Powersellersunite.com (PSU) - New Posting Policies a Selective Police State?

[The Bar Keep]

What is up with PSU? Have you noticed the blatant site favoritism where posts get deleted without just cause lately? Need an example? Take a look at any number of the Hibidder threads. Tonight I saw that a post was deleted that was posted by a respected member of the OAI and as of this moment there is no explanation as to why it was deleted. If there is one thing I can't stand it is a site where abuse of power is running rampant.

The post I am referring to wasn't a bashing post, it was an accurate description of one persons experience with a certain site. Since when was freedom of speech redefined to be freedom to post only things we deem appropriate because PSU plays favorites with the alternative to eBay sites? I don't know about you but if PSU continues down this road, it will become nothing more than a site that provides a one sided opinion of any and all sites. That is not something I would want my name or my business to be associated with.

Here is what I am going to do about it and I challenge any and all of you to follow what I do and post it here once you have done it.

As soon as this thread is posted I will head to PSU and begin to edit all my posts there to say 2 words:

POST OFF

It's time to take a stand and speak up about what matters most to you, your freedom to speak your mind and voice your experiences good or bad. It's time to protect the real learning experiences that you get online. It's time to POST OFF at PSU.

[The Bar Keep]

Everyone of my posts at PSU now say:

POST OFF

It feels good to fight for what you believe in. Freedom of speech is something that should not be taken for granted. Abuse of power as is demonstrated in the powersellersunite.com site is not something that should be tolerated.

[The Tavern Wench]

I'm right there with ya Bar Keep....it's just taking me a bit longer.       

[2boysandtoys]

Hey all....I am 'at the center' of this recent controversy!  I didn't put myself 'there' on purpose, it just happened.  Here's my 2 cents 4 what it is worth...

Sylvia reported my post.  She's owned that and accepted accountability for it.  There are only 2 moderators (actually 3 - one h/w team) and the PSUAdmin.  When my post was reported, all read it - and did not find any issues with it.

However, there was a 'potential risk' that my post would stir emotion in the HB staff/volunteers, so - post pulled.  I'm quite certain this was not well-thought-thru and now --- viewed as a bad move.

I could share a variety of reasons and opinions on why the removal was wrong.  However, the key issues for me -....

1.  I spent a ton of time formulating a politically correct response to the OP - based on my experience, my recent findings, etc.  with the intent to avoid any hysteria that typically comes with HB issue threads.

2.  My post was between Knapp's and UBidRight - with it removed, it makes UBR look 'funky' commenting about site speed (in response to my post) as a site owner for an alternative.

3.  Pulling a post because one user out of thousands has an issue with it - prolly not good business.    :blink

Just so you all know - I'm not banned and PSU Admin is working hard to get me back!  We think some where between his host and my provider, there was a DNS update that's not yet reached my PC.  I'll be back 'there' whenever I can. 

However, my energy and commitment level to PSU and it's true purpose are fading.  With a few other dedicated folks a while back, I wrote the front page of PSU.  It clearly states

'Our focus has now shifted away from the eBay boycott in early 2005 to helping sellers, and buyers, find the best alternative auction site(s) for their needs.

PSU is a fast- growing group of online members – seasoned and new – with common goals. We enjoy a fun, fast-paced environment where all facets of e-Commerce are discussed and debated.  PSU offers site navigation tools, free auction tools, and multiple search options right from the home page!

Our discussions include web site design to best alternative auction sites. If your area of question/interest is not found, ask and you will receive!'

I do not see it suggesting we will sugar-coat findings for some sites but not others.

I do not see it suggesting a 'time-limit' applies to discussions related to site issues.

I do not see it suggesting only 'fluff-n-stuff' postings are allwed for Hibidder.com.

And - I do not see it suggesting that 1 member with hurt feelings has the right to impact the whole site, site members, etc. with temper tantrums.

Did I miss something?   

Out of all scenarios ---- good things happen.  This opportunity brought me here, and has also brought to the front page issues that have bothered PSU members for a while, to include - but not be limited to:

 - Freedom and comfort in expressing bad/negative experiences with alternative sites.

 - Freedom of speech in general.

 - Censorship of posts, threads, communication and experiences.

 - Bias of 'unbiased' forums.

Needless to say - My Monday went much different than planned - how about yours?    :confused:

I am now able to 'see' PSU but can't log in or post.  PSUAdmin gave me the numeric IP - so I can 'see' for now.  If anyone desires, you are welcome to share with Knapp's that Bay's posted my words, and if it is out of character, that may have everything to do with being fed up with the power of one voice over many... :blink  

[Baysbeauty]

Hi Girlfriend! 

I'm so glad to see you here!  Great place and more than that, the people here are just the best and always helpful. 

Anyway I'm glad to hear that you finally got back onto PSU, but we never did hear why your post was taken off after it was reported.  That was very strange to say the least.

Anyway I  you to The Crabby Host!   

 

[2boysandtoys]

Howdy bays - what's crackin' (that's a phrase my oldest uses all the time...I hope it's socially acceptable... )  ?

I got a very brief explanation that my post was reported by one, that being Sylvia, and the moderator quickly reacted in the hopes of avoiding the chaos that typically ensues in the HiBidder threads.  Does this make sense?  I don't want to disclose the 'who' as I do understand, and feel the intent was genuine.  Unfortunately, the fall-out was far greater than if the post had been left...

How's your day goin?  My kid is better (I can tell...he's annoying me -  )

[chiquita]

I am glad Erin you were not banned. 

That said, the removal of your post (which I did not see) is a problem, not just for you but for all members of PSU. Regardless of the intention which is apparently being stated that it is to avoid a conflict with HB members, it still screams censorship. It also gives one the impression that HB members opinions of what is an inflammatory post holds more merit than all the rest of the PSU membership.

You have not posted anything remotely close to "pot stirring" or inflaming that I have ever read. PSU needs to remember the meaning of objectivity. They are not only a forum but are selling a commodity (PSU stores). The sellers are not going to be enticed to open a store, yet alone stay on the site if blatant favortism and censorship rule the forum.

I am not saying that Sylvia shouldn't speak her mind, however she should not be given the authority to report posts she deems as "pot stirring" either, and have the ability by her report alone to have the post pulled. It would have been one thing if she disagreed with you openly in the thread, but reporting it is another matter. Now who was stirring the pot?

Without the honest opinions of sellers experiences with different venues, what is the point of PSU?

JMHPSO (just my humble pot stirring opinion)
 

[2boysandtoys]

I've never seen your last line - JMHPSO - I love it and it made me laugh outloud!!  I agree 100% with what you say, and have given some 'short' feedback to PSUAdmin and the mods.  Setting aside that in this instance, it was Sylvia - and only 1 person 'reported' the post, even a 'herd' of site members should not have that power ---- unless the poster (me, in this instance) broke rules, cursed, lied, etc.  Make sense?

I am typically not a pot-stirrer.... I'm not going to claim 100% innocence, but can say that I've never gone out of my way to attack a site, a member or the integrity of a member. 

Quite frankly, when I go back and read the thread - some of the pointed 'statements' made by Sylvia are so 'wrong' and so off-base that they can be defined as lies.  My point - if I were a wuss - I could report them too.  I get super frustrated when members of a site can NOT stick to the topic at hand - which was 'HiBidder - Numerous Problems'. 

If you read that entire post (lacking mine that was removed) - there is a consistent 'theme' - issues still exist at the site, but the site wants to deny them or convince folks they are fixed.

I still experience extreme speed issues there that I don't have else where.  So - as a buyer, in addition to being a seller - I got 2 options....Share that so it can be remedied or 'hit stop' and back button - which we all know buyers will do in a heartbeat.

If I were a site owner, I'd want to know as much as possible from every type of user.  Sorry - I just went  :offtopic a bit.

If I knew a way to help the PSU forum be more impartial, I'd gladly suggest it.  It does not do well for any of us, or any PSU store owners if power is given or 'perceived' to be aligned with one site, one member or one cause. 

JMHPSO...(I got to use this already)!!! 

[chiquita]

Erin as always you speak the truth. I go off topic regularly so feel free. 

Should your post have been deleted? Absolutely NOT. The decision to delete a post is made way too easily in multiple forums. The truth is if it is done to prevent a potential conflict, the conflict will as it has in this case grow exponentially. After all the majority of what is posted in any forum is simply "opinions". Opinions are based in personal experience of the poster. Debate that, agree with that, or simply read it and stay in the background. When people get into dangerous territory is the time that they play judge and jury and determine the worth of someone's personal opinion. Like you said Erin, this is business and if you get upset by anyone who doesn't agree with you then stay off the forum.

OK I'm done preaching for today. My mother duties await
 

[The Bar Keep]

Liz, excellent post   and that is the exact reason why I started this thread and did what I did late last night at PSU by editing all my posts to say POST OFF. If you can't get a clear view of all opinions (short of an outright bashing) what is the purpose of leaving mangled threads the way they are. Is Erin's post the whole reason why I started this thread? Nope it is not, but it did spark it for me last night. I read the post before it was deleted and there was absolutely nothing wrong with it in my opinion.


I am tired of walking on eggshells aren't you? People preach post only positive things about sites. Well I am sorry if you call sugar coating the good things about a site providing your opinion I think you are wrong. freedom of speech is a right that I have and just by the actions of a few, I feel the need to take a stand. If PSU feels the need to act on the opinions of only a few sites by playing favorites then PSU has lost the values that it once had as an online sellers forum.

Do I feel it makes you a bad person if you post at PSU? Not at all. Do I believe PSUnite is being completely honest about his relationships with certain sites? Not at all. If you feel the same way as I do about free speech then I encourage you to join me in my:

POST OFF PSU

[Baysbeauty]

Deb and Liz I whole heartily agree with everything that you have mentioned here.  I know because I have been there on PSU when things were twisted and turned around in the favor of the alternative site.  And I have also seen it done to others.  The fairness for us all is just not that!  Sometimes going to PSU for help or answers because of this other site can take you down a road that you never thought would be possible.  I am a strong person, very honest but sensitive and when lies, pulled posts, and locked threads are allowed to happen to others it just makes me think twice.  So I just go there to PSU to read and gain knowledge for now. 

I am so glad that I found this place along with ECA and The Family Tradition Forum!! It truly warms my heart to know that there are people such as myself out there that do not have hidden agenda's. 

Thanks so much for being here,
Debi 

[2boysandtoys]

Goodness....if I changed all my posts, I'd be there for 30+ years!!!  Now - to the real issue at hand (not Erin, not Sylvia) but PSU and favoritism or partiality - I struggle with 'this' - perhaps because I just don't want to 'see it'.  I can be such a dunce - always looking for the 'good' in everything - so - I just need to ponder this.

I can, without any hesitation, state that my post should not have been pulled.  I can also state, without any hesitation that PSU possibly misplaces confidence in one member over another.  (I feel like I'm thinking outloud....durh!!)  I can also say that I've seen a few posts over there that I felt were completely out-of-line (person attacked, as in Bays scenario) vs. a healthy debate over issues.  And - I can say....I've never opted to 'report' a post. 

Is it possible that the PSU moderator acted without too much thought, based on trust in the reporter?  In my post pulling scenario, the reporter has been around forever, has helped a ton of folks, actively markets and helps (for free) PSU store owners - so ...was the 'report' written in such a way that the mod. trusted and reacted without reading? 

I just don't know the answers - and that's why I'm 'on the fence'.  I love helping folks at PSU.  I typically can ignore the drama, the cheerleading and the other 'happenings' there.  What truly stinks in this whole scenario - snoopygirl was at HB when I was 2nd in command.  I helped her and worked hard to get her going.  Then - kablooie - the database exploded and she did not have the time to reload.  We exchanged messages, and I respectfully wished her well.

So - when she posted on PSU - I knew in my gut that there was risk of attack - but didn't like leaving her hanging.  As the former # 2 at HB and the person with the most posts at PSU - it would be rude of me (in my thinking) to not answer.

Flash forward to where we are now.  Do you think she will 'ever' come to PSU again?  As the OP, she prolly feels real bad about how that all got sideways.  Nobody is even discussing the original question, issue or other.

I guess ... as I sit here and think about it ... IMO - the PSU moderator was sort of set up.  When we build relationships online, there becomes a certain level of trust.  If I were a betting gal, I believe this Mod. acted, based on an existing relationship and trust.  A good choice?  Nope.  Learned from it?  I hope so.  Happen again?  I bet not.  The first message I got when I posted 'where did my post go'? was from PSUAdmin - apologizing for it being pulled. 

I guess - I'll keep going back.  If I get sucked in again, and whacked upside the head - I might learn 'then' - !!    I will tho be more guarded in my participation - for sure. 

BLUF (bottom line upfront) - none of 'that' should have happened.  Folks just need to get over themselves and quit approaching these forums with their emotions in front of their brain. 

Climbing down from my soapbox now!! 

[The Tavern Wench]

Is it possible that the PSU moderator acted without too much thought, based on trust in the reporter?  In my post pulling scenario, the reporter has been around forever, has helped a ton of folks, actively markets and helps (for free) PSU store owners - so ...was the 'report' written in such a way that the mod. trusted and reacted without reading? 

Erin I can address this part first hand from both situations.  I have reported posts on PSU before and running this forum I've now seen the backend of how it works. 

When you report a post, there is no place for comment.  You simply click the report button and it gives you a message saying something to the effect it has been reported.  My experience here has been that it tells you who reported it in the message you receive, a link to the post and nothing else.  (We have never had a post reported or pulled here, but we did a test run to see what would happen).  Soooo....that means the Mod that pulled the post only had the 'reporter' and the post itself to base his decision on. 


That being said, I suspect Sylvia didn't use the report button.  I suspect she PM'd whichever mod it was.  That was her typical MO when she posted over at WPSSU.  She would report the post via PM and continue with PMs back and forth to the point of  practically badgering the recipient into seeing things her way.  She did this on every post that was not favorable to HiBidder.


However....JMHPSO  .... I think no matter how you look at it, it was wrong and it was favoritism.  I've experienced the same flavor of favoritism firsthand at PSU and it involved the same person and a good friend of hers.  Only difference it was in a WP thread.  My post was not deleted, but I was publicly 'reprimanded' by PSUnite.  And I responded accordingly in true "Rat" fashion.   


I'm the first to admit, I post controversial stuff alot, but I can honestly say I don't make posts just for the sole purpose of bashing or pot stirring.  I don't start threads, but I sure respond to them with my honest, often times abrasive opinion.  Am I always right to do so?  Maybe not.  BUT I have never once had anything said to me except in the one situation involving one particular poster.  In my opinion that is wrong and it's a blatant display of favoritism.


We do our very best not to show favoritism here. Granted I'm sure it's much more difficult with a forum the size and age of PSU.  But it's been brought to their attention more than once now and they continue with the same behavior.  Quite frankly, I'm very disappointed in the powers that be at PSU these days.  I thought they were a better group of business minded people than what they have shown me recently.

[chiquita]

The crabby forum's newest smiley
 

[2boysandtoys]

Well.....I'll be a monkey's uncle (dunno why I said that - just seemed to fit right now)!!  I do appreciate you sharing how that whole 'report' function works.  That's just super silly IMHPSO (hee-hee).... !!

I will say that I've had a bit of time to ponder this, and after 'talking outloud' here did just spend some time writing to the PSU admin.  I shared all my thoughts about the scenario, with my biggest 'issue' - the real or perceived favoritism towards a site and/or a member.  The more I wrote, the more it became 'real' to me - that which I really don't want to see or don't want to believe - kind of sad too.  PSU has been an awesome place for me to learn, to share, to inquire, to get help - etc.  I've learned enuf that I can move on - it's just that ole 'change is hard' thing sticking in my head - ya know?

The worst part about all this that really get's my goat?  Is one point I made in my post - I was minimized to '2boys' - not Erin and not 2boysandtoys....how rude!!  And - how dismissive.  Others may not have picked up on this like I did, but many don't know that at one time, Sylvia and I were friends.  We yakked at night, we yakked about life, great TV shows, etc.  I truly am scratching my head - how does an inanimate object - a small alternative auction site - come between people?  How can 'it' have more meaning than a person (me)?   

I don't know if I'll get an answer and really don't expect one.  It did feel good to say what I needed to say.  PSU has definitely changed in recent months, and definitely is not as lively, fun and informative as it used to be. 

I seriously think these site owners are absolutely clue-less on our investment of time, etc.  They seem to view members as easy come and easy go.  This include ebaY as we've all experienced.  I do remember telling the HB owner over and over again that he needed to list 50-100 items - just to get a feel for the effort, the time and the energy it takes.  I don't know if he did or not, but I think they all should 'walk a mile in our shoes'.  Perhaps they then will know that when we say something is not working, or is slow, or has disappeared or.... - maybe then - they'll get it!!

I'm very grateful that Debi (bays) called me last night and extended the invite here - I do feel as if I can share and not walk on egg-shells or sugar-coat.  I gotta go hang with my sick baby (he's 13....but still my baby) so I'm outa her for tonight!

have a good one all - and see ya tomorrow!  and.... (<--- what a great new smilie)!!!!