tPF authenticator discussion

[SalsaVerde]

I'd like tol add my 2-cents worth.

I think there are rude and entitled posters across the board. The differences I see on the brands i authenticate vs. the brands you've been discussing (Prada, Chanel) is in the mod/admin for that subforum. If the subforum has a mod who lets the authenticators take the lead and set the tone, everyone is a lot happier.

Some mods (who don't authenticate) allow their authenticators to set the pace so to speak. They allow the authenicators to apply their own guidelines, the authenticators can comment on seller histories, feedback, selling practices, etc.

With that freedom to post semi-OT discussions, the subforum is a lot friendlier, easy going and educational but rarely leads to the frustration and departure of authenticators as I've personally witnessed on other subforums.

When a mod isn't an authenticator, it's hard for them to understand and see things through the eyes of an authenticator. They view it as "rude" when an authenticator calls out a non-expert on an inaccurate opinion. They don't get why we ask for what we need to see and aren't fully aware of the amount of money involved (both to buyers and sellers), damages to reputations and the damage misinformation can cause when allowed to be posted unabated.

It comes as no surprise to non-authenticators that NOT anyone can step in an provide good accurate information. Authenticators have years of experience buying, selling, studying, fondling, carrying their items and they have electronic libraries with thousands of images. They have word documents up the wazoo with notes on exceptions to rules, date codes, factory codes, years that certain items were made, fonts, etc.

One can not just log in to TPF and start as an authenticator and give accurate information.

If TPF admin want to keep their knowledgeable experts and continue to have a reputation that members can get accurate information re authenticity, those unpaid volunteers need to be appreciated for the time and expertise they provide.

I agree BB, based on my observation, specially since I'm always reading the Chanel authentication thread, I think Colourful_belle posted that same issues, and i think she quit because of the abusive members and lack of support from the mods and admin.

Now the Chanel authentication thread seems dead and not as lively as before, and it seems the members authenticating there are those who are posting authentication requests a couple of pages back, so I don't think they can be experts. I hope Colourful_belle will return to authenticate at the Chanel thread, as well as the other good authenticators that quit in other threads. It's not the same when Colourful_belle is not authenticating, she's an asset of TPF. Imagine how much money she saves those new buyers from buying a fake Chanel? I think she's one of the best and the only free authenticator I trust on Chanel.

 

[JustAgUrL]

I agree BB, based on my observation, specially since I'm always reading the Chanel authentication thread, I think Colourful_belle posted that same issues, and i think she quit because of the abusive members and lack of support from the mods and admin.

Now the Chanel authentication thread seems dead and not as lively as before, and it seems the members authenticating there are those who are posting authentication requests a couple of pages back, so I don't think they can be experts. I hope Colourful_belle will return to authenticate at the Chanel thread, as well as the other good authenticators that quit in other threads. It's not the same when Colourful_belle is not authenticating, she's an asset of TPF. Imagine how much money she saves those new buyers from buying a fake Chanel? I think she's one of the best and the only free authenticator I trust on Chanel.

Ohhh Now that is NOT GOOD…

Chanel has so many Super Fakes, that even though I have owned Chanel
and know Chanel pretty well, that is just a tough one to know really well…

also, many Older Chanel bags don't have the precision that the newer ones do,
I was fooled terribly by an AUTHENTIC Bag, that I thought was fake….
the stitching was not lined up well… it was lined in faux leather…
there were a lot of things I thought were wrong… and it ended up,
that it was ME that was wrong…..

Colourful_belle taught me a lot over that little mistake of mine..


she is an AMAZING authenticator…. I am sorry she is no longer here..

 

[jellyv]

I think each sub-forum should have a "trusted authenticator" list, as determined by the mods or admins.

I floated this idea a few years ago to the powers that be, and it was not well received.

http://forum.purseblog.com/feedback-dropbox/name-the-authenticators-in-subforums-769154.html

 

[missbanff]

I floated this idea a few years ago to the powers that be, and it was not well received.

http://forum.purseblog.com/feedback-dropbox/name-the-authenticators-in-subforums-769154.html

I think there could be a difference in "official authenticator" vs "trusted authenticator".

I really think the mods and admins should think long and hard about this as one of the things this forum is known for is the AT threads. If the Premium Designer AT's go to crap, which is what will happen if this nonsense continues, the reputation of the forum will suffer.

I mention those only because that's where the mass exodus has occured. While Swanky did bring up some valid points, ie - people come and go, the AT's are based on opinions only, etc.....I really hope they don't want the AT's to be thought of as laughingstocks with boneheads giving their opinions....and I guarantee that will happen because as we all know, the internet can be a small place. Lots of people from other places read here and post elsewhere, KWIM? Frankly, I cannot FATHOM WHY they would WANT and ENCOURAGE people to just join and start offering opinions on authentications.

 

[uadjit]

I think there could be a difference in "official authenticator" vs "trusted authenticator".

I really think the mods and admins should think long and hard about this as one of the things this forum is known for is the AT threads. If the Premium Designer AT's go to crap, which is what will happen if this nonsense continues, the reputation of the forum will suffer.

I mention those only because that's where the mass exodus has occured. While Swanky did bring up some valid points, ie - people come and go, the AT's are based on opinions only, etc.....I really hope they don't want the AT's to be thought of as laughingstocks with boneheads giving their opinions....and I guarantee that will happen because as we all know, the internet can be a small place. Lots of people from other places read here and post elsewhere, KWIM? Frankly, I cannot FATHOM WHY they would WANT and ENCOURAGE people to just join and start offering opinions on authentications.

I don't think the site wants to make it look like they're endorsing anyone's opinions.

FWIW, I love the authenticators here on TPF and appreciate how much crap they put up with. I have seen people be downright abusive to the authenticators for no apparent reason other than they seem to have entitlement issues. And I think it's especially bad in the LV thread.

You all have helped me a ton free of charge and I appreciate it, at least.

 

[missbanff]

I don't think the site wants to make it look like they're endorsing anyone's opinions.

FWIW, I love the authenticators here on TPF and appreciate how much crap they put up with. I have seen people be downright abusive to the authenticators for no apparent reason other than they seem to have entitlement issues. And I think it's especially bad in the LV thread.

You all have helped me a ton free of charge and I appreciate it, at least.

That's a good point. I understand.

But something has GOT to be done. I've never seen it this bad. And these freaking people who start posting and thinking they are experts.....my God, it's like being in labor all over again.

 

[zippie]

That's a good point. I understand.

But something has GOT to be done. I've never seen it this bad. And these freaking people who start posting and thinking they are experts.....my God, it's like being in labor all over again.

 

[BeenBurned]

maybe it would be possible to start a new rule,
that NEW members have to have 20 Comments on other threads
before they can receive an authentication….

I don't like that idea.

I appreciate authenticating for newbies and most appreciate the help they get.

I think the issue (i.e. problem) is with non-expert authenticators. So many own one or two of (name your brand) item so think they know the brand.

Those are the authenticators who should prove themselves, perhaps stating "not expert but....." (Not sure how this would work. Just thinking out loud.)

Shortly after making the post above, I went out before editing and clarifying.

While I know that some of the busier brand AT threads like their buyers to particilpate elsewhere on the forum, I don't mind doing it without other participation by the members.

Sheesh, the forum is hard enough to navigate as a seasoned member. It's overwhelming for a newbie and to require them to have a minimum number of posts before posting an AT request would probably have them leave before even joining.

Dang, BB, I feel like I need a shower - maybe with one of my bags

I have been known to sleep with my bags ONCE in a while…

Maybe that's why this subforum has so many buyer complaints about their "new" bags having been used!! There's too much fondling going on!

As for taking a shower, visit the Coach rehab and rescue thread. They give their Coach bags baths. Maybe you can jump in with your bag!

 

[BeenBurned]

Now the Chanel authentication thread seems dead and not as lively as before, and it seems the members authenticating there are those who are posting authentication requests a couple of pages back, so I don't think they can be experts.

I think there could be a difference in "official authenticator" vs "trusted authenticator".

I really think the mods and admins should think long and hard about this as one of the things this forum is known for is the AT threads. If the Premium Designer AT's go to crap, which is what will happen if this nonsense continues, the reputation of the forum will suffer.

I mention those only because that's where the mass exodus has occured.

FWIW, I love the authenticators here on TPF and appreciate how much crap they put up with. I have seen people be downright abusive to the authenticators for no apparent reason other than they seem to have entitlement issues. And I think it's especially bad in the LV thread.

You all have helped me a ton free of charge and I appreciate it, at least.

It's really sad. There may be more but I'm aware of 4 trusted authenticators of 3 brands who are no longer posting because of the amount of abuse and lack of support.

 

[Swanky]

Hi!

This thread has been severely off topic for pages.
I understand it's a great discussion but it really needs to stay on topic in threads like so people can find the information they seek.

I know Megs and Vlad are always thinking of news ways of doing things and we had a lengthy discussion about what everyone is talking about just last week. It's all really up to them and not the mods at all.
However, this thread should ONLY be about direct experiences w/ A4U. If you have not personally dealt with them, this is not the right thread for you to participate in - hopefully you understand. It's the only way this thread can help people looking for advice. Not to mention your ideas and posts are getting buries under a thread title that doesn't reflect this current conversation at all.

Your ideas are important to them, so please start a new thread for further off topic discussion{s}. I'm not trying to kill your conversation, just really need it to be it's own thread! http://forum.purseblog.com//www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/

 

[BeenBurned]

Hi!

This thread has been severely off topic for pages.
I understand it's a great discussion but it really needs to stay on topic in threads like so people can find the information they seek.

I know Megs and Vlad are always thinking of news ways of doing things and we had a lengthy discussion about what everyone is talking about just last week. It's all really up to them and not the mods at all.
However, this thread should ONLY be about direct experiences w/ A4U. If you have not personally dealt with them, this is not the right thread for you to participate in - hopefully you understand. It's the only way this thread can help people looking for advice. Not to mention your ideas and posts are getting buries under a thread title that doesn't reflect this current conversation at all.

Your ideas are important to them, so please start a new thread for further off topic discussion{s}. I'm not trying to kill your conversation, just really need it to be it's own thread!

Swanky, is it possible for you to split the posts that went off on a tangent and start a new thread?

Thanks.

 

[Swanky]

I can later tonight, trying to herd my kiddos to bed!

 

[pukasonqo]

what about using a different colour for the authenticators' names?

 

[oLiveOiL@2013]

That's a good point. I understand.

But something has GOT to be done. I've never seen it this bad. And these freaking people who start posting and thinking they are experts.....my God, it's like being in labor all over again.

Oh my, non-experts giving authentication opinions, such a scary thought!... don't experts need to have 10years experience under their belt on a specific field/item to be called an expert? at least, thats what i thought.

Luv TPF, I have gotten great info's here and I am thankful for a lot of times, those info's stopped me from purchasing fake items. I do not post a lot but reading other's got me educated on a lot of subjects on brands but in no possible way will armed me to give opinions let alone be an expert.

I hope experts will remain and somebody do something about those experts who left to come back. The idea of listing who the authenticators are, is a great idea. As a newbie, it's really nice to know who the real one's are to avoid expensive mistakes. (Just a thought from a newbie, do not mean to offend anybody)

 

[Lindsay2367]

My concern stems from the fact that, as a new poster, either to a specific brand forum or to tPF in general, posters may not know who to trust and who is just offering a perhaps uneducated opinion. I know, in certain forums I've looked at, when I see a poster who doesn't typically come in and authenticate, I can watch what their statements are, or, more likely, ask one of the regular authenticators whether they believe this person's statements to be well-informed. But, like I said, new posters don't have the advantage of having at least some sort of an understanding as to who truly is well-informed enough to be providing educated opinions.

I certainly understand the reluctance on the part of tPF to "endorse" any authenticators, as this is a very slippery slope. But in the same vein, as potentially problematic as it could be for tPF to endorse specific posters, I think it is potentially even more...irresponsible (in a sense) for tPF to allow any random person to be authenticating on the AT forums. I understand that the opinions of the posters are just opinions, but I feel like it undermines the legitimacy of the forum to allow any informed or uninformed opinion to be given, when newer posters may not understand the difference between the two.

I mean, most dramatic situation possible, but if Member A is selling a fake bag on eBay, Member B could post it in the AT thread, and Member A could come in themselves and "authenticate" the bag. Not that this is something that happens, but the potential for abuse is there when any random poster can authenticate, and some posters may not know the difference.