tPF authenticator discussion

[alansgail]

I find the whole set-up for authentications very 'clunky' here which I why I pay for professional authentications elsewhere.

Please, please, please no offense meant but since other's are being honest here I thought I'd give my own 2 cents.
When you pay for an authentication you simply mail your photos to the service and it seems very seamless......that's not the case many times on here so for under $10 (usually but not always), for ME anyways it's totally worth the small fee to go another route. I've had issues using photo bucket or similar sites which I find frustrating.

In reading through this thread it's also obvious that the AT's pick and choose who they will help which is a bit off-putting IMO. Disagree with someone's post, no AT for you!
Another reason I go elsewhere.
In fact, the more I think about it the more I think that perhaps this should have been a hidden discussion between the authenticators and the forum admins.
None of the rest of us need (or should) know how unhappy and disgruntled many of the AT's are......or at least seem to be based on many of these comments.
Now I know many are just venting and trying to make things better, but until the format for AT's here is changed I can't see it getting better, can you?

Many AT complain about those who can't seem to "follow the rules" posted. You do know that there are at least 10 steps required? And on top of that if one is new to Tpf they have to have participated in X amount of discussions first.........it's downright daunting to a newbie.
Because many have been on here for so long I can see how all of that can be taken for granted...second nature kind of thing.

Not making excuses, just stating facts.

Anyhow, doesn't matter to me since I won't be requesting AT's on this forum but just a heads up from one person's perspective.

Hope everyone has a great weekend!!!!

 

[JustAgUrL]

I find the whole set-up for authentications very 'clunky' here which I why I pay for professional authentications elsewhere.

Please, please, please no offense meant but since other's are being honest here I thought I'd give my own 2 cents.
When you pay for an authentication you simply mail your photos to the service and it seems very seamless......that's not the case many times on here so for under $10 (usually but not always), for ME anyways it's totally worth the small fee to go another route. I've had issues using photo bucket or similar sites which I find frustrating.

In reading through this thread it's also obvious that the AT's pick and choose who they will help which is a bit off-putting IMO. Disagree with someone's post, no AT for you!
Another reason I go elsewhere.
In fact, the more I think about it the more I think that perhaps this should have been a hidden discussion between the authenticators and the forum admins.
None of the rest of us need (or should) know how unhappy and disgruntled many of the AT's are......or at least seem to be based on many of these comments.
Now I know many are just venting and trying to make things better, but until the format for AT's here is changed I can't see it getting better, can you?

Many AT complain about those who can't seem to "follow the rules" posted. You do know that there are at least 10 steps required? And on top of that if one is new to Tpf they have to have participated in X amount of discussions first.........it's downright daunting to a newbie.
Because many have been on here for so long I can see how all of that can be taken for granted...second nature kind of thing.

Not making excuses, just stating facts.

Anyhow, doesn't matter to me since I won't be requesting AT's on this forum but just a heads up from one person's perspective.

Hope everyone has a great weekend!!!!

I think it is a GOOD thing that it was out in the open… and would NEVER deter
me from posting on one of the AT threads.
Of course I also participate on many of the sub-forums and don't just come here to only post on the AT threads….
MANY of the people who are ignored on the AT threads
will have 70 Posts and ALL of the posts are asking for authentications.
That is a bit unfair to only come here for FREE service and not get to know other parts of the forum…

and others who are skipped over seem to have an issue with providing the correct
photos…
Even one of the Owners of an Authentication service mentioned
that one of the main issues with people paying for authentications is that
they fail to provide the photos needed. So many times they have to spend a week
of back and forth emails, just getting the correct photos for the paid authentication.

Then of course I am going to assume that so many NON-Authenticators came to this thread
to offer their concerns is partly the reason that something is being done to change things….

and also it gives ALL members a chance to air their concerns to make this a better place for everybody.

It has also made people more aware of the issues that the Authenticators face…
I think that is a very positive thing, in that maybe it would help with some of the
newer peoples attitudes towards the authenticators.


New members can come here for authentications… that is not the problem
and if they would read the first page of the AT threads, it would also not be an issue…
the issue arises when people act entitled… and ONLY care about getting their FREE Service…. and even with it being free, they fail to even post the needed photos…
and then throw attitude at the long standing members who are just trying to inform them that there is a way that things are done here.


Personally, I think this has been a fantastic thread and that will help change things for the better around here, and hopefully create a better atmosphere for the
Authenticators.

Prior to this thread, a few LV Authenticators took a break…
ALL of the Prada Authenticators took a break…
and ALL Of the Chanel Authenticators…
This was leaving some of the busiest sub forums without authenticators…
Something NEEDED to be said and done… I think this was a brilliant thread and I am really glad that everybody newer and older members felt that they could offer suggestions and their opinions…

 

[alansgail]

Thanks for your feedback JAG! I respect your opinions!

 

[jellyv]

In fact, the more I think about it the more I think that perhaps this should have been a hidden discussion between the authenticators and the forum admins.

Part of the origin of this thread was about inaccurate, random "authentications" by unqualified people jumping in, not about authenticator burnout or problematic completion of authentication requests. Yes, those additional subjects are covered, but this thread was birthed out of many people's frustration--not only on the part of authenticators--over untrustworthy sounding off that could be right or wrong or an inglorious mix. Without this being discussed publicly, it's likely that those few offenders would still feel free to alternately give their authentication opinion and then two posts later ask for authentication on the same thread (not hypothetical; this was happening).

A confusing set of voices in AT isn't just an annoyance. It represents a real financial risk factor for TPFers, as buyers and as sellers. That's why it deserves airing.

 

[alansgail]

Part of the origin of this thread was about inaccurate, random "authentications" by unqualified people jumping in, not about authenticator burnout or problematic completion of authentication requests. Yes, those additional subjects are covered, but this thread was birthed out of many people's frustration--not only on the part of authenticators--over untrustworthy sounding off that could be right or wrong or an inglorious mix. Without this being discussed publicly, it's likely that those few offenders would still feel free to alternately give their authentication opinion and then two posts later ask for authentication on the same thread (not hypothetical; this was happening).

A confusing set of voices in AT isn't just an annoyance. It represents a real financial risk factor for TPFers, as buyers and as sellers. That's why it deserves airing.

I agree that it needs "airing" to a point.

The fact is are those who were the 'offenders' in offering their "opinions" even going to see this thread? Do they even know this thread exists? It's somewhat buried in the eBay forum thread which many may not even think to look at.

Having a very strict set of rules that exist on a form may be the right way to go here. If the form isn't filled out correctly then the request won't go through. Not my original idea, someone else's but it makes perfect sense to me.
I certainly don't have all the answers, only my own observations.

 

[missbanff]

I find the whole set-up for authentications very 'clunky' here which I why I pay for professional authentications elsewhere.

Please, please, please no offense meant but since other's are being honest here I thought I'd give my own 2 cents.
When you pay for an authentication you simply mail your photos to the service and it seems very seamless......that's not the case many times on here so for under $10 (usually but not always), for ME anyways it's totally worth the small fee to go another route. I've had issues using photo bucket or similar sites which I find frustrating.

In reading through this thread it's also obvious that the AT's pick and choose who they will help which is a bit off-putting IMO. Disagree with someone's post, no AT for you!
Another reason I go elsewhere.
In fact, the more I think about it the more I think that perhaps this should have been a hidden discussion between the authenticators and the forum admins.
None of the rest of us need (or should) know how unhappy and disgruntled many of the AT's are......or at least seem to be based on many of these comments.
Now I know many are just venting and trying to make things better, but until the format for AT's here is changed I can't see it getting better, can you?

Many AT complain about those who can't seem to "follow the rules" posted. You do know that there are at least 10 steps required? And on top of that if one is new to Tpf they have to have participated in X amount of discussions first.........it's downright daunting to a newbie.
Because many have been on here for so long I can see how all of that can be taken for granted...second nature kind of thing.

Not making excuses, just stating facts.

Anyhow, doesn't matter to me since I won't be requesting AT's on this forum but just a heads up from one person's perspective.

Hope everyone has a great weekend!!!!

I'll just address the points I have bolded.

1) No - by all accounts it is most certainly NOT a seamless process, as one of the business owners has stated here multiple times. People send in the same useless photos as they do here (per her) - which results in multiple emails back and forth between the person submitting the request and the authenticator (unless someone is using a crappy authenticator). Again - stated multiple times by a business owner here.

2) Speaking only for myself - until VERY recently, I helped everyone.....until I got sick and damn tired of the rude and entitled people on the thread. I don't care if someone has a differing opinion than me - don't care at all. But why should I help someone who has been rude to me elsewhere in the forum? The admins themselves said we can pick and choose.

3) Yes, I do expect someone who is presumably a fairly educated person to be able to follow a few simple rules.....which for me are - participate elsewhere and give us a clear, complete set of photos. I mean, the others - following the posting format, doing a search etc....are they really THAT hard? Even one of the other semi-regular people in the LV forum mentioned- if you are new to a forum, wouldn't you take some time to figure out the lay of the land, so to speak? But no - everyone wants their answer and they want it NOW.

 

[alansgail]

I'll just address the points I have bolded.

1) No - by all accounts it is most certainly NOT a seamless process, as one of the business owners has stated here multiple times. People send in the same useless photos as they do here (per her) - which results in multiple emails back and forth between the person submitting the request and the authenticator (unless someone is using a crappy authenticator). Again - stated multiple times by a business owner here.

2) Speaking only for myself - until VERY recently, I helped everyone.....until I got sick and damn tired of the rude and entitled people on the thread. I don't care if someone has a differing opinion than me - don't care at all. But why should I help someone who has been rude to me elsewhere in the forum? The admins themselves said we can pick and choose.

3) Yes, I do expect someone who is presumably a fairly educated person to be able to follow a few simple rules.....which for me are - participate elsewhere and give us a clear, complete set of photos. I mean, the others - following the posting format, doing a search etc....are they really THAT hard? Even one of the other semi-regular people in the LV forum mentioned- if you are new to a forum, wouldn't you take some time to figure out the lay of the land, so to speak? But no - everyone wants their answer and they want it NOW.

Thanks for your reply, yes I would expect someone to "follow a few simple rules".

The problem being your version of that and someone else's version of it can be polar opposites!
That's all I'm trying to say here.....because you've been around it for so long and know how it all works doesn't mean that someone coming here for the first time and trying to 'navigate' these forums and trying to get an AT will pick up on it right away.......that's presuming a lot.

When I first came to these forums I was not a newbie to posting on forums by any means but found out there is a learning curve here for many. I respect that and don't put people down for not understanding the protocol right away. Like I said, it CAN BE CONFUSING to many people.
Please don't continue to dismiss this fact.

All I'm saying is that I hope there can be an easier and clearer way for people new to this forum to get their questions answered......if not then I guess they'll have to go elsewhere.

 

[missbanff]

Thanks for your reply, yes I would expect someone to "follow a few simple rules".

The problem being your version of that and someone else's version of it can be polar opposites!
That's all I'm trying to say here.....because you've been around it for so long and know how it all works doesn't mean that someone coming here for the first time and trying to 'navigate' these forums and trying to get an AT will pick up on it right away.......that's presuming a lot.

When I first came to these forums I was not a newbie to posting on forums by any means but found out there is a learning curve here for many. I respect that and don't put people down for not understanding the protocol right away. Like I said, it CAN BE CONFUSING to many people.
Please don't continue to dismiss this fact.

All I'm saying is that I hope there can be an easier and clearer way for people new to this forum to get their questions answered......if not then I guess they'll have to go elsewhere.

I hope they wouldn't, because there is a lot of useful and helpful information/places to ask all sorts of questions outside the AT's in each respective brand.

I do agree with you that the AT system could be improved; I'm just not sure what the answer is.

 

[alansgail]

I hope they wouldn't, because there is a lot of useful and helpful information/places to ask all sorts of questions outside the AT's in each respective brand.

I do agree with you that the AT system could be improved; I'm just not sure what the answer is.

Totally agree with you that there is a wealth of information on all of these forums...no doubt.
My main concern is with the authentication forums and I feel they need a bit of work.
I certainly don't have all of the answers.......just hope that it gets easier for all who want to use the service.

 

[poopsie]

I'll just address the points I have bolded.

1) No - by all accounts it is most certainly NOT a seamless process, as one of the business owners has stated here multiple times. People send in the same useless photos as they do here (per her) - which results in multiple emails back and forth between the person submitting the request and the authenticator (unless someone is using a crappy authenticator). Again - stated multiple times by a business owner here.

2) Speaking only for myself - until VERY recently, I helped everyone.....until I got sick and damn tired of the rude and entitled people on the thread. I don't care if someone has a differing opinion than me - don't care at all. But why should I help someone who has been rude to me elsewhere in the forum? The admins themselves said we can pick and choose.

3) Yes, I do expect someone who is presumably a fairly educated person to be able to follow a few simple rules.....which for me are - participate elsewhere and give us a clear, complete set of photos. I mean, the others - following the posting format, doing a search etc....are they really THAT hard? Even one of the other semi-regular people in the LV forum mentioned- if you are new to a forum, wouldn't you take some time to figure out the lay of the land, so to speak? But no - everyone wants their answer and they want it NOW.

of course if you are choosing to use AF and others of their ilk as your 'go to' source of authentications the number and quality of the pictures probably wouldn't matter.

I always check on other posts made by people requesting authentications in the Prada forum. It is amazing how many don't contribute a thing------- they just take their free advice.

Never ceases to amaze me how lazy people have gotten. Want an answer to something? Don't bother googling it yourself. Just post a question and let others do it for you. And whatever you do, don't do a Search this Forum to see the umpteen times your question has already been asked and answered. So it takes a little effort to become accustomed to learning to navigate here. Anything worth having is worth working for. If you can find the AT thread you want, you should be able to follow a few fruitful instructions once you get there. I have no idea where the 10 Step Method (gasp!) is required. In Prada it is 1) item name 2) item# 3) seller ID 4) link 5) comments. And even if the dread 10 whole steps are required what the hail else do people who spend hours browsing /shopping for the item have better to do?

 

[JustAgUrL]

of course if you are choosing to use AF and others of their ilk as your 'go to' source of authentications the number and quality of the pictures probably wouldn't matter.

I always check on other posts made by people requesting authentications in the Prada forum. It is amazing how many don't contribute a thing------- they just take their free advice.

Never ceases to amaze me how lazy people have gotten. Want an answer to something? Don't bother googling it yourself. Just post a question and let others do it for you. And whatever you do, don't do a Search this Forum to see the umpteen times your question has already been asked and answered. So it takes a little effort to become accustomed to learning to navigate here. Anything worth having is worth working for. If you can find the AT thread you want, you should be able to follow a few fruitful instructions once you get there. I have no idea where the 10 Step Method (gasp!) is required. In Prada it is 1) item name 2) item# 3) seller ID 4) link 5) comments. And even if the dread 10 whole steps are required what the hail else do people who spend hours browsing /shopping for the item have better to do?

What used to blow me away my first few years here as a member,
was how many people in the AT Prada thread would post what seemed like 3 requests a day
and this went on for YEARS…. the VERY same people day after day requesting
authentications. I would come back a year later, and it seemed
they were still doing this.

I always thought to myself, Come on, what is preventing these same people from learning how
to spot a fake after this many requests? And why have they not learned anything
in that amount of time?


maybe that is an exaggeration, but, that is what it seemed like to me..
It is no longer that way now… But, 3 - 5 years ago.. ???

 

[JustAgUrL]

Thanks for your feedback JAG! I respect your opinions!

Thank you…

 

[BeenBurned]

Maybe the first post can be edited to
READ THESE RULES BEFORE POSTING A REQUEST
to
READ THESE RULES BEFORE POSTING A REQUEST. ALL POSTS NOT FOLLOWING THE RULES WILL BE DELETED.

This might work if there was a default set up that required every newbie to start at post #1. The problem is that many newbies use google to find a go-to source for authentications and come to a thread at whichever point the google search pulls up.

Then they go to the "post reply" and type their question, never seeing post #1 or even knowing that there are guidelines and a suggested format.

And on top of that if one is new to Tpf they have to have participated in X amount of discussions first.........it's downright daunting to a newbie.

Learning to navigate the forum does have a learning curve but you're mistaken in thinking there's a minimum amount of discussion participation required before posting.

 

[alansgail]

What used to blow me away my first few years here as a member,
was how many people in the AT Prada thread would post what seemed like 3 requests a day
and this went on for YEARS…. the VERY same people day after day requesting
authentications. I would come back a year later, and it seemed
they were still doing this.

I always thought to myself, Come on, what is preventing these same people from learning how
to spot a fake after this many requests? And why have they not learned anything
in that amount of time?


maybe that is an exaggeration, but, that is what it seemed like to me..
It is no longer that way now… But, 3 - 5 years ago.. ???

Thanks JAG and everyone else......time for relaxation and a 'weekend' feel!

Hope you all have a good one!

 

[deacc]

This might work if there was a default set up that required every newbie to start at post #1. The problem is that many newbies use google to find a go-to source for authentications and come to a thread at whichever point the google search pulls up.

Then they go to the "post reply" and type their question, never seeing post #1 or even knowing that there are guidelines and a suggested format..

But the thing is, regardless of how you get to the authentication thread, you still see the title of the thread which instructs one to read post 1 first. Unfortunately, there really is nothing one can do to stop someone from posting in the AT thread without following the rules. So, deleting them is the next best thing to give some sort of relieve to the authenticators. Only my opinion of course.