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Post by craftydesigner on Jul 20, 2017 20:27:18 GMT
Hi everyone. I'm a newbie and I discovered this amazing group doing an online search about the differences in the Misti and TH platform. I had a super unpleasant experience recently and it's not really something I can talk about to the folks who know me in the crafty world, as I do a lot of design team work and affiliate work for different craft companies. I'll try and give the short version..... obviously the Misti users have an avid following. I have come to discover that their loyalty is more like rabid dogs on occasion. Because of the requirements on one of my design teams, we are encouraged to be loyal to the Misti as well. On the flip side, I do affiliate work and some of the companies sell both products. On this particular day, I was interacting in a "private" affiliate group that was encouraging us to promote the TH platform. A couple folks in that group have ties to one of my design teams. I made a random comment in support of the TH platform which landed me in hot water with some folks. I don't know who, but someone in that private affiliate group took a screenshot of my random, offhand comment and sent it to a craft industry person who is close to the Misti inventor and also tied to my design team. I was accosted like I was a traitor of the worst kind, asked to never publicly comment on competitor platforms, told I was acting unprofessional and I had "disappointed" this person. Sheesh. I can't tell you how upset the entire incident made me, particularly the knowledge that one of my teamies is now someone I can't trust. I cried a lot of tears that day but have since decided that I will not be bullied and I put my big girl pants back on. I just wanted to share my story. It may land me in trouble again but honestly, I really don't care.
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scrapaddie
Drama Llama
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Post by scrapaddie on Jul 20, 2017 20:46:36 GMT
I belong to two stamping Facebook groups that were formed when the Mist I belong to two Facebook groups that formed when the Misti Lovers Facebook group had to change names. In one group, theMisti is bashed and in the other group it is revered. Who would imagine a tool could generate so much passion for and against? And yes, bullying does occur in both groups.
I am sorry. It should be all about the art, not the tools
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Post by cbet on Jul 20, 2017 21:13:28 GMT
Geesh, so sorry this happened to you. It seems such a silly thing for people to get the undies in a bundle about. I'm a member of the Facebook group that had to change names, and I can't say that I've seen the MISTI being bashed - we're just not allowed to link to it at all. And there's a reason for that - the creator of the MISTI threatened the group with a lawsuit because they used the name of the tool in the name of the group, and when they changed the name, that still wasn't enough because the URL for the group still showed MISTI in it, so they had to completely shut the group down and start it up again as a new group. They are (justifiably, in my opinion) worried that mentioning the tool will get them slapped with the threat of another lawsuit, so we can't talk about it by name, or link to it.
That being said, I thank the powers that be every day that I don't have someone bashing me because I choose to use a Big Kick instead of a Cuttlebug or one of the other die cutting machines; or calling me a traitor because sometimes I prefer to use my Swingline paper cutter instead of the Tonic that I usually use. I work for a construction subcontractor - I can't imagine a general contractor getting pissy with subcontractors on a job because they don't use a particular brand of tools. We all just want to use whatever works best to accomplish the end result we want.
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scrapnnana
Drama Llama
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Post by scrapnnana on Jul 20, 2017 23:09:43 GMT
Geesh, so sorry this happened to you. It seems such a silly thing for people to get the undies in a bundle about. ...That being said, I thank the powers that be every day that I don't have someone bashing me because I choose to use a Big Kick instead of a Cuttlebug or one of the other die cutting machines; or calling me a traitor because sometimes I prefer to use my Swingline paper cutter instead of the Tonic that I usually use. I work for a construction subcontractor - I can't imagine a general contractor getting pissy with subcontractors on a job because they don't use a particular brand of tools. We all just want to use whatever works best to accomplish the end result we want.  Count me another one who is sorry this happened to you, and I'm blown away by the rabid fanaticism over the MISTI. A decent tool should speak for itself. If you have to silence the competition, that speaks volumes for the fact that it can't honestly compete on its own merits. |
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Post by gale w on Jul 20, 2017 23:21:05 GMT
Geesh, so sorry this happened to you. It seems such a silly thing for people to get the undies in a bundle about. I'm a member of the Facebook group that had to change names, and I can't say that I've seen the MISTI being bashed - we're just not allowed to link to it at all. And there's a reason for that - the creator of the MISTI threatened the group with a lawsuit because they used the name of the tool in the name of the group, and when they changed the name, that still wasn't enough because the URL for the group still showed MISTI in it, so they had to completely shut the group down and start it up again as a new group. They are (justifiably, in my opinion) worried that mentioning the tool will get them slapped with the threat of another lawsuit, so we can't talk about it by name, or link to it. That being said, I thank the powers that be every day that I don't have someone bashing me because I choose to use a Big Kick instead of a Cuttlebug or one of the other die cutting machines; or calling me a traitor because sometimes I prefer to use my Swingline paper cutter instead of the Tonic that I usually use. I work for a construction subcontractor - I can't imagine a general contractor getting pissy with subcontractors on a job because they don't use a particular brand of tools. We all just want to use whatever works best to accomplish the end result we want. I've never seen it bashed either. If it's mentioned or linked the group owners just quietly delete the link or explain why it can't be mentioned. I've also never seen bullying in the group. If anyone sees any they should report it to the admins because they don't allow it. I joined the other group for about a minute (because it kept popping up as a suggested group) and the fawning threads were so nauseating I promptly left the group. |
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Post by marg on Jul 20, 2017 23:59:26 GMT
Hi everyone. I'm a newbie and I discovered this amazing group doing an online search about the differences in the Misti and TH platform. I had a super unpleasant experience recently and it's not really something I can talk about to the folks who know me in the crafty world, as I do a lot of design team work and affiliate work for different craft companies. I'll try and give the short version..... obviously the Misti users have an avid following. I have come to discover that their loyalty is more like rabid dogs on occasion. Because of the requirements on one of my design teams, we are encouraged to be loyal to the Misti as well. On the flip side, I do affiliate work and some of the companies sell both products. On this particular day, I was interacting in a "private" affiliate group that was encouraging us to promote the TH platform. A couple folks in that group have ties to one of my design teams. I made a random comment in support of the TH platform which landed me in hot water with some folks. I don't know who, but someone in that private affiliate group took a screenshot of my random, offhand comment and sent it to a craft industry person who is close to the Misti inventor and also tied to my design team. I was accosted like I was a traitor of the worst kind, asked to never publicly comment on competitor platforms, told I was acting unprofessional and I had "disappointed" this person. Sheesh. I can't tell you how upset the entire incident made me, particularly the knowledge that one of my teamies is now someone I can't trust. I cried a lot of tears that day but have since decided that I will not be bullied and I put my big girl pants back on. I just wanted to share my story. It may land me in trouble again but honestly, I really don't care. I'm sorry this happened to you. I really don't understand these type of people - the ones who feel the need to "tattle" on you. It's just so petty, and like you said, you now can't trust one of your fellow designers. It's just really shitty. I'll also add that I am so turned off by the Misti owner (for the past year or so at least) that I ordered a Tim Holtz Stamp Platform, and when I get it I'll be selling my MISTI on Kijiji for dirt cheap. I love to support small business, but not bad business practices, like MISTI. From everything I've seen, Tonic is a great small business with wonderful service. |
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oaksong
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,167
Location: LA Suburbia
Site Supporter
Jun 27, 2014 6:24:29 GMT
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Post by oaksong on Jul 21, 2017 0:26:48 GMT
It's not surprising, frankly. The MISTI owner is like a rabid dog, patrolling the boundaries of her perceived domain. She has treated many people badly, here and all over the crafty internet. Maybe it has gained her a loyal following, but I can't help but think the net effect on her business is negative. Who knows? The subject of stamping platforms has become more polarizing than the Cold War.
Take a look at some of the threads here, if you want some company on the bullied bench. She's a real peach, that Sweet Petunia. Sorry you were on the receiving end of the wrath. You have my sympathy! How ridiculous to make such a fuss.
Her product value is low compared to others that are out there. I'm glad I have the fabulous Tim Holtz/Tonic INVENTION instead.
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cinnistew
Shy Member
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Post by cinnistew on Jul 21, 2017 2:26:35 GMT
I am so sorry this happened to you. Welcome... I'm pretty new here and it's wonderful!
AND> I love my TH platform and I'n definitely not a fan of MSP!
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Post by anniefb on Jul 21, 2017 3:53:23 GMT
Her product value is low compared to others that are out there. I'm glad I have the fabulous Tim Holtz/Tonic INVENTION instead.  |
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camcas
Pearl Clutcher
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Post by camcas on Jul 21, 2017 9:38:47 GMT
It's not surprising, frankly. The MISTI owner is like a rabid dog, patrolling the boundaries of her perceived domain. She has treated many people badly, here and all over the crafty internet. Maybe it has gained her a loyal following, but I can't help but think the net effect on her business is negative. Who knows? The subject of stamping platforms has become more polarizing than the Cold War. Take a look at some of the threads here, if you want some company on the bullied bench. She's a real peach, that Sweet Petunia. Sorry you were on the receiving end of the wrath. You have my sympathy! How ridiculous to make such a fuss. Her product value is low compared to others that are out there. I'm glad I have the fabulous Tim Holtz/Tonic INVENTION instead. Agreed...I can hardly wait for my TH platform and will bin my cracked original misti Think of how differently this could have panned out for MSP if she had a more generous nature..... a shame |
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Post by sleepingbooty on Jul 21, 2017 13:06:48 GMT
Dictatorship practices, right? Show adoration and devotion to my product or you'll get denounced and told off, possibly endangering some of your precious design team connections. What is this? The mafia?  I know we've speculated about some crafters remaining super loyal to the MISTI and plain saying/implying they'd go forward only using it (or at least showing in their videos and posts they use it but who knows what's it like behind the scenes) and not one of the competitors' stamp platforms. I guess we can see why they might be motivated to continue to publicly support the tool if they're in similar circles and feel the need to comply as not to burn off any bridges. Sad overall. And so freakin' stupid. |
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Post by craftydesigner on Jul 21, 2017 18:08:11 GMT
It has been a real eye opener, stumbling upon this board/forum. My exposure to the Misti inventor has been an atmosphere created by a stamp company owner who is close to her and therefore, the trickle down effect to the designers and the team I create for has been one of devotion and support to Iliana, that she's been done wrong and has fought a long, hard struggle for 3 years and doesn't deserve what is happening to her. I'm seeing a total other side now. I don't know what's true and what is not. I hear some of you say negative things about her as a person, but is it true? Or is it just heresay? Truly, I don't know which side is right. What I do know is, there is no place or rational for anyone to tell me what product I can and can't use. I'm not sure what FB group you all are talking about but one of my teams requires that I promote my projects in one particular Misti supporter group, one that was originally created about 2 years ago by Misti users. I appreciate the support and kind words to my recent struggle though. Thank you!
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Post by gailoh on Jul 21, 2017 18:12:47 GMT
Welcome to the peas...as for what is true...some peas here have had bad experiences with her..I do not own her product but when some here were having their platform of hers crack she was not kind to them...I like a company that makes good on their products and talks the talk and makes good if there is a problem without insulting the customer...she has insulted some here from what I have read...when a person does that weather it is a good product or not is a deal breaker for me...but that said glad you are here...
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Post by sleepingbooty on Jul 21, 2017 19:17:31 GMT
craftydesigner I presume you've read through the other threads dedicated to the MISTI and other stamp platforms? Some excellent recaps of the situation have been made on those, including some first-hand experience stories when it came to dealing with Iliana's CS upon cracks appearing. I'd like to point out that several people on here, including myself, are serious critics (and not only of Iliana; as a matter of fact, I've been far more vocal about some other people and companies in the scrap world  ) but that's not due to some mysterious grudge (after all, I've never owned a MISTI myself and was waiting for a similar cheaper and better quality product to come on the market in order to finally treat myself to a stamp positioner). I think I'm just more on the skeptical side of things in general in life. But when folks are being treated poorly and even persecuted (making demands and veiled threats to someone who dared to post pictures online of their DIY stamp platform really angered me), the "Oh really?" beast in me is unleashed. I did want to point that out. Make yourself at home on the board. Don't hesitate to give us your anonymous DT member perspective on certain things beyond the MISTI tool. I'm sure there are quite a few of us who'd love to know more. 
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edie3
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,684
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Post by edie3 on Jul 21, 2017 20:41:24 GMT
Guess I wont order a MISTI, seems to bring out the bitch in people. I got enough bitch in me already.
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Post by gale w on Jul 21, 2017 22:58:58 GMT
It has been a real eye opener, stumbling upon this board/forum. My exposure to the Misti inventor has been an atmosphere created by a stamp company owner who is close to her and therefore, the trickle down effect to the designers and the team I create for has been one of devotion and support to Iliana, that she's been done wrong and has fought a long, hard struggle for 3 years and doesn't deserve what is happening to her. I'm seeing a total other side now. I don't know what's true and what is not. I hear some of you say negative things about her as a person, but is it true? Or is it just heresay? Truly, I don't know which side is right. What I do know is, there is no place or rational for anyone to tell me what product I can and can't use. I'm not sure what FB group you all are talking about but one of my teams requires that I promote my projects in one particular Misti supporter group, one that was originally created about 2 years ago by Misti users. I appreciate the support and kind words to my recent struggle though. Thank you! I think the nail in the coffin for me was when the misti group was on fb and someone posted that they had recently lost their mother. Iliana replied that the group was not meant for therapy. There were other similar instances of her being insensitive and when someone called her out on it, she closed the group. She had been planning to close it and move to SCS anyway but she closed it much earlier than she had said she would. Then she proceeded to threaten legal action against the spin-off group that formed from the people who didn't want to (or couldn't, due to being banned for speaking out against her) go to SCS. |
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Post by marg on Jul 22, 2017 2:08:13 GMT
It has been a real eye opener, stumbling upon this board/forum. My exposure to the Misti inventor has been an atmosphere created by a stamp company owner who is close to her and therefore, the trickle down effect to the designers and the team I create for has been one of devotion and support to Iliana, that she's been done wrong and has fought a long, hard struggle for 3 years and doesn't deserve what is happening to her. I'm seeing a total other side now. I don't know what's true and what is not. I hear some of you say negative things about her as a person, but is it true? Or is it just heresay? Truly, I don't know which side is right. What I do know is, there is no place or rational for anyone to tell me what product I can and can't use. I'm not sure what FB group you all are talking about but one of my teams requires that I promote my projects in one particular Misti supporter group, one that was originally created about 2 years ago by Misti users. I appreciate the support and kind words to my recent struggle though. Thank you! MSP has posted here on this board - you can read what she wrote to don about taking down his photo - it's on pages 1 and 2 (maybe 3 as well, I forget) of this thread(posting this so you can read with your own eyes what she's like, and why she turned so many people off on this board): 2peasrefugees.boards.net/thread/18121/misti-stamping-tool |
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Post by scrapaddict702 on Jul 22, 2017 3:32:30 GMT
Is what MSP does in regards to threats of legal action even LEGAL? As a business, she can copyright the name like the NFL (have to say BIG GAME, not Superbowl) so people can't profit off of her name, but if it's not a group that someone profits from, you can say whatever the hell you want...and you can create a name that includes it because you aren't profiting off of it. She's a freaking (had something else there and modified it, lol) bully who needs to be run out of business. There was a lot of bad PR (that I missed) in regards to BH doing the same thing...telling people using her products on youtube that they couldn't say project life or something like that. She eventually backed down because the bad PR wasn't worth her being able to control her brand that much.
And honestly, it's not the TOOL that people are so up in arms about...it's precisely what you experienced. People are backing competitors because of her deplorable actions and people are backing her tool because of a sense of brand loyalty (we in the crafting world are so often USED because the women who frontier brands act like we are their friends, not just customers and it sucks people in to the point where they are defensive of the products like we would be close family and friends which is ridiculous). Trash talk my brother, well, you better be prepared to back it up outside in the parking lot. That kind of personal.
I seriously can't wait to get my TH platform. I might have to give away my Misti.
If I were treated that way, I would probably quit...so not worth my time to deal with people like that. If I did intend to say, I would respond with a sternly worded letter stating that the terms of your contributions did not include brand loyalty and that you will speak kindly about other options if you so choose. I think that even SU's brand loyalty requirement is silly...people who've made lots of money for them have walked away because they refuse to stop using things they love on social media in addition to the SU products and it's a term of working with them. If something in the general market is similar to what SU has, you can't demo anything other than the SU version (so the overpriced branded WRMK made punch board has to have the SU logo on it or you can't show using an envelop punch board at all).
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Post by scrapaddict702 on Jul 22, 2017 3:37:53 GMT
The fact that people back shit product just because they like the owner boggles the mind, you know?
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Post by jstblondie on Jul 22, 2017 4:11:26 GMT
I have a misti and love it however for some reason I just bought the Tim hilts version today. I'll see which one I'll like the best. I'm an equal opportunity shopper. I can't understand stand all the drama over a product.
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Post by riley on Jul 22, 2017 5:43:12 GMT
It is really unfortunate that this kind of behavior is going on. I have a UK purchased TH positioner which I lthink is a great tool. I also have a couple of Mistis. An experience like the one described makes me not want to use my Mistis anymore. I'm starting to get a really negative charge every time I use mine. I sent an email to Tonic today suggesting that they introduce a mini TH in the near future. In the meantime I think my Mistis are going to find a new home. I certainly will never buy another MSP product. Thank you for reporting your experience and I'm sorry this happened to you.
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Post by ScrapsontheRocks on Jul 22, 2017 8:01:48 GMT
I am so sorry this happened to you. Welcome... I'm pretty new here and it's wonderful! AND> I love my TH platform and I'n definitely not a fan of MSP! I echo this. However, bullying behaviour has been perpetrated by the fangirls (I usually hate that word but in this instance it seems appropriate) on both sides. I am in the legal profession and was asked my opinion/ interpretation of some of the issues. I answered "by the book" and pointed out some what-ifs, speaking quite neutrally and generically as I know more about the law than the actual products, side by side- FTR this was before anybody knew what changes were going to be made and could assess them side by side! That didn't satisfy the Tonic/ TH faction (PLEASE NOTE- NOT TH, NOT TONIC, just some rabid supporters) and I was pooh-poohed by some and attacked by the head mean girl. It was obvious they didn't want an opinion, just a validation of their chosen designer. Even over here on one of the threads, I attracted some eyerolls |
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scrapnnana
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,449
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Post by scrapnnana on Jul 22, 2017 14:36:58 GMT
Scraps on the Rocks, if you felt that I was one of those who said anything rude or disrespectful of you or your legal opinion, I apologize. I am glad you did not let it drive you away from here or silence you.
However, eye rolls and snotty comments here are not nearly as bad as actual bullying in the work environment, which is what the OP was complaining about, and I don't blame her.
Of course, we should all be more civil, considering we are all supposedly adults. Unfortunately, the written word does not convey tone of voice, and some online "discussions" get out of hand due to strong opinions, perceptions, and various other reasons. This is a public forum. Not everyone will have the same viewpoint. Feelings often get hurt. Some become offended. Some do go on the attack on message boards. Anonymity can bring out the worst in people. However, so can legal issues.
It is really sad that this issue has been so divisive. Unfortunately, that happens a lot when legal issues are involved, whether over copyright or patents, or anything else that interferes with what we want or think should happen. In this case, MSP's decision to sue is probably the biggest factor in what made things escalate so dramatically here. Things would have remained much calmer if it had just been about competition and ordinary preferences for tools we like.
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Deleted
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Nov 22, 2024 22:08:29 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jul 22, 2017 15:28:21 GMT
Birds of a feather flock together. Iliana is a bully and a tyrant. I've seen the trickle down effect over and over with her followers. I'm so sorry you had to endure that. What you did was for your job, right? It's business not personal. People who don't want drama need to take the emotion out of business. However, as we've seen with misti the followers, they tend to thrive on the drama. I hope you keep your head up craftydesigner and know that there are many of us that support you and the freedom of choice. |
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Post by riley on Jul 22, 2017 17:33:26 GMT
I felt a little sorry for MSP in the beginning because I felt like the TH version was different and attractive enough to reduce her sales. At first I thought that her unpleasantness was the reaction of an inexperienced business person who didn't really understand that copying something and making it in your garage for your personal use did not constitute a very big threat. As I began to read through threads of actual conversations and when a friend of mine was left with a cracked Misti and no recourse I began to turn away. I think that both these products could have coexisted and the militant reactions to the Tonic introduction and lawsuit have hurt MSP and possibly given Tonic a boost. I will say though that it was funny to see people who had not touched the TH version give rave reviews. I think MSP underestimated the annoyance level of crafters who can't get the latest product whether they really need it or not. Although I never trashed MSP I was one of those who had a couple of Mistis but thought I needed the Tonic ASAP. I ordered mine from the U.K., which in hindsight seems kind of silly.
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Post by gmcwife1 on Jul 22, 2017 17:54:01 GMT
I'm sorry for your treatment  I agree with so many other posts I can't quote them all! I'm another one that is in both Facebook groups. I had to unfollow the group that heavily favors the Misti. I just got tired of all the over the top, ie Fangirl love for MSP. I like tool choices and customer service will make or break my purchasing decisions. MSP blew it for me to support her and I have a Misti, a Stampaholic and I will purchase TH's tool. I purchased my Misti before the owner showed her true colors <sigh> |
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Post by ScrapsontheRocks on Jul 23, 2017 4:24:15 GMT
scrapnnana, thank you for your post, but no sensitivity there, we are all good. If it matters, I rated your posts highly- you read more of the legal documents than I had at one point and summarized them for others' benefit. The eye rolling on this board stung a bit, but it wasn't the bullying behaviour of which I spoke, just a tag-on to the end of my post about a different incident. It wasn't in the workplace or as serious as the situation of the OP. It was merely illustrative of how ridiculous the fandom thing can get.
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Post by jameynz on Jul 23, 2017 5:10:52 GMT
I have a MISTI - and I purchased it early on....I did, when watching it on youtube, ask my hubby if he could make me one. He looked at it, and said, it would be quicker, cheaper and easier for me to just order it....wasn't cheap with me being in NZ, but I did it. My hasn't cracked or broken yet, and I have used it heaps and lent it out to friends to use - but the minute it breaks, I will be buying a totally different brand. I'm in the FB group mentioned above, and have gone through name changes with the group, so have seen all the comments etc regarding MSP. I'm just not vocal about it.... OP I'm sorry you were bullied - that sucks, big time.  |
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Deleted
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Nov 22, 2024 22:08:29 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jul 23, 2017 5:40:54 GMT
I belong to two stamping Facebook groups that were formed when the Mist I belong to two Facebook groups that formed when the Misti Lovers Facebook group had to change names. In one group, theMisti is bashed and in the other group it is revered. Who would imagine a tool could generate so much passion for and against? And yes, bullying does occur in both groups. I am sorry. It should be all about the art, not the tools I know what group you are referring to but i have to clarify something. Nothing and nobody is bashed in our group. To avoid that scenario we just banned all talk of the Misti whatsoever and everyone is much happier now. No drama, no arguments or insults. Just harmony  I hope that helps clear up your perception of our group. |
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Post by Deleted on Jul 23, 2017 5:45:09 GMT
Birds of a feather flock together. Iliana is a bully and a tyrant. I've seen the trickle down effect over and over with her followers. I'm so sorry you had to endure that. What you did was for your job, right? It's business not personal. People who don't want drama need to take the emotion out of business. However, as we've seen with misti the followers, they tend to thrive on the drama. I hope you keep your head up craftydesigner and know that there are many of us that support you and the freedom of choice. Amen to that statement...they don't just thrive on the drama, they create drama where there is none by posting untruths about innocent people who disagree with them. They "black ball" you and your business for having your own opinion and they do everything they can to ruin your reputation and business. They are like no group of women I've ever seen before. (and hope to never see again!) |
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) but that's not due to some mysterious grudge (after all, I've never owned a MISTI myself and was waiting for a similar cheaper and better quality product to come on the market in order to finally treat myself to a stamp positioner). I think I'm just more on the skeptical side of things in general in life. But when folks are being treated poorly and even persecuted (making demands and veiled threats to someone who dared to post pictures online of their DIY stamp platform really angered me), the "Oh really?" beast in me is unleashed. I did want to point that out. 
I hope that helps clear up your perception of our group.