tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23784079.post4455674437907378172..comments2024-01-19T23:27:30.317-05:00Comments on Midge's Mind: STOLEN NECKLACEUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger63125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23784079.post-949809036987250262015-04-30T12:25:19.640-04:002015-04-30T12:25:19.640-04:00I just looked up this guy's name. I purchased ...I just looked up this guy's name. I purchased a necklace from etsy and it wasn't what the picture look like. I just mailed back this morning, because I don't want an old dingy necklace. From the looks of it looks like I'm not get my money back. Carma will take its place...Sadness...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23784079.post-63336418306305335612010-05-05T12:55:30.349-04:002010-05-05T12:55:30.349-04:00Thanks for sharing the lesson learned and am so gl...Thanks for sharing the lesson learned and am so glad to hear that the guy was busted so that you got your necklace back. I hate scammers too!Theresahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09120639239633977383noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23784079.post-78238477979614050042009-07-28T20:41:34.883-04:002009-07-28T20:41:34.883-04:00This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.GroveCanadahttp://www.grovecanada.canoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23784079.post-5257591697473167102009-04-21T04:56:00.000-04:002009-04-21T04:56:00.000-04:00First of all, I'm sorry this happened to you. It j...First of all, I'm sorry this happened to you. It just plain makes me angry. Secondly, thanks for being so humble to share your story with us. I would be so embarrassed. Still, the most important thing, and you've found that, is to trust your own instinct. I'm glad that you have gained at least this out of your horrible experience. Hope they catch up with this crook. ;-)Heatherhttp://asiwriteit.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23784079.post-37848640964677358502009-04-20T11:32:00.000-04:002009-04-20T11:32:00.000-04:00Oh, that's awful! I hope the investigation and pur...Oh, that's awful! I hope the investigation and pursuit of the con-man gets you results.<br /><br />Lots of great advice out there -- especially the part about not beating yourself up about it. Lesson learned, right?<br /><br />Internet/Virtual hugs.Beahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16502446759761090747noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23784079.post-21071076272000900462009-04-20T09:07:00.000-04:002009-04-20T09:07:00.000-04:00I keep forgetting to get an custom email address f...I keep forgetting to get an custom email address for my jewelry site. I'll be doing that shortly.<br /><br />I'm sorry this happened to you. I've been approached by many people in real life who directly try to get my pieces or ask for the components for free. It's so obvious and transparent that a sale is not to be made. With scams like this, it's not so obvious but trusting your instincts and using the rules you've laid above will avoid any such problem.<br /><br />Once you set that contract and advance refundable pay policy in place, you won't have to worry about this. After all, YOU are the known established business here and people who approach you professionally will act as such.<br /><br />Had I gone as far as meeting this guy, I'd have walked away with my material if he showed up scruffy and cited unprofessionalism and discomfort in this business deal. Youy can always walk away, just like you can refuse a sale to a belligerent customer.<br /><br />Let's hope we never get taken again.<br /><br />PaulPaulhttp://www.bishopwireandbead.biznoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23784079.post-5526848563081548852009-04-19T12:17:00.000-04:002009-04-19T12:17:00.000-04:00That really sucks to be taken advantage of like th...That really sucks to be taken advantage of like that! You could see it as a necessary lesson due to the fact that you will soon be an even more enormous success and your new knowledge is protecting even more valuable pieces in the future!!<br /><br />Karma will get him girl! Besides, I heard this guy in flip flops showed up in Emergency with such severely frostbitten toes, that every last one of them had to be removed! Because of the numbness he fell and hit his head and now wont stop saying the words... Midge's... Barbie. The nurses retrieved the necklace clutched in his fingers (which also had to be removed) and are now in the process of Googling 'Midge's Barbie'. You should be reunited soon! ;-)Cindy Lietz, Polymer Clay Tutorhttp://www.beadsandbeading.com/blog/faux-dichroic-glass-pendants-fimo-lisa-pavelka-fiskars/3740/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23784079.post-1324792224993453502009-04-19T02:22:00.000-04:002009-04-19T02:22:00.000-04:00In these hard times things are getting tougher and...In these hard times things are getting tougher and getting more dangerous. We all have to take a step back and assess he situation before we make fast moves like we are use to doing. I would hire an assistant or a partner. Hurry and make another necklace like that one in fact make hundreds we wll all by one. I will at least hang a picture of it on my wall. SHOW CASE THAT NECKLACE! WHAT A WAY TO MAKE A STATEMENTjoyannehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09003748053177278694noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23784079.post-52384937616015905812009-04-18T13:52:00.000-04:002009-04-18T13:52:00.000-04:00Thank you for your warning - for going the extra b...Thank you for your warning - for going the extra bit to evaluate (for you and us) what happened, why it happened and what to do next. <br /><br />I think your 'gut feeling' is the best indicator, but I have found myself to somehow feel obligated after going past a certain point. I completely empathize with you for handing it over after you had gotten to that point - even considering your warning flags on his appearance. By that time, you had already wrestled with yourself and there wasn't time to process the new info. <br /><br />It helps me to hear this from you so that I can give myself permission to follow my gut, to question and halt at any point along the way.<br /><br />You have unfortunately lost a valuable necklace - and with it, all the time, energy and piece of you that went into it. As a small consolation, you have gained well wishes, empathy and warm vibes from all around the world.Beverly Ash Gilberthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11604623165508918570noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23784079.post-71390391714742352112009-04-18T13:01:00.000-04:002009-04-18T13:01:00.000-04:00So sorry this happened but thanks for posting. My ...So sorry this happened but thanks for posting. My father-n-law lost all his mother's antiques when she died. Some rip-off artist was hired and showed up with a truck...did not take inventory..said they would do that when they unloaded. Supposedly was going to sell them. It happens. But thanks to your posting, it may happen less. I just wish there was something we could do to these types of folks.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23784079.post-89029132651175222872009-04-17T17:31:00.000-04:002009-04-17T17:31:00.000-04:00This guy got me to ship a handmade beautiful large...This guy got me to ship a handmade beautiful large mobile of mine, that I rushed to make to be in this new magazine. A $400 MOBILE!!! I put off other orders, got behind to do this. he seemed OK... But, it is exactly like the story of this blog. I was ripped off. My beautiful big Jujumo mobile <br /><br />http://www.humboldt1.com/~mobiles/jujumo_stolen.jpgJulie Frithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06310103251961152289noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23784079.post-6944989609912664812009-04-08T23:46:00.000-04:002009-04-08T23:46:00.000-04:00Another tip...The few times I've loaned items to m...Another tip...<BR/><BR/>The few times I've loaned items to magazines they have given me their Fedex number to use for shipping to them overnight and they shipped the product back to me.<BR/><BR/>I had no out of pocket shipping expenses.<BR/><BR/>As someone else mentioned, visit the company/magazine/ad agency website and look up the name of the person contacting you for the loan.<BR/><BR/>Sorry for your trouble and thank you for sharing the information.<BR/><BR/>Don't beat yourself up about it.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23784079.post-90140986034643435552009-04-04T12:24:00.000-04:002009-04-04T12:24:00.000-04:00If the guy was claiming to be an investment banker...If the guy was claiming to be an investment banker or airplane pilot you'd laugh, but an artist can get away with a quirky unconventional appearence like that. That necklace is so distinctive and unique I can't imagine what he's going to do with it. Excellent post, thanks for sharing your experience, painful as it may have been. :)Periwinkle Paisleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08746575926852682354noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23784079.post-27477320992634065112009-03-31T10:15:00.000-04:002009-03-31T10:15:00.000-04:00Its easy to be FLATTERED and taken away by the pos...Its easy to be FLATTERED and taken away by the possibility of the exposure in a magazine...grrrrrrrobert mcclintockhttp://www.robertmcclintock.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23784079.post-23919067399084110922009-03-27T19:08:00.000-04:002009-03-27T19:08:00.000-04:00This is so awful because we all put ourselves into...This is so awful because we all put ourselves into our art ... this guy has stolen a piece of you.<BR/><BR/>Given that I've also worked in publishing for many years, what he has done is frustrating because it gives the rest of us a bad name. The fact is that publishing is made up of large numbers of freelancers ... we don't have company email addresses and business cards. Even worse, we have tiny budgets, so the process of borrowing for photoshoots is often really casual. It's hard enough sourcing stories and images to publish, and this guy has just made it even harder.<BR/><BR/>I'm struck by the amount of effort he has made to defraud artists. He clearly has a publishing background and is putting a lot of effort into stealing. Ironically, if these were paid hours, he'd probably have enough money to buy the pieces!<BR/><BR/>I'm so sorry for your loss. Thanks for sharing your story and your beautiful jewellery.Horse Feathers Saddleryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06251161235228746935noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23784079.post-63909617273891010532009-03-26T14:58:00.000-04:002009-03-26T14:58:00.000-04:00So very sorry this happened to you! When someone w...So very sorry this happened to you! When someone with no moral scruples at all meets someone who gives people the benefit of the doubt, the outcome is almost certain. Given your busy life, I am not sure you could have done more than you did! What I want to add is that at least you can use this encounter to get good publicity for your beautiful, interesting, jewelry. I hope you send out a media release (if you haven't already) emphasizing your art and the kind of con this was. Make it a readable story, and you may get some helpful boost for your sales.--CarolAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23784079.post-19641213737046160062009-03-25T11:24:00.000-04:002009-03-25T11:24:00.000-04:00oh wow...that is a terrible experience...I am so s...oh wow...that is a terrible experience...I am so sorry that your work has been stolen ....<BR/><BR/>You are very sweet to share this experience with all of us..thank you!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09700214027813205802noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23784079.post-6661091418394173232009-03-25T09:01:00.000-04:002009-03-25T09:01:00.000-04:00Thank so you much for taking your time to write th...Thank so you much for taking your time to write this post and share it with us. I'm sorry this happend to you! As a relatively newbie seller, I have only encountered the positive sides of having a small business. Mind you, it is due to post like yours, that I'm constantly learning about the ins and outs of having a business. Thank you!<BR/>Birgitte<BR/>http://SewDanish.etsy.com<BR/>Scandinavian Textile Art, Unique Handmade SuppliesSewDanish-Scandinavian Textile Art, Unique Handmade Supplieshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02768794362091784473noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23784079.post-8771898602225438142009-03-23T00:13:00.000-04:002009-03-23T00:13:00.000-04:00Thanks for enlightening me on this. You are helpin...Thanks for enlightening me on this. You are helping us all be the wiser. Unfortunately, it is needed. Also, very clever work.Studio Gal Shannonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02703492779464998145noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23784079.post-72541888399419567202009-03-21T23:06:00.000-04:002009-03-21T23:06:00.000-04:00I think most of us have had an experience like thi...I think most of us have had an experience like this or close to this . I always trust people way too much .... most people are wonderful, but not all.<BR/>Thank you for writing about this .<BR/>It's a good reminder to all of us !<BR/>Your work is just fantastic . I've always loved your work !<BR/>Thanks againSandy Mastronihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17663292803886388127noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23784079.post-78200474025536284922009-03-21T14:18:00.000-04:002009-03-21T14:18:00.000-04:00So sorry this happened to you. I'm on deadline for...So sorry this happened to you. I'm on deadline for a show, so I don't have time to read the full thread. My only suggestion is to keep looking on ebay to see if your piece shows up for sale. The things we make are not very hockable. No gold to melt down, so unless he wants to keep it for himself or give it away to a girlfriend, he will try to sell it. There are only a few places to do that. If you aren't already on it, register for google alerts. <BR/><BR/>I hope you can find a happy ending to this troubling event.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23784079.post-78787610290259650032009-03-21T10:51:00.000-04:002009-03-21T10:51:00.000-04:00Hi there, I am so sorry you are going through this...Hi there, I am so sorry you are going through this, but thank you very much for sharing it with us all. Good for you for having the professionalism to get a signed contract -- as you said, this will help in the prosecution. I wish you all the best that your necklace is recovered! <BR/><BR/>Hang in there -- we are pulling for you. :)tamara!https://www.blogger.com/profile/11842476844226337743noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23784079.post-11758431078489392062009-03-21T10:00:00.000-04:002009-03-21T10:00:00.000-04:00I highly recommend a book, "The Gift of Fear", by ...I highly recommend a book, "The Gift of Fear", by Gavin de Becker. Although the main theme is personal safety, his general point is an explanation of WHY you should always trust your gut feelings.<BR/><BR/>As you found out afterwards when you thought about it, the clues where there, but you never really let them float up into your consciousness.<BR/><BR/>I am so sorry this happened to you and think it very admirable that you are willing to share the experience to save someone else from a similar incident.sfoxhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14641207520270872175noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23784079.post-86783296709175471742009-03-21T09:33:00.000-04:002009-03-21T09:33:00.000-04:00I am so sorry this has happened to you! Please be...I am so sorry this has happened to you! Please be gentle on yourself you made an honest mistake at the hands of a very dishonest person. <BR/><BR/>I get scammer e-mails everyday asking to buy my paintings and I get so furious at them.<BR/><BR/>Thank you for sharing your story and the lessons you learned. Many of us will benefit from your generosity.<BR/><BR/>I hope this person is caught and is given the punishment he so richly desreves.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23784079.post-39844717950586290622009-03-21T09:14:00.000-04:002009-03-21T09:14:00.000-04:00So kind of you to share your experience and warnin...So kind of you to share your experience and warning to others. You have, no doubt, spared someone else the deception. I guess it could have been worse. Maybe because of your professionalism he didn't dare go after more than one piece.Peggi Habets Studiohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15413009629786638585noreply@blogger.com