tPF authenticator discussion

[colourful_belle]

There are a few points here I want to address, and while I prefer to keep personal matters private, I will say that I did PM you - twice. Once right after I edited the post you are speaking of. I have that PM in my outbox and it was sent on June 25th at 10:05 am. Both of the PMs I sent you were not replied to, which is fine, but you are stating that I have never reached out to you and that is not true at all.

Your post only had one part edited, and that was because it was a private matter about you and another member and we do not want to share information from PMs on the boards. That has always been on stance.

We've heard many people say that they believe we are more lax on new members than the older members, and part of that could be true. I like to think older members know the rules here better than new members who are trying to find their way. However, I did not think we were not showing support to authenticators, but that is how many felt. Since I realized that, we have put a lot in place to make changes and we have stepped into many threads when we see anyone stepping out of line with an authenticator. We have done this in the thread for everyone to see and I think it has been helpful for the authenticators to see us and feel us on their side. I believe many authenticators will agree with that.

Let me be clear about what I stated previously. You sent me a message after my post was edited saying that per the forum rules we aren't allowed to discuss what happens in PM's, and that was your reason for editing my post, and that you would PM me again later to discuss "that issue shortly".

I never received another PM after that. No attempt was made to contact me to substantively discuss the "issue". That is the PM I am referring to that was not received, that only one that matters, one that addresses the issue. I have been waiting patiently for some time.

After my post last night, I have received additional messages, still essentially stating the same umbrella rule of not being allowed to discuss anything mentioned in PM's but with an explanation. Thank you.

 

[Megs]

Let me be clear about what I stated previously. You sent me a message after my post was edited saying that per the forum rules we aren't allowed to discuss what happens in PM's, and that was your reason for editing my post, and that you would PM me again later to discuss "that issue shortly".

I never received another PM after that. No attempt was made to contact me to substantively discuss the "issue". That is the PM I am referring to that was not received, that only one that matters, one that addresses the issue. I have been waiting patiently for some time.

After my post last night, I have received additional messages, still essentially stating the same umbrella rule of not being allowed to discuss anything mentioned in PM's but with an explanation. Thank you.

What I’m hearing is you are still feeling really frustrated with me. Without constructive input and concrete examples of what you are looking for, I have a hard time of knowing where to go from here.

Also, I believe the issue you're referring to happened off tPF and has nothing to do with authentications. But if you'd like to PM me about it, feel free.

 

[zippie]

What I’m hearing is you are still feeling really frustrated with me. Without constructive input and concrete examples of what you are looking for, I have a hard time of knowing where to go from here.

Also, I believe the issue you're referring to happened off tPF and has nothing to do with authentications. But if you'd like to PM me about it, feel free.

From what I remember the issue started in the AT Chanel thread and this member went off on CB, then this member went to another forum and posted as CB and insulted a mod on TPF. So it really had a lot to do with this forum and authentications. Just from that alone this member should have been banned but wasn't. I didn't see any support from mods when this happened, it would have been better IMO if something was said in that Chanel thread showing support for CB a valued authenticator when this person originally started her rage against her. I can understand why some authenticators don't feel supported.

 

[storeberry]

From what I remember the issue started in the AT Chanel thread and this member went off on CB, then this member went to another forum and posted as CB and insulted a mod on TPF. So it really had a lot to do with this forum and authentications. Just from that alone this member should have been banned but wasn't. I didn't see any support from mods when this happened, it would have been better IMO if something was said in that Chanel thread showing support for CB a valued authenticator when this person originally started her rage against her. I can understand why some authenticators don't feel supported.

This!

We are really going in circles on how we want authenticators to get the support & help they need. Mods & authenticators are volunteers & they help to maintain the forum plus bring traffic to it. I believe the main bulk of traffic comes from Authentication thread. Hence, it makes sense to give the same kind / level of support to both. The mod in the authentication thread should stand in line with the authenticators when member abused them. It can be a simple one liner, "Our authenticators are valued members & pls respect them". Instead things are done hush hush by deleting posts, most of which came from members who support the authenticators. Such disparity are alarmingly.

 

[littlerock]

I'm curious, we're talking about a situation that happened how long ago? Are there issues happening right now that are fixable that are not being addressed? Please post a link where an authenticator needs back up, and we are on it like white on rice. We have been since the inception of this thread, aside for a couple differences of opinion, and some OT chatter that recently got cleaned up.

What are you asking for that isn't being done? Can you link to the issue so we can see?

 

[lmt51]

I wouldn't normally post, but I know very well, if all those issue on ATC weren't enough reason for Colourfull_Belle to leave, this thread perhaps will.
She care and would give her time and expertize and love doing it for others BUT Not when she didn't get appreciated and her post get edited, or removed ( I doubt anyone can add link to the issue as it's been removed or edited) and being put on the stand such as that.
Already I noticed ATC have no authenticators, I'd love and able to help but I understand long ago that this isn't for me to do here.

 

[clevercat]

From what I remember the issue started in the AT Chanel thread and this member went off on CB, then this member went to another forum and posted as CB and insulted a mod on TPF. So it really had a lot to do with this forum and authentications. Just from that alone this member should have been banned but wasn't. I didn't see any support from mods when this happened, it would have been better IMO if something was said in that Chanel thread showing support for CB a valued authenticator when this person originally started her rage against her. I can understand why some authenticators don't feel supported.

So the person who treated CB so appallingly, she/he is still a member here and hasn't been banned?

 

[gail13]

So the person who treated CB so appallingly, she/he is still a member here and hasn't been banned?

I'm not really sure why we would even protect someone's identity who would do such a thing. We have a thread for nonpaying bidders, which in my opinion is less serious than what happened here. On that thread they are named, so people can be alerted to stay far away.

I help out on the ATC thread and I do get private messages from people desperate for help before an auction ends, or for some reason don't want to post in the AT thread. I do not claim to be 100% knowledgeable, but I do think there is a place for those of us who want to help, in hopes that someday we can get to that place. I feel that while I may have the knowledge to be mostly right, that if I were to make an error, it would not be supported so I really say nothing. I know I'm not the only one who feels that way. We need to find a way to mentor new authenticators for the good of this forum. I like to help other people, but why would you want to help and then get your hand slapped for making an error? Some of our own TPF members are the hardest on each other.

 

[poopsie]

If people are that desperate then perhaps they should engage the services of a paid authenticator if the free opinions offered here are not being provided in a time frame that suits their needs. I will never understand why people who are eager to drop a thou on a bag (and consider it a bargain) are so unwilling to pony up a few bucks for an authentication if it comes to that. Desperate????? These are purses-----not kidneys. If that is a sample of what authenticators have to put up with I am amazed that more of them haven't burned out sooner.

 

[Apricot Summers]

If people are that desperate then perhaps they should engage the services of a paid authenticator if the free opinions offered here are not being provided in a time frame that suits their needs. I will never understand why people who are eager to drop a thou on a bag (and consider it a bargain) are so unwilling to pony up a few bucks for an authentication if it comes to that. Desperate????? These are purses-----not kidneys. If that is a sample of what authenticators have to put up with I am amazed that more of them haven't burned out sooner.

^^^^^ This. Precisely.

It seems like everyone is dancing around the problem. Yet everyone knows who the elephant(s) is(are) in the room.


There are pot stirrers and people who attack, just to do that. I mostly lurk instead of posting because of my frustration at seeing this happen time and time again with no effect from a mod who then is rude to the helpful contributors and authenticators ... Maybe a short cut to short circuit so much built up resentment towards the unequal treatment and perceived lack of support is to switch around mods for awhile? Maybe a rotation of mods to other forums/threads might bring a new set of eyes that will be perceived to be fresh and more responsive in a positive light? Just a suggestion.

 

[deacc]

From what I remember the issue started in the AT Chanel thread and this member went off on CB, then this member went to another forum and posted as CB and insulted a mod on TPF. So it really had a lot to do with this forum and authentications. Just from that alone this member should have been banned but wasn't. I didn't see any support from mods when this happened, it would have been better IMO if something was said in that Chanel thread showing support for CB a valued authenticator when this person originally started her rage against her. I can understand why some authenticators don't feel supported.

I'm curious, we're talking about a situation that happened how long ago? Are there issues happening right now that are fixable that are not being addressed? Please post a link where an authenticator needs back up, and we are on it like white on rice. We have been since the inception of this thread, aside for a couple differences of opinion, and some OT chatter that recently got cleaned up.

What are you asking for that isn't being done? Can you link to the issue so we can see?

I don't even go to Channel subforum but assuming what zippie stated is correct (this is also what I gather from CB's post in this thread) then I don't believe it matters whether the situation happened a long time ago. That person, if still a member, should be banned. And I think there should be an announcement of some sort by admin/mods stating zero tolerance of such behavior.

 

[zippie]

Hi clevercat and deacc - This member not only attacked CB but another respected member in the Chanel forum. Most of the posts were removed and yes this member is still active.


Over the years I have seen other respected authenticators being treated badly and that is why I'm frustrated and hope things will change

 

[storeberry]

Hi clevercat and deacc - This member not only attacked CB but another respected member in the Chanel forum. Most of the posts were removed and yes this member is still active.


Over the years I have seen other respected authenticators being treated badly and that is why I'm frustrated and hope things will change

Oh yes, I hope things can change and our trusted authenticators can come back!

 

[clevercat]

Hi clevercat and deacc - This member not only attacked CB but another respected member in the Chanel forum. Most of the posts were removed and yes this member is still active.


Over the years I have seen other respected authenticators being treated badly and that is why I'm frustrated and hope things will change

Well, that stinks. I am really very disappointed to hear this. I thought that person would've been banned immediately. No wonder (good, active, trusted) people give up and leave the forum.

 

[nycmom]

I have been lurking and am honestly little reluctant to post but feel I have to share my own experience...I think I've only been to an AT thread once, at least that I can remember, but when I did the authenticator was so incredibly helpful and kind and generous with her time. (Full disclosure, I ended up paying for her professional opinion once I decided to buy because this was a very expensive purchase, for me, and I really needed to be certain). She truly went above and beyond throughout and I will be forever grateful. So imagine my surprise when sometime later I noticed Vlad posted a snarky remark in response to a comment she made in the feedback forum. I was stunned, and so disappointed, that a regular authenticator, who volunteers countless hours to assist members of this forum (and I have to imagine drives traffic and members to the site) would be treated in such a way. It really made me question how admin values and supports these members, many of whom seem to contribute just as much and often as some of the mods. For those of you who help with the AT threads, I just want you to know there are many of us who truly appreciate your efforts. Every time I carry that particular bag I think of that authenticator and feel so lucky she was willing to help me, a stranger, and it makes the bag itself even more special to me (sappy but true)!