#Announcement - Goodbye Everyone!!! (Gary has left the building)

Contributor: Ryuson Ryuson
Quote:
Originally posted by Carrie Ann

quote
"To clarify more the staff decision: I put certain goals for the team to achieve. EF has 2 very distinctive groups: customers and community. Unfortunately, the level of interactions between the two is minimal and the main goal for ... more
Thank you so much for coming back on. There's a lot of confusion and a lot up in the air (between 'that video,' what's being said on the forums, he-said she-said stuff, rumors, etc.) and the more information that's in the open, the better. I just kind of want to know what to tell my students at this point. :/

On one hand, I understand not wanting to tell the community about financial issues-- especially when everyone cashing in all of their saved points will just make the situation worse. On the other hand, it seems like NOT discussing it and letting it trickle down will only cause more rumors and panic (and on top of that, a lack of trust.)

I'm very sorry that you got threatened. Even in a bad situation a company can let someone go and have it all be on good terms, but it sounds like what's happening to you is certainly not. Again, it's super that you came on here to set a few things straight, it's the worst thing ever when people think things about you that aren't true.

I'm trying to be optimistic about this whole thing, but it's getting harder. Thank you for always putting up with me emailing you, you were super patient, especially when I was a newbie!
05/19/2013
Contributor: SMichelle SMichelle
Quote:
Originally posted by Ryuson
Thank you so much for coming back on. There's a lot of confusion and a lot up in the air (between 'that video,' what's being said on the forums, he-said she-said stuff, rumors, etc.) and the more information that's in the open, ... more
Ryuson, well said.
05/19/2013
Contributor: doowop doowop
Quote:
Originally posted by Zombirella
Wow....just......wow. I believe it. That was clearly Carrie Ann's voice. I don't care who posted the video, but she shouldn't be getting threatened like that....that is just....wow....I'm speechless.

This is crazy

Now ... more
Agreed 100%. Even though I'm relatively new to the community, I've been a member and customer for years and have always loved what Eden offered. I feel incredibly let down and don't know of any other community that exists that's anything like this one.

Carrie Ann, thank you for standing up for yourself and for being honest with us. I've always admired you.
05/19/2013
Contributor: Llewey Llewey
Quote:
Originally posted by Carrie Ann

quote
"To clarify more the staff decision: I put certain goals for the team to achieve. EF has 2 very distinctive groups: customers and community. Unfortunately, the level of interactions between the two is minimal and the main goal for ... more
Thank you for providing your input in this time of flux. Any customers with self-respect and an ounce of resourcefulness will spend their money elsewhere. Like Stormy's lies, Fred's don't hold up to even the most meager amount of scrutiny. Once again, thanks for being amazing.
05/19/2013
Contributor: snowminx snowminx
Quote:
Originally posted by Carrie Ann

quote
"To clarify more the staff decision: I put certain goals for the team to achieve. EF has 2 very distinctive groups: customers and community. Unfortunately, the level of interactions between the two is minimal and the main goal for ... more
I'm really sorry for what you've been going though lately, it's highly unprofessional to lie about your past workers and threaten them and I thank you for your honesty with us. I've always loved how you speak your mind and you will be very much missed. I hope you and all the other staff members that got fired find a job that sees your true value and respects the hard work that you all put in.

I'm not sure how much longer I can support a company that treats their employees that way and then turns around and lies to their own costumers and community. It's very unethical and not at all the actions of a "sex shop you can trust".
05/19/2013
Contributor: Ayumi Ayumi
I'm really sorry to hear this is happening!
Thank you so much for all your help and patience. You were always very kind and helpful to me. I'm sad to see you go.
05/20/2013
Contributor: Mikemanz Mikemanz
Quote:
Originally posted by Carrie Ann

quote
"To clarify more the staff decision: I put certain goals for the team to achieve. EF has 2 very distinctive groups: customers and community. Unfortunately, the level of interactions between the two is minimal and the main goal for ... more
I'm so sorry that this happened to you. You guys all worked hard to build what this had become. By reading between the lines it is my guess that:

a) the you tube posting was genuine
b) you all weren't told the truth about the reasons for your termination
c) we were/weren't/maybe was/maybe wasn't told the truth (even if it really
wasn't our business - better to say that, than to fib)
d) management certainly had its own hand in the weakening of the company's
weakened financial status (if that weakened state does exist)
05/20/2013
Contributor: Experiment Experiment
You guys are definitely going to be missed!
05/20/2013
Contributor: VeganChick (is Gone) VeganChick (is Gone)
Quote:
Originally posted by Mikemanz
I'm so sorry that this happened to you. You guys all worked hard to build what this had become. By reading between the lines it is my guess that:

a) the you tube posting was genuine
b) you all weren't told the truth about the ... more
I just really wish I could know if the video was real, and if it is, was what was being said true?
05/21/2013
Contributor: Ryuson Ryuson
Quote:
Originally posted by VeganChick (is Gone)
I just really wish I could know if the video was real, and if it is, was what was being said true?
The thing is, like stated above, there's no way to know. Fred has given the reasons he's going to give for getting rid of the staff to us, and he's given the reasons for it to the staff. The only one who knows the truth is him (and maybe a few select, remaining staff members.)

At this point it's all speculation. The only thing that we can do is not panic and wait it out. Creating rifts in the community and starting more rumors based on speculation won't help clarify the situation, but will make it worse. Right now I feel like we should just carry on as best we can, keep reviewing and working with students, and hope that things settle down and the truth becomes more apparent with time.

I totally wouldn't discourage people from starting their own blogs, like Zombie was talking about, but I also wouldn't encourage people to give up on Eden! It's full of great people, and great opportunities to have fun, learn to write reviews, and help other customers. I feel like we all need to hang in there and just wait out the storm.
05/21/2013
Contributor: bratcat bratcat
Quote:
Originally posted by Ryuson
The thing is, like stated above, there's no way to know. Fred has given the reasons he's going to give for getting rid of the staff to us, and he's given the reasons for it to the staff. The only one who knows the truth is him (and maybe ... more
Ryuson has a very good point, which is that this a relabel source for reviewing toys and reading well-written, in depth, reviews on toys, as well as a wonderful, supportive, (and above all) nonjudgemental community where people can explore and talk about sexual intrest thus improving their sexual wellbeing/health.
While this whole, lets say "situation," has been very confusing, hurtful to loyal members/ex-staff who feel they've been lied to; and while i feel this has been handled in a very unprofessional and unethical manner, since i believe the video is not a fake (i just dont know how you could fake audio like that when you can clearly hear recognizable members voices on there), that is here nor there because the overall the function of eden remains the same and it will continue to help those who want to explore their sexual wellbeing.
05/21/2013
Contributor: Ryuson Ryuson
My point is that he didn't for sure have to tell the staff the truth. He could have exaggerated (or made up the situation) to them for many reasons. I know quite a few people who have been told they're being let go because of extreme financial situations, but in truth the owner just wanted to 'trim the fat' on the company and replace the staff. Telling them that it's a financial problem helps to shift the blame away from people and make everyone feel more sad than angry. I was just stating that there's no real way to know the truth, just what he told different people.

Again, I'm not saying that anyone was lying in any situations in particular. There are very few people right now who know what parts of what statements are true, and Fred may actually be the only one who 100% knows everything.

I was just trying to discourage people from losing sleep trying to put different statements and rumors together into the 'whole story' before we know anything else.
05/22/2013
Contributor: VeganChick (is Gone) VeganChick (is Gone)
Quote:
Originally posted by Ryuson
The thing is, like stated above, there's no way to know. Fred has given the reasons he's going to give for getting rid of the staff to us, and he's given the reasons for it to the staff. The only one who knows the truth is him (and maybe ... more
The thing is, the truth may never come out, and that drives me crazy. To never know if the audio was real, and if it was the truth... it just bugs me. If EF shuts down I doubt they would even give us the real reason, so to just "wait it out" isn't really going to make anyone feel better.
05/22/2013
Contributor: geliebt geliebt
Quote:
Originally posted by VeganChick (is Gone)
The thing is, the truth may never come out, and that drives me crazy. To never know if the audio was real, and if it was the truth... it just bugs me. If EF shuts down I doubt they would even give us the real reason, so to just "wait it ... more
I do think that Ryuson's point about continuing to treat Eden as the awesome, sex-positive and wonderful community that it always has been is the best idea. While we are all within our rights to react however we like to the current situation, Eden is still here (for now, and hopefully for a long time still...) and it would be a shame for any of us to let this mess throw off our groove.
05/22/2013
Contributor: Ryuson Ryuson
Quote:
Originally posted by VeganChick (is Gone)
The thing is, the truth may never come out, and that drives me crazy. To never know if the audio was real, and if it was the truth... it just bugs me. If EF shuts down I doubt they would even give us the real reason, so to just "wait it ... more
I guess that the thing I'm thinking about is this; if Eden WAS going to shut down, we would probably still stay on here, review, post, and mentor until it finally did. If Eden wasn't going to shut down, we'd stay on here and review, post, and mentor. The only really difference would be if you should start up your own reviewing blog to prepare for the worst, but I would encourage people to start their own blog and branch out in reviewing anyways.

If more information comes out, we may have to re-evaluate that plan, but in my mind getting hostile will only make things worse and won't get us any more answers.

I also feel like, if Eden starts posting about how they're going to shut down, we know that the audio was real. If Eden hires different admins and continues on, we know that what Fred told the community is closer to the truth. Even if they don't give us the 'real reason' why they shut down(if they do in the near future) or why they let the admins go, you'd be able to at least figure out the closest truth due to their actions.
05/22/2013
Contributor: FieryRed FieryRed
Quote:
Originally posted by Ryuson
I guess that the thing I'm thinking about is this; if Eden WAS going to shut down, we would probably still stay on here, review, post, and mentor until it finally did. If Eden wasn't going to shut down, we'd stay on here and review, post, ... more
To me, the issue isn't whether or not the company is going to go out of business--it's whether there are unethical practices going on that would necessitate taking my (our?) awesomeness elsewhere so as not to support such things.
05/22/2013
Contributor: PassionateLover2 PassionateLover2
Quote:
Originally posted by Carrie Ann

quote
"To clarify more the staff decision: I put certain goals for the team to achieve. EF has 2 very distinctive groups: customers and community. Unfortunately, the level of interactions between the two is minimal and the main goal for ... more
I've tried to read most of the posts made to this disappointing thread (started in good faith by Gary) and I wish to THANK the many prior Administrators and Customer Service Reps for weighing in on their comments and letting us to wonder WHAT and WHY is going on here. Moreover, whether or not EF will close its business or take on a different business structure in the future, only time will tell.

None of us are in control; only the one person who owns Eden Fantasys (doing business in Atlanta, GA and owned by a Russian national).

Thanks to Carry Ann and Stormy and js250, just to name a few, for offering your comments in this matter. Not sure about the validity of any of the thoughts expressed therein, but I will remain open-minded and allow the issues be resolved and revealed in due time.

Until then, I wish to express KUDOS to all the faithful contributors who have expressed concerns about the EF community and the camaraderie we all have for each other. Moreover, KUDOS to the Administrators and Customer Service Reps who have been part of our lives and have made this community a very rewarding experience.
05/22/2013
Contributor: DolphinGirl DolphinGirl
. . . Why are so many people leaving . . . I thought that Eden was in the middle of making major changes and now people are gone. This is concerning!
05/22/2013
Contributor: FieryRed FieryRed
Quote:
Originally posted by DolphinGirl
. . . Why are so many people leaving . . . I thought that Eden was in the middle of making major changes and now people are gone. This is concerning!
All part of the major changes, apparently...
05/23/2013
Contributor: FlashFuchsia FlashFuchsia
Why is suddenly everyone quitting? Did EF get new management or something?
05/23/2013
Contributor: wrecklesswords wrecklesswords
Like a few others, I have been MIA here for a while and I have come back to the most depressing and confusing changes I have ever ever seen on an online forum.

Like many others, I am confused and enraged. Reading what Carrie Ann posted has made me so mad. But I'm still confused. I thought Eden had changed for the better only to come back two months later to find that things are in an even more disastrous state than they were before.

I am so sad to see all of these wonderful admins go. I didn't talk with all of you personally, but I have enjoyed all of what ALL of you have done for our community.

I think it's very unfair the way people have totally lashed out at Stormy. We do not know the real circumstances for her coming back temporarily. It could be something totally hidden, but she at least came back to try to give us something, anything. Even if it is vague. She can only do so much for us because she is ONE PERSON. So, fuck off and leave her alone. Right now it doesn't matter if she's "getting paid to make us feel better" or whatever. The fact of the matter is that we have lost a great community staff and we should be celebrating the fact that we even had such a GREAT STAFF to begin with.

Most community forums have hideous staff who will ban, delete, and lock any threads or users they don't agree with, however they gave us great freedom without our community to work things out amongst ourselves first (except in the name of Trolls.).

While I am still confused about this entire situation, I don't want to leave Eden just yet... even through all of my absences, I consider myself to be VERY loyal to this site. I actually have not purchased a toy or sexual aide outside of this site in at least two and a half years because I trust Eden with everyone to do with my intimate life. Now I'm feeling a little wary of these changes, however, I am willing to stick around longer to attempt to get a feel of them.

Why? Because we don't know for sure what's happening. All of this does sound VERY negative. It sounds like Eden might be falling quickly, especially when beloved members of our admin team were let go so abruptly. However, if you were truly faithful to Eden, you would stick around. You'd be wary and cautious of anything, but you would stick around if not to support Eden if it DOES change for the positive, but to at least support those within this community that you have formed friendships with.

With all of that said, I'd like to say that I am sorry to see everyone go so suddenly. I wish all of you the best of luck. Times are a'changin' and because of the skill set you all brought to Eden, you will have no problems with your futures. I will miss all of you dearly.

To Eden: I'm watching you. I'm scared of what lies ahead, but I'm willing to stick it out a little longer, dagger in hand for emergencies.
05/23/2013
Contributor: Gone (LD29) Gone (LD29)
Quote:
Originally posted by FlashFuchsia
Why is suddenly everyone quitting? Did EF get new management or something?
The people listed in Gary's message did not quit. They were all fired.
05/23/2013
Contributor: Dangerous Lilly Dangerous Lilly
Quote:
Originally posted by FlashFuchsia
Why is suddenly everyone quitting? Did EF get new management or something?
It doesn't sound like you've read any of the posts in the thread...they did NOT quit. They were fired suddenly.
05/23/2013
Contributor: Dangerous Lilly Dangerous Lilly
Quote:
Originally posted by VeganChick (is Gone)
I just really wish I could know if the video was real, and if it is, was what was being said true?
The audio IS real. There is no doubt about that. It still exists, just not on Youtube. But you're not going to read anything more about it on the EF forums.
05/23/2013
Contributor: indiechick indiechick
This is BS why would they take away the people that made me love eden to begin with. Personally believe that we all invest so much into this company, time effort and money, that we deserve more than a "we can't talk about it. Bull shit answer as to what happened
05/29/2013
Contributor: indiechick indiechick
Quote:
Originally posted by sunkissedJess
This is a letter to a small number of the most valued contributors from Eden Community. We are asking for your support and continued participation during changes that are being made to the community and the company. We know change can be scary, but ... more
Thank you but after over a year with the community it sucks to not be considered "valued"
05/29/2013
Contributor: indiechick indiechick
Quote:
Originally posted by Carrie Ann

quote
"To clarify more the staff decision: I put certain goals for the team to achieve. EF has 2 very distinctive groups: customers and community. Unfortunately, the level of interactions between the two is minimal and the main goal for ... more
You are the only reason I kept going with eden. It was so confusing in the beginning and you walked me through every problem with grace and ease. You always were willing to communicate with members in threads and you as well as sammi and gary have supported my blossoming reviewer since day one. I think it's crap that they have to make up reasons, but with all of you gone and eden not carrying many of the toys that I wish it would at competitive prices, I may just have to limit my time in the community
05/29/2013
Contributor: Carrie Ann Carrie Ann
Quote:
Originally posted by indiechick
You are the only reason I kept going with eden. It was so confusing in the beginning and you walked me through every problem with grace and ease. You always were willing to communicate with members in threads and you as well as sammi and gary have ... more
Thank you, indiechick. I'm probably a great big sap who should be embarrassed cuz you made me tear up with your kind words but I value your appreciation more than I can say. Thank you.
05/29/2013
Contributor: PassionCpl PassionCpl
Quote:
Originally posted by Carrie Ann
Thank you, indiechick. I'm probably a great big sap who should be embarrassed cuz you made me tear up with your kind words but I value your appreciation more than I can say. Thank you.
I think you've just summed up why people are angry about this. You guys have done a great job but each of you was/is still 'one of us' and are greatly missed.
05/30/2013
Contributor: El-Jaro El-Jaro
Gary was definitely the best Manager I've ever had. He's straight forward, honest to a fault, and will tell you how something is messed up. He had to tell me that I was being let go, but instead of doing it all at once, I was given the option of working 20 hours a week until the end of April or cut back to 10 hours for the foreseeable future (which turned out to be another week or so).

I wish Gary the best of luck and raise a toast to everyone who was let go.
05/30/2013