I have been treated very poorly here as a Registered User by mods...

[UrbanEdgeCustoms]

This is the deal, and my final post here. I collect knives and make my own sheaths for them. I do not sell anything, nor do I have a company. I am being harassed and chased out of here by mods, being told I have to pay for a membership in order to stop having Kiah and others take down my pics and posts, and having to pay before he will re-post it. Kiah took down a complete post in the Sheaths forum because a few of the pics showed part of my makers mark (I do not sell anything; I make them for my knives). Instead of pulling those pics with the mark only (and contacting me like a man), he just yanked it all down. Then he sent me a note saying that a Registered User does not support the forum on the backs of those that do (I have the real quote somewhere). He implied I was up to something and was trying to sell my products here (why else would he do this?). Why am I not allowed to show my work here at all? I was told if I purchase a membership they would put the post back up (bully). I do not feel I should be forced into paying for a membership before I get to know the community here, and the mods. Now that I got to know at least one of the mods bullying me (Kiah), I will NEVER pay a dime here now, nor will I sell any of my niche collection or show any of my knives or sheaths here. How is this behavior here acceptable. I would like to know how this treatment of Registered Users if fair, or good business for that matter? I was considering higher level before all this bullying began. If you joined here at a pay level, I am sure they leave you all alone. I spoke my concerns to the SuperMods and Owner, without reply. I am never coming back here, but I would like for others to share their horror stories here, since they don't seem to care. If someone like me is not welcome here, then wtf? I have had three mods after me (and I haven't broken any rules, am not selling here, not advertising nor do I even make them for others). All about the money here, and they aren't getting mine. Beware Registered Users. They are coming for you.

 

[benchwarmer380]

Plenty of people show their work without having a Craftsman membership and without issue.

With the thread you're referring too gone and all your posts edited out it is hard to tell what went down, besides what is written in this wall of text.


I'm going to take a stab in the dark with this question. Did your maker's mark happen to say Urban Edge Customs on it? If yes, and with your username, I could see how it could be construed as advertising your work. If no, then I have no idea and looking forward to hearing from the mods that you have conversed with.

For what it is worth, all the mods that I have seen (Kiah included) tend to act and post with a level head and if they respond or take action there is a good reason behind it.

 

[Morrow]

This is the deal, and my final post here. I collect knives and make my own sheaths for them. I do not sell anything, nor do I have a company. I am being harassed and chased out of here by mods, being told I have to pay for a membership in order to stop having Kiah and others take down my pics and posts, and having to pay before he will re-post it. Kiah took down a complete post in the Sheaths forum because a few of the pics showed part of my makers mark (I do not sell anything; I make them for my knives). Instead of pulling those pics with the mark only (and contacting me like a man), he just yanked it all down. Then he sent me a note saying that a Registered User does not support the forum on the backs of those that do (I have the real quote somewhere). He implied I was up to something and was trying to sell my products here (why else would he do this?). Why am I not allowed to show my work here at all? I was told if I purchase a membership they would put the post back up (bully). I do not feel I should be forced into paying for a membership before I get to know the community here, and the mods. Now that I got to know at least one of the mods bullying me (Kiah), I will NEVER pay a dime here now, nor will I sell any of my niche collection or show any of my knives or sheaths here. How is this behavior here acceptable. I would like to know how this treatment of Registered Users if fair, or good business for that matter? I was considering higher level before all this bullying began. If you joined here at a pay level, I am sure they leave you all alone. I spoke my concerns to the SuperMods and Owner, without reply. I am never coming back here, but I would like for others to share their horror stories here, since they don't seem to care. If someone like me is not welcome here, then wtf? I have had three mods after me (and I haven't broken any rules, am not selling here, not advertising nor do I even make them for others). All about the money here, and they aren't getting mine. Beware Registered Users. They are coming for you.

From this thread - (edited by the OP after the fact).

"I am Todd from Urban Edge Customs, brand new to this forum and looking to ID this custom maker. I make custom sheaths and design knives."

It's shocking the big meanie mods could have misunderstood your intentions.....

 

[trevitrace]

Will we get notifications alerting us as to when you'll be coming for us?

 

[Kiah]

If I'm gonna be accused of harassment, bullying, and treating someone poorly, it should probably have some context.

The entirety of my conversation with the OP:

Hi,

Unfortunately I'm required to move your thread offline. To advertise on BFC one needs a "Knifemaker/Craftsman/Service Provider" membership, and your username being your business name plus your logo being prominent in your pictures is considered advertising.

Let me know if you decide to upgrade your membership and I can move the thread back.

Thanks,
Kiah

You know what, at this point I may have to think about it. I do NOT sell anything here, or anywhere. I am an artist (as I clearly explained on the thread you removed). I should be able to register as a user (as I did) and then be able to decide at what level I wish to participate, not be bullied as you are doing, after I decide for myself the character of the forum (and so far, I do not particularly like the characters who moderate). If I cannot participate for FREE and show my work to others interested, without selling anything, and without being bullied as such, then this is probably not the place for me. I collect knives, and make sheaths for fun. If I cannot share pictures of them with others here without being bullied into paying you NOW, then this place is not for me. I think it is ridiculous moderators decide to take my posts down without contacting me first. I am not a craftsman or a knife maker, not do I sell anything, so why do YOU think I should pay you now?
Todd

Hi Todd,


You have a username that suggests a business and is featured prominently in your pics. Others have posted the same about being hobbyists in the past while making similar posts to circumvent the rules (which I don't make by the way) and sell on the backs of those who support the forums. If that's not the case here, then apologies, it was a judgement call. I'll confer with the other mods and see about getting your post moved back.

That said, deep breaths. We simply try to keep order as we can and nobody is trying to "bully" you. While you may not understand the thinking behind moving your post offline, we don't make decisions on the basis of trying to get money out of someone. Again, I'll see about getting your post restored. If the above isn't a sufficient explanation as to why it was moved, please feel free to start a thread in Tech Support.

Thanks,
Kiah

1) "..to circumvent the rules (which I don't make by the way) and sell on the backs of those who support the forums." 2) "we don't make decisions on the basis of trying to get money out of someone"

*please explain the contradictions in your message above then ....

I am not stupid, of course this is about money. I happen to fit in a category of somebody who collects knives (free membership), and somebody who likes to make sheaths for MY knives. If I cannot show them here, then I do not want to be here, period. This is what a bully does (forces somebody into something - in this case it happend to be a Craftsman/Knife Maker level on Bladeforums, or I will not get my post re submitted (the consequences of not paying you NOW). Let me know how you wish to move forward after advising with the others over there, but I am tired of mods like you and Esiah and others pulling down my pics and posts. If I have to change my user name to avoid this crap in the future, do you think that my get y'all off my back? I actually do appreciate you trying to get it re-posted, regardless of what you may think at this point. You must understand how this ticks people off.
Todd

Hi Todd,

The forum is supported by paying members and the owner requires those using the forum for advertisement to buy a membership. That doesn't mean we're trying to force non-businesses into that membership for extra cash. I'm not sure how that's a contradiction. Given my previous explanation of businesses pretending to be hobbyists to avoid that and your username and branding, you can see where the issue came from, right?

I've made a post to the other mods on it and will have to leave it to the "SuperMods" as I don't seem to have the ability to move posts from the BackEnd. I honestly suggest you start a thread in the Tech Support section if you feel this strongly so that others may be able to give their thoughts or explain things better than I seem to be able to.

Thanks,
Kiah

Kiah,

What I also failed to mention, and I think it's important, I was considering a much higher level of participation other than just a Knife Maker level, as I have a large niche collection of knives I was considering to sell, and most probably, purchase a lot of knives here on this forum. I do not have to be here at all (as some of you may have forgotten). If I am not considered with y'all as someone who 'supports the forum' as you say, then you need to re evaluate your rules, and definitely how you go about enforcing them. I will await the decision from your panel, or leave the site and forum all together, no problems. If a business with a store front treated me this way, we may have a problem (so why do you treat a registered user this way who is trying to get to know the commmunity?).

Todd

Hi Todd,

Here's the address for Tech Support.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/fo...dback-amp-More

Thanks,
Kiah

You don't think registered users who are allowed to purchase knives (aren't they?) do not support the forum? I saw many reg users buying knives from members in the exchanges. This is nothing more than a membership bully and you know it. You obviously do not value me as a member of this forum at this level. Do you think people start as Platinum members, or as registered users to get to know the people, and mods, first? My experience here has been shit since the very beginning two years ago when Esiaj sent me a rude warning notice about something I did not even understand, nor do I understand what I did wrong back then. I kept off the site for a year or more after that cold exchange and fine 'how do ya do'. Now since I got back on, I have had two other mods, including yourself, in my face about this now and removing my pics and posts. Thanks for making this a real crappy experience, and for what? $$$

Please send this ENTIRE email thread to the Super Mods and the OWNER.
I will await my responses on the complete experience of how I have been treated here, as explained in our thread below.
Thanks,
Todd

Hi Todd,

Already done. Have a good evening.

Thanks,
Kiah

Thanks Kiah - What I say below is really the core of the issue and I hope it makes it all the way to the SuperMods for a response (it was not on the other thread).

"What I also failed to mention, and I think it's important, I was considering a much higher level of participation other than just a Knife Maker level, as I have a large niche collection of knives I was considering to sell, and most probably, purchase a lot of knives here on this forum. I do not have to be here at all (as some of you may have forgotten). If I am not considered with y'all as someone who 'supports the forum' as you say, then you need to re evaluate your rules, and definitely how you go about enforcing them. I will await the decision from your panel, or leave the site and forum all together, no problems. If a business with a store front treated me this way, we may have a problem (so why do you treat a registered user this way who is trying to get to know the commmunity?)."

The mods chasing down registered users and the rules, maybe how they are enforced here, not the rules themselves, have made this a cold experience for someone who is just a enthusiast, and not here to try to take others money. I thought enthusiasts were welcome. If the owner listens to what I say, I am sure it will lead to even more $$$$$ for him in the end. I have to say I have had about enough of this, and if this is how all are treated here, I am sure he is leaving a shiny buck or two on the table. If this is good business, then I don't know business.

 

[KingMC]

I think it's pretty clear cut that Kiah is just doing a mods' job and is well within the boundaries of the rules, Almost all of the sheath makers on the forums who display their custom work have maker memberships, those that don't either stay quiet or don't post many pictures with makers' marks on their sheaths. If you do intend on advertising your work (posting photos of your sheaths with your makers' mark clearly indicated) then by definition you are a maker and need to have a proper membership.

The treatment you have received is not only fair but also standard across the board, don't assume you're the first one who has been called out as such nor will you be the last. This is why the rules are in place, if you don't appreciate what the owners and moderators have decided then you are probably right in not wanting to stick around as this isn't the place for you.

 

[John Katt]

Wasn't there some clarification on the rules a while back stating you cant use a business name as your name without the proper paid membership level?

 

[Kiah]

Wasn't there some clarification on the rules a while back stating you cant use a business name as your name without the proper paid membership level?

Yup.

Even with that I had no real issue with it being put back if my co-mod and the Supers thought it was okay.

Some people just love feeling persecuted I guess.

 

[KELAMA]

This is the deal, and my final post here. I collect knives and make my own sheaths for them. I do not sell anything, nor do I have a company. I am being harassed and chased out of here by mods, being told I have to pay for a membership in order to stop having Kiah and others take down my pics and posts, and having to pay before he will re-post it. Kiah took down a complete post in the Sheaths forum because a few of the pics showed part of my makers mark (I do not sell anything; I make them for my knives). Instead of pulling those pics with the mark only (and contacting me like a man), he just yanked it all down. Then he sent me a note saying that a Registered User does not support the forum on the backs of those that do (I have the real quote somewhere). He implied I was up to something and was trying to sell my products here (why else would he do this?). Why am I not allowed to show my work here at all? I was told if I purchase a membership they would put the post back up (bully). I do not feel I should be forced into paying for a membership before I get to know the community here, and the mods. Now that I got to know at least one of the mods bullying me (Kiah), I will NEVER pay a dime here now, nor will I sell any of my niche collection or show any of my knives or sheaths here. How is this behavior here acceptable. I would like to know how this treatment of Registered Users if fair, or good business for that matter? I was considering higher level before all this bullying began. If you joined here at a pay level, I am sure they leave you all alone. I spoke my concerns to the SuperMods and Owner, without reply. I am never coming back here, but I would like for others to share their horror stories here, since they don't seem to care. If someone like me is not welcome here, then wtf? I have had three mods after me (and I haven't broken any rules, am not selling here, not advertising nor do I even make them for others). All about the money here, and they aren't getting mine. Beware Registered Users. They are coming for you.

^ I really can't explain why, but your OP made me think of this very funny episode from Curb Your Enthusiasm, that I watched a year or so ago:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YSLCQ3blBuI

^ This clip could be compared to your situation & the very poor way in which you've been treated here...& just like in this clip, there is only 1 prick involved.

 

[leatherman]

Lets see here:

OP: I have a business, making sheaths and designing knives.

Mod: all of us have to pony up for a membership, there are literally hundreds of us doing so.

OP: How dare you ask me to do what EVERY OTHER CRAFTSMAN does? I'm a special snowflake and should be allowed to advertise my business without paying like everyone else does?

What do all the other craftsman and knifemakers think of this special person who shouldn't have to pay as you all do?

Yea, thought so, ever heard the term entitlement?

 

[Andy the Aussie]

Beware Registered Users. They are coming for you.

........ a little dramatic don't you think ? You must have a very difficult time of it in the short periods of exposure you have to the real world. This is NOT at catastrophe as you insinuate and I don't see anyone chasing Registered Users to extinction. There are MANY folks who post pics of stuff they made without issue, yours seems to be (if completely as you say) a perfect storm of small points that could have been resolved without much effort at all. If you read the exchanges as posted you get from 0 to PERSECUTED in about 2.5 seconds without too much basis. Stop breathe and think for a second.

 

[115Italian]

I own xyz company. We preform abc service. My contact info is 127$:!: but im not advertising or anything like that. Come on man. Your are putting your name out there as a business. Its advertising. The mods have to control this kind of behavior. Even if its a slip up. If allowed then everyone will start to "slip up".

 

[BP_]

seems legit to me. I was a registered user for quite a long time before I upgraded my membership, and no one "came after me" about anything.

as a matter of fact, my first warning didn't come until i upgraded. it wasn't anything serious, a mistake I made innocently (and honestly thought it was a silly rule), but rules are rules. I respect that. I didn't take it personal, I corrected it and moved on. still happy [emoji3]

 

[thebrain]

He must not be the same guy with 600 ebay feedback clearly selling knives from his modest collection.

 

[zzyzzogeton]

And your departure will leave such a small footprint in the sands of time.

18 posts in nearly 2 years, 1 of which is the initial post in this thread, and the only one with content remaining.

Must be one of those "safe place" millennials who gets offended when someone farts in the same room they are in.

Bye.

 

[palonej]

Ummmmmmm paragraphs maybe??

 

[RevDevil]

I love the righteous indignation, and the entitlement overall by the OP. He acts as if he is doing the community a giant favor or providing us a great service by him simply being here. I saw the original unedited posts by the OP. His commentary read as advertising immediately.

Being the artsy type he is (according to his own words), he just wants to let everyone know he is an artist, but doesn't sell his stuff. In the same breath he says he has many hundreds of super special pieces and he wante to sell them here and participate at a much higher level.

Very confusing for him, he was treated respectfully and was sent very neutrally and politely worded messages, despite his blowing off the rules and seemingly demanded to be treated with kid gloves. If you are that high maintenance and very sensitive, best not to hang around here and just move along. We qre not interested.

 

[Tim the Wizard]

Rules are the rules.

 

[Sosa]

Rules are the rules indeed. I've noticed a pattern of people coming here to vent before their exit. Give them that at least. No need to fuel a meltdown.

 

[Daddyo16]

This is what happens when people don't bother to read the forum rules. Kiah did nothing wrong and, in spite of the OP's self-righteousness and grandstanding, was very polite and gracious.