Pish Posh….I’m A Little PO’ed.
Warning: A bit of fist waving below.
Last week I joined yet another social community on Ning (I will refrain from posting their name). I’ve noticed that many of my mom blogger friends were members so I thought I’d join them and give it whirl. The sign-up process was pretty straight forward as I’m already a member of other Ning communities (see my sidebar for a few). I filled in the usual “About” section with my standard blurb:
I’m a typical career mom turned work-at-home. I fashioned hospital scrubs as a Registered Nurse until my daughter became a toddler. I’ve worked in Neonatal ICU’s on each coast, where I spent long nights on my feet, holding my bladder and patients for endless stretches of time. Now, I sit before my MacBook, hold my bladder, and wear comfy scrub pants at length as a work-at-home mom.
Then they asked for my “favorite website.” Well naturally, www.Momisodes.com
Finally the last question asked me to list another website. So I added my company Connectingmoms.com. Period. No sentence. No blurb. Just a URL.
My account was “Approved.”
Throughout the day I went on to meet a few moms in the community, posted comments, read some of their blogs, etc. NO WHERE on my own profile page, or on anyone else’s page did I try to promote ConnectingMoms, or anything for that matter. In fact, all of my comments were “thank yous” for stopping by my profile.
Later that night I received a message from the social community admin. It read something like this:
“Hi, I noticed you’re on the Board of Mom Directors at ConnectingMoms. What exactly do you do for them?”
Clearly, she followed one of my links and did a bit of digging to find me affiliated with the company. I was glad to answer her questions and informed her that I was a Board Mom and created content for the site, as well as their newsletters and conducted interviews.
Moments later I received another message from the same person asking if I would be interested in contributing to a weekly column in their social community. She also added that they were open to many subjects, and to let her know if I’m interested as several new contributors are starting this week.
By this time it was nearing 1:00am and I was exhausted. I left it at that and figured I would reply the following day.
Around noon the next day, just 12 hours after I last received their admin message about being a mom contributer, I went to log into my account and received this screen:
You have been banned or removed from ___ ___
We are sorry Sandy C. but your access to ___ ___ is restricted and you have been permanently removed from our community. If you feel that you have been removed or banned in error, please send a message to the Administrator. Thank you.
A bit shocked, I sent them a very simple message asking “Why?”
About an hour later, I received this e-mail in reply:
Hi Sandy,
I suspended your account as I feel there is a conflict of interest with ConnectingMoms.com as the similarities are numerous. I am copying ____ ____ on this email so she can look this over upon her return on Monday. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to let me know.
Make it a great day!
You Must. Be. Kidding.
I was deleted because the site I work for is “similar?” I am very sorry to say that in no way, in the few hours I was a member, did I solicit ConnectingMoms. I don’t even solicit the website on this blog! Besides the ONE banner on my right sidebar for the Million Mom Picture Page, because it is a non-profit event supporting charities, I do not even try to promote ConnectingMoms on MY OWN BLOG. I find it sad that any mom community would DELETE members just because of their affiliation with other mom related interests and communities. ConnectingMoms would never revoke a member merely because of their affiliation with something that may be deemed as “competition.” Now if someone decided to spam all over the community about a company or website, than that’s a different story. But the point is, I did not. And why would they ask me to contribute to the community AFTER they knew about my role in another company, and then delete me?
I joined the social community with the sole intent of meeting other moms online. Specifically mom bloggers.
I. Did. Nothing. Wrong.
*Bookmark removed*
Holy Cow? That’s just… um…
Wow, that’s weird.
I’m so sorry Sandy, maybe there’s been a mistake? That just doesn’t sound right. I’m sorry hon.
rachel’s last blog post..Baby, She’s Jamming Now! Review and a Giveaway
March 17th, 2008 at 8:33 am
sounds like they’re not really worth the hassle then
It’s so frustrating when something like that happend huh?
Marylin’s last blog post..Weekly Winners #12
March 17th, 2008 at 8:41 am
Rachel- Thanks. I wasn’t going to post, but it’s been bothering me since last week and it seemed so ludicrous how it all happened.
Marylin- You said it. It’s just a shame…
March 17th, 2008 at 8:44 am
I think that is not only unfair, it seems excessive. You would think they would want some overlap?! And, if you aren’t promoting your site, why would they even care. I’m sorry. I would be upset, too.
Anglophile Football Fanatic’s last blog post..A Traitor Among Us
March 17th, 2008 at 8:55 am
Absolutely ridiculous!! Don’t they know who their messing with??!!
What group? Seriously, I want to make sure I haven’t or won’t join such a stupid site.
Nissa’s last blog post..“Mel, Kiss my Blarney Stone!”
March 17th, 2008 at 9:03 am
That is just plain ridiculous.
Sister Honey Bunch’s last blog post..I’m Afraid of the Monkey’s Paw
March 17th, 2008 at 9:16 am
dumb dumb dumb. They don’t believe in the strength of their own community? Why would they care if you belong to something similar?
March 17th, 2008 at 9:19 am
That’s idiotic…but it happens a lot.
So sorry you had a bad experience!! They really need to get a clue. Ugh…stupid people annoy me.
We still love you!
Sadie’s last blog post..Weekly Winners
March 17th, 2008 at 9:26 am
That’s a load of bluh there girl! No worries, though, you need look no further for other mom bloggers…I’m all you needs! =]
Victoria’s last blog post..Spring Cleaning
March 17th, 2008 at 9:28 am
That’s so lame. Well you probably don’t want to be a part of that group if their administrator is going to be so petty. And completely unwarranted, IMO.
skiplovey’s last blog post..Accolades and pictures.
March 17th, 2008 at 9:47 am
Ridiculous. Absolutely ridiculous.
Burgh Baby’s Mom’s last blog post..Never Satisfied
March 17th, 2008 at 9:51 am
That completely stinks! I’m so sorry.
Rebecca’s last blog post..A birthday trip down Memory Lane…
March 17th, 2008 at 10:00 am
Well, I am a mom and a blogger and I love you. Screw them!
Nola’s last blog post..The Darndest Things
March 17th, 2008 at 10:10 am
let them be!! i think its because u didnt reply and they thot u were stuck up so they banned u giving u nonsense!!
wen’s last blog post..Blanket House
March 17th, 2008 at 10:13 am
Petty? Check
Immature? Check
I’m in a foul mood anyway and that kind of crud really gets under my skin. Of course they have a right to pick and choose their members, but that’s ridiculous. I’m sorry Sandy, but you are better off without them. Don’t you hate it when people say stuff like that?
March 17th, 2008 at 10:25 am
Well, you still have cre8buzz. There are so many great bloggers over there.
Jo-N’s last blog post..Now This, Later That
March 17th, 2008 at 10:28 am
I’m sad for the experience you’ve just had with this ‘social group’ … and wish it hadn’t happened to you, but my reaction all the while I was reading your well-written (and quite restrained post) is that “It’s THEIR loss, not yours!”
I suppose if you hadn’t provided the reference to ‘Connectingmoms.com’ and they discovered the relationship later, their response might have been similar … putting you in the ‘damned whether you do or not’ dilemma of the ‘catch-22’ … sigh!
My own experience with ‘Ning’ communities hasn’t been wonderful overall, though it did bring me into contact with you (and a few other favorite bloggers) through NaBloPoMo and Blog 365. That typed … I seldom, if ever, even try to log on there because I have so much difficulty doing so. Interestingly … although I actually subscribe to the MegaFeed in Google Reader … very few of my posts (from either blog) ever actually ‘show up’ in the feed … though yours always do ;–)
I hope ‘venting’ in this manner here will permit you to ‘let it go’ and trust that all things work together for good. If it’s some ‘mistake’ or ‘glitch’ perhaps the person who asked you to contribute could help clear things up with whatever ‘administrative powers that be’ banned you … or … there’s something better for you just waiting (as in ‘when one door closes, another opens’ … ya know what I mean?)
Just don’t let the turkeys getcha down!
Hugs and blessings,
storyteller’s last blog post..Meme Monday #3 and Sharing of Awards
March 17th, 2008 at 10:43 am
Sheesh! I would be really ticked off too. That’s nuts! That makes no sense. Ah well. Their loss. Tough for them. You don’t need them. So there! Suckers!
Kathryn’s last blog post..Meme Monday
March 17th, 2008 at 10:48 am
What I think is interesting is that on connectingmoms there is an area where it encourages mom’s to put their own websites on there. It’s actually really nice.
Interesting the different takes on how to run a community.
I would be irritated too.
Hecticmom Undone’s last blog post..Video’s of the Week
March 17th, 2008 at 10:49 am
Wow… sounds like you are better off not being a member there. Their loss. I would have been pissed too.
Tara R.’s last blog post..‘Conquiesco’ – I Conquer
March 17th, 2008 at 10:54 am
Internet drama is ridiculous! Bookmark removed, amen!
If you need to de-stress, check out the virtual bubble wrap link on my entry.
cajunvegan’s last blog post..Pop Goes the Blog
March 17th, 2008 at 11:17 am
Know what? As i read your post, I was reminded of the crap that the cheerleaders in high school used to pull in an effort to make sure that the ‘right’ girls were included, and everyone else who was ‘outside’ the clique didn’t ‘make it’.
Some not very grown up Moms, there, is my guess.
Lou Lohman’s last blog post..art class painting decision
March 17th, 2008 at 11:39 am
Some people are just sorry :S
March 17th, 2008 at 11:54 am
I would respond to their email and say exactly what you just said. And also that connecting mom’s would never deny another mother because of her other “groups”. And if this was the case, most mom’s would be ousted because we all belong to more then one group!
I would so make them feel like junk over this and I would tell them that you are glad that you found out what kind of group they are now rather then later because you wouldn’t want to support a group like theirs. R.I.D.I.C.U.L.O.U.S!!!!!!!
Krissy’s last blog post..The smartest kid in the planet……..
March 17th, 2008 at 11:55 am
well… i’d look at it as a mixed blessing. it’s ridiculous… BUT if that’s the attitude of the administrators, you’re probably saving yourself a headache. sidebar: don’t add another thing to your work load!!
jameil1922’s last blog post..Gym Crazies, Frust, & My Crazy D
March 17th, 2008 at 12:05 pm
Wow, that sucks!
Yer’s last blog post..Monday Motivator
March 17th, 2008 at 12:12 pm
Well, those are folks who do not play well with others.
Emily R’s last blog post..Into the fire
March 17th, 2008 at 12:21 pm
OMW that’s insane. If they carry on with that kind of exclusivity, no-one will join their silly club anyway!
Jenty’s last blog post..Weekly Winners #10
March 17th, 2008 at 12:31 pm
Before I had my own blog, I would leave comments on other places using the link to my jewelry website. I visited one jewelry-making blog and left a post complimenting her on the beautiful work that she does. I went back a few days later and found that I had been banned from further comments. Her reason? My having my link was “an attempt to steal business from her”.
Women can be such bitches at times…..
Mindi’s last blog post..Here’s a handy tip!
March 17th, 2008 at 12:38 pm
Oh that bites! I’m so sorry!
Suburban Oblivion’s last blog post..Open Letter to Victoria’s Secret
March 17th, 2008 at 1:05 pm
Hey! Not cool!
I am restraining myself from finding out who it is and biting them hard in the leg.
Rachael’s last blog post..Happy Green Day
March 17th, 2008 at 1:20 pm
Yowch! Oh well, at least you can devote your time and effort to somewhere that will appreciate it now.
Solomon Broad’s last blog post..Things I’m Grateful For on Monday 17 March
March 17th, 2008 at 1:26 pm
D00d… that’s harsh… here I thought we were all pretty well out of high school.
Seriously… e-mail me who it is so I can boycott.
sugarplumsmom’s last blog post..Sugar Van Winkle
March 17th, 2008 at 2:30 pm
LOL! Sandy, some people are truly complete idiots;o)
March 17th, 2008 at 2:32 pm
What a bunch of hogwash! Crazy, illogical people!
Angela’s last blog post..BBQ Plate Sale
March 17th, 2008 at 3:19 pm
hi how are you sandy?sorry to hear the suspended account.I think there might some mistake there.Cheers!:)
sweetiepie’s last blog post..Unique baby clothes
March 17th, 2008 at 3:21 pm
Yeh…what site is this…I’m with Nissa…I don’t want to join it either (or, I’ll unjoin if I have) lol. SERIOUSLY. Let’s form a movement here.
They were so wrong. (((HUGS)))
Ashley’s last blog post..Wake me up when it’s spring…
March 17th, 2008 at 3:22 pm
March 17th, 2008 at 3:58 pm
oh, that’s really bullshit. even if there was a conflict on interest, they should have reported that to you prior to banning. like, seriously? BANNING? it’s amazing how much crap people can get away with on the intarweb.
March 17th, 2008 at 4:52 pm
That was totally uncalled for. Seriously. I think I’d write a nasty little note to said admin of said Ning group telling them what I think, and being very clear that I’m not interested in having my membership reinstated because of their horrid treatment of members.
But that’s just me. I’ve been reading here for a little while and didn’t even know the company you worked for. Just goes to prove that you don’t push things!
Karen’s last blog post..I Learned A Little Bit About Who I Am
March 17th, 2008 at 4:57 pm
Wow. Well you are better off without them. I didn’t even know you had a site aside from the blog (but in all honesty, I’m lazy and didn’t look very hard). I can say that you have never solicited anything on my blog, your blog (during the time I’ve been a reader), or on Ning for Blog365. So I think I can make a partially biased judgment and say they are jealous. Your website must be more informative and look better…and they are jealous.
AtomiK Kitten’s last blog post..Lesson of the day for children…
March 17th, 2008 at 5:03 pm
That is so weird…first they deny you…then they ask you to write articles for them…then they deny you????? E-mail me. I am so curious.
Christine’s last blog post..The Return of the pitiful and Wretched Child
March 17th, 2008 at 5:23 pm
That sucks! But then again, I don’t know, THEY are the ones missing out on a very special friend, mom, and blogger!
Jientje’s last blog post..Manic Monday … A good day for a Guiness …
March 17th, 2008 at 5:35 pm
Hmmmmph, seems like a silly thing for that “competing” site to do, but as you said, out of your hair and out of your life!
Just wanted to stop by and say thanks for your note in support of beeswax unbleached wax paper at the Burt’s Bees Blog! I so appreciate your taking the time to add your voice!
You’re the “bees’ knees.”
xxoo
Cynematic
March 17th, 2008 at 5:49 pm
Their loss, Sandy. Everyone knows how fabulous you are. I’m a fairly new reader, too, and you always make me feel welcome here, there, and everywhere. It’s a shame that they gave you the boot–because having you there would have served them well. Bitches. ; )
March 17th, 2008 at 6:00 pm
I actually laughed at this. It’s just so absurd. Well as others have said, you’re likely better off without them. And I am in complete admiration for your restraint at mentioning the group. That right there shows us all who the better person is. Good for you.
Tasina’s last blog post..Weekly Winners 03.16.08
March 17th, 2008 at 6:21 pm
oh, I wanna know who the jerkus was. I’m militant like that
Dawn’s last blog post..NaNoWriMonday – 3:5
March 17th, 2008 at 6:50 pm
I’d be upset too. But there are so many other great sites, and great social groups. Who needs ‘em?
Jenni’s last blog post..Welcome Home
March 17th, 2008 at 7:01 pm
Sheesh, Sandy, how ridiculous. But think of it this way – one less computer task in the day, right?
Jen of a2eatwrite’s last blog post..Music Monday – “Stop! In the Name of Love” – Diana Ross and the Supremes
March 17th, 2008 at 7:02 pm
Um, whatever! Love to know…you have my email. I had a similiar-ish situation I would love to share!
March 17th, 2008 at 7:31 pm
I belong to a website like that. They are totally anal about mentioning any thing that might even possibly be sort of similar. One word: asshats.
janethesane’s last blog post..Questions that Need Answers
March 17th, 2008 at 8:46 pm
I like that janethesane used the word “asshats”. I must remember to use that word in everyday conversation.
ALF’s last blog post..I Can Get Ya Some Free White-Out Though.
March 17th, 2008 at 8:58 pm
Grrrrrrr!!! I don’t hate many things, but social networking absolutely sucks and some of the people that run these communities are so shallow and self serving. Sorry, I have joined a few myself and usually give up after a week. I FINALLY found one that I enjoy and am hanging on tight.
So don’t worry, seems you have plenty of mommies around here to connect with and did you know that anyone can start their own network on ning? So go ahead, start one and make it invite only and allow people to promote their MOM only business and blogs…whatever to the others, don’t waste your time
Michelle’s last blog post..Monday’s Muse…The Queen Diva
March 17th, 2008 at 9:00 pm
That’s weird. I can see why you’d feel hurt and angry. I would. Sounds like someone is being exceedingly stupid along the line.
Aurora’s last blog post..Weekend with Criseyde 2
March 17th, 2008 at 9:09 pm
oh well for them. sounds like their loss not yours. really.
maybe they were offended that you didn’t jump right at the chance to work with them, and they couldn’t deal with the thought that you may not be interested after they asked, so they ditched you. not that this is right at all, or a good reason, just maybe they are real jerks over there!!
Loosers!!
I think you are better off with out them!!
I would go on there now and just type over and over… ConnectingMoms ConnectingMoms ConnectingMoms ConnectingMoms
ConnectingMoms ConnectingMoms ConnectingMoms ConnectingMoms
because sometimes I act completely childish and totally immature and don’t take people being big fat meanies for NO good reason very well!! (lol)
Hugs, Jenn
Jenn’s last blog post..Spring Shopping Saturday!
March 17th, 2008 at 9:33 pm
I don’t get first the invitation to write and then the refusal. Schizo. I would be curious if you are willing to share…’cuz I wouldn’t want to be a member of a “club” that wouldn’t have you as a member.
HRH’s last blog post..Monday potluck of joy in special location…
March 17th, 2008 at 9:54 pm
Well, crud!
Eve’s last blog post..Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
March 17th, 2008 at 9:55 pm
Odd…That’s not cool.
BTW…I checked out your ConnectingMoms site this weekend. I like it!! I’m impressed.
Grandy’s last blog post..Chewing Gum while Talking
March 17th, 2008 at 10:00 pm
I’m so glad you blogged about this. I also belong to the Ning community you mentioned and was shocked to receive an email saying you were a spammer and were being banned.
I thought, “What the $%^& is this? I know this person and she isn’t a spammer.”
Needless to say, I didn’t delete you………………….:)
It’s just crazy.
March 17th, 2008 at 10:02 pm
Completely OT on this post, but here’s the Irish pinch I promised you back! *pinch*
March 17th, 2008 at 10:09 pm
You know, it really doesn’t make much sense, does it? I can’t say anything that hasn’t been said already, except, I’m beginning to get bogged down, or shall I say, BLOGGED down
All these social networking sites are killing me! I applaud you for keeping up with them. Think of it this way–at least you won’t have to worry about keeping up with this one.
Plus, Sandy, you have such a massive following, I wouldn’t give this particular group a second thought.
LaskiGal’s last blog post..A Monday Meme and Some Bloggy Love
March 17th, 2008 at 10:11 pm
Holy cow are you serious? That is just wrong. You really do have a huge following, I would just brush them off sweetie. I can’t really say anything that hasn’t been said. I am sorry that happened though! But you’re better off without them if that is the way you will be treated!
Meagan’s last blog post..This makes my heart happy.
March 17th, 2008 at 10:49 pm
That is ridiculous!! I think I know the site you are talking about, I think I joined it, and I think I haven’t done one thing on it. Because I can’t keep up with all of them! It’s too much, I need my beauty sleep!
amy’s last blog post..Giddy Up!
March 17th, 2008 at 10:52 pm
Yep – totally their loss.
jennyonthespot’s last blog post..Kiss the Blarney Stone
March 17th, 2008 at 10:56 pm
First they ask you to write for them, then ban you? I’d be shaking a fist, too, and thinking some very bad thoughts.
They’re losing out, for sure.
Jennifer H’s last blog post..A sister, love, and war
March 17th, 2008 at 11:32 pm
hi sandy,
you are sooooo better off without this in your life. good thing (that since it is sooooo messed up) that you found out right away … instead of after you were really hooked and used to it.
really messed up. but it is their loss. sorry this happened to you. kathleen
so grateful to be mormon’s last blog post..are you a freak? are you sweet? or are you a sweet freak? he he
March 18th, 2008 at 12:55 am
btw .. this comment luv thing is cool.
so grateful to be mormon’s last blog post..are you a freak? are you sweet? or are you a sweet freak? he he
March 18th, 2008 at 12:55 am
so worse..
Hazel’s last blog post..Special Gift
March 18th, 2008 at 1:24 am
That sucks. But at least you now know how the group works. And maybe it’s for the best. Maybe you’re too good to belong in there.:-)
Mama meji’s last blog post..Pacquiao Solves Traffic Conditions
March 18th, 2008 at 3:22 am
I still don’t get it why they banned you just because you work for “similar” site? Maybe they are afraid that you will steal some of their contents.
But geez… c’mon… when you created that kind of community means everyone can join, without any special term.
Just my two cents
ecky’s last blog post..Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?
March 18th, 2008 at 5:55 am
OMG truly? That is so wrong.
And I mean, I read here every day and I didn’t know you worked for connectingmoms.
Veronica’s last blog post..Top Momma!!!
March 18th, 2008 at 6:04 am
Well..you were trying to “loosen up the online commintments”..weren’t you?..maybe that is a spooky sign from above that it was one too many things.
Some of the on line groups are way to clickie for me.. Kinda like you can’t be in the school play cause you are friends with the cheerleaders..you know?
mp’s last blog post..NINE
March 18th, 2008 at 10:58 am
[...] « Pish Posh….I’m A Little PO’ed. [...]
March 18th, 2008 at 11:20 am
fun! I got kicked out because I wanted to talk about one of the Oprah books. someone else did the last one and i thought it would be fun. they said it was too controversial. also came up a sudden ‘multitude’ of claims that i was a troublemaker, which I had never heard before… hm… kind of odd…I said, bye bye!
jill’s last blog post..Easy Easter Dessert
March 18th, 2008 at 12:52 pm
Oh man. So sorry Sandy. That really stinks.
OHmommy’s last blog post..HE did not get the blogging memo…
March 18th, 2008 at 4:15 pm
That is super dumb. Duuuuumb! You think they would say something to you first to see if you thought there was a conflict.
Hannah Specter’s last blog post..Blogosphere chapter 4
March 18th, 2008 at 5:33 pm
Okay, that’s RIDICULOUS.
And I have to admit, I’m DYING to know what the community is.
I’m crazy curious like that. Ack.
Sarcastic Mom’s last blog post..That’s what I get for letting him watch tv before age 3.
March 18th, 2008 at 9:39 pm
It makes total sense. I will now go IP ban all the people who comment on my blog because they are parents and they blog. Obviously my competition. How could I have been such an idiot to let them on my blog!
BusyDad’s last blog post..(Toy) Breaking News
March 18th, 2008 at 11:47 pm
Some people just cannot see the trees for the forest, eh? LOL, what dicks!! Such pettiness can only be laughter inducing. Never mind, Sandy. I won’t even ban you if you joined us. Ever!!
LB’s last blog post..Pots Pans, Cherry Bombs
March 19th, 2008 at 1:20 am
Wow…I am speechless…wow.
nap warden’s last blog post..Cheap Nose Job…and an update.
March 19th, 2008 at 11:41 am
What HRH said. And what Busy Dad said. Sheesh.
I like the “Make it a great day” part. Too much drama. Sorry you had to put up with that.
Christine @ Serenity How?’s last blog post..Food 911: Easter Edition
March 19th, 2008 at 7:20 pm
hi pretty mommy… jamie feels for you. hope you feel better after letting it out. =)
March 22nd, 2008 at 8:01 am
I recognized your photo from that Ning community. I immediately started looking through your archives to see if you posted about what happened.
The reason why I remember your picture is because I thought it was so weird they were removing you due to spamming because I know you didn’t spam me and I even looked at other comments you left and didn’t see spam.
Sorry this happened to you. I’m sure you would have made a great contribution to the community. I haven’t had a chance to check out your ConnectingMoms site, but i’ll be sure to look.
Barbara Fernandez Bussa’s last blog post..GiGi Belts Surplus Sale
March 31st, 2008 at 1:44 pm