2011 6GC Calendar, REFUND Options

[Espo]

Wow...now don't get me wrong, this is the only post I'm going to make in this topic (save for someone attacking me for it), but I have something to add to the discussion here.

I've had one transaction with Michelle. It was quick, painless, and easy - I bought two hoodies and they came in exactly as I ordered (one red, one custom shade of blue), after a small delay, with which she kept me updated diligently throughout the entire process. She was in contact via e-mail or PM the entire time, always polite, always clear that she had the situation under control. So, for everyone to be saying she's ripped them off or something, I don't understand where it comes from. I really don't think it's her intention - but if I knew, or was watching the forum and knew I'd have all these people after my ass with a pitchfork and torch, I'd stay silent too, or only respond to those who were reasonable with me. Can't blame the woman. I understand, you've all spent anywhere from $20-120 on one/several calendars, but as dustin said, if you're worried about $20, you shouldn't be buying a calendar - that simple. I also understand what it's like to be taken for your money...


...Pittfirefighter took me for $170 here for a custom LED climate control, first the shipping company lost it, then he sent another one, then he was overseas - haven't heard from him since that excuse. He hasn't been active here in months. I'm never going to see my $170, but at this point, it doesn't really matter. That's not exactly pocket change to me, but I never threw a fit in his thread, only posted a couple times saying I was still waiting on shipping details. One or two others were also victims to him at the same time for the same item. The simple fact is, you deal with the seller - you don't revert to being 15 years old and making a huge scene about it. If that doesn't work, go to somebody higher on the forums - presure, Coomer, etc.

To get to my topic addition here, what everyone fails to understand here is that Michelle's profession is "graphic designer", if I recall correctly. I don't know about Washington state, but here in New York, graphic designers earn MAYBE $35K/year to start out. I don't know how long she's been in the business, but your raises don't get you much, and since print is a dying industry, jobs are extremely hard to come by without substantial previous experience. Point being is that I'm positive she doesn't have wads of cash to just throw around, especially being unemployed - regardless of being on "vacation" in Hawaii or not - simple fact is, we don't know why she's there. Maybe it's for a job interview!

However, since I was just recently unemployed for almost five months, I know that you don't even get 50% of your yearly earnings - here in New York, it's calculated as your high quarter earnings...divided by 26. That's right, 26 weeks of 1/26th of three month's earnings spread out over one year. For instance, when I was collecting, my high quarter was roughly $4,500. 4,500/26 = $173. I was at a little more than that, but the state allotted me $173, 26 times, over an entire year. That's $346 a month. For car insurance, gas, food, rent, and various other needs. Things that have a much bigger impact on your life (read: credit score) than your reputation on a car forum.

Figuring Michelle makes $40k/year, divided into 4 quarters is $10k, divided by 26 is $384 a week, $769 a month. Gas, rent, food, and all the other little things, utilities, toiletries, etc. and you have literally almost nothing left. Not even a $20. Which would be why it's taking so ludicrously long for her to refund everyone. Nobody anticipates losing their job. I know I for one don't go into work thinking "Well, I'm probably gonna get fired today." I don't get my paycheck and think "I should really try and reduce my bills, I'm probably gonna lose my job in the next few weeks."

My point being here, is that we all need to think a little bit, think about her situation and not just ourselves. I know I'm not part of the equation here, since I didn't buy a calendar, but I did want to try and shed some more light here. And honestly, I hope nobody attacks me for it, because I haven't done anything to offend anyone, I so believe.

And P.S., be glad she wasn't raptured and is around to give your money back - at some point.

[manphibian]

I have been in contact with Michelle, as it did look bad that she was away on a trip with everyone's money lol, for what it's worth, i absolutely believe you will all get your money back.

Hey-
Just wanted to let you know that as far as that trip goes, it wasn't a matter of "oh, **** them, I'm gonna blow my wad on Hawaii." My friend's sister works for Delta, and the trip was essentially free. And planned about 8 months ago. I flew standby, and the entire trip cost me about $200. So while the pictures look great, it's not nearly as extravagant or neglectful as it seems.

Regarding the 6GC stuff, yes, absolutely, I'm taking care of it. I'm a little bit surprised about the business of it becoming a "police matter," as I've refunded several of the people and been in touch with the rest. I can think of one of those refunds off-hand who is still worked up over this whole thing, and he was refunded in March. And of course I have the PayPal receipt to back that up.

Just as a matter of principal, it's NEVER ever been anything even close to my intention to not follow through on my obligations here. I lost my job in March, and have been struggling financially since. For the years I've been a member of 6GC, until this, I've always been a pretty good contributing member. It's not my personality to take other people's hard earned money and just run with it. That's why EVERY SINGLE PERSON I've engaged in transactions with has ways of contacting me directly, outside of 6GC. I have nothing to hide.

Anyway, that said, my obligations still are what they are and I don't deny that at all. I'll take care of it and make sure the last of those who are left to be refunded have been refunded.

-Michelle

[Soulend]

hrm either way i dont care I can wait for a 2012 calendar

[dustin15brown]

Thanks Luke and Espo.

[cyprus_gt]

hrm either way i dont care I can wait for a 2012 calendar

or 2013 calendar

[njccmd2002]

oh wow, the drama.

1. yes she owed and she failed us.
2. yes there are a lot of 15 year old kids here, that should not be modifying cars...
3.

put yourself in her shoes... what would you do or feel... just saying... i hope nobody has to go through loosing a job...

Group buys, great buys, or whatever always end up like this, that is why i dont participate..

I only vouch for a few people here that i trust to buy from, only a few. Always research your seller, in this tough time, a 20 dollar calendar common...


Act like adults, and not teenagers...

guys, there are better ways to do this, lets not make it a public execution...

yes you all have rights to get your money, but this is not the lunch line at the kindergarten..