I was not sure where to put this post. I started off with it in the members only section but no one seemed to be seeing it. I moved it here as it is to do with business all be it in a bad way. I am VERY upset. I recieved a thoroughly rude email via my website enquiry form this morning and I don't know what to do about it.  This person bought my PDF's via my website and in no uncertain terms seems very unhappy with them. He has had them since mid December.
This is the first such complaint that I have had about my instructions in all the years they have been available but I feel so upset that I feel like withdrawing the lot of them.
 

Quote= Hi Twistina.
To start. make no mistake that I am extremely cross, though not as cross as I was. I paid what I would consider top dollar for your 5 minute delight instructions- volume one & two to give to someone wanting to get into balloon twisting.

Needless to say about 6 months on they seem to have lost all interest. When I asked why they said the instructions were far too complicated. Now, I have also been balloon twisting for a couple of years so I took a look tonight at the pdfs that I printed out for him, and I must say I am extremely disappointed.

Even for someone experienced in balloon twisting your instructions are terrible - very hard to follow. I tried the butterfly from vol.1 I think. And after spending about 4 hours and countless balloons, I concluded that your instructions are a total waste of time. I have binned them, which is the only place I can think they belong.

What makes me angry is that you present these designs as 5 minute delights with clear instructions etc. When they are anything but, and I feel genuinely sorry for anyone who invests (wastes) money on your instructions, struggles to the point of extreme frustration and becomes so disillusioned that they give up on twisting all together.

Either you know you instructions are crap or you don't. If you don't let me suggest you give a volume to a beginner to intermediate twister and see if they can follow them. I think you may be quite surprised.
But my sense is that I am not the first person to complain and I think to continue promoting the instructions as you have is shameless, absolutely SHAMLESS. And I will have no hesitation in warning people about you, your website and your instructions, rather than promoting you, as I would have done had the product been worthy.

In short....I think you pair are little more than shysters and your instructions get -10/10.  

I actually think you are doing a great dis-service to an art that I love and doing more damage than good in promoting it.

I expect a refund of my money.
Where-You-saw-or-heard-About-Twistina = Balloon Chat web site

 

I feel like I have had my character well and truly assassinated.Part of me wants to refund the money just to get rid of him, but part of me thinks why should I?
 I really don't know what to do. I am at a very low ebb at the moment without this, due to all the family problems and bereavements of the last two years and find decision making very difficult. I really can't cope with a lot of hassle at the moment and don't want to get into lengthy email conversations with him.   Should I just refund him?
This has severely knocked my confidence but if anyone else has issues with my PDF instructions I would rather know.

Any input from you would be welcome.  

Dear Twistina,

I don't know whether I am worthy to give you any advice, but I take courage to do so.

Although I don't saw it, I'm sure, your tutorial is easy to understand and follow. I'm sure, many people have ever bought your tutorials (this or other) and they were satisfied. There are always people who can't follow or have difficulty understanding the written instructions. And there are always people who can't express themselves respectfully.

I think for this reason you do not have to worry about. I would just refund him and would write a very short sentence: I'm sorry that you could not find good enough the tutorial. And would forget the case. (Me too, I had sell a pdf tutorial several times, but in such a case I would do that.)

Even if it is not easy, don't worry, because such a reaction is not worth the anxiety.

I hope I helped you to reassure.

Have a nice twist,
Leslie
(Kertész László)

Twistina
I think someone is trying to scam you;  your designs are great.

if I had purchased one bad dvd or pdf  i wouldn't be put off i would just research and buy something more suited to my needs.  Youtube is full of the basic stuff for free.  They could then build up their knowledge and come back to your pdf's. And start creating more wow factor balloons.

But the person in question who feels he is adept at balloon modelling should be able to create from just the pictures, may be a poodle is as good as it gets

For the price you charge, if you can make one of the sculptors is worth the money. May be asking nippy99 his opinion as his reviews are very honest.

It would have been nice for them to contact your seeking advice or guidance about the instruction.

Every now and then sh!t happens, but that's just to teach you to enjoy the good times that bit more.

Hi Twistina

I am so sorry that you have been subjected to this abusive email. I am utterly appalled at the language this person has used and the deeply personal insults he has directed at you. There is no excuse for his behaviour whatsoever. Even if he did find the instructions hard to follow, that is no justification for this vile bullying! I consider myself an intermediate twister and I have bought two of your 5 minute delights PDFs. I found them very easy to follow, with the helpful use of actual measurements rather than 'fingers' and plenty of stage by stage photo's. I have been able to replicate every one of your designs to a tee. Please don't stop doing what you do so well because of this wanker. Unfortunately there are always people like this who think they are morally superior when they have no actual empathy or social skills. I would be tempted to tell him to shove it, but I can tell you may not have the energy for dealing with any more of his crap. I'm sending you virtual hugs xxx

Hi Twistina,

Wow.

This is only one person's opinion, they are angry and rude. That doesn't get you anywhere.

Please be reassured that you are a fantastic multi-time prize winner for your fab balloon designs.

Magicians often buy magic tricks that aren't good, or don't suit them. You can't get your money back because you can't work out how to do the trick or understand the instructions.
Its the same with balloon instructions. You can't tailor your DVD or PDF's to stupid people. Please don't give the money back. They are rude, foul-mouthed and will not be satisfied whatever you do.

That's just my opinion.

love and hugs
Danny

Quote from: "Rhian"wanker.

Normally I would put a few stars in the word above or delete from the forum but on this ocassion I think the word sums him/her up very well so I am leaving it.
I have just spoken with Christine and Mike and would be happy for them to put the name of this person on the forum, if the CD was not suitable then a polite
email a few days after buying it with reasons would have been the way to go. Not the email above five months after.
Christine DO NOT give this person there money back, look at all the CD's you have sold worldwide with not one complaint.
Chin up old girl    

Hi Christine

I am absolutely stunned by those comments. I have publicly shared my opinions on one of your ebooks here...

balloon-review-018-twistina-five-mins-balloon-delights-t4441.html

Your PDFs are amongst the best produced. Very clear instructions and excellent value for money. Your PDFs are sold as seen and there is no need to refund the money. DO NOT let the opinion of one person represent the rest of your customers. I am sorry to hear of your personal problems and perhaps you are not seeing what reality is right now and things are getting you down.

Please be assured that you have many balloon 'fans' who really appreciate your work and are truly grateful for you sharing your designs and talents.

Be strong, stay positive and hit the delete button on your email message.

Best wishes

Darren

Quote from: "Graham Lee"

Quote from: "Rhian"wanker.

I have just spoken with Christine and Mike and would be happy for them to put the name of this person on the forum

I would like to now so I don't go out of my way to help them in the future and I really hope it isn't a member of this site.

I am very sorry to hear that you have been subjectedto this kind of attitude from a fellow twister and cannot believe that the is someone in this great community that has no respect for the hard work and dedication that people like yourself have and are giving.

I am a new twister and enjoy the challenge of making more creative models. If I don't understand something I will work harder until I have worked it out. I don't for one minute assume that the answer will be given to me on a silver platter and I will become a wonder twister overnight.

It seems like this guy wants everything handed to him and is scared of hard work.

Please ignore this stupid person because without people like yourself I would never have thought twice about twisting latex into something so creative.

Daz

Thank you Leslie, Kevin, Rhian, Danny, Darren and Daz your comments are very much appreciated. Thanks Graham especially for ringing me too. I am feeling a little better now. I am rather a sensitive person (more so at the moment) but your input is helping me to get things in perspective.  I feel that this man trying to bully me and I know that I will feel bad about myself if I give into him. I just wish that I did not feel so bad right now :roll:
Nippy and Grahame, I would dearly like to name him but am worried I might get repercussions from the person. I know, I am not very brave on this sort of thing.
Should I try to justify my reasons for not giving him his money back or just ignore him all together? I worry that his attitude is very threatening.

Don't let this loser get to you Twistina.

I bought your volume 1 collection when I myself was new to balloon modelling and along with Thelma's '2 and a bit' it was the best set of material I owned. I still regularly make your T-Rex, Thomas, Scooby, Eeyore and Tigger now... a few years later.

If the guy isn't clever enough or good enough to follow along (or prepared to put the hours in to become so) then that's just not your problem.

Best wishes,
Martin.

Hi Christine

I'm utterly shocked at this!  

You are a wonderful person and a thoroughly deserving award-winning balloon artist who has helped many new twisters and experienced ones too with your offerings.   I've been lucky enough to see your piece and the competition you've been up against when you've won and your win was truly deserved.  You're achievements speak for themselves and hopefully you will be getting a feeling (if you've not got it already!) that there are FAR more many people who respect and admire you than those that don't.

Please don't give in - remember all that nonsense we had with one poster who was just out to rile everyone?  Some people are just like that and we are fortunately that they only rear their very ugly (in every sense) heads occasionally.

There's always someone who's jealous, or who is not very good and rather than accept that as their issue they want to blame someone else for it.  It's an easy game, after all, and makes them feel better.

Personally, I wouldn't even dignify the email with a reply.

(I've just read Martin's post as I send this -- see, we're all with you on this   )

--Neil


--Neil

QuoteI tried the butterfly from vol.1 I think. And after spending about 4 hours and countless balloons, I concluded that your instructions are a total waste of time. I have binned them, which is the only place I can think they belong.
 

Goodness me... lets just hope he didnt buy Buster's untitled collection... :lol:  :lol:  :lol:

Twistina's butterfly is as simple and as straightforward as anyone could ask for.

Hello Christine,

I am as everyone else is totally shocked

From the time I picked up my first bag of balloons and joined the forum looking to improve my art, I fell in love with your designs and models. I am not ashamed to admit that you are my 'Balloon Idol'. Last year I was lucky enough to meet you at the memorial lecture, and it was the highlight of my day when you asked to take a photo of the handbag you showed us, which I had changed into an alien. :oops:

Please continue to inspire and don't let the wolves drag you down. How is our art ever meant to improve if nobody shares their ideas and creations.

Quote from: "KJ Entertainments"I am not ashamed to admit that you are my 'Balloon Idol'.

I thought it was me Dan     Walks away in disbelief    :lol: