The New Intimacy

#Announcement - Goodbye Everyone!!! (Gary has left the building)

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Contributor: Zombirella Zombirella
Quote:
Originally posted by HarlequinBunnie
Did anyone think to look at the stock market? If this has been going on for such a long time it would be reflected in it's stocks. Look it up folks and see for yourselves.

Ryuson is right. This company gives so much and it effects the ... more
Oh geez.....
05/16/2013
Contributor: MrWill MrWill
Keep calm and dildo on.
05/16/2013
Contributor: charmedtomeetyou charmedtomeetyou
(Review Program Mentor)
Quote:
Originally posted by MrWill
Keep calm and dildo on.
ha!
05/16/2013
Contributor: LicentiouslyYours LicentiouslyYours
Quote:
Originally posted by ShadowedSeductress
You are way out of line! Stormy cares about the people here at Eden, which is why she's doing this crap in the first place! I personally talked to Stormy after she left, and I won't go into detail about her reasoning, but I can say I truly ... more
With all due respect, I worked with Stormy and I am quite acquainted with her professional track record with this company.

That said, it's not because she came back to "help" - it's because of what she's saying here that I am offended and insulted. You guys need to keep in mind that she is being paid to make you think everything is fine. Very little of what she's saying is true and most of it is designed to manipulate the community into thinking things will be ok when they are not. Obviously, you'd have no way of knowing this because she's your only source of information.

That's why I said something at all. Stormy is choosing to be a part of this and is choosing to be less than honest with you. You can believe she cares, but from where I sit, it looks like she's perfectly willing to get paid to manipulate you...not my definition of caring.
05/16/2013
Contributor: Adriana Ravenlust Adriana Ravenlust
Quote:
Originally posted by Llewey
The message was sent manually, one-by-one to a specific and small group of users on EF. It was indeed a "VIP list" of sorts, and pretty obviously telling of an attitude of favoritism and secrecy. This has been verified by several people who ... more
Secrecy? Or desperation..? That's how it came off to me. Just sayin'.
05/16/2013
Contributor: Llewey Llewey
Quote:
Originally posted by Adriana Ravenlust
Secrecy? Or desperation..? That's how it came off to me. Just sayin'.
I meant secrecy only insofar as the mentality of "Only SOME community members get to know what's going on beforehand!" I think you're probably right.
05/16/2013
Contributor: Ansley Ansley
Quote:
Originally posted by LicentiouslyYours
With all due respect, I worked with Stormy and I am quite acquainted with her professional track record with this company.

That said, it's not because she came back to "help" - it's because of what she's saying here that ... more
Laurel, right? Fred fired you six months before I started with the company. You can believe and say whatever you want but I know the truth about my motivations. You and Victoria really need to find better things to do with your time. The last thing I am is a liar, and I have fought harder and more effectively for this community than you ever did. That being said, your words are hollow and you're angry at the wrong person.
05/16/2013
Contributor: Woman China Woman China
Since this thread has been hi-jacked pretty much never to return to it's original topic, I feel comfortable tossing this here, and for Gary (the original poster, and for all the former admin staff), you have my apologies for this hi-jack.

I am not going to even pretend I know anything about the inner workings of what is happening here at EF- you all probably know more than I. So the rest of this post is going on observation and experience alone. Just like the many posts prior to mine.

You know when you frequent a coffee shop or a store or a business and you get comfortable with the employees and become chummy and friendly? You become accustomed to seeing them, begin to respect their opinions and value them? Then suddenly, without warning, one day they are gone.

Do you go to the management demanding answers? Do you demand explanations from their employers? You probably hope to one day get answers and an explanation, but you'll probably continue to visit that shop/business because you like it.

Now I am not here in this post to puff up my chest and say I know what is what and why things are happening, I am just here in this post to say patience. Many weeks ago we were told many changes were happening and that a lot of these changes would affect us. In those threads, many of us were excited and looking forward to some of the changes mentioned. So give it time and see what happens.

Emotions are running, people feel like they deserve answers and explanations... but the bottom line is simply this... do we really deserve an explanation? Do we really deserve answers? Sure, many of us have been around EF for a while and have contributed a lot to the site, a lot of you- a heck of a lot more than I... but we don't "deserve" anything.

This may sound like I am toeing the party line, and perhaps I am. But we were asked a while ago for patience while changes take place by various people, and that is what I am giving.
05/16/2013
Contributor: Llewey Llewey
Can someone explain to me how Laurel's account says "I work at EdenFantasys" with the position of "Sexis Magazine Editor-In-Chief" if she got fired years ago? That seems... weird.
05/16/2013
Contributor: Lildrummrgurl7 Lildrummrgurl7
Quote:
Originally posted by Llewey
Can someone explain to me how Laurel's account says "I work at EdenFantasys" with the position of "Sexis Magazine Editor-In-Chief" if she got fired years ago? That seems... weird.
ALL of the old admins still have profiles that say they work at EF. It's only on the hover-over popup, not their actual profile.
05/16/2013
Contributor: Llewey Llewey
Quote:
Originally posted by Woman China
Since this thread has been hi-jacked pretty much never to return to it's original topic, I feel comfortable tossing this here, and for Gary (the original poster, and for all the former admin staff), you have my apologies for this hi-jack. ... more
This is more like if you went to your favorite coffee shop today, and instead of finding new people in place of your old friends behind the counter, it's just... empty. Would I continue going to a high-demand coffee shop with only one worker frantically running around doing the work of what used to be a dozen people? Nope. If it were just replacements, then I would consider it given other factors. All customers deserve transparency. To get less is to be part of a less-than-truly-free society. This is an ethical issue, not a practical one (at least for me).
05/16/2013
Contributor: Adriana Ravenlust Adriana Ravenlust
Quote:
Originally posted by Woman China
Since this thread has been hi-jacked pretty much never to return to it's original topic, I feel comfortable tossing this here, and for Gary (the original poster, and for all the former admin staff), you have my apologies for this hi-jack. ... more
Do I deserve an explanation? No. Do the fired staffers? I'd think so.
05/16/2013
Contributor: Llewey Llewey
Quote:
Originally posted by Adriana Ravenlust
Do I deserve an explanation? No. Do the fired staffers? I'd think so.
That is the least that could happen. As far as these much-respected and loved admins being very important pieces of the community here, it would be nice to get an explanation, however brief. I would settle for internal justice/explanations for the ex-employees who were so suddenly deprived of a place of work.
05/16/2013
Contributor: SMichelle SMichelle
Quote:
Originally posted by Llewey
That is the least that could happen. As far as these much-respected and loved admins being very important pieces of the community here, it would be nice to get an explanation, however brief. I would settle for internal justice/explanations for the ... more
The thing is, WE don't require (or really deserve) an explanation. It's not really our business why the company let go of the staff members.

The fired staff members certainly do deserve one, but who's saying that they're not getting one? They very well may have received one without letting us know -- after all, it's not really our business.
05/16/2013
Contributor: Llewey Llewey
Quote:
Originally posted by SMichelle
The thing is, WE don't require (or really deserve) an explanation. It's not really our business why the company let go of the staff members.

The fired staff members certainly do deserve one, but who's saying that they're not ... more
They definitely have not received any warning or explanation. That much is not up for debate.
05/16/2013
Contributor: SMichelle SMichelle
Quote:
Originally posted by Llewey
They definitely have not received any warning or explanation. That much is not up for debate.
Were you there when they were fired?

How do we know what was said to them? Who was there to hear it? I don't know about you, but I wasn't...

Yes, it seems that it was a shock that none of them were expecting, which SUCKS. And I am heartbroken to see them gone... But do we know that they were not told why?
05/16/2013
Contributor: Llewey Llewey
Quote:
Originally posted by SMichelle
Were you there when they were fired?

How do we know what was said to them? Who was there to hear it? I don't know about you, but I wasn't...

Yes, it seems that it was a shock that none of them were expecting, which SUCKS. And I ... more
Well, I don't know, you could try emailing them perhaps. There's no point making things seem more unsure than they are. I am no psychic... I just ask a lot of questions.
05/16/2013
Contributor: SMichelle SMichelle
Quote:
Originally posted by Llewey
Well, I don't know, you could try emailing them perhaps. There's no point making things seem more unsure than they are. I am no psychic... I just ask a lot of questions.
Oh, okay. It's just that you seemed very sure of what happened a little while ago(regarding whether an explanation was given to the fired employees or not). No worries. Nothing wrong with asking a lot of questions.

Anyway, yes, I have Gary an e-mail -- although not prying for details. Rather, to simply wish him the best and tell him that he will be dearly missed.
05/16/2013
Contributor: snowminx snowminx
Quote:
Originally posted by Kitka
I understand a lot of changes are being made here on EF but why in the hell does it mean we have to lose all of our awesome admins???? I'm pretty sure I speak for everyone when I say, what the hell, I want answers.

That being said, ... more
Exactly how I feel, it makes me wonder if they are planning to shut down eden sometime in the near future since they seem to be kicking out a lot of admins.

I had just finished two video reviews and I don't know who to even go to about them now. =(
05/16/2013
Contributor: LuckyLady LuckyLady
I would like to see this "masS" pm...
05/17/2013
Contributor: snowminx snowminx
Quote:
Originally posted by LuckyLady
I would like to see this "masS" pm...
There was no mass message, only one to a select number, and apparently it's not something they want everyone to see or she would have put it in a thread.
05/17/2013
Contributor: removedacnt removedacnt
Those around here that know me know that I am an extremely honest person, to a fault. So putting my two cents in, I want to say that what Truthiness, CarrieAnn, and LicentiouslyYours said are true...and then some.
05/17/2013
Contributor: Zombirella Zombirella
Quote:
Originally posted by snowminx
There was no mass message, only one to a select number, and apparently it's not something they want everyone to see or she would have put it in a thread.
SHE DID. basically what stormy posted in the thread she started after this, it starts off with pretty much what the message said. It wasn't the exact wording and I don't remember because I don't have it anymore. But that's what it said and it said something about how it was sent to a select group, or something to that nature.

I think people are worrying to much about the dang message when this really isn't what we all should be worrying about, who got it, who didn't, what it said. It said nothing more than what's been posted, people were let go because things are "changing".. ....I would think people would be more concerned about what is HAPPENING to this place in general and with the well liked admins gone, not who got what message. It's out there.
05/17/2013
Contributor: js250 js250
THE message you are worried about.........
From:
Ansley (Stormy)
Context:
Interview
5/14/2013 3:42:10 PM

Hey!

This is a letter to a small number of the most valued contributors from Eden Community. We are asking for your support and continued participation during changes that are being made to the community and the company. We know change can be scary, but we’re here to help!

There are several major changes taking place. The team is one: we are changing the community management team - Gary, Carrie Ann, and Sammi – to bring more fun and quality time and events to Eden Community;

Second, we are working on a re-organization of the review program. The mobile shoppers are looking for a concise, quick opinion from experienced users such as you to help them make their choices about EF’s products. We are expecting 35% of the total traffic on site to be from mobile devices and you will start to see more unique review templates, allowing each user to give their particular brand of advice on an item.

Third, an official Eden Shopping Club is long overdue. We would like to keep our loyal customers and reward them appropriately while maintaining a competitive edge with Amazon. We kind of have it already: with all the buy-out assignments and points, it is almost a club, just disorganized. We will make it official, useful, and beneficial for you.

In the meantime, I have temporarily signed back on to help you transition into a new phase with EF. Assignments are being taken care of promptly and I will have a direct contact for you within the next week or two. All orders are being processed and there should be no delays there.

SexIs – Will continue as normal, I will answer any questions as quickly as I can.

Community Events – Weekly events such as the Rumble and COTM will continue, clubs and workshops are on hold until further notice.

Editing – Please send any questions to me. I will investigate any issues as needed.

It would be a huge help to the community if you would continue to participate and keep things lively and fun just as you always have. The transition should be fairly painless but there will be nuances about the community the new director will have to learn. With a little bit of patience and understanding we can keep Eden just as awesome as it always has been and continue to see it grow and blossom.

Please don’t hesitate to ask any questions, I’m here to help and we’ll all benefit from a stronger, more unique Eden in the end. Thank you for everything you do!
05/17/2013
Contributor: Ryuson Ryuson
(Review Program Mentor)
Quote:
Originally posted by Zombirella
SHE DID. basically what stormy posted in the thread she started after this, it starts off with pretty much what the message said. It wasn't the exact wording and I don't remember because I don't have it anymore. But that's what it ... more
I totally agree with this. I feel like who did and did not get a stupid message (when one almost exactly like it was also posted in the forums) isn't nearly as big a deal as Eden ditching all of the admins and having issues.

If Stormy did lie about it, there's nothing we can do. She's the only real link that we have to the higher-ups right now, and she's doing what she can. There is also nothing that we can do if Stormy did this to 'swoop in' and make extra money or if she 'really cares' and wanted to do damage control because she loves us. Again, she's all we have right now, and pissing her off probably isn't the best bet as she's handling any issues you need to email her about. Yelling at eachother about if she lied or not is seriously not going to do a thing.

I personally believe Stormy, simply because she's always been honest to me in the past, even on topics that aren't all rainbows and butterflies. At the same time, I understand why you wouldn't be behind her.

All we can do right now is wait. Creating rifts in the community isn't going to make things run smoother, it's only going to lose us friends. Yelling and pointing fingers won't get people their jobs back, won't make anyones life easier, and won't make the higher ups eager to tell us more news.

I feel like we all just need to calm down a little bit. It's easy to see that there are 'sides' of an argument forming, but this won't accomplish anything and certainly will make everything harder. I'm not saying you shouldn't have feelings and talk about them, but name calling and slandering isn't exactly constructive.

You all are awesome, and I know that we can get through this together! No matter what sides you're taking, you're all invaluable members of this community and you make this forum an awesome place; I don't want you guys fighting!

Again, sorry for those of you who believe you didn't get the message for a reason. I also would probably feel peeved if I didn't get it. You guys are totally justified in feeling upset, I'm just saying that taking a deep breath (and maybe eating some chocolate) couldn't make things worse. If you are responding to this topic, you're a valued contributor, and some note isn't going to change your worth.
05/17/2013
Contributor: indiglo indiglo
>>> I'm just saying that taking a deep breath (and maybe eating some chocolate) couldn't make things worse. <<<


Eating some chocolate never hurts. Let's test the theory right now...

Nope, it did NOT make things worse. Good call!
05/17/2013
Contributor: Alan & Michele Alan & Michele
Quote:
Originally posted by removedacnt
Those around here that know me know that I am an extremely honest person, to a fault. So putting my two cents in, I want to say that what Truthiness, CarrieAnn, and LicentiouslyYours said are true...and then some.
You know, that's why we love you... through this whole thread, just reading between the lines of YOUR post has suddenly made things clear. Got it, and thanks
Oh hey, I sent ya a message, but drop me a line sometime, Mkay?

~M
05/17/2013
Contributor: FieryRed FieryRed
Quote:
Originally posted by Woman China
Since this thread has been hi-jacked pretty much never to return to it's original topic, I feel comfortable tossing this here, and for Gary (the original poster, and for all the former admin staff), you have my apologies for this hi-jack. ... more
I disagree with your coffee shop analogy, WC (though I love your posts and reviews!). The main reason one communicates with employees at a coffee shop is to make idle chatter while purchasing coffee--this does not equate to the function of the EF admins.

Now, if that coffee shop hosted daily community activities, in which the employees' ability to develop good relationships with the customers was a vital part of doing their jobs well...and one day, you went in to join your coffee-shop-employee/g roup coordinators for the daily activities, and learned they'd all suddenly been dispensed with, and the coffee shop owners would only tell you that they were "changing the team...to bring more fun and quality time and events" to the coffee shop community...well, I think you'd probably react in a similar way to how a lot of people have been reacting here.
05/17/2013
Contributor: FieryRed FieryRed
Quote:
Originally posted by Ansley
Guys...calm down.

Why does everyone immediately assume the worst? What if the new community director is your favorite porn star who lights this place on fire with new and exciting things that none of us would have ever thought of? What if it ... more
"Why does everyone immediately assume the worst?"

Because when competent employees who've built good relationships with
the community suddenly have their jobs taken away en masse, it is not a positive thing. Not for those employees, and not for the community for whom they've done so much.

"What if the new community director is your favorite porn star who lights this place on fire with new and exciting things that none of us would have ever thought of?"

It wouldn't matter to me if the new community director was a porn star. And if it was someone who brought new and exciting things to the site, I would ask why that idea person couldn't have been brought in as a consultant to give the site admins some new, fresh suggestions (not that I see a need for them), rather than replacing the entire team.

"What if it just becomes so awesome that it's a party here 24/7?"

To me, it already is, and that's why I've put so much time and effort into becoming a part of this community.

"What if all of this paves the way for a brick and mortar store with a cafe to sit and chat with your girlfriends while admiring the latest toys? What if..."

I really don't see how firing the entire community admin team would be necessary in order for EF to build B&M stores, nor do I think most people want to chat over coffee, surrounded the general public, while looking at/talking about sex toys.

"Out of the ashes rises a phoenix, lest we forget that Fred is a literal genius and has so many things he wants to do here..."

Um. I, too, am a literal genius, and I'm willing to bet that a lot of the contributors here are, as well. Whether or not Fred is a genius has nothing to do with how this community feels about his apparently having fired the entire team with whom we've developed relationships. He could have done LOTS of things with this site without so harshly alienating a huge portion of his company's clientele. Even those of us who no longer need to spend money here in order to get products are still buying their goodies with hard work and contributions, which bring in more cash customers.
05/17/2013
Contributor: Mwar Mwar
Independent of everything going on in this thread...

I feel like there's a tumbleweed here now. It's lonely without all the admins.
05/17/2013