariadne]

I personally believe the even the most level-headed and stable personality might have a difficult time allowing posts praising their competition and/or negatively criticizing their own work to stay on a forum they run themselves. So objectivity in this situation? Uh huh...good luck with that.

Also, can we choose to be called kids regardless of our human age? If so, add me to the merling list please! Growing up is overrated...

[Mer_Adella]

Valid questions, Adella...I've been wondering about that second one too. Maybe he just anticipates they won't post, since a lot of people don't post about their negative experiences. I guess we'll have to wait and see.


On here, no one fears writing their negative experiences, but the difference that I can tell, is that the admins here aren't biased and allow everything and anything that a person has to say about their tail. Honestly, if I bought a Mertailor tail, and it was a horrible experience, I wouldn't hesitate to announce it. On here or on his site. And if he deleted it. I would post something about it. But like I said, that is just me, and that is neither here nor there at this time

[AniaR]

Haha yeah someone told me my thread was locked lol
I just figured if I brought it up it be drama

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[Mer_Adella]

Haha yeah someone told me my thread was locked lol
I just figured if I brought it up it be drama

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LOL that's why you have me Raina :) I won't hesitate. and like I said...I was curious.

[Morticia Mermaid]

To be honest about the review thing. People Matt not be abroad of posting their negative reviews but, I've heard from people who are afraid to post positive reviews our threads about mertailor tails because it ends up turning into people at odds with each other cause of opposing opinions. like what happened with Bonnie's thread, she doesn't even want to post here anymore :/

And it's possible, that with Raina's thread, someone started saying bad things. So they may have deleted those posts and locked the thread so they couldn't be repeated just as would have been done here. Just saying, no one knows all the info or reasoning that lead to it being locked.

So many conflicts happen because assumptions are made. I honestly think the forum should be given the benefit of a doubt and seen from a neutral point of view. The saying guilty until proven otherwise, perhaps we should follow that. I know people will bring up their past experiences, but that is not experiences with the merforum.

Just my 2 cents

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[Mer_Adella]

i try to follow "innocent until proven guilty" but in our society it is backwards...its "guilty until proven innocent"

[Mermaid Dottie]

Also, can we choose to be called kids regardless of our human age? If so, add me to the merling list please! Growing up is overrated...
I think we must be soul-sisters, Ariadne!
My mom calls me peter pan.

[Ariadne]

I think we must be soul-sisters, Ariadne!
My mom calls me peter pan.

Hee! My mama calls me brat... :P

[Mermaid Sirena]

I'm curious about the interactions with other tail or accessories makers who sign up on the forums? I know I defiantly will be signing up there in a few weeks once I get my fins under me for my new business for accessories & tops & tails (oh my!). Not just from Mertailor & Matt (I'm going with they want to hep facilitate the community to grow), but also from their fans who sign up as many are very pro Mertailor.

[Merman Arion]

Haha yeah someone told me my thread was locked lol
I just figured if I brought it up it be drama

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Should we be even surprised at this? I knew it was too good to be true.

:doh:

[Morticia Mermaid]

Raina, whoever said the thread was locked lied. I checked yesterday and it's not

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[AniaR]

It was unlocked. I checked it twice after people telling me it was locked.

I dont really care though honestly lol. Eric doesn't have to say nice things about me

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[Merman Arion]

Raina, whoever said the thread was locked lied. I checked yesterday and it's not

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"Whoever" has a name and it's Adella. I'm siding with her on this one. She's not a liar, I checked out myself a few days ago and it was locked indeed.

Morticia, Eric is reading the forum. Honestly, WHO is gonna be surprised to see the thread unlocked right after Adella called it?! :rolleyes:

[Rogue Siren]

Haha! I went to check too. It's unlocked and looks like it has been posted in again. :)

I wonder if they locked it so that it would eventually get lost under all the new posts?

[AniaR]

I dont really care guys lol dont get worked up. I thought it was funny


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[Merman Dan]

Also, can we choose to be called kids regardless of our human age? If so, add me to the merling list please! Growing up is overrated...

Just post this a few times and maturity will be the last thing to be discussed...


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OcwCYIfm6eA

[Ariadne]

Because...science! lol

[Merman Arion]

I was going for evolution instead but Ariadne's response works too ;)

[deepblue]

Raina's thread, locked. lol, GEE who could have predicted it?

Could be totally innocent... sure. Some people it's just harder to give the benefit of the doubt to.

[Mer_Adella]

"Whoever" has a name and it's Adella. I'm siding with her on this one. She's not a liar, I checked out myself a few days ago and it was locked indeed.

Morticia, Eric is reading the forum. Honestly, WHO is gonna be surprised to see the thread unlocked right after Adella called it?!

I think morticia was stating that whomever told Raina personally lied...Cus i posted here and Raina said that others have told her that. so I don't think Morticia meant me, But merci Arion :D

To Clarify!!! on 01-29-2014 When i posted that the thread was locked ...it was locked! ya know that thing that looks like a padlock at the top of the thread o.O And today it isn't. Yes probably someone is trolling around this forum and informed the other forum that we did in fact notice. And therefore they unlocked it again. It's been done before. No I am not upset by it, it is all trivial to me. But i just wanted to clarify that I do not lie about such stupid things and other have noticed it too.

[Morticia Mermaid]

No, I wasn't saying you were a liar Adella :) The thread WAS locked, but it was locked for a day (if that long). Which leads me to believe that someone had been posting rude and nasty things, so it was locked so they could be removed and the air of the thread remain light hearted as was intended with the section.

Thank you Arion for attempting to defend Adella, as she is a good friend of mine and I have known her for almost 2 years now :)

Without knowing the full story as to why the thread was locked, I think it's best to not make assumptions which stir potential conflict ^_^

[Mer_Adella]

I didn't assume that's what you were doing Morticia :) no harm no foul :) And yes, thank you Arion :)

I have to admit tho I am not convinced that it was just for a day...there were 10 days inbetween the last post by "Mertailor" and one this morning by Queen Elsa at 9am. from 01-21-14 to 01-31-14 and no one posted a thing?

[Morticia Mermaid]

Well, there's posts on here that have LARGE gaps between posts as well :) Doesn't mean anything.

Plus, MerForum is still fairly new. Maybe 2 weeks since it was started? Might be shocking, but there are a lot of people who don't actually know who Raina is. So those who know her may have said their piece and moved on.

[Merman Arion]

Seems like the Merforum is kind of abandoned. Despite the summer season, not many people are posting nowadays.

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[SeaGlass Siren]

Then u can calm me scarface snorting mountains of cocaiiiiine!

This is the tale of tony Montana!

[MermaidMermeron(Cameron)]

yeah idk how old this thread is but i tried to get to the page and time warnere page poped up telling me it dosent exist i guess it was deleted?

[Mermaid Whisper]

This thread is 3.5 years old, which is likely the reason why it no longer exists/functions.


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[BlueCorvidae]

I wonder if they realize it's illegal to post someone's personal information...

I just wanted to let you guys know that this is false. Selling or distributing personal information if you collected it from regulated business transactions is, but simply posting the information online, especially if it was already publicly available through a Google search is NOT illegal. Everyone should be careful of what they post anywhere on the internet. Do NOT give Facebook your phone number.