I want the old PS, and I want it NOW!!

[E B]

Gypsy, I don't feel alienated by your post, or Sad's (minus the C & P'ed convos). We've had a lot of people call for more direct discussion here at PS in this very thread, and that's what you, MonkeyPie, and to an extent, Sad did. All are obviously coming from good places.

My post wasn't meant to scold anyone who feels differently. I was merely responding to people who were feeling hurt by the revelation that certain PS groups exist (or have existed) on Facebook, and in response to the call for specific names. If trash-talking mobs exist, or are forming, I'm not seeing them, and I'm friends with many long-time PSers. For whatever that information is worth, you know? A little reassurance.

 

[Brown.Eyed.Girl]

Honestly, I don't know what is sadder...what sad posted, or that she did it.

So what have we all learned:

There are PSers on FB
There are mean PSers on FB
Some mean PSers are mean enough where they really don't give a crap about their actions
Some mean PSers don't think they're mean
If you say something of notice, PSers may talk about you behind your back
Women love to gossip
Women don't love to be gossiped about
This happened before facebook with PMs here
This happened with no PMs here
People like to feel part of a group
Group dynamics can be cruel
Pointing this all out doesn't change much for most people

This isn't just PS. It's what happens in LIFE. And life. moves. on.

*STANDING OVATION*

I'm still shocked that anyone is A. surprised and B. still cares so very much about something that happened a year ago on an internet forum. Was it pretty? Nope. But hey-see above.

What they said.

Dredging up the past does what good exactly? I honestly can't see how going back to what happened a year ago, again and again, does anything but exacerbate whatever divide in PS that people are seeing. It happened. To keep lamenting about it, instead of moving forward, just seems to perpetuate negativity because now everyone is concerned about possible FB gossip, about FB groups being the big bad, and about Pricescope's demise as a result of off-shoot FB groups.

FWIW, I was and still am a part of that original FB group though I never post there anymore and haven't in over a year I think. I'm also friends with a lot of PSers, some of whom I've grown very close to and have really been there for me when I was going through a horrible year of hating law school, breaking up with my now ex-boyfriend, dealing with job search, dealing with mom problems, you name it. I didn't want to air any of that on PS because it was feeling way too personal, especially at the time it was happening. The FB PSers were amazing and supportive and I needed a smaller group that I could talk to. Trust me, we discussed PS FAR less than discussing what was going on in our lives, our happy moments, our sad moments, asking for advice on personal situations - you know, what any group of close girlfriends do. I can't speak for the FB group (whether there was PS sh!t talking going on) since I never checked, but as far as socializing with PSers off PS - there is NO BIG CONSPIRACY to rip apart PS threads and posters, gang up on posters, etc.

/ soapbox

 

[Laila619]

Honestly, I don't know what is sadder...what sad posted, or that she did it.

So what have we all learned:

There are PSers on FB
There are mean PSers on FB
Some mean PSers are mean enough where they really don't give a crap about their actions
Some mean PSers don't think they're mean
If you say something of notice, PSers may talk about you behind your back
Women love to gossip
Women don't love to be gossiped about
This happened before facebook with PMs here
This happened with no PMs here
People like to feel part of a group
Group dynamics can be cruel
Pointing this all out doesn't change much for most people

This isn't just PS. It's what happens in LIFE. And life. moves. on.

*STANDING OVATION*

I'm still shocked that anyone is A. surprised and B. still cares so very much about something that happened a year ago on an internet forum. Was it pretty? Nope. But hey-see above.

Well, if we're discussing what's wrong with Pricescope, this attitude is basically it in a nutshell.

 

[Mara]

My lord people, haven't we moved on yet???

If anyone thinks that they can righteously say they have never had a bad word to say about anyone, sorry, I don't believe that. Even people who say how nice they are or ...rather how nice they *try* to be STILL can sling a little mud when the topic is passionate to them.

I have been the topic of many adjective-laden conversations throughout the 8+ years I've spent here in PS. And I always know exactly who says what, it must be human nature that people LOVE to tell others when they are the hot topic. But I could care less. People talk crap. It's human nature. If you let it fester with you, it won't be pretty.

There are tons of different personalities here. No one has to like everyone but we all have to play in the same sandbox. That is LIFE. Do you love everyone at your job? No. But you find a way to respect each other, disagree when it comes up, work with those you are kindred with, and move along.

PS is not perfect but if people want to make it better, just work on making it better. Deconstructing it bit by bit at this point is silly, kind of like anonymous tell-all posts or constantly flaying people with a homemade whip of justice.

 

[HollyS]

Obviously, whatever threads have caused this level of upset among members, the alienation of many, the forceable removal of some members, the temporary exile of other members, and the exodus of more than a few . . . well, it isn't just the usual forum frolics. C'mon. Most of us have been on some fairly ugly threads that didn't become . . . this. Whatever this is.

I'm completely in the dark about which threads were so upsetting and horrific, but, surely we have not had several days of discussion because everything's just fine and dandy, and there's no need to make a fuss. There can't be that many drama queens amongst these posters. But, it's been analyzed to the point of TGal wanting to pull out her hair in frustration, and I think we've covered all the bases; wouldn't you all agree?

What can we can do to move PS in the direction that everyone says they want it to go? 1) Knock off the nonsense. 2) Stop tolerating the nonsense. 3) Police yourself. 4) Grow the eff up.

It really is that simple.

 

[TravelingGal]

Obviously, whatever threads have caused this level of upset among members, the alienation of many, the forceable removal of some members, the temporary exile of other members, and the exodus of more than a few . . . well, it isn't just the usual forum frolics. C'mon. Most of us have been on some fairly ugly threads that didn't become . . . this. Whatever this is.

I'm completely in the dark about which threads were so upsetting and horrific, but, surely we have not had several days of discussion because everything's just fine and dandy, and there's no need to make a fuss. There can't be that many drama queens amongst these posters. But, it's been analyzed to the point of TGal wanting to pull out her hair in frustration, and I think we've covered all the bases; wouldn't you all agree?

What can we can do to move PS in the direction that everyone says they want it to go? 1) Knock off the nonsense. 2) Stop tolerating the nonsense. 3) Police yourself. 4) Grow the eff up.

It really is that simple.

I don't have any mo' hair.

 

[HollyS]

See? Now we've done it. We'll have to chip in to buy TGal a wig.

 

[Mara]

See? Now we've done it. We'll have to chip in to buy TGal a wig.

I'd rather just talk crap about her bald self on FB.

 

[Gypsy]

The perfect Pad color to match her Amelia ring.

 

[TravelingGal]

y'all just need to look in the mirror. My bald head reflects as well.

 

[TravelingGal]

The perfect Pad color to match her Amelia ring.

Now THAT'S hair! There would be no black spot/head obstruction anymore with that thing! Just pure padilicious color!

 

[HollyS]

Looks like stripper hair. Your stage name could be Cotton Candy.

 

[TravelingGal]

Looks like stripper hair. Your stage name could be Cotton Candy.

That's Padded Paddy to you, thanks.

 

[HollyS]

Yeah, but I think they know, when you strip, if you're padded or if you're the real deal!

 

[Gypsy]

Looks like stripper hair. Your stage name could be Cotton Candy.

That's Padded Paddy to you, thanks.

Damn you. You just popped my key board's cherry. My new laptop had miraculously survived 6 months without being sprayed by orange juice.

 

[TravelingGal]

I'm a filled pad, yanno what I mean? Wouldn't be my first time dealing with a synthetic......

 

[steph72276]

I say let he who has no sin cast the first stone! I have personally witnessed the person all up in arms over this situation say some really hurtful things as well (just because it is deleted soon after you say it doesn't mean people didn't see it). So I guess that is the issue I have with all of this. And yet I see past that person's hurtful comments and still like to open and post on her threads and still like her as a poster. I guess I get over things pretty easily though and don't feel the need to hold grudges, it's really not worth it and life is too short to let your internet life get in the way of your real life.

And I am not really sure what Sad's post was supposed to accomplish either? It didn't really seem like anything bad in there...just some people saying they like FB where they can pick and choose friends that they want to associate with on a closer level. I really see nothing wrong with that. In a forum with thousands(?) of members, there are going to be personality clashes and those that get along really well. I see nothing wrong with wanting to get to know those you have a lot in common with outside a public forum where anyone and everyone can lurk and see what you're going through. I still post here, but I have stopped posting some more personal info and pictures of my children because now I can do it with a few people I know better and not with the whole world. And I'm not part of a group that bashes people, I'm part of a wonderful group that supports, helps and leans on each other for advice on parenting and balancing married life with babies.

Like I tell my 6 year old son, we can only be responsible for our own actions. As long as you are happy with yourself and the people you choose to spend your short life with, then that's all that matters.

 

[natalina]

See? Now we've done it. We'll have to chip in to buy TGal a wig.

I'd rather just talk crap about her bald self on FB.

OMG- I almost just peed my pants laughing!!

 

[MichelleCarmen]

I didn't intend to read this thread, but did so last night at like 10 PM because I happened to be up drinking a cup of tea. I have to say, this has really re-evaluated my opinion of PS and how I'll proceed with what/when/why I post in the future.

ETA - The trick really is a bit of self-control. If you don't like a person and/or see that person presenting a pattern of picking apart what you post and/or continually being rude IGNORE that person. If you cannot refrain from reading that individual's response, at least don't waste YOUR time arguing with him/her. Once someone (known for being highly controversial) said something that I found uncalled for (and many others said so as well), and I fired right back. Well, guess what? It took her a few days to respond and when she did, she admitted she FORGOT all about her post. Unlike me, who thought the post was very impactful, it was literally some random comment she didn't even consider the implications of and moved right on with her life. It's all time for us to question whether or not a post made that *could* be seen in a certain light actually IS meant to be seen in that light. Time to learn to say f*ck 'em if you don't agree and then move on to another more facinating/interesting, etc. post.

 

[iheartscience]

Honestly, I don't know what is sadder...what sad posted, or that she did it.

So what have we all learned:

There are PSers on FB
There are mean PSers on FB
Some mean PSers are mean enough where they really don't give a crap about their actions
Some mean PSers don't think they're mean
If you say something of notice, PSers may talk about you behind your back
Women love to gossip
Women don't love to be gossiped about
This happened before facebook with PMs here
This happened with no PMs here
People like to feel part of a group
Group dynamics can be cruel
Pointing this all out doesn't change much for most people

This isn't just PS. It's what happens in LIFE. And life. moves. on.

*STANDING OVATION*

I'm still shocked that anyone is A. surprised and B. still cares so very much about something that happened a year ago on an internet forum. Was it pretty? Nope. But hey-see above.

Well, if we're discussing what's wrong with Pricescope, this attitude is basically it in a nutshell.

We'll have to agree to disagree on that, because I (and many others on this thread) think honesty and real opinions only help PS. And I also think pointless net-nannying is what makes Pricescope a waste of time.

And while we're being honest, I'm not surprised that you would think my post, that contains my actual honest opinion, is what's wrong with Pricescope. You're one of the net-nannyingest PSers. I think half of your post count is from you scolding other posters.

 

[iheartscience]

Double post-I promise it contained nothing juicy!

 

[Haven]

Double post-I promise it contained nothing juicy!

This made me laugh, Thing!

 

[Maisie]

Where better place to put my 10k post than here.

I have been a member of Pricescope for almost 4 years. Lots of the people I grew to love have moved on. But I have met some wonderful newer members. I am grateful for every single friend I have made along the way.

Here's to my next 10k

 

[Gypsy]

Where better place to put my 10k post than here.

I have been a member of Pricescope for almost 4 years. Lots of the people I grew to love have moved on. But I have met some wonderful newer members. I am grateful for every single friend I have made along the way.

Here's to my next 10k

Congratulations Maisie. I'll drink to that!

 

[JillyC]

Where better place to put my 10k post than here.

I have been a member of Pricescope for almost 4 years. Lots of the people I grew to love have moved on. But I have met some wonderful newer members. I am grateful for every single friend I have made along the way.

Here's to my next 10k

Congratulations Maisie. I'll drink to that!

I add my congratulations as well. Hmmm, where can I get I get a drink.....

 

[steph72276]

Where better place to put my 10k post than here.

I have been a member of Pricescope for almost 4 years. Lots of the people I grew to love have moved on. But I have met some wonderful newer members. I am grateful for every single friend I have made along the way.

Here's to my next 10k

Congrats, Maisie! You are such a wonderful lady!

 

[phoenixgirl]

Ditto Fiery on not accepting the "anonymites," as I call them in my head, on FB. So if that's happened to you, that's why. Don't take it personally. I'm out there with my real self, and I welcome the same level of trust and openness.

Otherwise, I don't think I am involved enough here any more to really understand everything that's going on. But I welcome real interaction with real names on FB. I don't see there being anything wrong with that. I'm a member of a FB group for my block dinner club, and my high school youth group, and my friend who died from cancer, etc., etc. FB groups are another way for people with like interests to communicate. I'm not a member of the main PS FB group, so I can't speak for what's going on there, but I do believe that real friendships can blossom out of meeting online, and I don't see what's wrong with that except for the fact that one might feel excluded if one wanted to be in on that but hadn't been invited or found. But that happens IRL, except that if there's a group of people not talking to you over in the corner IRL, you can't pick up a megaphone and give a dramatic monologue which they can't ignore, which you sort of can here.

 

[Imdanny]

Mmmmaaaayyyybbbbeeeee if we behave we'll be allowed to discuss the interesting stuff again

We are willing to entertain the idea of bringing back certain topics, but we need to see less mean posts first so we are confident we won't need to babysit that forum all day everyday.

Well I don't think you should. Politics and religions always lead to conflict. If you don't want to have to be monitoring such conflict you should keep things the way they are. I actually like talking about politics and religion but it's a relief not to have those discussions here. I come here for "shiny" distracting things, not conflicts about groups and the future of the nation and world. You know what I mean? That's heavy. I like PS because it's not heavy. Just my opinion.

 

[monarch64]

Mmmmaaaayyyybbbbeeeee if we behave we'll be allowed to discuss the interesting stuff again

We are willing to entertain the idea of bringing back certain topics, but we need to see less mean posts first so we are confident we won't need to babysit that forum all day everyday.

Well I don't think you should. Politics and religions always lead to conflict. If you don't want to have to be monitoring such conflict you should keep things the way they are. I actually like talking about politics and religion but it's a relief not to have those discussions here. I come here for "shiny" distracting things, not conflicts about groups and the future of the nation and world. You know what I mean? That's heavy. I like PS because it's not heavy. Just my opinion.

I'mDanny--I completely agree. I was raised with the catchphrase "never discuss politics or religion at the dinner table." I stand by that saying to this day, and it applies to this forum (for me.) Let us please stick to the topics of diamonds/gemstones, and ambiguous issues which don't require tons of debate.

 

[JewelFreak]

Danny, as usual, is on the mark. A million forums exist for politics & religion & anything else people want to yell about. They always get hateful at some point -- would much rather not see that here. Hostility in one thread to certain posters or viewpoints carries over to other threads occasionally. Makes an unpleasant environment.

I come here for escape from that sort of thing -- escaping into beautiful gems & learning about them. Hope this stays a place of refuge.

--- laurie