An important message - please read!

[AkeshialuvsMAC]

I cant lie I dont see the point in this premium mem. At all. The people that are primarily angry are individuals that are new to the site come in and blast information makin it extremely hard for people who have stayed up gotten inaide infor or whateva that have shared it. As a result the already limited quantities r even more limited and some have to resort to payin double or triple for said item. Mayb the pm system wasn't 100% great but it made room for some type of order. New people come on askin can I get a pm can I get a pm... ummm u can stalk the sites just like all of us do to get ur items. Yes the site is for knowledge and etc but help out contribute do some of the work so u can help out others as well. This is very discouraging. ..... I do understand this idea will serve as a deterance to the new people and even the ebay people who want to buy up all the stock but is it worth it? Am I wrong? But spectra has a policy in place that you dont get accesd to the clearance bin until u reach a post minimum. It isnt wrong to that someone with 2 posts can receive all the info that someone wil 500 posts can receive Would color stories and sightings only be allowed in the premium thread? If so,how would there be any moderation in preventin it from bein released in the reg thread? What will be discussed in the reg thread???? If its no color story no sightings? Please offer clarity.

 

[allthingsmakeup]

I must say that I still believe info should be free of charge and available to everyone (new or elder member) without any kind of secretness.

 

[CrimsonQuill157]

We all r suppose to help one another not just jumpin in for info to then blast on the thread makin it hard. U can stalk too wake up early and go to stores just like all of us. Dont be discouraged u can do the same.

When did I say any of that? Where did I say I wasn't willing to contribute? I'm not just new to this site, I'm new to make up in general which means I'm new to the whole LE thing. If it's something I want bad enough, of course I'm willing to do all of those things.

 

[Monica]

Hmm, I get what you're saying. Re-reading it, would this mean that only the brand MAC would be the subscriber forum?? I'm really curious. Janice where are thou?

MAC isn't the only thing that can be discussed here, it's really for premium members to use as they wish. I think the reason that MAC was added in particular is down to the PM'ing about MAC launch details. Now theres a place to discuss those things in more private setting if you wish.

 

[Monica]

Hi all,
I worked with Janice and the other staff on brainstorming solutions we could put in place to help with the underlying concerns behind the PM’ing issue. I have a few things I’d like to address from some comments made here.
First and foremost, MAC Chat Premium is optional. It was intended to provide a place for those who want to share but are concerned about privacy. Premium memberships start as low as $15 for 4 months and go up to $100 for a lifetime membership. I truly believe there are options to fit everyone’s budget if you decide it’s worth it to you. We listened to the feedback provided by many regulars of the MAC chat forum in Richelle83’s poll. There were a lot of great ideas thrown out and this seemed to be the most popular and the most realistic to implement right away. It will be what you guys make of it, and I’d put my money on it thriving. However, if you don't "get the point" then it isn't for you and THAT'S OK.
Of course I expect that both the public MAC Chat and the Premium MAC Chat will remain active. This isn’t a class war, the goal isn’t to divide you guys, it’s to give everyone more options on where they would like to post and congregate. Specktra has never and will never be about information “for a fee”.
We did our best to try and find the best solution but we acknowledge that there is no 100% fix all. If the MAC Chat forum is made to be similar to the clearance bin by adding a post count to access, then some would probably say that the evilbayers will just spam until they hit the post count.
Also, no one is more appreciative of you guys than Janice and the staff. You are what keeps the site moving, growing, and exciting. You are who generates the content and makes the community what it is. The intention behind this move is to bring the issue to light so we can talk about it in a constructive way, not to make you feel attacked or unappreciated. It would sadden me to see any of the veterans go, but the best interests of the community as a whole must be considered.
So, many thanks to those who have expressed their support, and many thanks to those who care enough to express their opinion even if they don’t agree with ours. Your opinion is truly valued and if you have ideas that you think would work or improve the site, I encourage you to express them. I, as well as the other staff, am available to you via PM and there is a sub forum here that is dedicated to your feedback

**Edited for corrections to premium membership pricing**

 

[Monica]

From what I understand, the main value of the premium chat will be for people who don't wish to post the information "publicly." Instead, they can post it in the premium section where select people (not ones they've picked, like with a pm, but ones who have paid for the membership) can see it, and the rest of us can just go on posting like normal, sharing any information and swatches we have. Is this correct? If so, sounds fair to me. I've mostly moved on from MAC, because I get tired of the hype. I think that nobody should be forced to share their "insider info" with the general public, but I agree that using Specktra to create a PM network where only certain people share information goes against the mission of Specktra.

You are exactly right. If you want to use you can, if you don't want to use it you don't have to. Information can be shared ANYWHERE you wish. Specktra isn't becoming a "pay to play" site at all. I think that some people are jumping to conclusions before they truly understand the information.

 

[Divinity]

Janice, I really want to thank you for your post. I joined specktra 6 or 7 years ago because of the community and the work that goes into supporting us as members. I haven't been on specktra as much as I have in years prior, but there has definitely been a change in the feel of the community. I am so glad you are addressing it here and doing it in such a way that supports the community. I really appreciate all you do that keeps specktra going and look forward to being more a part of it.

 

[elegant-one]

We can't stop the Evil-bayers! I dislike them as much as anyone else, but withholding information and/or only providing it to certain people who are somehow deemed to be legit is childish and contrary to the spirit of the site, which is/was the free giving and sharing of information with like-mind people in a respectful manner. Instead there is an atmosphere of competition, exclusivity and judgment around here. Not everyone has the time time to "contribute" as much as some people on here, but there shouldn't be any adverse inference associated with that (I am a low post count member!) - there is a lot of talk about who is contributing what and how much - some of us just don't have the time, but it seems as though I have to defend my low post count now or else I'll be deemed a lurker/information thief. I have been a member for almost 7 years I believe and, frankly, I don't enjoy it here nearly as much as I used to, specifically because of the behaviour mentioned above. Things have definitely changed - it used to be fun - now I am simply too old for this constant drama. And it's really too bad, because beauty and makeup is still my passion but I may have to go elsewhere to fulfill it.

Thank you, Janice, for trying to be the voice of reason, but unfortunately I believe the re-sellers/Evilbayers will simply purchase a Premium Membership to gain the information they are after.

WAIT A MINUTE...I NEVER created the PM system or any perception! Nor did I at ANY time say anything mean towards anyone - you are lumping me in with the whole thing & others posts! I was simple stating the actual facts of what happened. The whole thing is my fault because some happened to pm me!? I never started it.

If you are going to falsely accuse me publicly, then you post right here where I did any abuse towards another!

As far as having time....I have little too but I still have done everything I can .

 

[kimbunney]

I only joined 2 in a half years ago and it's a change in environment. I don't know when it became so negative to share information with others. Now we have to pm people to get info or wait for them to pm you. Well I don't want to do that. I missed out the other morning stuff was clearly online and I had to check every site and by the time I found it myself stuff was gone. I knew it was up because increase in post count but because no one wanted to publicly share the information I missed out. I'm not a evil ebay person, I'm buying one of each and its for me. I try to contribute when I can but honestly lately I don't post so much because its so negative around here. You can't ask a question without someone getting mad because an answer was written a few pages before. You can't post information to share without people getting angry. lol its like damn whats the point of the site now?

 

[AkeshialuvsMAC]

When did I say any of that? Where did I say I wasn't willing to contribute? I'm not just new to this site, I'm new to make up in general which means I'm new to the whole LE thing. If it's something I want bad enough, of course I'm willing to do all of those things.

ok... well dont let others "discourage" u if its something u really want

 

[ARmakeupjunkie]

I only joined 2 in a half years ago and it's a change in environment. I don't know when it became so negative to share information with others. Now we have to pm people to get info or wait for them to pm you. Well I don't want to do that. I missed out the other morning stuff was clearly online and I had to check every site and by the time I found it myself stuff was gone. I knew it was up because increase in post count but because no one wanted to publicly share the information I missed out. I'm not a evil ebay person, I'm buying one of each and its for me. I try to contribute when I can but honestly lately I don't post so much because its so negative around here. You can't ask a question without someone getting mad because an answer was written a few pages before. You can't post information to share without people getting angry. lol its like damn whats the point of the site now?

I have never understood this but, it happens all the time! If you don't want to answer a question, then don't answer. No need for anyone to get upset because the same question has been asked and answered 12 pages ago. Sometimes, after being 20, 30, 100 pages behind, I just don't want to read every post. If you do, good but, it's not for everyone.

 

[fabulousmoolah]

Wow. I am really going to miss the way things were. I stalk the mac site and specktra at the same time when there's something new coming out. If mac chat is going to be a ghost town due to all the chat being taken to premium, I guess I'm going to have to look for some ladies' twitter accounts that might tweet out the info.

When the "system" started I asked for the PM and got one even though I'm relatively new. It wasn't exclusionary.

 

[misfitted]

I'm very interested in seeing how the culture of Specktra will adjust with the addition of MAC Premium Chat. Here's what people seem to forget... there are MANY members on the site, but only very few have that "inside scoop" when it comes to MAC info. So truth be told, a good 95% of us are getting free info that these folks have chosen to share. And I am SURE that there are others that used to share, but have stopped due to the nonsense that has started to spread. Plus, we do not know all of the risks associated with these folks sharing this information publicly. In my opinion, it seems that some people are now worried that these folks will take their inside track information to the MAC Premium Chat section and now they won't have dibs on that early release information unless they pay for it. You can't really get upset if you are only a consumer of the information, and not providing it... Furthermore, it's Specktra.com, not MACchat.com. So if your only reason for being here is to join in on MAC Chat and get early release information (which MANY are but will never admit that), you have to make the decision about whether or not getting that "inside scoop" is worth your hard earned dollars or not. It seems pretty simple to me.

 

[boujoischic]

I have never understood this but, it happens all the time!  If you don't want to answer a question, then don't answer.  No need for anyone to get upset because the same question has been asked and answered 12 pages ago.  Sometimes, after being 20, 30, 100 pages behind, I just don't want to read every post.  If you do, good but, it's not for everyone. 

So you're saying you don't want to have to read the threads like everyone else you feel entitled to be spoon fed information? Good luck with that.

 

[highheels]

WAIT A MINUTE...I NEVER created the PM system or any perception! Nor did I at ANY time say anything mean towards anyone - you are lumping me in with the whole thing & others posts! I was simple stating the actual facts of what happened. The whole thing is my fault because some happened to pm me!? I never started it.

If you are going to falsely accuse me publicly, then you post right here where I did any abuse towards another!

Elegant, I have no idea whether you created the PM system or not - I don't know who did, nor do I care, it's irrelevant. But you are supporting/defending its use, thereby contributing to the overall perception that only certain members are entitled to "be in the know" about certain information around here. I know for a fact that I'm not the only one who feels this way.

I did not specifically say say that you personally said anything mean towards anyone else - I said "people" or "certain members" - I was speaking generally, in response to your post, but I can think of a few members who did attack newbies. But naming names doesn't solve anything.

Look, all of this is my personal opinion, my take, and my impression of the site. I don't expect you or anyone else to agree. I originally came to this site to *learn* because I thought my makeup skills and creativity were very lacking and I was thrilled at the prospect of being among like-minded people and professionals from whom I could learn some useful tips and share our mutual passion for all things beauty- it was fun! But those days are long gone.

As an aside, I have also offered to pick up items for other members since I work very close to a MAC store; I just don't state it publicly - has anyone ever considered that? So to anyone reading, my low post count (or anyone else's) should never be interpreted as "not contributing" or "not being involved" - I prefer to do my work behind the scenes, thus contributing in my own way. What's wrong with that? But seems as though unless you're an active member posting on here all day long, for some reason you're accused of either not contributing, or being here for the wrong reasons - there's a lot of gray area, people.

Cheers.

 

[ARmakeupjunkie]

So you're saying you don't want to have to read the threads like everyone else you feel entitled to be spoon fed information? Good luck with that.

Not sure what your problem is or why you are aiming your nasty attitude at me but, I don't want to read tons of post about pets, TV shows, and all the other drama that keeps popping up. When I joined Specktra back in 07 it was all about talking about what we loved. It has changed and not for the good. It's crazy out here. I never came here for the 'spoon fed information' and still don't. I come to talk about what I love and I'm thankful everyday for the great MA I have.

 

[misfitted]

Quote:Originally Posted by highheels

 
Elegant, I have no idea whether you created the PM system or not - I don't know who did, nor do I care, it's irrelevant.  But you are supporting/defending its use, thereby contributing to the overall perception that only certain members are entitled to "be in the know" about certain information around here.  I know for a fact that I'm not the only one who feels this way.
 
I did not specifically say say that you personally said anything mean towards anyone else - I said "people" or "certain members" - I was speaking generally, in response to your post, but I can think of a few members who did attack newbies.  But naming names doesn't solve anything.
 
Look, all of this is my personal opinion, my take, and my impression of the site.  I don't expect you or anyone else to agree.  I originally came to this site to *learn* because I thought my makeup skills and creativity were very lacking and I was thrilled at the prospect of being among like-minded people and professionals from whom I could learn some useful tips and share our mutual passion for all things beauty- it was fun!  But those days are long gone.
 
As an aside, I have also offered to pick up items for other members since I work very close to a MAC store; I just don't state it publicly - has anyone ever considered that?  So to anyone reading, my low post count (or anyone else's) should never be interpreted as "not contributing" or "not being involved" - I prefer to do my work behind the scenes, thus contributing in my own way. What's wrong with that?  But seems as though unless you're an active member posting on here all day long, for some reason you're accused of either not contributing, or being here for the wrong reasons - there's a lot of gray area, people.
 
Cheers.



Interesting point... "Contribution" means a lot of different things to a lot of different people, and I don't think it's fair for anyone to try and put a measure on that. As far as MAC Chat is concerned, I feel like some people consider making posts at all or simply talking about what they plan to purchase to be a contribution, while others feel that posting early release info, early swatches, etc. is a "real" contribution. I agree, there's a lot of gray area.

 

[Monica]

So you're saying you don't want to have to read the threads like everyone else you feel entitled to be spoon fed information? Good luck with that.

Wow, I didn't interpret her comment as being asked to be spoon fed at all. I don't think it's horrible of someone to ask for a little help in catching up, and I would hope that someone would be kind enough to offer them a little help if they can. If that person isn't you, then all you have to do is keep reading, not respond with an insulting comment. Your comment exemplifies the negativity that they were bringing up in the first place.

 

[boujoischic]

Wow, I didn't interpret her comment as being asked to be spoon fed at all. I don't think it's horrible of someone to ask for a little help in catching up, and I would hope that someone would be kind enough to offer them a little help if they can. If that person isn't you, then all you have to do is keep reading, not respond with an insulting comment. Your comment exemplifies the negativity that they were bringing up in the first place.

I wasn't being negative I was saying other members read through the threads because we enjoy them. Reading the threads responding and participating is what brings is closer as members but were being told people are cliquey? She saying she doesn't want to and feels upset if someone doesn't catch her up. I have helped other members and I'm well aware I don't have to but if you don't wanna read the threads why join.

 

[kimbunney]

Quote:Originally Posted by boujoischic


I wasn't being negative I was saying other members read through the threads because we enjoy them. Reading the threads responding and participating is what brings is closer as members but were being told people are cliquey? She saying she doesn't want to and feels upset if someone doesn't catch her up. I have helped other members and I'm well aware I don't have to but if you don't wanna read the threads why join.


Spoonfeeding someone applies that they are acting like a baby about something, if I'm incorrect please let me know. I'm quite sure she is an adult woman and that comment is negative. If I am wrong let me know and please show me where that was positive and helpful by telling someone they need information spoonfeed to them because you feel they are too lazy to read 100+ pages.