Quote:
Originally Posted by inanna
Yes, she was great. But it does not discourage me. I'm going to adopt another one once I come back to Spain.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by inanna
Yes, she was great. But it does not discourage me. I'm going to adopt another one once I come back to Spain.
Angry.
I wrote a strong email to the YMCA today. I was told on tour I could bring my monofin. Signed up. Got all the way to the water two days later and was stopped by a lifeguard and told no, no Y allows them and the regional swim manager and boss told the lifeguard it wasn't allowed at ANY Y, which from reading on here I know is untrue. I do not like runarounds. I also do not like being THAT person.
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Don't know which is worse -- to see an org with its left hand so utterly ignorant of what its right hand is doing, or be reminded how quick pools are to clamp down on anyone who might be having fun in the name of 'safety'.Quote:
Originally Posted by ChelseaSelkie
In any case, here's wishing you all the best! Hope you find a place you can swim quickly.
I feel you guys on that one. I tried to swim the other day with my Sandtail betta at a municipal pool with a friend. We weren't expecting as many folks, but happily shared one lane... until they put a third person in from the swim team/class in the open area "because he was a slow swimmer"
It made the already narrow lane cramped, but I could manage it, until I was called over and told by the (at least apologetic) lifeguard that the supervisor felt the fluke was a hitting hazard, and if I had a smaller fin. I was ok with just using the Mahina anyways, since I wasn't in strong enough condition to handle the betta skin at the time. NOPE - her reasoning was the flared tips would still hurt someone, even though I clearly turned sideways or dove under passing people to avoid hitting them. They then tried to push their free-to-use smaller bi-fins on me, but I refused knowing they would not be strong enough for what I wanted to do that night, and we promptly left.
Friend was a bit appalled as well, saying they weren't as busy when he swam before, but that it also wasn't OK to shove a third person in an already full lane when the others only had one person in them when it was clear the two people using it were going quite fast along the lane.
>:\
Ugh, why is so hard for places to just settle on a monofin policy instead of every employee and manager saying something different?Quote:
Originally Posted by ChelseaSelkie
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Okay, so updating here... i just got an email this morning:
Hello Chelsea,
*
***** Thank you for contacting the YMCA of the USA. YMCA of the USA is a separate consulting organization for Ys across the country. The programs and services offered by Ys across the country vary from location to location. Policies are made on the local level by the Executive Director and volunteer leaders. YMCA of the USA does not have the authority to override any local branch decisions. Please contact management at your local YMCA in regards to your inquiry/concerns.
*
Sincerely,
*
Brittany Pickens
Application Support
YMCA OF THE USA
101 N. Wacker Dr., Chicago, IL. 60606
(Toll Free) 800 872 9622 **(W) YMCA.Net
*
The Y: We’re for youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility
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So I've worked for the YMCA faithfully since 2010. This last year, I obtained my CNA and told my aquatics director (the area I work in) that with my new job as a CNA, I'd have to drastically reduce the hours I took, like a shift here and there, max one or 2 per month. She neglects to tell me that the policy is working 5 hours per month and you get to keep your membership. I go in to see if I can make any hours work with my schedule, and the computer system says my account has been deactivated. I told my boss that I had issues getting in and she said it was because I wasn't taking any hours (false, I've picked up here and there and I flat out told her and she was ok with this new arrangement because of the new job). Well after picking up what was left of my scattered free hours per week, I'm feeling more and more depressed. I've been mermaiding to combat my depression and this really set me off. I wish she knew what I go through on a daily basis and adding on trying to fit more hours in on my own behalf.. long story short, I need to find a new fucking pool to swim in because I'm sick of all this tail chasing and all the bullshit shes put me through throughout the years. Here's to hoping that the hotels with pools in town offer day passes.
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Wishing you well, LunaBelle! Let us know how it goes reaching out to pools near you.Quote:
Originally Posted by MissLunaBelle
And another pool bites the dust.
Just returned from the one I frequent the most often because you can use any fins or tail you want.
Right after setting foot in one of the 3 pools, I see a brown spot on the bottom in the middle of the pool.
There are often kids who will drop stuff there, so I swim over aaand, it's a piece of shit.
Reported it to the guards. They didn't tell anyone or do anything but send someone over who took about 10min to fish it out.
Other than that, nada.
I asked them whether they didn't want to rope off the pool and do an extra chlorination (vs crypto or other parasites), they said naaa, not needed.
Another pool off the ever shrinking list :(
I just hope I didn't catch something to boot.
🤮 🤮 🤮Quote:
Originally Posted by Echidna
Quote:
Originally Posted by Echidna
Ewwwwww. I can't argue with you striking that one from your list!
I really need some advice.. :-( i cried this morning in disbelief..
My local pool said yes before i placed my order. Then it got closed down and rebuilt within months. They have a new manager who point blank refused and said because its against their "pool policy"..
I finally found a pool but its miles away and very expensive to swim. So i thought i would send my local pool a social media messege with videos and a lengthy explaination. They got back to me and said that their pool manager would like to discuss this with me (i held hope this would be possitive). I left my number and three days later, no reponse.
So i call myself to see if its ok for them to discuss this with me over the phone. She came back to me with "we are now doing our own mermaid lessons so you can't swim here"
I was absolutely gutted.. and anrgy that in Aug it was against their policy and now its not but you can't swim here.
I don't know if i am over reacting but i am feeling very delicate. Is this a thing? Am i being a douche bag? I am feeling heart broken. I have swam once since Aug..
this is just a dick move and sure sign they are money grabbers.Quote:
Originally Posted by Sammi_Ray
I know a pool as well which has a strict "no nothing"-policy, yet they did their own mermaid courses all of a sudden (the entire pool was clogged with hair, glitter and dirt afterward so I always knew when they'd been there...).
If they still refuse mermaids to swim when not in their own course, it just means they want you to pay extra, as the course is surely super expensive.
$$$
My advice: forget this pool. Wherever the managment is too greedy, the upkeep of the pool is often terrible as well and sometimes even hazardous, because they think money >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> people's health.
see my experience 3 posts above!
It's just not worth the risk. Better to drive longer and pay more than to put up with crappy, greedy pool staff.
Ok so this is something I’ve been trying to let go! I recently joined the pod squad in the beginning of November! Most posts have been amazeing but there was one recently about someone buying a Finfolk tail! ( was not a Finfolk) posting they were excited and the put a pic up! And someone pointed out that was a Finfolk silicone tail! Then the original poster said no it was fabric and she got it on another sight! Knowing that it was a fake rip off of a Finfolk tail! It really bothers me knowing someone would be totally ok with a rip off tail of a artists hard work and a mers dream tail! And then she started defending her choice! And she thought it was ok to post about it in the company she ripped off! And the mer who’s personal tail it was commented on her post and she didn’t even say anything!
This makes me terribly mad and sad !!!
I know the hoops I am going through for my silicone tail and know how heart broken I’d be if mine got ripped off !!!
How do y’all feel about this I’ve been trying to let it go but it bothers me so much I can’t !!!!
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So I just got laid off by text message...
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A few of my friends have knock off tails, and it REALLY bothers me as well. I am part of the Pod Squad as well, and I have tried to talk to them about it. It really bothers me more that they contacted Ali Express (where they got their tails) and even sent them photos so they could be 'showcased' as 'clients' . It just makes me unhappy to be around the knock off tails.Quote:
Originally Posted by Satine
*Hugs* you are worth more than that.Quote:
Originally Posted by Mermaid Clara
Yeah, it's not fair to the original creators of the tail. It's not even like you can make the excuse that tailmakers are huge, evil corporations that already have billions of dollars.Quote:
Originally Posted by Satine
I have one of these fake finfolk tails, it was a gift from my husband who has no idea about brands and knockoffs. I felt the right thing to do is hang it on my wall as decor and possibly take a few photos for personal use but never use it for swimming or preforming. I am saving up to buy a real finfolk tail to be my feature tail.
I feel that that is a horrible thing to do trying to pass the cheap Chinese fake as an authentic finfolk tail and even worse to post it on the page of the company they ripped off! That’s deplorable!��
Since we're in the spirit of sharing, I utterly hate it when someone is so immature and unaware of their own bad attitude that when you confront them about their rudeness they turn it around and try to blame it on you despite you giving them the benefit of the doubt, and despite you being very polite about their disgusting behavior. Had this happen to me today with a colleague who is utterly lazy and rude to everyone and with who I've tried to reconcile the situation just to maintain a healthy work environment, that is just the kind of person that grates me. [emoji35]
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Thank god I found this thread. I am so sick of mers who think they are so much better than others, along with mers who come along and shit all over your post when you're actively trying to achieve something and they comment nothing but negative crap instead of being encouraging and positive!!!!
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All we did was make helpful suggestions on how to improve your business proposal, your approach to business and how to run it successfully.Quote:
Originally Posted by mermaidamathiea
Time to grow a thick skin. Running a business is not all sunshine and rainbows.
As they say, if you can't take the heat, get out of the kitchen.
I wasn't referring to you. You were very helpfulQuote:
Originally Posted by Mermaid Jaffa
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I'm sure I will be corrected if I'm wrong, but I believe she was referring to me.
The business proposal as it currently stands sounds like a little kid who wants to be a mermaid when she grows up. Oh, and there will be parties with mermaid cupcakes, balloons, and hair clips!
A lot of little kids want to be mermaids when they grow up. Some do it. Some don't. If you don't plan properly though, it definitely won't happen.
Yes. It seems that way. A whole bunch of ideas but no real plan.Quote:
Originally Posted by tealmermaid
She needs to outline every step and what/how she is going to achieve them. And saving up her own money for it.
You don't go up to strangers and ask for money, so why would you do it online with no real rewards.
Thank you both for making me feel small and if this is what the community is like I want no part of it. I have not felt welcome at all since getting into the comnunity 4 years ago. I will be deactivating my acount.Quote:
Originally Posted by Mermaid Jaffa
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See? There you go again, taking everything to heart. Talking it out, its called criticism.Quote:
Originally Posted by mermaidamathiea
You will come across it in every field of work. Suck it up! This is real life. You won't survive in the business world, (yes, even mermaiding as a job is considered a business world because, duh, you're running a business), if you're going to throw a tantrum and cry in the corner each time things don't go your way.
Learn to stand tall and learn from others. This is how you become a success.
I didn't want to come off as discouraging to her, but I totally agree with you. When it comes to any kind of "cool" job you see a lot of people who want to get right into the business without a plan and without knowing what they're doing. I think mermaiding is especially prone to this because it looks like one of those jobs that's based entirely on appearance, that all you need are some makeup skills and a nice silicone tail. But in reality, you need a lot of skills to be successful. And if you can't even take basic starting out advice while fundraising, are you going to be able to handle the demands and criticisms of paying customers? If you went to a job interview or applied for a business loan, it's up to YOU to explain why you can do this. Crowdfunding for a product or business is no different. Not many people are gonna give money to a stranger in exchange for nothing, especially in the mermaid community where most people wait a long time to save up to buy their own tails.Quote:
Originally Posted by tealmermaid
Even if I did want to give people money for mermaid businesses (and I don't) I'd only give it to someone if I were confident that they knew what they were doing. Otherwise it's just a waste of money, and if I'm gonna waste my money I'll waste it on myself, lol.
Happened by and read the thread.
You guys weren't rude, you were giving realistic advice.
I really don't understand why many people who want to get into mermaiding start with asking others for money.
You want to be a mermaid, become one (that is on yourself) and then just do it. You will get mermaiding jobs.
Go forward from that.
Don't give me the "but I need to have a silicone tail first, someone give me the money please".
No, you don't need a silicone tail.
You don't become a mermaid because you have a fancy tail, you are a mermaid if you have all the skills to convince people you are the real deal.
You can do that in almost any kind of tail. And some are really cheap.
People who DO have experience know that.
Best of luck.
I agree about seeing this a lot in the mermaid community. Becoming a mermaid is about maintaining the illusion of being a real mermaid (especially for kids), not the price tag on the tail. Work with what you have if you don't have the funds for a fancy tail. Fabric tails aren't expensive if you make them yourself.
Furthermore, getting into the mermaid business is not just having a tail and being able to swim in it. A good business plan spells out who you are, where you come from, why you are interested in this, how long have you been doing this, what supplies you have, and what do you plan to do with any incoming money:
Hi, I'm [Name]. I have a degree in [Subject] from [Whatever] University. My primary hobby is Mermaiding [insert explanation of mermaiding], and I have [however many] years' experience in this hobby. My skill list includes [these relevant abilities]. I also have experience in [related field such as modelling].
I am planning to start a business as a professional mermaid. However, I need funds for these items [include estimated cost of each item]:
* Tail, top, accessories, props (Note: Multiples would be good so they can dry out between uses).
* Promotional materials (web site including design, advertising, business cards, flyers, etc.).
* Travel expenses (Do you have a way to get to a gig? You have to pay for gas, insurance, & maintenance if you have a car. Do you have funds for a hotel if your gig isn't nearby?).
* Office space, rented storage for supplies if you have a lot of stuff.
* Any other expenses.
These supplies will total roughly [amount of your funding beg, hopefully].
[insert whatever rewards you are offering for donors -- with good, current photos]
Thank you for your support.
--------------
That said, you should be able to fund your own basic supplies such as a tail and accessories as a hobbyist. If not, you probably aren't financially ready to run a business.
(Apologies if this sounds preachy. I have run several small businesses of my own over the years with my own funds, so I'm trying to speak from my own experience on how this process normally works.)
Well, it's hardly exclusive to mermaiding. A lot of people want to start businesses or create products without saving money or taking on the financial risk. (and I'm thinking, if you can't save up for or get a loan for a small amount of money, I'd question your ability to manage the finances of your business) There are also a lot of people who crowdfund businesses or products more as a way to gauge interest than anything else. But mermaid businesses aren't a new idea, plus they're localized so it really limits the base of interest. And as has been said, you need to treat your campaign like a serious business pitch.Quote:
Originally Posted by Echidna
And I second the tail thing. Someone who is skilled and talented in a FinFun clearance tail will be more successful than someone who doesn't know what she's doing in a silicone tail.
Its like any job, skills are of far greater importance than image.
Its no point perfecting your image first, cos without those skills you can't sell yourself.
And when you can't sell yourself, the business fails. Its simple logic.
and here's the problem: too many aspiring mermaids do not understand they will need skills.Quote:
Originally Posted by Mermaid Jaffa
It's probably not even limited to inexperienced young people.
You can see comments like "what, THAT is a job? I'm gonna do that too, that's easy" under so many mermaid show videos.
And I mean show, not lounging in a pool and waving.
Stuff like Weeki Wachee, or one of the shows in Asia where a bunch of synchro swimmers performs choreographies in a depth of 5-10 metres.
There is a surprising number of clueless folks who think anything that looks easy and effortless, must be child's play for everyone.
Just look at how many "athletes" make fun of synchro swimming, or any kind of dancing, like ballet.
How it isn't a sport, etc. Not even realizing they themselves wouldn't able to do a single technique without breaking their leg, or drowning.
Hence the idea of "just gimme the outfit, and I'm good to go".
Since mermaiding is so niche, I wonder if a lot of people like that think that it will be really easy to get work since there isn't much competition in a lot of places.Quote:
Originally Posted by Echidna
They do. You'd be surprised how many actually think that. There's more to it than just swimming around and playing games with kids.Quote:
Originally Posted by Mermaid Delphinidae
Many skills come into play. Planning, arranging the day, good communication, ability to interact with different levels of people, written communication must also be good. These are some of the skills I can think of that would be beneficial to a working mermaid.
If one goes into the fray without much thought or planning, those kids and their parents will eat you alive! If you can't handle this, then its better just to stick to being a recreational mermaid, where mermaiding is just for your own enjoyment.
Sometimes when people find out I do mermaiding, they suggest I do it professionally. And I think "hahahaha no". I have the looks and I have the (fabric) tail, but not much else. Just cause you can do something as a hobby doesn't mean you can make money from it, I'd be a horrible professional mermaid even if I had the most expensive silicone tail you can get. I'm guessing that a lot of the people who go into it without the knowledge get a lot of encouragement from people who also don't have the knowledge, feeds the ego a bit. I write as a hobby and I spend some time in online writing forums, I see the same thing there. (really, you see it in any creative hobby and any job that looks glamorous)Quote:
Originally Posted by Mermaid Jaffa
So yea, to all those wannabe mermaid professionals...Quote:
Originally Posted by Mermaid Delphinidae
Think. Really think about. Do you have the skills and financial backing to do so AT YOUR OWN EXPENSE?
Because when it comes down to it, you're a nobody. Nobody knows who you are, you're not a famous nor well known mermaid. Everything you do has to be on your own steam. Noone is going to fund a nobody, especially one with no set goals in mind. Are you prepared to put everything and everyone on hold just to get your business going and making it successful?
Its not easy money, it is a lot of work. Don't go into it only thinking of the financial gain because it will reflect on the quality of you as a person. You need business skills as well as business sense. This way, if things fail, you can easily get back on your feet and get going again.
Yeah. And shoot, this doesn't just apply to mermaiding, it applies to any self-employment profession. Asking internet strangers for money when you're a beginner isn't likely to get you anywhere. Those successful professional mermaids you see, I guarantee you that they worked hard for YEARS to get where they are now. It's good to have a dream, but if it's something you really truly want, you should be willing to work for it, ya know?Quote:
Originally Posted by Mermaid Jaffa
It's with great sadness that I learnt that my beloved grandad passed away in the early hours of this morning :cry: He left this world happy and calm and most of all, no longer in pain because he battled with bad circulation in his legs for ever. He was scheduled to be released from hospital tomorrow, after undergoing a leg amputation and subsequently recovering well. I just don't know what happened, because the operation went smoothly :cry: The nice thing is that my grandad was able to see me get my pilot's licence, and before he left this world he found his father's Air Force wings badge, and he wanted me to have it. He was so happy and supportive of my strive to become an pilot and he was so supportive, despite living on the other side of the world. I've known my grandad my whole life and I'm 18, but it feels like I haven't known him for long enough :cry:
I am so sorry for your loss. I'm happy that he got to see you achieve your license and it was a lovely gift for him to gift you with a family heirloom. He will live on in your heart always. I hope he rests in peace.
:hug: