Mermaid M stealing famous photos for personal gain

[Echidna]

Melissa is excellent in what she does.
She's probably one of the most athletic mermaids out there along with Linden.

Then why does she photoshop what others have DONE?
And then makes up a title calling herself superior to those who have been longer at it, and did the things she pretends to do for real?

Doesn't add up for me.

Just like buying likes and promotes for ads and youtube.
I didn't hear of her or know who she was for a looong time, but got her videos shoved in my face on youtube nonstop
(none of which I found particularly impressive, btw).

There's being good, and pretending to be good.
Methinks it's the latter in this case, otherwise it wouldn't make sense at all to stoop to the level of lying and manipulating- she could just go and do it, but she doesn't.

[-Annwyn-]

Nobody has been snarky at all Annwyn, You've previously brought up mermaids who have done similar things.

And since no one is being snarky, and expressing opinions & experiences without breaking rules, I don't think there's any need for your memes that are clearly intended to sidetrack the conversation in my thread. You usually take issue with my posts and occasionally express that on other forums- that was essentially the entire point of one of the other forums. It would be great if you added me to your ignore list. I'll do the same







Some of the helpful posts from mer.yuku were ported over, but everything else was just backed up and kept my admin. I do think if the *admin* were to take all those posts and put them up- it then makes mernetwork as a whole look biased and like they're out to get Melissa. And while mernetwork allows us to have a place to talk about whatever I know they're very very careful about blacklisting people. (I think Adam Martyn, and Fishbutts, are the only ones to date as far as I know, and that was a responsibility thing for the whole community) So asking them to post that stuff puts the admins in a bad spot. A lot of us were around and remember reading it. I will say, if there was a legal issue and a lawyer needed those files as proof, they could be provided. (some things you can see examples of on her facebook page back from 2009-1011)



You're totally right and I see that a lot too. But I believe Melissa was one of the first ones to do it, just like with the fake likes. And as a role model to other mermaids (whether she asked to be or not) she sets the precedent for a lot of people. I think it's an issue all around for sure. Which is part of the reason I called out the specific issues of the photos. Because when Melissa gets away with it, other people know they can too and will try. I would LOVE to see much more integrity in the mermaid community. I have seen people though who you're referring to who called them self the only, then change it to "the first". Or sometimes people form a group, like in my case. So their name takes on a different context. I'm not blaming it all on Melissa, I just think it almost makes it worse when someone so well known does it because it sets the precedent.



There's nothing wrong with it if it's true. A lot of times people are the only business in town for a while. We're still the only *registered* mermaid company in Canada. I know that because I paid to see the list and put myself on it. I think the only other *company* besides mine is the Vancouver Mermaid- as she has several mermaids as well. In between us there's many solo mermaids. She's on the west coast and I'm on the east. I never thought about advertising us as the "only" before but I think I actually could if I wanted to lol.

Back to the Melissa issue, I share my personal stories to give context to the issue at hand. Melissa is excellent in what she does. She's probably one of the most athletic mermaids out there along with Linden. What she's been able to do is amazing, running a business with the tank and the big van and all the mermaids. Being on the TV shows she's been on, travelling to where she has. It's all awesome. But I personally feel when you pull stunts like that (calling yourself the world's best, stealing photos, misleading on your website) it undermines all your hard work. We all screw up and make mistakes, especially in business. It's hard to know if you aren't an actual business person. (I am lucky, I formed a board of directors out of people who help businesses get started so they know it all!) But in the instance with the photos, I know she knows it's wrong. She demonstrated that she knows it's wrong back when she was using the forums and making posts on facebook. As I demonstraited in my first 2 posts I think these types of issues affect us all as a community and it's important to be aware of them and discuss them. Ideally, I'd like to see her stop doing it and go out and do those experiences instead.

wow, you had to really search to dig that one up, Raina? Well done. Point out the flaws in others. Way to go. Brava! See the difference between that post of mine and you is that I pretty much let the issue go after a few days and didn't obess over it like you are with Melissa.

I don't argue with you that you sentiments towards her are unfounded, my opinion is that she's just not worth the amount of time and heartache you are giving her. It makes you look like you are jealous of whatever success she appears to have, which is really silly. She's probably aware that this issue bugs you, so she does it anyway.

Heck, if she wants to post cute animal photos and change her name, let her. As for the photos, notify the photographers, but let them deal with it. It has about as much bearing on you as me, which is none. The sheer energy you put into this snark campaign (and yes it is Snark) would be better spent turning the other cheek and ignoring her and going to work on yourself instead. You give the people you don't like airtime, which is what holds you back.

I'm not trying to be mean here, just frank and honest. Think about it.

[PearlieMae]

In a court of law, in the US, the things she calls herself would be considered "puffery", and impossible to prove. For instance, in an infamous pizza court battle, it boiled down to this:

"You've seen commercials where a company claims to have the "best" thingamajig. "Best" can be used without having to backup your statement. When you use "better," you "better" have proof to substantiate your claim."

[Coradion]

In a court of law, in the US, the things she calls herself would be considered "puffery", and impossible to prove. For instance, in an infamous pizza court battle, it boiled down to this:

"You've seen commercials where a company claims to have the "best" thingamajig. "Best" can be used without having to backup your statement. When you use "better," you "better" have proof to substantiate your claim."

Yeah, it's a business strategy. She reaches a lot of people, it's a business choice. She definitely gets a lot of exposure and I think she has a unique perspective on things not only as a mermaid but also from conservation viewpoints. Getting a job as a cetacean trainer is pretty cut throat, you have to be really good and really driven to get a position even at smaller facilities. Just because I don't agree with every choice someone makes doesn't mean it's not effective or I think they should be punished for it. It just means I don't agree. I still value a lot of the other things she has to offer.

[AniaR]

Ooooh Jari, you're entitled to your opinion and as messy as these threads can get try not to curse her out or call her names k? I know it's hard when people act horrible- and it's okay to talk about behaviour etc. but on mernetwork we do have a no name calling and try to be sparing with the swearing I think I know who you are from facebook (looking at your profile) it's really awesome to see you here! Be sure to post in the introductions thread so everyone can get to know you!!!! <3

"You've seen commercials where a company claims to have the "best" thingamajig. "Best" can be used without having to backup your statement. When you use "better," you "better" have proof to substantiate your claim."

oh wow that's a way easier to understand example! Makes me think of the commercials where they say they are better than the brand name etc and always have to back it up with an example from a study or something. Good point.

[PearlieMae]

Hahaha! Just went to her facebook, and just like on a certain egomaniacal tailmaker's page, for some reason, I have been banned from commenting. (What did *I* do? )

Also, the "tipping" paypal link - it's pretty standard on escorts' websites.

She also has a life event of ten years as a professional mermaid, but if you read the 'about' bit, she contradicts herself.

[Echidna]

Also, the "tipping" paypal link - it's pretty standard on escorts' websites.

not sure if I follow, but:
if someone actually went through with this, they're bound to have waay more customers than the average mer

Too bad it's not my line of work, I'd have lots of fintastic world-first advertizing lines for that one, sadly none of which I can write here, but there's so much hilarity potential!

would need a special tail tho

[PearlieMae]

would need a special tail tho

I could design that.

[AniaR]

She also has a life event of ten years as a professional mermaid, but if you read the 'about' bit, she contradicts herself.

Yeah a lot of her dates contradict as well as statements.

Though, I often confuse the date I started doing mermaid stuff with the date I started dating Sean (about a year in between) because they're in the same month but different years hahaha

[merman_jari]

My apologies for the previous comment. U r absolutely right MermaidRaina. Its just that when you admire highly spoken Mers n find out that he or she has been fraudulent in their works and just using it for personal vanity is just upsetting n disappointing. Thats what ii meant to say. Forgive me (lol) The South Dallas Texan came out of me.

[Mer-gal]

This makes me sad because I thought she really did these things. I thought she was really cool and now i feel like she is a fake. It is wrong to post fake pics of yourself just to get clients.

[Sandra Siren]

Wow, what an eye opener. I actually hadn't heard of Mermaid Melissa until I got seriously into professional mermaiding research, and then she showed up everywhere! I live fairly close to Sacramento and our famous merfolk are the Dive Bar mermaids and mermen. It's a shame such a public figure is setting such a poor example. Since those who are close to her have already had their say, and the folks who own the original photos/videos aren't speaking out, perhaps our best option as a community is to to raise our integrity bar. Let's step up respect for one another and show people that she is the exception and not the rule.

[AniaR]

My apologies for the previous comment. U r absolutely right MermaidRaina. Its just that when you admire highly spoken Mers n find out that he or she has been fraudulent in their works and just using it for personal vanity is just upsetting n disappointing. Thats what ii meant to say. Forgive me (lol) The South Dallas Texan came out of me.

it's cool, you're brand new, and we all have a moment where we get carried away I just didn't want you to get in trouble when you just joined is all. Mermen are few and far between!! <3 we love having more men on the site for sure.

It looks like a LOT of people really thought that elephant pic was real. I got a lot of PMs about it on FB and it sorta clicked for people why they could never find the video or other photos.

I will say, it's harder to be a mermaid who is more or less in the spotlight. Speaking from personal experience, people hold you to really high standards that are almost impossible to keep up with. I have cracked under the pressure multiple times. I think there are good things you CAN admire in her, just perhaps separate this situation as a pretty uncool thing to do.

[AniaR]

wow, you had to really search to dig that one up, Raina? Well done. Point out the flaws in others. Way to go. Brava! See the difference between that post of mine and you is that I pretty much let the issue go after a few days and didn't obess over it like you are with Melissa.

Nope. Just one click of the button actually. "Posts started by Annwyn". Not pointing out a flaw, simply pointing out that you were allotted the ability to bring it up and discussed what you and others thought about it. No one memed your thread to sidetrack it. No different than what's being done here. I could also use the example of Mermaid Melanie bringing up issues with Mermaid Kat. Which was also discussed by the community. And Hawaain mermaids bringing up concerns about Kariel. And, I'm not sure how I am obsessing by posting in my active thread that hasn't even been up for 24 hours yet. Sure, if I'm going at it a year later, tell me to shut up and call me obsessed. I rarely bring up Melissa on the forum- I tend to wait for others to post and echo what they said. I think this may be my only time starting a thread about her ever.

I don't argue with you that you sentiments towards her are unfounded, my opinion is that she's just not worth the amount of time and heartache you are giving her. It makes you look like you are jealous of whatever success she appears to have, which is really silly. She's probably aware that this issue bugs you, so she does it anyway.

Hell yes I'm jealous she gets to do some kick ass things that I will never be able to do. but jealous of photoshopped photos and fake facebook fans? Nah, not really. What Melissa does rarely effects my life. Honestly it used to upset me anytime you would try to deter my threads by saying "I look jealous". But now I just dont give a rats butt. Pretty confident no one here thinks that jealousy motivates my posting or my position on the matter. You've never really thought much of me, so if you think that's what it is I don't really care. I'm willing to have people like you think I'm jealous, for the sake of raising the matter and getting something done about it I don't need everyone in the community to like me, I'd rather stick to what I feel is ethical. God Knows I've had disagreements with people in this very thread but we all just keep speaking about what we think is important anyway. I always find the "your just jealous" argument is a cop out when faced with facts that someone can't dispute.

Heck, if she wants to post cute animal photos and change her name, let her. As for the photos, notify the photographers, but let them deal with it. It has about as much bearing on you as me, which is none. The sheer energy you put into this snark campaign (and yes it is Snark) would be better spent turning the other cheek and ignoring her and going to work on yourself instead. You give the people you don't like airtime, which is what holds you back

Meh. I turn my cheek on a lot of issues. (I've turned it a LOT with you- speaking of obsessions...) For every 1 that sees the light of day there's probably a good 20 I let go and forget. This is about community standard, as others have brought up there are many other mermaids who have picked up similar habits. I've always spoken out about community standards regardless of the people involved. Whether it's buying 100,000 fake facebook likes, making fan pages to harass other mermaids, one mer taking advantage of others, mermaids who seem to only come to the community when they want money, issues of bad tails and customer service, and other problems. Speaking up is what I do to draw community attention to issues that need to change. I can't *force* things to change, but when people become better aware of things it makes it harder for people to pull that stuff, and deters them from trying when they see the kind of outrage it sparks in the community.

So really, if you think it's all too much and pointless, don't read the darn thread or participate. It's just like people who hop into the drama thread and complain about drama. There's no rule breaking, (save for the one warning to a brand new member) everything's on topic, I'm not really going to defend our right to have a thread to the person who has started countless ones about me on wave dancers and the merforum that would of actually broken rules had they been posted here.

I like that you think I'm holding myself back btw I think I'm doing freaking great given what I have to work with!!

I'm not trying to be mean here, just frank and honest. Think about it.

I feel like I should be saying that about starting the thread.

[Shimmer Mermaid]

No one is being snarky. And Raina was giving kind of a warning to us fellow mermaids. When it comes to standards set by a mermaid who really has a high impact on the community, then that same mermaid screws up and does something she knows is wrong, or in this case illegal, people tend to state what they are doing wrong, and kind give others a heads up, which is what Raina was doing. She put her own experience because of the fact that it DOES retain to the original reason of the post-not giving credit where credit is due. The way I (and a lot of others) see it, it's the same as if you draw a picture, a beautiful picture, and someone were to take that picture and copy it, and say that they drew it.

I have had to deal with similar situations. My boyfriend took a picture of me on my horse rearing up, and someone photoshopped the photo with them on him, and then said that someone else had taken the photo. And if I had helped someone like Raina had helped her, I'd be upset as heck if someone did what M did. Period. There is no reason for you to single out Raina because of her speaking her mind and because you have a past. Move on. Onto the next fishing hole, right?

[MarkF]

Raina I don't think many of use truly understand your battles and struggles to keep your business going, then see MM is cheating.
I don't know if she claims to have done the poses in the shots. Last time I talked with MM she wanted to do some deep water photo shoots, looks like shes just created them. If they were from me you'd never have found the originals.
I wonder if she'd paid royalty on these, it possible. A lot of the ads I've done recently using others copy righted images in backgrounds were actually pretty cheap well within both of your budgets.

[AniaR]

I considered that too and looked it up via google image search (the actual image search, not just the image tab) and they aren't associated with any stock websites, only news articles and her. I'm on the stock websites regularly for my own use, so I'm pretty familiar with them. As far as I can tell these images are only licensed for the news reports about them.

I wouldn't have as much of a problem with it if she purchased some stock photography and presented it as a fun photo manipulation. I would still take issue however if she tried to present it as something she did. or mislead people

[MarkF]

Stock Photo's you's pay yous dollar and get - Click link for surprise.
http://www.istockphoto.com/photo/wha...291?st=6538680

Does this seem silly to you, it does to me. In a world of Fiction and Fantasy arguing the pictures aren't real.
Next someone will say Mermaids aren't real!

Too easy - had to do it - sorry.

[Coradion]

Stock Photo's you's pay yous dollar and get - Click link for surprise.
http://www.istockphoto.com/photo/wha...291?st=6538680

Does this seem silly to you, it does to me. In a world of Fiction and Fantasy arguing the pictures aren't real.
Next someone will say Mermaids aren't real!

Too easy - had to do it - sorry.

Haha, yeah a lot of the businesses I've worked for even the aquarium subscribes to stock sites. And how dare you suggest mermaids aren't real :P

[AniaR]

oh good job finding it! i'm not sure she bought the stock though, because the version she has is so small and pixellated it looks ripped from the original posting. If she actually paid for stock that makes me feel a tad better- it means a photographer isn't getting ripped off. But she's still presenting it as if it's something she's done with no context on her site with her watermark. And I know the elephant photos aren't stock, I tracked down that photographer.

(can you let me know how you found the image? I tried searching whale shark stock, whale shark photo, and I uploaded the original image I found right onto google search images and the only hit was hers)