Wagglepop 2: Deja Vu as Auction Site That Left Sellers Stranded Reopens

[cranky_hippie]

to TT, alskling.

So what is this site really about? Pure and simply, it's about Ray and his devoted congregation.

There you have it in a nutshell. It's always been about Ray and always will be. He needs his ego constantly stroked and if you won't do it, then he wants you gone. He has delusions of grandeur and must surround himself with  to survive. He does not care if the sellers make money. He is convinced that what he offers is so special that if one seller goes two more fools are waiting in the wings. And from your story, it is clear that he doesn't care about buyers either.

Same old Ray.

[thentavius]

Wowwee! Well put, Alskling!

Your manifesto from Wagglepop was very well-put, and very direct. I doubt it will last more than a few seconds over there--so I'm glad it's preserved here.

Did they also charge you the $9.95 for the month AFTER you closed your store?

I'm the thorn in WP's side because I refused to be brainwashed, bullied and otherwise beaten into submission by a crusading cult of self-glorifying, self-rightious, goosestepping, Ray Romeo clones bound by a mutual hate for eBay and some twisted notion of what e-commerce should be.

I almost peed myself. This is too funny! And so, so true.



;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

[amy]

Another (the spotlight of your newsletter) attacked my business ethics in an open forum COMPLETELY UNCHECKED BY ANYBODY

OK, now I recognize you.   ;D


The "seller" (term used lightly since WP's top cheerleader only has 2 feedbacks from buyers) who attacked her and is featured in this month's WP newsletter is none other than scottbooger.  Does anyone else find it humorous that WP's top cheerleader had virtually no online selling experience before joining WP?  I know I do  

ps Good farewell letter--you summarized this entire 100-page thread in a few paragraphs.  ;D  I give it under 5 minutes before Ray pulls it.  

[cranky_hippie]

Does anyone else find it humorous that WP's top cheerleader had virtually no online selling experience before joining WP?

Another snotty relative of Ray's, no doubt. 

[stardust]

Welcome to TT !!

Rather mind-boggling, isn't it?  WP-2 seems to be even worse than WP-1.  The pre-WP-1 board had its defenders, but not the horrid nutcases like Ray has now.  Nothing you have described is any real surprise to those of us who were around for the first circus-like sideshow.  The same cult is still there.  RR is their pied piper.

The fact that these same hatchet men are slamming innocent buyers does not surprise me in the least bit.  That is apparently what they are *contracted* to do on WP, or it would not be happening, IMO.  *barf*

You are wise to have finally slammed the door behind you, never to look back regretfully. 

Hope you stick around TT!

[landofsmiles]

I've never read the WP boards. Sounds sick, though. I don't get it.

[stardust]

Nobody gets it, Bob.  There's a person over there who is selling his photographic prints who is doing all the horrendous guillotine-ing of all reasonable questions on the board.  KarenRay occasionally pops in with support to the axeman.  Maybe a few others.  PC4S and Brain are childish beginners compared to this nutcase...  Sick is right.

I don't look at the WP boards any more.  (never could figure them out, anyways) Only know what I hear in these threads, now. I've seen it.  Nauseating.

[Alskling]

The cult phenomena at WP became apparent to me early on after joining, and became more obvious as time went on. Among many of the disturbing things there, this, to me, is the most disturbing because it suggests mindlessness among the members which is antithetical to doing any kind of serious business.

While running around packing items for mailing, answering customer emails and the like, I jotted down a few similarities between WP's brainwashing MO and cult mentality. Could it be that during Ray's sabbatical between WP1 and WP2, he took the time to read "Mein Kampf"?

Consider the following and see if they don't apply to WP:

1) shroud the philosophy in mysticism and secrecy. Make the followers feel they are “enlightened” and know something the rest of the world does not.
2) make the converts feel they are working toward a “common good”
3) convince followers that in order to persevere toward a greater cause they must suspend rational thinking at all costs
4) censor criticism in whatever form it appears and chastise those who engage in critical thought
5) segregate, punish and banish dissidents as polluters of the purity and sanctity of the cause, and praise those that participate in this "cleansing"
6) impress upon the faithful to be selfless, that they are part of something greater than themselves
7) give the faithful a sense of belonging and that belonging is a privilege that must be earned. Leaders have the right to suspend that privilege at any time should they feel it will benefit their own self-interests, using the argument that it is for the good of the members
8) carefully control the image of the movement
9) make the true leaders unapproachable – mystery enhances their bigger-than-life personas, but always have a visible “messenger” with whom the followers can relate, and a few disciples sprinkles around for good measure
10) exploit the weak, naïve and powerless and recruit them before they come to their senses
11) capitalize on the fears of followers and impress upon them that it is their duty and obligation to bring the “message” to the masses and recruit converts, as strength in numbers empowers the cause. Those under recruitment should consider it a privilege and an honor to be chosen to join the cult.
12) remind followers daily that they, and only they, are good and all others are eveil. Only the leaders and followers who have taken the oath are to be wholeheartedly trusted
13) have a common enemy (ebay)
14) comfort followers when tired and weary. They need not be concerned that the leaders are gleefully enjoying the fruits of the followers’ labors, nor should they ever question leaders’ motives or actions, for the leaders are the chosen ones – chosen as keepers of a wisdom beyond mortal comprehension, thus their welfare must be coveted and preserved in order for them to guide and protect their followers and lead them to a “perfect world.”
15) proclaim that the devout must rise above daily travails -- have faith and all will be well
16) never let followers believe they have power as individuals – it is only through their collective efforts can the goals of the leaders be achieved
17) followers must always believe that the ends justify the means, as questioning the means only distracts and delays the process necessary to achieve the ends. 
18) continually remind followers that patience is the ultimate virtue. Should they ever feel that change is slow, always use the “Rome wasn’t built in a day” analogy and rewards beyond their dreams will given to those who are patient and faithful
19) create an oath of loyalty and make it known to all. This is the easiest way to identify evil infiltrators, potential pot-stirrers, spies and trolls, as they will hesitate to submit to the oath
20) use guilt, pity, and fear of reprisal liberally, as needed to control the followers, keep them loyal and amongst the flock. E.g. “I’m sorry if this may sound a bit negative, and I hope nobody gets angry and comes down on me for it, but I was just kinda, maybe wondering about something . . . . “ or, “Oh, please, please don’t run away from the flock. We love you – we need you – without you, we’ll be so sad . . . ” or “I can’t believe you’re going back to E-something. Are you crazy? And after all we did for you. . . “ or “I don’t know about anybody else, but I would never do business with “those” people ever again. . .  I wish you well, but don’t come running back to us – you won’t be welcome here.”
21) leaders have the right to arbitrarily change the laws, policies, and procedures that govern their actions or the actions among the flock if they feel it is in their (the leaders’) best interests to do so. Since leaders have supreme wisdom, there is no need for followers to question leaders' decisions in these matters, nor would they, as they would not wish to risk abandonment from the cult or retribution from its leaders
22) foster the notion that the movement is a “family”, its members your brothers and sisters and its leaders your mothers and fathers. Incest is encouraged in cult philosophy – only “family” members are trustworthy.
23) praise those that rise within the elitist ranks and shower them with special privileges (WP’s Red Carpet program),
24) instill in the minds of the followers that cult membership has something unique, special, world-changing and unable to be obtained anywhere else except through blind allegiance to the leaders
25) control and eliminate, if possible, the availability to information that might tarnish the image of the leaders, its followers, or the movement in general.
26) establish a set of “Commandments” that members most adhere to explicitly. Leaders, however, are at liberty to step outside these commandments when it suits them, as they are the chosen ones. 

[stardust]

100% spot on.  Rather unnerving.  Reread the above and think *ebay*, and most apply there, also.

[Anita]

Welcome Alskling!

Ray has spent waaaaay too much time on eBay.  He sounds like he could be a relative to Meg.