Everyone Must Read This!!!!!!!!! 6/29/08

[CobaltBlu]

Thank you Jag. This has been an epidemic lately, and it really has to stop. I have gotten PMs from distraught members, and it is quite upsetting.

The mods can quickly assemble a consensus of folks who can help authenticate the bag and settle the matter. If a consensus cannot be reached, we always refer the owner to Hermes for a servicing, cleaning, etc.

There is a LOT of misinformation out there about authentic and fake Hermes. One member was upset because someone said her scarf was fake because it did not have a signature, for example. When in fact that scarf design did not include a signature. That is just ONE example.

Thank you JAG for your this post.

[mrssparkles]

A great protocol to have. Thank you for this, jag.

[harleyNemma]

Thank you, Jag & to all the mods for continuing to make tpf a positive place to indulge in our enthusiasm for great handbags!

Also, thank you to those who continue to authenticate bags (hello, mrssparkles, cb, et al). Without you, we would be fending for ourselves & while no one is perfect (we are all human!), it does help to have you & others weigh in before spending our hard earned money!

[mrsbaglady]

Thank you. This is a good idea. I know lots of us are really passionate about Hermes bags but like you said, there's no real need to hurt another person unintentionally over a bag.

[hermeshunter]

Thanks Jag!
But, before throwing the baby out with the bath water - If it wasn't for tpf, I would be the very unhappy and very ripped off owner of very fake bags - I want to thank all of the experts and all of the mods!

[jag]

Oh we are not stopping the authentication process- only unsolicited opinions as to authenticity. We have had many many distraught members who have been wrongly advised that their bags were fake, when in fact, they were not!

This place is amazing, and the collective knowledge is astounding! But we need to keep things in check, especially when people's feelings are involved.

Thank you all for being so understanding of this very simple rule!!!

[miss piggy]

Thanks jag, will do

[luxurylife88]

Thank you JAG for everything.

[hermesmonkey]

You mods rock. I hate it when people are mean on the forum. Makes me want to kung fu chop them.

[VickyB]

Thanks again , Jag. Altho I think it is a fabulous tool and terrific that "authentication" is offered via the forum, I question a few things 1) authentications done via pics - many of which we know are not even of the bags in question 2) the lack of credentials re those who are authenticating - what really gives these people higher knowledge re H - having been burned by eBay sellers or the number of bags they own? I understand from your response post to me that any tpf expert always indicates to get a 2nd or 3rd opinion ,but then, what's the point of getting their opinion in the 1st place? I jsut don't want to see anybody mislead re potential purchases outside of H stores and potentially getting bilked out of 10000s of dollars. Frankly, I think that nobody short of working for H in the correct capacity has the right to authenticate an H item. Perhaps you might consider renaming the "authentication" thread to something like "opinions re authentication".

[mrssparkles]

Originally Posted by VickyB

Thanks again , Jag. Altho I think it is a fabulous tool and terrific that "authentication" is offered via the forum, I question a few things 1) authentications done via pics - many of which we know are not even of the bags in question 2) the lack of credentials re those who are authenticating - what really gives these people higher knowledge re H - having been burned by eBay sellers or the number of bags they own? I understand from your response post to me that any tpf expert always indicates to get a 2nd or 3rd opinion ,but then, what's the point of getting their opinion in the 1st place? I jsut don't want to see anybody mislead re potential purchases outside of H stores and potentially getting bilked out of 10000s of dollars. Frankly, I think that nobody short of working for H in the correct capacity has the right to authenticate an H item. Perhaps you might consider renaming the "authentication" thread to something like "opinions re authentication".

VickyB, I have noticed your posts several times on this matter, and I feel that I need to speak up on this.

a) The authentication is done purely on the basis of our pure LOVE for Hermes. None of the regulars on that thread are paid to contribute to the H subforum ~ hello2703 above everyone else, has dedicated her time to help a whole bunch of tPFer who are in no way related to her. She need not have to do this. In the same token, I certainly do not have to keep coming back to tPF to post pictures in the Reference Section and share H information when, I should in fact be having high tea in a restaurant and admire my H bag seated next to me. (for the record, I have never worked for Hermes. I have been asked a couple of times)

Let me put something across to you ~ what makes you think that anyone working for Hermes know how to authenticate a Birkin or Kelly? (Sorry, SAs who are reading this. I am miffed to be really honest)

b) Why would you want to plant an element of doubt that the authenticators have "no credentials"? Authenticating H bags is getting harder and harder because the fakes are getting better. And getting 2nd and 3rd opinions is necessary because collectively, we can have a discussion going if something is really amiss. H fakes are made in different countries, and some fakes are better than others. And some fakes enter certain markets faster than others. By sharing opinions, it can alert the other authenticators (I repeat: who do it for no fee!) what is happening in other parts of the world. Without the authenticators, alot of scams will continue to exist. And in my opinion, we all have a common agenda, and that is to rid of all the rubbish.

You would not have such a strong opinion unless you are 1) a reseller yourself who does not want tPF to be such an influential forum 2) a H staff and can't comprehend how a forum can trust people in the authentication thread or 3) you only want to buy from H direct and think the reselling route is to be frowned upon.

Would love to know what you really think and what's your point.

[gem]

salute to mrsS for speaking up!

NO to unsolicited opinion on the authentication of any bag.

YES to the great contribution by our respected group of 'experts' - 'cos we term them experts ourselves.

[Suzie]

Thanks Jag and of course to all the fabulous authenticators who do it because they want to help people. Many of us here would not be able to buy at the store as I cannot afford to pay store prices and other members live far away from a store or may want an item no longer available at stores. No-one is holding a gun to our head to buy these items but I for one want to tell you all, mods, etc that I really appreciate the time you take as I would not have my bag if not for this wonderful place.

Why do people have to be so mean spirited to other people, if you have nothing nice to say don't say it.

[ranskimmie]

Fantastic thread/sticky Jag!
This is such a wonderful idea. There is nothing worse than being shot down and have your feelings crushed on a public forum. Especially when one has done nothing wrong. Jag you rock! Thanks for keeping this place fun and exciting for us all and most of all pain free!!
Big hugs to you girl!!!

[Nola]

Completely agreed