View Full Version : OT: users with multiple screen names... am I way off base here or what?
G.W. Hayduke
05-13-2006, 11:48 AM
We've seen it happen many times before. Who could forget the early days with some companies (rather well known). And more recently the thing with a certain Factory associated with animal food and their secret reps. But is it worse than first assumed? That's what I want to find out and where I want the input of some of the more experienced "veteran" members.
We've gathered some interesting information showing what could easily be posting patterns among a large group of aliases. But I'm not going to make any claims or accusations. I want others to take a look and decide with a critical eye what is occuring here.
Piece one, the most compelling:
<img src=http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v155/fiat_lux_/thejonny55.gif>
The subject of posting as well as posting patterns among these screen names is strikingly similar. Though I suppose with it being only 5 names, the coincidence is at least somewhat likely.
But what about the following? They seem to have registered in particular groups which wouldn't normally be srange for such a large forum as BB.com. But they are also active in the same threads and topics and tend to agree with one another.
AFHC Joined Dec 12th.
Adyn joined Dec 12th.
Dasa Joined Dec 12th.
Downwitit joined Dec 22.
Musicfreak Joined Dec 22.
Assfault Joined Dec 22.
Rollin10s Joined Dec 22.
Jonnyquest joined September 14th.
Jumpjackflash Joined September 14th.
Carterharris Joined September 19th.
Brucethejuice Joined September 19th.
Paulclayton joined September 19th.
Marcmathews joined September 19th.
Davedepezio Joined Sep 19th.
Otter2u joined September 20th.
Hammerhands joined September 20th.
Ironmelter joined September 20th.
Bballstar joined September 20th.
A simple search of posts by these members will have you seeing that they all tend to support the same subjects. In many cases they appear to gather en masse into the same threads. If indeed these are all aliases of the same person, it's comical to picture this person having a conversation with themselves on a public forum.
If you're asking why this matters, consider first the board rules. It is against rules to have more than one screen name or to have undercover company reps. But more importantly, this is about maintaining the integrity of the information found here. Many have started to question the validity of the info on BB.com because of the prevalence of company reps. It is easy to imagine how that validity could be further warped by secret reps with numerous screen names. That is why I want to get to the bottom of this.
If I'm wrong (and I sorta hope I am), I'll be happy to apologize to the members who might have been wrongly suspected.
martel04
05-13-2006, 11:51 AM
who cares
sawastea
05-13-2006, 11:53 AM
LOL @ detective Aeternitatis. Very interesting information. A simple IP check by the moderators will give you an idea, unless they use false proxies. I like the spreadsheet layout.
G.W. Hayduke
05-13-2006, 11:55 AM
who cares
I guess you failed to read the whole post:
"If you're asking why this matters, consider first the board rules. It is against rules to have more than one screen name or to have undercover company reps. But more importantly, this is about maintaining the integrity of the information found here. Many have started to question the validity of the info on BB.com because of the prevalence of company reps. It is easy to imagine how that validity could be further warped by secret reps with numerous screen names."
G.W. Hayduke
05-13-2006, 11:57 AM
LOL @ detective Aeternitatis. Very interesting information. A simple IP check by the moderators will give you an idea, unless they use false proxies. I like the spreadsheet layout.
I think they're dialing in. An IP check showed different numbers.
martel04
05-13-2006, 11:58 AM
I guess you failed to read the whole post:
"If you're asking why this matters, consider first the board rules. It is against rules to have more than one screen name or to have undercover company reps. But more importantly, this is about maintaining the integrity of the information found here. Many have started to question the validity of the info on BB.com because of the prevalence of company reps. It is easy to imagine how that validity could be further warped by secret reps with numerous screen names."
dough you got me there lol
storm shadow
05-13-2006, 11:59 AM
What about conspiracies...
Giggety Giggety
05-13-2006, 12:02 PM
Wow Aeter you are a machine, good work indeed
Commonpremier21
05-13-2006, 12:08 PM
woo damn, uh oh
CONTROLLED LABS
05-13-2006, 12:23 PM
they all seem to love one company. ;)
NumberTwentyTwo
05-13-2006, 12:24 PM
im sure investigator beer has been on this for a whilw now......
they all seem to love one company. ;)
Are you talking about some washed up has been company??
CONTROLLED LABS
05-13-2006, 12:28 PM
Are you talking about some washed up has been company??
some may say that ;)
SF_Muscle_
05-13-2006, 12:29 PM
Sherlock "Aeternitatis" Holmes
beer20
05-13-2006, 12:37 PM
im sure investigator beer has been on this for a whilw now......
looks like he is doing a damn good job on his own...
and its out of my jurisdiction ;)
storm shadow
05-13-2006, 12:38 PM
looks like he is doing a damn good job on his own...
and its out of my jurisdiction ;)
Use the long arm statue! :)
Commonpremier21
05-13-2006, 12:46 PM
umm: http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=666488
TimoteoS
05-13-2006, 12:50 PM
tis a sad in the supplement industry...i dont think i will be buying anymore of the fuzzy navel protein anymore...but thats just me
NHBBareKnuckler
05-13-2006, 01:00 PM
who cares
No he's right, and I care.
I have said it before, "secret" reps pushing things and giving "opinions" in threads for other products. I really can't stand when one rep says "try whatever" and it's their product in another company's product thread. Even when a consumer starts the thread, that makes it even worse.
Heads up reps if we wanna know about your stuff we will ask!
Now we have to put up with random secret reps pumping their stuff with their "I've never used anything like it" nonsense. Sometimes it's really clear and annoying.
Some people and younger kids are impressionable. And it’s not right that people try and take advantage of that fact with deceitful childishness.
If your supps work we’ll buy them you idiots!
NHBBareKnuckler
05-13-2006, 01:04 PM
umm: http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=666488
All the names from the list, awesome lol!
Maybe we can have a section to expose this kind of a thing or a name list to look out for on a link at the top.
I think the people who run the forum are as responsible as those who commit the act themselves.
beer20
05-13-2006, 01:06 PM
I think the people who run the forum are as responsible as those who commit the act themselves.
i disagree.
TimoteoS
05-13-2006, 01:07 PM
I think the people who run the forum are as responsible as those who commit the act themselves.
That is going a little to far, I am going to have to disagree with you on that.
Ephedra
05-13-2006, 01:29 PM
umm: http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=666488
disturbing..........especially the amount they posted to make their names look legit.
JRRBadBoy4Life
05-13-2006, 01:31 PM
Great research Sherlock. I wish I didnt have a life so I had lots of time on my hands too.
Ephedra
05-13-2006, 01:33 PM
Great research Sherlock. I wish I didnt have a life so I had lots of time on my hands too.
You get a free bottle of hyper h and you are still swinging from their nuts?
w_llewellyn
05-13-2006, 01:52 PM
umm: http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=666488
try: http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=745769
Commonpremier21
05-13-2006, 01:54 PM
try: http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=745769
haha yah saw that one too
deserusan
05-13-2006, 02:01 PM
No offense...........but how do we know that you guys didn't do this either? You obviously have a lot to gain or lose by discrediting them. I might take this more seriously had you not posted a false review trying to make fun of people who actually cite real academic sources. You even made a fake pubmed abstract. Frankly, I think you need to get a life.
Ephedra
05-13-2006, 02:02 PM
try: http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=745769
:eek: :eek:
bobburn
05-13-2006, 02:16 PM
No offense...........but how do we know that you guys didn't do this either? You obviously have a lot to gain or lose by discrediting them. I might take this more seriously had you not posted a false review trying to make fun of people who actually cite real academic sources. You even made a fake pubmed abstract. Frankly, I think you need to get a life.
Why can't I rep you again :(, lol. Great point.
G.W. Hayduke
05-13-2006, 02:20 PM
No offense...........but how do we know that you guys didn't do this either? You obviously have a lot to gain or lose by discrediting them. I might take this more seriously had you not posted a false review trying to make fun of people who actually cite real academic sources. You even made a fake pubmed abstract. Frankly, I think you need to get a life.
Are you referrring to Chunky Monkey: http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=752372
Or to the Anabolic Log: http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=758334
I personally thought those were both pretty funny. :D
I was not making fun of people who post real academic studies, I was making fun of how easily studies are manipulated and the rampant hyperbole that permeates the supplement industry. I guess the satirical nature of the posts wasn't obvious enough for you.
BTW, what exactly does it mean to get a life? I hear people commenting but not elaborating. I mean, is it just a way to respond to a person you disagree with? Perhaps thinking that by discrediting their ability to *live* you discredit their ability to gather information?
deserusan
05-13-2006, 02:25 PM
Can you prove it wasn't any of you guys? It just seems odd that someone with a competing product get's called out in this fashion. This took a lot of time and effort which you obviously have posting "funny" reviews. Why not let the MODS handle it?
G.W. Hayduke
05-13-2006, 02:30 PM
Can you prove it wasn't any of you guys? It just seems odd that someone with a competing product get's called out in this fashion. This took a lot of time and effort which you obviously have posting "funny" reviews. Why not let the MODS handle it?
Did I call any companies out? No! Did I make any claims? No! I only asked a question.
Made the info available and the people have gone from there.
JRRBadBoy4Life
05-13-2006, 02:31 PM
Why not let the MODS handle it?
I agree with that. I'm sure the mods have been notified and if there is any 'calling out' names and accusing it should be by the mods only. It really isn't fair to be calling all of those guys out as some of it could just be coincidence.
TimoteoS
05-13-2006, 02:32 PM
Did I call any companies out? No! Did I make any claims? No! I only asked a question.
Made the info available and the people have gone from there.
Bingo.
deserusan
05-13-2006, 02:35 PM
Did I call any companies out? No! Did I make any claims? No! I only asked a question.
Made the info available and the people have gone from there.
You definately have something at stake here considering you both have Arachidonic Acid products. I can read between the lines. If this is true then all apologies and it turns out they are company shills or whatever the e-term is. However, this could have been presented to a MOD and taken from there. I have had questions about people with mutliple user names which has lead to a few people getting banned. They handle stuff like this quite efficiently.
G.W. Hayduke
05-13-2006, 02:37 PM
You definately have something at stake here considering you both have Arachidonic Acid products. I can read between the lines. If this is true then all apologies and they are company shills or whatever the e-term is. However, this could have been presented to a MOD and taken from there. I have had questions about people with mutliple user names which has lead to a few people getting banned. They handle stuff like this quite effifciently.
So you're saying it's better that the public remain unawares as it is dealt with? Do you support the Police State agenda too?
deserusan
05-13-2006, 02:38 PM
So you're saying it's better that the public remain unawares as it is dealt with? Do you support the Police State agenda too?
Don't try an make out to be a communist because I see your motivations for doing this.
Lonny
05-13-2006, 02:52 PM
None of this would even be an issue if Jkeith was a mod still. He'd have gotten to the bottom of it by now, the problem would be solved, and their would be harmony.
Sadly dogs will not be sleeping on this occasion.
bobburn
05-13-2006, 02:56 PM
None of this would even be an issue if Jkeith was a mod still. He'd have gotten to the bottom of it by now, the problem would be solved, and their would be harmony.
Sadly dogs will not be sleeping on this occasion.
Yeah..seems like this forum has become a bit of a witch hunt lately...I don't know why but for all of the "good intentions" I've only seen horrible outcomes. Oh well :(.
G.W. Hayduke
05-13-2006, 02:58 PM
You definately have something at stake here considering you both...
Who do you mean by "you both"?
bobburn
05-13-2006, 03:06 PM
Molecular Nutrition and Syntrax.
G.W. Hayduke
05-13-2006, 03:09 PM
Molecular Nutrition and Syntrax.
You said it, not me. Keep that in mind.
With that, is it not reasonable to assume that everyone had already made up their minds on this issue? In other words, it shows that whether I am assumed to have an agenda or not is irrelevant. The people had made the connection on their own. My supposed "bias" made no difference as I only posted the facts and left interpretation up to those who cared to think a little.
TimoteoS
05-13-2006, 03:09 PM
http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=781885
w_llewellyn
05-13-2006, 03:15 PM
None of this would even be an issue if Jkeith was a mod still. He'd have gotten to the bottom of it by now, the problem would be solved, and their would be harmony.
Sadly dogs will not be sleeping on this occasion.
Risk Identified. Jkeith had to be elimiated.
http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=788521
Jonnyquest: The problem is not that a company rep that is a moderator would ban someone as this would be easily identified and given bad press however, where the bias comes in is which threads get moved or deleted and which ones don't. I find it highly suspect that 3 moderators on this board are Scivation reps. Is it just me or is there something very amiss. Nothing against Scivation cuz I like their products but this is just weird.
Rollin10s: I don't think any rep for a company should be a mod.
Hammerhands: There is no way that a company rep should be a moderator. If this were my board it would never happen. Too much bias and too much money to lose if too many people get pissed.
Paulclayton: I don't think anyone that is a rep of any company should be a rep. It is just wrong you can't have the admins being a company rep it just doesn't work like that.
Musicfreak: I just don't think you should have biased people in the administration of an unbiased board.
deserusan
05-13-2006, 03:17 PM
You said it, not me. Keep that in mind.
With that, is it not reasonable to assume that everyone had already made up their minds on this issue? In other words, it shows that whether I am assumed to have an agenda or not is irrelevant. The people had made the connection on their own. My supposed "bias" made no difference as I only posted the facts and left interpretation up to those who cared to think a little.
You sure as hell implied it. You do have an agenda and that is what my point is. If you want me to make it painfully obvious I will. You guys have a single product which has questionable efficacy at best. Syntrax now has a forum presence and just announced a few reps as well. They also have an AA product. Your motivations are clear and you have a lot to lose or gain by making Syntrax look bad as you rely heavily on this forum to push AA.
I'm just making this point for the good of the forum as well ;)
Ephedra
05-13-2006, 03:19 PM
Join Date: 01-23-2006
PostsTotal Posts: 2,605 (23.72 posts per day)
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Something seems a little "fishy" about this guy.
Definately can't say many members become company representatives within a span of around 4 months after signing up.
TimoteoS
05-13-2006, 03:20 PM
I hate to but in on this argument but I'm pretty sure X-Factor sells it self as of now with the real world results. Bill went through alot to for X-Factor and it's the only product his company sells. Wouldnt you be pissed if it happened to you?
deserusan
05-13-2006, 03:23 PM
Wouldnt you be pissed if it happened to you?
I probably would be pissed and who knows how far I would go to discredit someone.
Ephedra
05-13-2006, 03:25 PM
I probably would be pissed and who knows how far I would go to discredit someone.
You don't think it's fishy that a big company hires a representative that registered roughly 4 months ago and has around 23 posts/day in the misc/religion section?
deserusan
05-13-2006, 03:25 PM
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Something seems a little "fishy" about this guy.
Definately can't say many members become company representatives within a span of around 4 months after signing up.
There are actually quite a few reps who were given their "repship" before even joining the forum. I have also seen a few reps named who have been on here for less time.
Ephedra
05-13-2006, 03:28 PM
There are actually quite a few reps who were given their "repship" before even joining the forum. I have also seen a few reps named who have been on here for less time.
Different situations with them though. Most of your examples met their companies prior or through other forums. fish's posts prior to this on syntrax threads he talks back and forth with them like a customer, not friend.
hmmmm
deserusan
05-13-2006, 03:33 PM
Different situations with them though. Most of your examples met their companies prior or through other forums. fish's posts prior to this on syntrax threads he talks back and forth with them like a customer, not friend.
hmmmm
You do have a point and if a MOD finds this to be true then it should be dealt with accordingly. However, I have talked back and forth with many owners, reps, etc and have lambasted many a rep and owner. So if I get named a rep down the road will that be used against me as well? My point is that there is a hidden agenda here and this isn't some good bro doing the forum a service. It's business and not being held in a professional manner. We have MODS and this should have been addressed to them.
This is nothing more than Molecular trying to make Syntrax look bad. Frankly, I feel they have been losing this battle for awhile.
techster
05-13-2006, 03:33 PM
I think they're dialing in. An IP check showed different numbers.
How did you do the check, isn't that something only a mod could do? And wouldn't a more detailed IP history check with examination of where they specifically resolve to be something that would potentially completely clear up this issue? I mean, if every one of those accounts has an effectively untraceable IP then it makes for strong supporting evidence of funny business, however, if some of them are static IP addresses that resolve to different geographical regions then that is a strong implication of innocence.
... a single product which has questionable efficacy at best....
I will not and cannot judge or comment on this whole discussion about hidden company reps and about the supposed agenda of MN, but I felt I should mention that XF is working for me like nothing before. it may be related to the fact that I am a vegetarian and thus have naturally low AA-intake / levels. however, again: I cannot praise this stuff enough. for me (please note: that's just me!) it works wonders in terms of body recomposition and strength gains. the only negative side: it dramatically raises my appetite, so I really have a hard time to fight all the food cravings and need to add some appettite controls like red acid from time to time.
sorry, I know this is O/T in this thread, but hey, I really love this stuff and feel it deserves to be recognized!
best regards and my apologies for being offtopic
david
G.W. Hayduke
05-13-2006, 03:52 PM
You know what, you're right. This is ridiculous.
The blind can go ahead and lead the blind
I'm outta here. Bye bye BB.com.
Mister_A
05-13-2006, 05:13 PM
You know what, you're right. This is ridiculous.
The blind can go ahead and lead the blind
I'm outta here. Bye bye BB.com.
Dont go Aeter!! :(
You've done some great investigating. (which is a good thing in my book)
Nathan1
05-13-2006, 05:25 PM
You know what, you're right. This is ridiculous.
The blind can go ahead and lead the blind
I'm outta here. Bye bye BB.com.
i think if it's fact, it's fact, and it's important.
i don't care who brings it up, deserusan, if it's something ANYONE notices, i want it out in public. naturally, no mod will catch it, cuz of course, without jkeith, nothing gets done. :rolleyes:
if it's true, i really don't think it should matter who brought it about is all i'm saying. i really don't think Aeter/Bill would do the names so that down the road they could try and discredit Syntrax...too many ways to get caught.
thanx. :)
BROTHERHOOD
05-13-2006, 05:33 PM
All company affilliations aside, you do post some solid evidence.
Possible to check some ip's mods?
(another reason we need supp forum only mods)
deserusan
05-13-2006, 05:50 PM
All company affilliations aside, you do post some solid evidence.
This would be true if there was not intent or motive, but unfortunately there are both. I said this before, but this should be handled with the MODS. This evidence is slated towards making a competitor look bad and there has been a lot of bad blood between these two companies.
I would also be much more willing to believe the orignal poster had they not fabricated a pubmed citation for a "joke" review. However, these seemingly harmless "jokes" or "for the good of forum" threads have much more meaning, or at least to me they do.
Lastly, I would gladly MOD the supplement sections. If **** like this were true I would bust whatever companiy was trying to abuse the forum and would make it public as a consequence. However, since none of us are MODS we should not be handing out such strong accusations in the public eye, especially if we were to benefit from them.
BROTHERHOOD
05-13-2006, 06:11 PM
This would be true if there was not intent or motive, but unfortunately there are both. I said this before, but this should be handled with the MODS. This evidence is slated towards making a competitor look bad and there has been a lot of bad blood between these two companies.
I would also be much more willing to believe the orignal poster had they not fabricated a pubmed citation for a "joke" review. However, these seemingly harmless "jokes" or "for the good of forum" threads have much more meaning, or at least to me they do.
Lastly, I would gladly MOD the supplement sections. If **** like this were true I would gladly bust whatever companiy was trying to abuse the forum and would make it public as a consequence. However, since none of us are MODS we should not be handing out such strong accusations in the public eye, especially if we were to benefit from them.
Im just saying its worth an IP check. And I understand the threadstarter's company has a lot to gain from this. But some of those screen names were registered sept. last year, which IMO would be one hell of a scheme if all those sn's were made by molecular, which I highly doubt is the case.
Renegade25
05-13-2006, 06:23 PM
1) I didnt understand a thing he posted in that chart. That makes 0 sense to me, sorry.
2) What the hell has all this gotta do with Training, Eating, SLeeping, REpeating?
3)Those are kids with Different names, who go to gay section and abuse *ags, troll, get banned and come back with different names.Why do u care so much about those useless peaces of ****?
This OT: thing is getting annoying. Soon the Supps section will be like this:
OT:Eminem is better than 50 cent, LOL, ROFL, PIITB, and all that bla blabllalala nerd ****.
Stop OT **** in supps section, people have 400 questions everyday to ask about supps and u are worrying about multiple Screen names,
ekilla2003
05-13-2006, 06:30 PM
1) I didnt understand a thing he posted in that chart. That makes 0 sense to me, sorry.
2) What the hell has all this gotta do with Training, Eating, SLeeping, REpeating?
3)Those are kids with Different names, who go to gay section and abuse *ags, troll, get banned and come back with different names.Why do u care so much about those useless peaces of ****?
This OT: thing is getting annoying. Soon the Supps section will be like this:
OT:Eminem is better than 50 cent, LOL, ROFL, PIITB, and all that bla blabllalala nerd ****.
Stop OT **** in supps section, people have 400 questions everyday to ask about supps and u are worrying about multiple Screen names,
good post ill try to rep you but is still am stuck in the old bbing forum this repping thing is still freaking me out i dont really get it i liked it back in the old school version so ill try
Blap Blaow
05-13-2006, 06:47 PM
I'm pretty sure fish is a she, not a he.
magicmatt
05-13-2006, 07:07 PM
i must again say, who cares. if he wanted to be a cop he should have taken the test
If it is true, it's pretty messed up and the above company in question should be boycotted. But the proof is in the pudding.
If many of the said users are using a proxy that is a pretty weird coincidence imho.
edit: Also if someone brings up a valid point is the point any less valid because of who they are???"
bobburn
05-13-2006, 08:17 PM
If it is true, it's pretty messed up and the above company in question should be boycotted. But the proof is in the pudding.
If many of the said users are using a proxy that is a pretty weird coincidence imho.
edit: Also if someone brings up a valid point is the point any less valid because of who they are???"
I'm already *technically* boycotting both MN and syntrax...because syntrax is too expensive (their whey) and X factor did nothing for me. YAY! VIVA LA BOYCOT!
pogue
05-13-2006, 08:51 PM
What you should know is that this kind of thing happens all the time, and we have caught many supplement companies in the past using techniques of creating multiple usernames and pimping their products.
Unfortunately, we don't have time to police the board all the time and cross check everyones IP to see if they are posting under multiple usernames and always determine if they are reps.
We are taking into consideration the excessive advertising that has been going on now for some time and the amount of supplement companies that are taking on board members as reps for their companies and trying to find a solution to limit or eliminate it completely. This section was never meant as a platform for advertising in any way, but as forum to discuss the use of supplements.
Why not hire more unafiliated moderators for the sup section??
UberBerzerker
05-13-2006, 09:05 PM
Unfortunately, we don't have time to police the board all the time and cross check everyones IP
I got loads of free time...when do I start ?!?!
pogue
05-13-2006, 09:07 PM
Why not hire more unafiliated moderators for the sup section??
Well, we are planning on doing that also. The problem is that mods aren't "hired" they are volunteer mods and don't get paid. So, for a supplement company they can swoop in and take all the good posters and pay them or give them free supplments which is an advantage bb.com doesn't have.
So, for someone to become a moderator they would have to not be a supplement company rep, and a lot of the good posters have become reps for supplement companies and we can't make them mods because that is a conflict of interest.
Uber above is a good choice. I am sure some people would step down as board reps to mod. Heck, maybe the companies could start some kind of donation program for mods that work in the supp section. Everybody could pitch in. just an idea.
pogue
05-13-2006, 09:15 PM
Uber above is a good choice. I am sure some people would step down as board reps to mod. Heck, maybe the companies could start some kind of donation program for mods that work in the supp section. Everybody could pitch in. just an idea.
Since we don't get paid we are all open to corruption. I take bribes to pimp supplements. For only $500 a month I will tell everyone whatever supplement you sell is great. Starting at $1000 a month you can put "Approved by pogue" on the bottle.
Welp, it was just an idea.
jkeithc82
05-13-2006, 09:20 PM
Again, judge not by the company of one's signature but of the content of their character. :)
NumberTwentyTwo
05-13-2006, 09:45 PM
None of this would even be an issue if Jkeith was a mod still. He'd have gotten to the bottom of it by now, the problem would be solved, and their would be harmony.
Sadly dogs will not be sleeping on this occasion.
no offense to jkeith but what can he do that other mods cant?
Slated
05-13-2006, 09:48 PM
He spends more time here than the other forums = faster service :)
NumberTwentyTwo
05-13-2006, 09:50 PM
He spends more time here than the other forums = faster service :)
well, ill sit back down now ;)
jkeithc82
05-13-2006, 09:52 PM
no offense to jkeith but what can he do that other mods cant?
I've moderated bodybuilding forums in some way or form since 2002 (a total of 5 boards ranging in different sizes).
I am on these forums day in and day out.
People have called my name for mod for a long time now.
I do work for Scivation, but if ever made a move that would show bias towards them, not only would the entire forum let me have it but the moderators would fire me. End of story.
I'm not saying anyone else couldn't do this, but the fact is the mods voted me into office. I was picked! Whatever is decided is what it is, but I have learned a lot more about certain people's true colors over the past few days through all of this.
NumberTwentyTwo
05-13-2006, 09:57 PM
I've moderated bodybuilding forums in some way or form since 2002 (a total of 5 boards ranging in different sizes).
I am on these forums day in and day out.
People have called my name for mod for a long time now.
I do work for Scivation, but if ever made a move that would show bias towards them, not only would the entire forum let me have it but the moderators would fire me. End of story.
I'm not saying anyone else couldn't do this, but the fact is the mods voted me into office. I was picked! Whatever is decided is what it is, but I have learned a lot more about certain people's true colors over the past few days through all of this. what have you learned about my true colors??
jkeithc82
05-13-2006, 09:58 PM
what have you learned about my true colors??
I didn't say you. ;)
NumberTwentyTwo
05-13-2006, 10:02 PM
I didn't say you. ;)
ok...just making sure that maybe somewhere deep inside you understnad where im standing on this situation
fish153
05-13-2006, 10:14 PM
Join Date: 01-23-2006
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Something seems a little "fishy" about this guy.
Definately can't say many members become company representatives within a span of around 4 months after signing up.
Why would you bring me into this? I was asked to be a rep because I'm a huge fan of Syntrax and their Nectar products -- I have been since I joined. There is nothing "fishy" about me - I've tested for other companies, I'm testing a stack right now for two other companies, I've recommended products from several other companies, I continue to recommend products from several other companies, etc. I am here simply to answer questions about Syntrax products and share my opinion on them - I have always recommended Syntrax Nectar, which is probably why they made me a board rep. It doesn't change how I act, what I recommend, what I don't recommend, or who I am.
I am a consumer first and foremost, and a board rep second.
Before you accuse someone of something, make sure you have the evidence to back it up -- and don't imply that I am someone's "multiple screen name" -- I have spent a LOT of my time on this forum in the women's section helping certain people and identifying problem users with multiple screen names. I invite any moderator to check my IP address or ask me for any other information they need/want to put to rest these ridiculous accusations.
I have no knowledge about the other screennames mentioned - but I have knowledge about my own and that I am not being paid to be here or to help Syntrax. I am a board rep who will answer questions and offer my OWN opinions, and the only thing that has changed - or WILL change - is the fact that I have "Syntrax Board Rep" in my signature line. Nothing else has changed about who I am or what I recommend/say.
Please do not accuse me of things I have nothing to do with.
EDIT: One of your arguments is that all those screennames must be a single user based on the fact that they argued against having JKeith as moderator ... well, for your information, I actually voted FOR JKeith as moderator because I appreciate his honesty as well as his knowledge and personality.
Renegade25
05-13-2006, 10:14 PM
Since we don't get paid we are all open to corruption. I take bribes to pimp supplements. For only $500 a month I will tell everyone whatever supplement you sell is great. Starting at $1000 a month you can put "Approved by pogue" on the bottle.
true. but that wont last long for supps like Cell tech, Pump tech, HMB and all the crap. You know.
There will allways be the majority of honest, good people who will give u a good advice what to buy and what not to buy.
No money can replace honesty,.
fish153
05-13-2006, 10:25 PM
You don't think it's fishy that a big company hires a representative that registered roughly 4 months ago and has around 23 posts/day in the misc/religion section?
Please explain to me why that is fishy? Also, they didn't "hire" me - hell, the only information they have on me is my email address and I haven't received a thing from them other than acknowledgment.
My "23 posts/day" is the result of the fact that for the past number of months I have been sitting in front of a computer working on my senior thesis and doing research - it just so happened that I needed breaks during that period and spent a lot of my time researching nutrition and body building here and slowly got into posting. It was a nice break from the other research and writing I was doing.
As for my posts in the religion section, what's wrong with that? I enjoy discussing religion. I am also good at giving relationship advice and advice to people new to the forum. Over time I've learned more and gained more experience - enough that I feel more comfortable posting in nutrition threads and exercise threads.
I also have many posts in the women's section, have kept a daily log during testing, etc.
I'm not sure what you have a problem with here - but I haven't done anything to deserve being called "fishy" simply for being named a board rep by a company whose products I adore.
fish153
05-13-2006, 10:29 PM
Different situations with them though. Most of your examples met their companies prior or through other forums. fish's posts prior to this on syntrax threads he talks back and forth with them like a customer, not friend.
hmmmm
What????!!! Please, show me where I have talked to people "like a customer, not friend". Then explain to me why, if I am somehow not a customer myself, I am not being paid, didn't even realize there WERE Syntrax board reps until asked to be one a few days ago, and after that, please explain to me how someone should talk about a product they like so as not to be accused of being something they aren't.
This is incredibly frustrating ... I was so excited to be asked to be a board rep and then all this crap starts with the accusations toward the company and I dealt with that in another thread ... then I come here and see that I'm being accused of being one of many supposed "multiple screen names" and on top of that my integrity and post history are being criticized?!!
Mr. Aries
05-13-2006, 10:36 PM
a suggestion to you fish153: you cannot win every battle nor should you try to fight them.. Sometimes it is best to answer what you can and ignore the rest.. You cannot convince every skeptic, nor will you win over people who are determined to argue at all costs...
When enough time pass by and you have proven yourself as a great rep for your company, most of these criticisms will disappear. Right now, you are out-gunned.
i think you will be great, btw
fish153
05-13-2006, 10:39 PM
a suggestion to you fish153: you cannot win every battle nor should you try to fight them.. Sometimes it is best to answer what you can and ignore the rest.. You cannot convince every skeptic, nor will you win over people who are determined to argue at all costs...
When enough time pass by and you have proven yourself as a great rep for your company, most of these criticisms will disappear. Right now, you are out-gunned.
i think you will be great, btw
I just don't get it though ... what have I ever done to deserve having my identity questioned or my post history criticized? To any of you who think I'm not a genuine member here, talk to fitnessman - he and I have spoken via PM several times and he knows several things about me that I have not made public.
I don't deserve these baseless accusations though, regardless of what people think of the fact that I post here a lot. :mad: I'm not getting paid a CENT for any of this and I have always spoken highly of Syntrax because it's the only protein that hasn't wrecked my stomach, and because I think it tastes amazing. I didn't realize that was going to cause so many issues.
Mr. Aries
05-13-2006, 10:45 PM
I just don't get it though ... what have I ever done to deserve having my identity questioned or my post history criticized? To any of you who think I'm not a genuine member here, talk to fitnessman - he and I have spoken via PM several times and he knows several things about me that I have not made public.
I don't deserve these baseless accusations though, regardless of what people think of the fact that I post here a lot. :mad: I'm not getting paid a CENT for any of this and I have always spoken highly of Syntrax because it's the only protein that hasn't wrecked my stomach, and because I think it tastes amazing. I didn't realize that was going to cause so many issues.
i know you don't get it.. and chances are, you won't... lots of things will be written on these forums that will have you shaking your head, wondering why you are being questioned and your character dragged through the mud.. Just let it roll off your back and know that at the end of the day when you turn off the computer, it's all good.. :)
You don't think it's fishy that a big company hires a representative that registered roughly 4 months ago and has around 23 posts/day in the misc/religion section?
Very interesting
naturalguy
05-13-2006, 10:46 PM
We are taking into consideration the excessive advertising that has been going on now for some time and the amount of supplement companies that are taking on board members as reps for their companies and trying to find a solution to limit or eliminate it completely. This section was never meant as a platform for advertising in any way, but as forum to discuss the use of supplements.
Good to hear. This section needs a change, unfortunately SOME (I am not talking about all of you) of the reps have taken advantage and are spamming the board in some form or another. Some of them make outrageous claims about their products and the people that get hurt are the newbies that come here for unbiased feedback.
This section was never meant as a platform for advertising in any way, but as forum to discuss the use of supplements.
Best Post Ever
Good to hear. This section needs a change, unfortunately SOME (I am not talking about all of you) of the reps have taken advantage and are spamming the board in some form or another. Some of them make outrageous claims about their products and the people that get hurt are the newbies that come here for unbiased feedback.
Good to see Im not the only who sees this
fish153
05-13-2006, 10:50 PM
Very interesting
Joel. We went through this in the other thread where you were giving the new reps a hard time. What's the point? What do you want to know? What exactly do you need to see here to bring you back to reality where you realize that one guy's paranoia isn't representative of the truth? I have NO idea regarding those other names listed, but I know mine and I know who I am and I know that until two days ago I wasn't even aware that Syntrax was even on this forum as a company.
What do you guys want to see from me to show you that I am not Syntrax or a paid employee? As I said, I invite the mods to do whatever they need to prove that my IP belongs to this one account alone and always has. Geeze, I never realized that having an opinion about a product and being a fan of it suddenly meant that you were a troll or a bad person. :mad:
Joel. We went through this in the other thread where you were giving the new reps a hard time. What's the point? What do you want to know? What exactly do you need to see here to bring you back to reality where you realize that one guy's paranoia isn't representative of the truth? I have NO idea regarding those other names listed, but I know mine and I know who I am and I know that until two days ago I wasn't even aware that Syntrax was even on this forum as a company.
What do you guys want to see from me to show you that I am not Syntrax or a paid employee? As I said, I invite the mods to do whatever they need to prove that my IP belongs to this one account alone and always has. Geeze, I never realized that having an opinion about a product and being a fan of it suddenly meant that you were a troll or a bad person. :mad:
Reps are usually chosen on the basis of their experience and knowledge regarding supplements. Care to give us your background, experience , stats, age, training schedule, product reviews etc ? This information is common knowledge among most of the other Reps. Its not strange for someone to question why you were selected when so little is known about you. But it is strange for a Company to select such an unknown for a rep. Especially when you are claiming you dont want anything out of this from Syntrax, its all being done out of the goodness of your heart.
fish153
05-13-2006, 11:09 PM
Reps are usually chosen on the basis of their experience and knowledge regarding supplements. Care to give us your background, experience , stats, age, training schedule, product reviews etc ? This information is common knowledge among most of the other Reps. Its not strange for someone to question why you were selected when so little is known about you. But it is strange for a Company to select such an unknown for a rep. Especially when you are claiming you dont want anything out of this from Syntrax, its all being done out of the goodness of your heart.
"such an unknown" - ah, come on, you're making me blush. :rolleyes:
Look, I don't know why they chose me other than the fact that I had recently posted in a thread about having just tried the Cappuccino flavor, and how I had a hard time deciding which flavor to have when since I also have Fuzzy Navel and like it too. I have also recommended their protein in several other threads based on the fact that I think it is one of the best out there, is my favorite as far as taste, has a great nutrient profile, and has never once caused me to have any stomach problems like others have. So when I have come across threads where people are talking about how their whey makes them sick or causes problems, I have recommended isolates, mentioned that my favorite was Syntrax's Fuzzy Navel, and proceeded to mention other brands as well. Even after being made board rep I have continued to recommend Syntrax along with other brands like Ergopharm (esp. the Raspberry Lemonade!) and Primaforce Substance.
So why did they make me a board rep? I don't know - because I'm a fan of their protein stats and flavors? You all are harping on me and yet I know I'm not the only person on this forum who has, from day one, recommended it when asked about proteins and protein flavors.
You can do a search if you want to find the other product logs I've done. I've done one for USPLabs' beta sleep aide, and I'm about to start one for Scivation/Designer Supplements. I haven't gotten around to writing any product reviews, but I do contribute when asked about multivitamin brands, fish oil, protein, BCAAs, etc.
"such an unknown" - ah, come on, you're making me blush. :rolleyes:
Look, I don't know why they chose me other than the fact that I had recently posted in a thread about having just tried the Cappuccino flavor, and how I had a hard time deciding which flavor to have when since I also have Fuzzy Navel and like it too. I have also recommended their protein in several other threads based on the fact that I think it is one of the best out there, is my favorite as far as taste, has a great nutrient profile, and has never once caused me to have any stomach problems like others have. So when I have come across threads where people are talking about how their whey makes them sick or causes problems, I have recommended isolates, mentioned that my favorite was Syntrax's Fuzzy Navel, and proceeded to mention other brands as well. Even after being made board rep I have continued to recommend Syntrax along with other brands like Ergopharm (esp. the Raspberry Lemonade!) and Primaforce Substance.
So why did they make me a board rep? I don't know - because I'm a fan of their protein stats and flavors? You all are harping on me and yet I know I'm not the only person on this forum who has, from day one, recommended it when asked about proteins and protein flavors.
You can do a search if you want to find the other product logs I've done. I've done one for USPLabs' beta sleep aide, and I'm about to start one for Scivation/Designer Supplements. I haven't gotten around to writing any product reviews, but I do contribute when asked about multivitamin brands, fish oil, protein, BCAAs, etc.
Thanks for the info...its always nice to know more about our beloved company reps : )
fish153
05-13-2006, 11:16 PM
Thanks for the info...its always nice to know more about our beloved company reps : )
Alright, I take that as sarcasm pointing to disappointment. So what were you hoping I would say?
Alright, I take that as sarcasm pointing to disappointment. So what were you hoping I would say?
It all sounds real good actually....have fun while you still can : )
http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=791095
fish153
05-13-2006, 11:28 PM
It all sounds real good actually....have fun while you still can : )
http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=791095
Actually, and I said this in the other thread where you were criticizing the new reps, my being a rep hasn't and won't change my position, my advice, or my recommendations. Even today I posted mentioning several good brands.
Fish does seem legit. But surely they are compensating you somehow?
deserusan
05-13-2006, 11:31 PM
In all honesty, why is someone who has been a rep for two days being called into question here? We all know what reps are worthless and do nothing but spam, talk **** about other companies, etc. I personally like the idea of having Syntrx reps because the forum needs a more balanced representation of the supplement market if there are going to be reps at all.
Joel,
You and I see eye to eye on a lot of things but singling out one rep is not cool when they have even had chance to be a rep. If she turns out to be a spam pimp then they deserve all this attention. Hopefully, she will turn out to be a good forum member who happens to be a rep and can answer questions regarding their product line. There is a huge difference and we both know what seperates the good from the bad.
fish153
05-13-2006, 11:36 PM
In all honesty, why is someone who has been a rep for two days being called into question here? We all know what reps are worthless and do nothing but spam, talk **** about other companies, etc. I personally like the idea of having Syntrx reps because the forum needs a more balanced representation of the supplement market if there are going to be reps at all.
Joel,
You and I see eye to eye on a lot of things but singling out one rep is not cool when they have even had chance to be a rep. If she turns out to be a spam pimp then they deserve all this attention. Hopefully, she will turn out to be a good forum member who happens to be a rep and can answer questions regarding their product line. There is a huge difference and we both know what seperates the good from the bad.
Thanks man. I'm not here to spam or force any product on anyone -- I'm here to answer any questions I can regarding the products. For the four months that I've been active here, I have been a good forum member - I try to offer help and advice when I can, and I recommend things based on my own experience. That won't change. As I said - I am a member here first and foremost, and secondly a new (very new, considering I had no idea this is what happens when someone is named a rep) board rep. People who spam piss me off, as do people who come under multiple usernames - so I can guarantee that I will be engaged in neither of those things.
Mr. Aries
05-13-2006, 11:36 PM
Fish does seem legit. But surely they are compensating you somehow?
as she should.. i think what she's saying is that they haven't confirmed the terms yet.. Surely for taking the time to rep syntrax, she should get lots and lots of free nectar.
fish153
05-13-2006, 11:38 PM
as she should.. i think what she's saying is that they haven't confirmed the terms yet.. Surely for taking the time to rep syntrax, she should get lots and lots of free nectar.
I'm a dirt-poor student so I don't think I would have a problem with some free nectar. :) We'll see what happens. As I said, I'd be saying the same thing and my opinion would be the same - rep or not.
as she should.. i think what she's saying is that they haven't confirmed the terms yet.. Surely for taking the time to rep syntrax, she should get lots and lots of free nectar.
I agree. If not she can come to ThermoLife :D
deserusan
05-13-2006, 11:40 PM
I agree. If not she can come to ThermoLife :D
You don't even know what she looks like :D
fish153
05-13-2006, 11:41 PM
You don't even know what she looks like :D
I told you in the other thread, guys ... I am 80 years old and like long rolls on the beach.
You don't even know what she looks like :D
Don't ruin this for me Des. :p
Mr. Aries
05-13-2006, 11:53 PM
I'm a dirt-poor student so I don't think I would have a problem with some free nectar. :) We'll see what happens. As I said, I'd be saying the same thing and my opinion would be the same - rep or not.
for the amount of abuse she'll be faced with in the future, i think she deserves all the nectar money can buy. hehehe...
make sure you ship me some :p :D
fish153
05-13-2006, 11:55 PM
for the amount of abuse she'll be faced with in the future, i think she deserves all the nectar money can buy. hehehe...
make sure you ship me some :p :D
There's going to be more abuse?!! Guess I ought to go buy some riot gear. Sigh. And I was hoping to save that shopping trip for Christmas. :(
Mr. Aries
05-13-2006, 11:58 PM
There's going to be more abuse?!! Guess I ought to go buy some riot gear. Sigh. And I was hoping to save that shopping trip for Christmas. :(
awww... poor thing... dealing with all those stupid college boys and now this.. hehe.. need me to drive there and give ya huggy hug? :D :D :P
fish153
05-14-2006, 12:01 AM
awww... poor thing... dealing with all those stupid college boys and now this.. hehe.. need me to drive there and give ya huggy hug? :D :D :P
lol. I told you, I'm not cooking you any damn pancakes!
Love,
Aunt Jemima
Mr. Aries
05-14-2006, 12:06 AM
lol. I told you, I'm not cooking you any damn pancakes!
Love,
Aunt Jemima
:mad: hmph!!!!!11 A tough one huh, i'll wear you down :D :D jk
anyhow, i'd like to hear from the other newly appointed syntrax reps.. there were a few i've never seen post before i gather..
fish153
05-14-2006, 12:11 AM
believe me, I'd like to hear from the other new ones too ... or at least not hear about me anymore. ;)
Seriously though, maybe they haven't seen these threads and/or are smart enough to avoid getting into them! :D
lol. I told you, I'm not cooking you any damn pancakes!
Love,
Aunt Jemima
Denied!! :D
deserusan
05-14-2006, 10:28 AM
Mr. Aries and Dito remind me of two male peacocks displaying their feathers :p
Blap Blaow
05-14-2006, 10:37 AM
Mr. Aries and Dito remind me of two male peacocks displaying their feathers :p
less of the pea, more of the... nevermind... :eek:
:D
sjl25
05-14-2006, 10:42 AM
less of the pea, more of the... nevermind... :eek:
:D
:D
I don't really see a problem with all the board reps. From what I can tell, they all display their affiliations in their sigs or titles. The one thing I would ask for is that all reps display their rep status in their titles, as I recently turned off the sig option.
storm shadow
05-14-2006, 10:44 AM
less of the pea, more of the... nevermind... :eek:
:D
You want more of what now :eek: :p
italionstallion
05-14-2006, 10:50 AM
I find this somewhat interesting and kind of agree with Joel. I have never heard of any of these people (except zach), and it's kind of weird when someone gets a rep position because they like the company's protein. I'm not saying that any of you are unqualified or don't deserve it, but I wish I knew what Syntrax based their 'offers' on.....
Good luck to all of you
Mr. Aries
05-14-2006, 10:57 AM
my goodness people, can we just let Syntrax handle their hiring instead of putting our 2 cents in? lol..
italionstallion
05-14-2006, 11:01 AM
my goodness people, can we just let Syntrax handle their hiring instead of putting our 2 cents in? lol..
Hey!!! I will put however many cents in as i want!!!!!!!
(I am not one of the people that took this thread OT :))
Mr. Aries
05-14-2006, 11:03 AM
Hey!!! I will put however many cents in as i want!!!!!!!
(I am not one of the people that took this thread OT :))
you will put all your cents from now on directly into my penny jar, or else! :mad:
sjl25
05-14-2006, 11:17 AM
you will put all your cents from now on directly into my penny jar, or else! :mad:
Mr. International advertisment model still has a penny jar? :p
I think you need to alter your going rates!
:D
Mr. Aries
05-14-2006, 11:23 AM
Mr. International advertisment model still has a penny jar? :p
I think you need to alter your going rates!
:D
oh why you little..... :mad:
:D
tommyfake
05-14-2006, 11:31 AM
Hello, just an occasional bb.com user here, but this is a great thread and while i read it thought:
1) As an occasional user, when i registered and signed up, I immediately noticed posts from a user called "Patrick Arnold" in this forum, and thought wow, how ballsy of a guy to use the same name of a guy who runs a popular supplement company. It wasnt long before i realized THIS WAS THE REAL PATRICK ARNOLD, haha, and wondered why the heck he was posting in here. I soon realized other supplement companies had reps in here as well.
My point is that this was initially shocking to me that the forum was not more unbiased. I dont think it lost too much credibilty with me, i figured its better to come in here with who you really are versus faking it, but still....something to think about for those that run this site.
2) My friend Gerald got paid to browse gaming forums and generate hype about upcoming game releases. Once released, he had to say how great the game was - I dont know if they paid him well, but this was back in 1999, so this sort of marketing tactic is old news.
On a side (and political) note, what Aeter did is an incredible example of "data mining" which is on the front page news as we speak - the US govt demanding phone records from verizon,at&T. This type of analysis is exactly what the govt was planning to do with the publics phone records. Anyway, not really on topic to the thread, but WOW was this impressive.
w_llewellyn
05-15-2006, 07:21 AM
We are taking into consideration the excessive advertising that has been going on now for some time and the amount of supplement companies that are taking on board members as reps for their companies and trying to find a solution to limit or eliminate it completely. This section was never meant as a platform for advertising in any way, but as forum to discuss the use of supplements.
I completely appreciate what you are saying here Pogue. I think everyone will agree that there is a lot of advertising going on here. At the same time, however, I want to offer another perspective, at least to consider.
BB.com is the undisputed heavyweight of supplement forums. No question about that. The amount of traffic and revenue associated with this site is enough to be a never ending draw for supplement companies. Many manufacturers are doing the honest and respectable thing of placing public representatives on here, so that they can answer questions, aid consumers, and help product sales. A small minority, however, abuse the anonymity of the Internet and "shill" on the forum (for lack of a better word). Removing board reps might ironically reward the dishonest companies, who will continue their “secret” marketing with less discussion of their competitors.
It is a very difficult issue to address I think, and there is no easy solution. Just wanted to give you that point of view to consider, in any event. Best of luck whatever is decided.
UberBerzerker
05-15-2006, 07:29 AM
its better to come in here with who you really are versus faking it,
I just lol'd...
your name is tommyfake, and you're telling us not to fake it...:p
isn't everyone here faking it to some extent? I mean, people are taking suggestions on what to put in their bodies from someone on the internet, using a 'fake' name, right? How many peole REALLY know ANYTHING about the people that are 'reps' for companies. I don't.
Twin Peak
05-15-2006, 07:34 AM
I completely appreciate what you are saying here Pogue. I think everyone will agree that there is a lot of advertising going on here. At the same time, however, I want to offer another perspective, at least to consider.
BB.com is the undisputed heavyweight of supplement forums. No question about that. The amount of traffic and revenue associated with this site is enough to be a never ending draw for supplement companies. Many manufacturers are doing the honest and respectable thing of placing public representatives on here, so that they can answer questions, aid consumers, and help product sales. A small minority, however, abuse the anonymity of the Internet and "shill" on the forum (for lack of a better word). Removing board reps might ironically reward the dishonest companies, who will continue their “secret” marketing with less discussion of their competitors.
It is a very difficult issue to address I think, and there is no easy solution. Just wanted to give you that point of view to consider, in any event. Best of luck whatever is decided.
Good post Bill.
CONTROLLED LABS
05-15-2006, 07:50 AM
I completely appreciate what you are saying here Pogue. I think everyone will agree that there is a lot of advertising going on here. At the same time, however, I want to offer another perspective, at least to consider.
BB.com is the undisputed heavyweight of supplement forums. No question about that. The amount of traffic and revenue associated with this site is enough to be a never ending draw for supplement companies. Many manufacturers are doing the honest and respectable thing of placing public representatives on here, so that they can answer questions, aid consumers, and help product sales. A small minority, however, abuse the anonymity of the Internet and "shill" on the forum (for lack of a better word). Removing board reps might ironically reward the dishonest companies, who will continue their “secret” marketing with less discussion of their competitors.
It is a very difficult issue to address I think, and there is no easy solution. Just wanted to give you that point of view to consider, in any event. Best of luck whatever is decided.
agreed, this is very good info.
ttom3456
05-15-2006, 08:17 AM
I know that I for one don't want to see the reps go that is for sure, yes there is tons of pimping going on here but I think it is good to have the reps around since most of them are very helpful.
The shills are here now
http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=861431&page=12
NATHAN518
08-07-2006, 10:12 AM
The shills are here now
http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=861431&page=12
good bump cxm...this is really out of hand...there are at least 10 in that thread alone
TimoteoS
08-07-2006, 10:14 AM
Two thumbs down for Syntrax
Something needs to be done about this.
NATHAN518
08-07-2006, 10:18 AM
Something needs to be done about this.
i agree dito...its shameless
dwm230000
08-07-2006, 10:21 AM
To be perfectly honest, I have run several possible "Syntrax Shills" IP addresses. Yours was not one of them, but the ones I did run used proxies. What was interesting, is that everyone I ran (this came from Aetern's list or someone from MN who posted the list) shared the same proxy. The proxie list of users is quite long, some 50+ users, but every name I checked appeared on that said list. I don't think its enough to definatively nail the users in question yet, but it is suspicious.
;)
warriors
08-07-2006, 10:21 AM
Don't forget about all those user names for the Bioquest Myozene pimping also.
CONTROLLED LABS
08-07-2006, 10:32 AM
http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=861969
my new favorite :)
warriors
08-07-2006, 10:35 AM
http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=861969
my new favorite :)
haha that's funny
jkeithc82
08-07-2006, 10:44 AM
Something needs to be done about this.
I am working on it dito, but its not that easy. The list I was referring to in the other thread contains many users and I'm not even sure if it an actual "proxy" by that definition. The users in Aetern's list were all listed, but so were several respected forum regulars. It is suspicious, it is a bit odd, but at this time we have nothing concrete and definate to bust anyone on. We are still working on this however, as I've put a few new things in motion just today. :cool:
NATHAN518
08-07-2006, 10:51 AM
I am working on it dito, but its not that easy. The list I was referring to in the other thread contains many users and I'm not even sure if it an actual "proxy" by that definition. The users in Aetern's list were all listed, but so were several respected forum regulars. It is suspicious, it is a bit odd, but at this time we have nothing concrete and definate to bust anyone on. We are still working on this however, as I've put a few new things in motion just today. :cool:
Thanks jkeith...
I am working on it dito, but its not that easy. The list I was referring to in the other thread contains many users and I'm not even sure if it an actual "proxy" by that definition. The users in Aetern's list were all listed, but so were several respected forum regulars. It is suspicious, it is a bit odd, but at this time we have nothing concrete and definate to bust anyone on. We are still working on this however, as I've put a few new things in motion just today. :cool:
Thank you sir.
deserusan
08-07-2006, 11:05 AM
Keep up the good work Josh.
fish153
08-07-2006, 01:59 PM
I am no longer sad about being fired.
:D
Slated
08-07-2006, 02:03 PM
I am no longer sad about being fired.
:D
why were you fired?
fish153
08-07-2006, 02:08 PM
why were you fired?
They said I wasn't advertising in the forums enough and wasn't sending enough ads via PM either.
Slated
08-07-2006, 02:10 PM
They said I wasn't advertising in the forums enough and wasn't sending enough ads via PM either.
LOL
nice
They said I wasn't advertising in the forums enough and wasn't sending enough ads via PM either.
Correct me if I am wrong, isn't against the forum rules to advertise via PM?
BTW good job Josh. :)
deserusan
08-07-2006, 02:12 PM
They said I wasn't advertising in the forums enough and wasn't sending enough ads via PM either.
That's f-cked up.....if you have the PM or E-mail you should post it up.
fish153
08-07-2006, 02:13 PM
That's f-cked up.....if you have the PM or E-mail you should post it up.
I don't think I should, I'm still appreciative of the opportunity they gave me. But yeah, that PM will be saved.
fish153
08-07-2006, 02:15 PM
Correct me if I am wrong, isn't against the forum rules to advertise via PM?
Hence why I didn't talk about Syntrax there unless someone PM'd me with a question about it.
Hence why I didn't talk about Syntrax there unless someone PM'd me with a question about it.
Well good for you to stand on your prinicipals, good luck in the future. :)
TimoteoS
08-07-2006, 02:18 PM
I don't think I should, I'm still appreciative of the opportunity they gave me. But yeah, that PM will be saved.
Regardless, if what you say is the truth( I do believe you), something needs to be done. That is just terrible in my opinion.
SI03 Board Rep
08-07-2006, 02:27 PM
Gosh, I can't believe I have to publicly come out and defend my company in regards to this. But, those with the truth have nothing to fear. Thus, here is the PM that I sent to Fish regarding why we felt it best to release her as a board rep.
XXXXX, I have been looking over your post history since I do not see you a lot on the boards and it looks like to me that you are very busy, and you may not have the time to commit to posting on the boards as we would like. We are looking for people to actively represent us on the boards and we are not seeing this from you. I think it would be better for us and you both if you were to step down as a rep for Syntrax. This is not anything against you; I just feel you don’t have the time to commit to posting that we would like to see. There are no hard feelings towards you; and I hope you have no hard feelings towards us. We wish you all the best in your future endeavors.
Thank You
Dwayne
As you can see this is very professional and nicely put. My dealings with Fish have always been very pleasant and she is a very fine person. We just felt that she was probably too busy to effectively represent us on the boards. Nothing against Fish and we wish her well. Fish, please check your PM as I want to write you about something.
fish153
08-07-2006, 02:30 PM
Well hey, Dwayne. So it's okay that we post the PMs here?
fish153
08-07-2006, 02:32 PM
It is not just about the number of post or how much you are on the boards I just don't see you promoting Syntrax that often. Now yes you may have been doing some through PM which I can't see but what I was looking for was more promotion of Syntrax from you on the boards. Maybe I didn't make my self clear about that and if I didn't I am sorry for that. I wish you the best of luck.
Thanks
Dwayne
I never said you weren't "nice" to me - I simply stated why you "released" me, which is exactly as I said: because you didn't think I was advertising Syntrax enough. I don't see what you feel you need to defend here - I stated the truth, and I don't think it disagrees with anything you stated either.
TimoteoS
08-07-2006, 02:49 PM
Well well today is just filled w/ drama. Fish you have done the right thing as far as I can tell, its in the mods hand for now..
SI03 Board Rep
08-07-2006, 02:51 PM
I never said you weren't "nice" to me - I simply stated why you "released" me, which is exactly as I said: because you didn't think I was advertising Syntrax enough. I don't see what you feel you need to defend here - I stated the truth, and I don't think it disagrees with anything you stated either.
Neither the PM that I posted or you posted is controversial in any way and does not suggest that you were advertising in PMs. I would challenge a little your word choice as I never asked you to advertise or send ads via PM. Like any company on these boards, we want reps that will actively answer questions and represent our products on BB.com. Maybe this is a form of marketing but it is a generally accepted practice on this board. Beyond this, Fish, we are golden :-)
Fish, like I said, we have zero against you and wish you all the best. If there is anything further, can we do this in private? A public forum is not the place to take care of these issues.
fish153
08-07-2006, 02:56 PM
Neither the PM that I posted or you posted is controversial in any way and does not suggest that you were advertising in PMs. I would challenge a little your word choice as I never asked you to advertise or send ads via PM. Like any company on these boards, we want reps that will actively answer questions and represent our products on BB.com. Maybe this is a form of marketing but it is a generally accepted practice on this board. Beyond this, Fish, we are golden :-)
Fish, like I said, we have zero against you and wish you all the best. If there is anything further, can we do this in private? A public forum is not the place to take care of these issues.
There is nothing further, but I would like to correct you - when you first asked me to rep for your company and I asked you what I should do to be a good rep, you DID tell me to answer questions, represent your products, and contact people via PM to advertise them.
I tried it one or two times and the people were angry that I would PM them about it. I told you this and said it was also against the forum rules, to which you replied encouraging me to continue doing so as it was our job.
I didn't like this and so I quit doing it unless someone else initiated the PM'ing. Other than that, I sought out threads with questions about Syntrax and tried to answer them. I promoted in a way I felt was in line with the forum rules, even though yes, you did encourage us to do so via PM as well.
SI03 Board Rep
08-07-2006, 03:03 PM
There is nothing further, but I would like to correct you - when you first asked me to rep for your company and I asked you what I should do to be a good rep, you DID tell me to answer questions, represent your products, and contact people via PM to advertise them.
I tried it one or two times and the people were angry that I would PM them about it. I told you this and said it was also against the forum rules, to which you replied encouraging me to continue doing so as it was our job.
I didn't like this and so I quit doing it unless someone else initiated the PM'ing. Other than that, I sought out threads with questions about Syntrax and tried to answer them. I promoted in a way I felt was in line with the forum rules, even though yes, you did encourage us to do so via PM as well.
Actually, I encouraged you to PM people when appropriate in terms of answering questions, etc. Thus, you would be answering questions and representing our products both publicly and privately. Again, I don't like the word advertising. I think it was clear that we were never looking for gross pimping or advertising in the normal sense that it is used on forums.
Ok, have we hashed this out thoroughly now. :-)
There is nothing further, but I would like to correct you - when you first asked me to rep for your company and I asked you what I should do to be a good rep, you DID tell me to answer questions, represent your products, and contact people via PM to advertise them.
I tried it one or two times and the people were angry that I would PM them about it. I told you this and said it was also against the forum rules, to which you replied encouraging me to continue doing so as it was our job.
I didn't like this and so I quit doing it unless someone else initiated the PM'ing. Other than that, I sought out threads with questions about Syntrax and tried to answer them. I promoted in a way I felt was in line with the forum rules, even though yes, you did encourage us to do so via PM as well.
Hmm...seems to be that Dwayne you need to read the rules on this forum, let me help you
2) There is no advertising allowed on the forum, and posting links to outside vendors is not allowed.
This board is run and sponsored by Bodybuilding.com, but we want the truth about the products, good or bad, to be posted here so you can make a smart decision.
You are welcome to post links to the cyberstore within the site, but we do not allow discussion of other supplement store sites for obvious reasons. If you attempt to post about other stores, you may notice they are blocked out with asterisks (***). Although you are welcome to discuss any manufacturer?s products, you may not publicly display other places to purchase these products.
If you are a supplement company or store owner, you are welcome to post here - but advertising links in your signature are not allowed. Advertising of products is also not allowed, however discussion of products whether they are sold through the Bodybuilding.com store or not, is allowed with some exceptions. (There a few brands that we do not allow to be discussed because of abuse.) If you are a supplement company owner or representative, please make it clear to us your affiliation with the company.
Other unrelated advertising is not allowed, but you may PM a mod if you wish to post a link to your website in the misc forum. We do not allow links to online auctions or to advertise to other members if you are trying to sell your supplements
http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=245936
fish153
08-07-2006, 03:07 PM
Actually, I encouraged you to PM people when appropriate in terms of answering questions, etc. Thus, you would be answering questions and representing our products both publicly and privately. Again, I don't like the word advertising. I think it was clear that we were never looking for gross pimping or advertising in the normal sense that it is used on forums.
Ok, have we hashed this out thoroughly now. :-)
No, when you told me about messaging privately, it was not to answer questions - you said it was to be done if, for instance, I saw someone on the forum posting about products I was to PM them and tell them about ours.
:mad:
I'm done with it. All I came here to say was that I was no longer sad about being fired.
SI03 Board Rep
08-07-2006, 03:07 PM
Hmm...seems to be that Dwayne you need to read the rules on this forum, let me help you
http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=245936
What's your point? We are doing and have done nothing different than any other company. Why don't you stop trolling every Syntrax thread you can find. Please!
What's your point? We are doing and have done nothing different than any other company. Why don't you stop trolling every Syntrax thread you can find. Please!
Really? Like possibly having shills, multiple user members from a proxy? No worries, the mods are checking up on you. :) BTW, you don't own this forum, I will post where I want, if you dont like it cry to the mods. :D
SI03 Board Rep
08-07-2006, 03:12 PM
No, when you told me about messaging privately, it was not to answer questions - you said it was to be done if, for instance, I saw someone on the forum posting about products I was to PM them and tell them about ours.
:mad:
But that's fine, say what you want, I don't care anymore and I'm not going to waste my time with you playing "he said, she said". I'm done with it. All I came here to say was that I was no longer sad about being fired.
Fish, if you took this as meaning blatant advertising then I am sorry as this was never our intent. Can I just say that I am sorry and be done with it? At this point, I don't know what to say. I really don't want you to be angry and it was never my intent to make you sad. Friends?
TimoteoS
08-07-2006, 03:13 PM
What's your point? We are doing and have done nothing different than any other company. Why don't you stop trolling every Syntrax thread you can find. Please!
Its not trolling its more like exposing the truth, the thing is that we are all allowed to post anywhere we want ...
fish153
08-07-2006, 03:17 PM
Fish, if you took this as meaning blatant advertising then I am sorry as this was never our intent. Can I just say that I am sorry and be done with it? At this point, I don't know what to say. I really don't want you to be angry and it was never my intent to make you sad. Friends?
It wasn't just that one thing that pointed toward blatant pimping of products, it was several things you said.
I'm not angry, I just don't like having to argue about what was said. I'm not unintelligent and I am not a bad reader ... nor do I generally misunderstand what I'm reading or what someone is trying to say ... so it's difficult to think that I somehow misunderstood what you were saying. Now, I do admit to being bad at chemistry, so maybe if we start an argument based on that presumption, I could go along with it.
Dwayne who mega negged you?
SupaNatural
08-07-2006, 03:21 PM
The shills are here now
http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=861431&page=12
Hilarious how they accuse those questioning the MC content as the ones that ruined the thread. :mad:
Hilarious how they accuse those questioning the MC content as the ones that ruined the thread. :mad:
Yeah that is ok though, we could always cross post this thread for future use and if needed we could always make another thread. :)
BiggJohn
08-07-2006, 04:16 PM
I was asked for 3 things when I became a Syntrax Rep by SIO3 rep.
1. Answer any questions regarding Syntrax Products to the best of my ability. To use PMs when a direct question about a Syntrax product is asked and help people with my body building, nutrition and training experience on how to best use a product.
2. Promote Syntrax products when appropriate (i.e. don't recommend certain products to minors). This is the basic function of every rep on the board. Check my post history prior to my becoming a rep, I've loved everything I've used from them. Love them or hate them, there proteins are known for unparalleled tasted.
3. Not to fight with other reps or bash other companies, and generally behave myself. I've been known for some battles with Uhockey, Chuck Diesel and other reps, but in the end I've always earned mutual respect from my rep brotheran.
fish153
08-07-2006, 04:21 PM
I was asked for 3 things when I became a Syntrax Rep by SIO3 rep.
1. Answer any questions regarding Syntrax Products to the best of my ability. To use PMs when a direct question about a Syntrax product is asked and help people with my body building, nutrition and training experience on how to best use a product.
2. Promote Syntrax products when appropriate (i.e. don't recommend certain products to minors). This is the basic function of every rep on the board. Check my post history prior to my becoming a rep, I've loved everything I've used from them. Love them or hate them, there proteins are known for unparalleled tasted.
3. Not to fight with other reps or bash other companies, and generally behave myself. I've been known for some battles with Uhockey, Chuck Diesel and other reps, but in the end I've always earned mutual respect from my rep brotheran.
Yep, that's great, those are the basics, and I don't think anyone was accusing you of anything, BJ. :)
BiggJohn
08-07-2006, 04:22 PM
We've seen it happen many times before. Who could forget the early days with some companies (rather well known). And more recently the thing with a certain Factory associated with animal food and their secret reps. But is it worse than first assumed? That's what I want to find out and where I want the input of some of the more experienced "veteran" members.
We've gathered some interesting information showing what could easily be posting patterns among a large group of aliases. But I'm not going to make any claims or accusations. I want others to take a look and decide with a critical eye what is occuring here.
Piece one, the most compelling:
<img src=http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v155/fiat_lux_/thejonny55.gif>
The subject of posting as well as posting patterns among these screen names is strikingly similar. Though I suppose with it being only 5 names, the coincidence is at least somewhat likely.
But what about the following? They seem to have registered in particular groups which wouldn't normally be srange for such a large forum as BB.com. But they are also active in the same threads and topics and tend to agree with one another.
AFHC Joined Dec 12th.
Adyn joined Dec 12th.
Dasa Joined Dec 12th.
Downwitit joined Dec 22.
Musicfreak Joined Dec 22.
Assfault Joined Dec 22.
Rollin10s Joined Dec 22.
Jonnyquest joined September 14th.
Jumpjackflash Joined September 14th.
Carterharris Joined September 19th.
Brucethejuice Joined September 19th.
Paulclayton joined September 19th.
Marcmathews joined September 19th.
Davedepezio Joined Sep 19th.
Otter2u joined September 20th.
Hammerhands joined September 20th.
Ironmelter joined September 20th.
Bballstar joined September 20th.
A simple search of posts by these members will have you seeing that they all tend to support the same subjects. In many cases they appear to gather en masse into the same threads. If indeed these are all aliases of the same person, it's comical to picture this person having a conversation with themselves on a public forum.
If you're asking why this matters, consider first the board rules. It is against rules to have more than one screen name or to have undercover company reps. But more importantly, this is about maintaining the integrity of the information found here. Many have started to question the validity of the info on BB.com because of the prevalence of company reps. It is easy to imagine how that validity could be further warped by secret reps with numerous screen names. That is why I want to get to the bottom of this.
If I'm wrong (and I sorta hope I am), I'll be happy to apologize to the members who might have been wrongly suspected.
Sour grapes over Hyper-H.
BiggJohn
08-07-2006, 04:24 PM
Yep, that's great.
Check your PM in a minute, I'll send you the email if you like.
BiggJohn
08-07-2006, 04:41 PM
Yeah that is ok though, we could always cross post this thread for future use and if needed we could always make another thread. :)
If you have a personal problem with me or another syntrax rep, why don't you take it to PM. All this crap you've been posting is getting very repetitive. Maybe you should get a girlfriend.
BiggJohn
08-07-2006, 04:45 PM
Hilarious how they accuse those questioning the MC content as the ones that ruined the thread. :mad:
Maybe you should have tried to post some literature instead of all the clowning.
"awaits same old money see money do response"
If you have a personal problem with me or another syntrax rep, why don't you take it to PM. All this crap you've been posting is getting very repetitive. Maybe you should get a girlfriend.
If I have a problem with you, I will address it with you. If you dont like my posts you can put me on your ignore list. Thanks for the girlfriend comment, but I am done with your mom. :) If you want to use personal comments towards me I have no problem responding to them accordingly.
Mr. Aries
08-07-2006, 05:46 PM
They said I wasn't advertising in the forums enough and wasn't sending enough ads via PM either.
what the...
BiggJohn
08-07-2006, 06:28 PM
If I have a problem with you, I will address it with you. If you dont like my posts you can put me on your ignore list. Thanks for the girlfriend comment, but I am done with your mom. :) If you want to use personal comments towards me I have no problem responding to them accordingly.
I don't have a mother, I was born in a test tube.
CONTROLLED LABS
08-07-2006, 07:22 PM
haha that's funny
http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=866377
another good one. :)
SupaNatural
08-07-2006, 07:44 PM
Maybe you should have tried to post some literature instead of all the clowning.
"awaits same old money see money do response"
You must have me mistaken with somebody else. I responded to your articles that were based on opinions with my own educated opinion and all I got was I'm the shill for protein companies? How do you know I don't shill for one of your suppliers? ;) :rolleyes:
They said I wasn't advertising in the forums enough and wasn't sending enough ads via PM either.
Told you so :)
NATHAN518
08-08-2006, 04:14 AM
Sour grapes over Hyper-H.
jkeith has confirmed that all these shills use the same proxy. Are you so blinded by the free Nectar that you don't see all these pathetic shills that pop up in every Syntrax thread? Its sad because you seem like a good dude...hmmmm, 30 guys that all registered around the SAME day use the SAME proxy and all have this undying devotion to Syntrax and back them up in every thread where they are questioned. BiggJohn if you don't believe these guys are shills, you are the ONLY person on this board. Think about it.
BiggJohn
08-08-2006, 04:36 AM
jkeith has confirmed that all these shills use the same proxy. Are you so blinded by the free Nectar that you don't see all these pathetic shills that pop up in every Syntrax thread? Its sad because you seem like a good dude...hmmmm, 30 guys that all registered around the SAME day use the SAME proxy and all have this undying devotion to Syntrax and back them up in every thread where they are questioned. BiggJohn if you don't believe these guys are shills, you are the ONLY person on this board. Think about it.
Conspiracy theorists, you really need to get a life outside the internet.
NATHAN518
08-08-2006, 04:43 AM
Conspiracy theorists, you really need to get a life outside the internet.
so, you just think its a strange coincidence that 25 Syntrax lovers registered on the same day using the same proxy?
BiggJohn
08-08-2006, 05:29 AM
so, you just think its a strange coincidence that 25 Syntrax lovers registered on the same day using the same proxy?
Why aren't they banned then? If somebody is doing it I sincerly hope they are banned. Why not let the mods do there job? We don't need any more mod wantabes on this board, there is too much of that already.
NATHAN518
08-08-2006, 07:16 AM
Why aren't they banned then? If somebody is doing it I sincerly hope they are banned. Why not let the mods do there job? We don't need any more mod wantabes on this board, there is too much of that already.
Hopefully they will be banned soon;) I hear something is in the works. It is not so easy when they use proxies. Stay tuned!
Nobody is being a "mod wannabe"...but thanks for the input!
Enjoy your free Nectar and have a wonderful day!
UberBerzerker
08-08-2006, 07:32 AM
Sour grapes over Hyper-H.
lmao.
yeah, that explains it all away! Thanks for clearing it all up for us.
getbustered
08-08-2006, 07:46 AM
BiggJohn has been very helpful to me in the past and is someone here I respect very much. I've had issue with Syntrax for awhile and I've talked to him over PM and he was very professional and even understanding. That said, I wish he would go work for someone else. I hate to see him defending this.
While proving that these people using proxies are all banded together might be tough in a court of law, it isn't tough to use some common sense to see what is going on. Anyone who can look at the facts and not come to the conclusion that these people are shills is either stupid or blindly loyal. Having dealt with BiggJohn before, I can say that is is obviously the latter.
Lonny
08-08-2006, 10:42 AM
They said I wasn't advertising in the forums enough and wasn't sending enough ads via PM either.
Wow.
What type of compensation were they giving you?
dwm230000
08-10-2006, 07:52 PM
http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=866377
another good one. :)
http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=869538
CONTROLLED LABS
08-10-2006, 08:34 PM
http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=869538
wow thats some impressive shilling :D
bump for the syntrax shills, reps and the mod protecting them :D
Fish, like I said, we have zero against you and wish you all the best. If there is anything further, can we do this in private? A public forum is not the place to take care of these issues.
Too late, now we know
LyfersSuck
10-03-2006, 03:57 PM
yea who cares?
Travis71902
10-03-2006, 08:48 PM
http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=869538
Lmao at Joels responses!
INGENIUM
09-06-2007, 12:10 PM
interesting read.
5 stars
getbustered
09-06-2007, 12:13 PM
BiggJohn has been very helpful to me in the past and is someone here I respect very much. I've had issue with Syntrax for awhile and I've talked to him over PM and he was very professional and even understanding. That said, I wish he would go work for someone else. I hate to see him defending this.
While proving that these people using proxies are all banded together might be tough in a court of law, it isn't tough to use some common sense to see what is going on. Anyone who can look at the facts and not come to the conclusion that these people are shills is either stupid or blindly loyal. Having dealt with BiggJohn before, I can say that is is obviously the latter.
Jesus, I used to be an idiot. When did I like that guy? I await and welcome negs for my penance.