Bambi's sites - tech issues?

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Inflate123
Inflate123's picture
Bambi's sites - tech issues?

I know some maintenance was scheduled for Bambi's websites this weekend; does anybody know if that's still going on? I got an email that said my subscription to BambiBlazeBelly was cancelled, and I didn't request a cancel. Then went I went to the site(s), they either have difficulty loading or they display the message "Sorry Inflate123, you are banned from using this forum! linking to the EM & bambiblaze.com to spread disinformation & negative propoganda in order to promote his own agenda."

My guess is that my credit card expired and it's just a strange behavior from the web maintenance, combining for a coincidence. But...I'm just looking for a reality check before I let myself assume emotions are behind it. :)

Yousuck

Well, I'm not a member of her sites or anything, but they do seem to be performing very slowly.

Somedude
Inflate123 wrote:
linking to the EM & bambiblaze.com to spread disinformation & negative propoganda in order to promote his own agenda

Do what now?

Blacklist
Inflate123 wrote:
"Sorry Inflate123, you are banned from using this forum! linking to the EM & bambiblaze.com to spread disinformation & negative propoganda in order to promote his own agenda."

Um...
What?

Did you really, 123?

Caution: this user is a new guy in training.

doubleintegral
doubleintegral's picture

Said maintenance appears to be happening still. I was just browsing the forums and now I can't connect.

Inflate123
Inflate123's picture
Blacklist wrote:
Inflate123 wrote:
"Sorry Inflate123, you are banned from using this forum! linking to the EM & bambiblaze.com to spread disinformation & negative propoganda in order to promote his own agenda."

Um...
What?

Did you really, 123?

Not that I know of. Maybe offense was taken to this blog post but I don't think so; I think if someone from Bambi's camp really had a personal issue with one of my opinions, they'd just contact me directly and not cancel my account. I'd hope, anyway!

Until proven otherwise, I really am assuming it's a problem with my cookies or something related to the upgrade. But, you know, you get paranoid, so that's why I was wondering if anybody else is getting that message or experiencing issues.

The only problem is, I checked with CCBill and they said the webmaster cancelled my account, so that does have me puzzled.

EDIT TO ADD: I didn't realize I had Dr Curvy's email saved in my Gmail account, so I've written directly. I only came here when I couldn't load the site to get more direct info.

Daggerguy
Inflate123 wrote:
Blacklist wrote:
Inflate123 wrote:
"Sorry Inflate123, you are banned from using this forum! linking to the EM & bambiblaze.com to spread disinformation & negative propoganda in order to promote his own agenda."

Um...
What?

Did you really, 123?

Not that I know of. Maybe offense was taken to this blog post but I don't think so; I think if someone from Bambi's camp really had a personal issue with one of my opinions, they'd just contact me directly and not cancel my account. I'd hope, anyway!

Until proven otherwise, I really am assuming it's a problem with my cookies or something related to the upgrade. But, you know, you get paranoid, so that's why I was wondering if anybody else is getting that message or experiencing issues.

The only problem is, I checked with CCBill and they said the webmaster cancelled my account, so that does have me puzzled.

Well some people just don't take constructive criticism well. But considering what you've done for the community over the years I would find it hard to believe that something like a couple critiques of their content would cause some sort of bitter account cancellation.

But we are human, and stranger things have happened.

Don't climb the tree if you can't run naked through the kitchen.

Inflate123
Inflate123's picture
Daggerguy wrote:
I would find it hard to believe that something like a couple critiques of their content would cause some sort of bitter account cancellation.

Me too -- it seems out of profile for them. That's why I'm not going to jump to the "OMG INJUSTICE" conclusion. I'm gonna give logic and reason a chance. :)

Daggerguy
Inflate123 wrote:
Daggerguy wrote:
I would find it hard to believe that something like a couple critiques of their content would cause some sort of bitter account cancellation.

Me too -- it seems out of profile for them. That's why I'm not going to jump to the "OMG INJUSTICE" conclusion. I'm gonna give logic and reason a chance. :)

Actually I just did a little digging for you. I would go ahead and jump to conclusions, in their "banned" section of the forum....and I quote

"The user Inflate123 has been banned for linking from M & L Productions websites to his blog where he spreads disinformation & negative propaganda regarding M & L Productions in an effort to promote his own agenda."

Don't climb the tree if you can't run naked through the kitchen.

Gl0bSl0b

I don't see how they would take offense to your review of her site. I found it pretty accurate. If they did take offense it would be pretty childish for them to just cancel your account and then ban you.

Inflate123
Inflate123's picture

Wow -- thanks Dagger, though I'm sorry to hear it. Color me surprised and disappointed. I'd subscribed since March 2006 for the main site and February 2007 for the belly site; all told I'd paid a little over $600 for the content in that time. But it's their forum and their business, so of course it's their prerogative to turn away any customers they don't want to serve.

I stand by my blog post, obviously. It's just my critical opinion and I didn't phrase it or intend it as a slam. Actually, I'd written directly to Bambi in the past to make suggestions/offer feedback about both the audio quality and the acting.

Funny thing is, that post's been up there for six weeks and was so interesting and controversial that exactly zero people commented on it in that time. With words like "negative propaganda" in play, I just don't think I have as much influence as this turn of events might suggest.

But so be it -- like I said, most businesses have the little sign that says "we reserve the right to refuse service to anyone" somewhere behind the counter. I look at it like that.

Meanwhile, if anybody figures out what my agenda is, let me know.

Inflate123
Inflate123's picture
Inflate123 wrote:
Meanwhile, if anybody figures out what my agenda is, let me know.

Oh, wait a sec. Maybe it's because Taylor used my sound effects.

I did get a credit in the opening to one of her recent videos -- they actually asked if there would be a problem if they put my name in there somewhere as a thank-you for access to my inflation sound library. I recorded about 700MB of stretching, squeaking, and hissing sound effects that I used for the various Cyndi Irresistible audio projects. I am pretty protective of that library but I've been known to share it when people want it for an important project.

That could well be it. If my name appears in a competitor's video, then it could be seen as my "agenda" to spread "negative propaganda" by linking to my blog from Bambi's forums. My blog URL is in my forum sig, like it is here, and does contain one post that mentions Taylor (but does not mention that my sounds were used, because they hadn't been yet).

Again, hate to come up with theories without hearing from Bambi or Dr Curvy privately, and I don't want to spark a forum war or anything stupid like that on LV's turf -- but I can at least understand how those dots might have been connected. Right now I'm just thinking out loud.

degausser

I know your agenda Inflate 123 . . . OOOOH, I know it!

7:00 Get up, shower/shave/eat breakfast, go to work as critic at major publication.

8:30 Arrive at work and start working.

9:00 Start daydreaming about inflation

10:00 Desperatly try to catch up on work so your boss doesn't notice you were dinking around for an hour

12:00 Skip lunch so you can check latest news and posts in the inflation community

1:00 Regret skipping lunch as you are now hungry.

2:00 Continue doing work, wishing you were somewhere else.

3:00 Fantasize about inflating the cute brunette who works on your floor.

4:00 Fantasize about inflating the cuter blonde who works on you floor.

4:30 Go home, write some more inflation stories, eat dinner, pass out.

Bellywolf

The people running the bambi sites and EM are such a bunch of post nazis. You'd think a general interest forum board wouldn't be ruled like Stalin at a bake sale.

Inflate123
Inflate123's picture
Bellywolf wrote:
The people running the bambi sites and EM are such a bunch of post nazis. You'd think a general interest forum board wouldn't be ruled like Stalin at a bake sale.

They want to run a tight, organized ship. I've seen many forums fall apart because the mods didn't take a firmer hand, so I can actually understand why they intervene so much. If they don't keep it clean, who will, you know? When things get heated here, LV steps in, too.

Degausser, that was pretty accurate except in my world they're all redheads.

Inflate123
Inflate123's picture

So, um, here's my long-ass side of the story, from what I've been able to put together.

Thanks for the reality checks on the tech issues, though. Wanted to give it the benefit of the doubt.

Blacklist

Okay, wow.

If they got all riled up over your blog post, that's just downright immature.

Bambi's stuff is good, not perfect, but not horrible. There are things that she can work on, especially the stuff you mentioned in your blog post.
But, Bambi is not forced to change, right? It's your opinion, and you're entitled to it.
For them to ban you over THAT, that's just taking criticism too harshly.

Personally, I used to be a Bambi subscriber for a couple months, but until I missed a credit card payment and they canceled my subscription due to that (fine by me, it was my fault in the first place), but to see that their administration bans over a tad bit of criticism is a shame.

Consider my pledge to become a paying member for them again canceled. My money doesn't go to people who cannot take ideas or criticism who can make their products better in the future.

Caution: this user is a new guy in training.

Vertigo

Well, good for you for handling this situation calmly and maturely. It's sad to see that it seems like they can't stand some competition or critique...this can only result in very bad publicity for them. But kudos to you for your level head throughout all of this.

DeviantART!: http://baphometdisciple.deviantart.com/

Inflate123
Inflate123's picture
Vertigo wrote:
Well, good for you for handling this situation calmly and maturely. It's sad to see that it seems like they can't stand some competition or critique...this can only result in very bad publicity for them. But kudos to you for your level head throughout all of this.

You know, maybe there is more to the story. Maybe I did something else that they took great offense to and I don't realize it. Maybe they think I did something wrong -- maybe I'm accused of doing more than blogging my critique and also supporting Taylor's efforts.

I still don't know, because there was no warning, I was locked out of the sites, and I have not yet gotten an answer back to my email. There was absolutely no direct communication -- I even went back and looked at my AOL account, which I have not logged into for about two years. Nothing there from mid-March onward.

I don't know what's being said over on Bambi's forums, I have no idea how I'm being portrayed or even what I'm being accused of doing. Should I be defensive? Is there something further I can explain? Does anybody know what the real reason was? It's still baffling to me, and that's the only part that really bugs me: not knowing what I did. I've already accepted the sentence; I just want to know the crime.

So, you know, direct communication -- it's a good thing. If someone has a question, just ask me in a PM, and I'll be glad to discuss it.

Daggerguy

Well I was over at EM tonight checking in on some things and took a look around, this interests me because I find it irritating when there is infighting in the community like this. One thread was made bringing up why they banned you but it was locked down after the one post and this was said ending the conversation by the Moderator thefatman.

"We'd prefer to not get involved in a case of He-Said-She-Said over this. That being said, while the first comments of Inflate123 were of some concern, the more links we followed, the more concerned we became until the decision was finally made to sever Inflate123's relationship with this site.

While we're saddened by this outcome, we fell that, ultimately, it will be for the best."

Don't climb the tree if you can't run naked through the kitchen.

degausser

Okay, I don't belong to Bambi's site, and I didn't even know it existed or what it was until this was brought up, so keep that in mind.

Here, off the top of my head.

1) You shouldn't ban ANYONE without some form of corrispondance, and ESPECIALLY if he's not 'being a dick' (a.k.a. swearing in the channel, insulting other members, and acting all high-and-superior.)

2) Since when does ONE link constitute "a series" that requires re-evaluation at ever juncture. If you count a link to Inflate's blog thats a big 2 links. Unless Taylor's site has some link to the KKK that no one has mentioned previously, I find that comment fishy.

3) If Inflate is to be believed (and I believe him) he sent a nice, cordial letter to them asking for an explanation. This kind of tact shows that Inflate is not only a human being, but also a nice, resonable guy. And refusing to address him shows that they have made a mistake and are lothe to admit it, or that they are being childish.

So, now that that is out of the way, let's just all call them a bunch of idiots and wash our hands of the matter . . . and get back to inflating cute girls with helium.

Inflate123
Inflate123's picture

He Said She Said? Well, that's easy:

She Said "Goodbye."
He Said "Why?"
She Said nothing.

I don't know what these "more links" are that "concerned" them, but all my blog entries are untouched -- see if you can find what they found, I guess.

The vagueness and immediate shutdown of the thread just makes me think my suspicions were right, though. Guess they just really didn't like what I said and/or how I said it.

Who knows? Maybe I'll get a reply to the email I sent, and we'll talk about it. Maybe they'll tell me I've got it all wrong and that it's something completely different; like I said, my version's conjecture, my best Encyclopedia Brown guess. If I get a reply, cool. But after seeing that, I won't really expect to hear from anybody.

Thanks for passing it along, Dagger. Hope they don't shoot the messenger. :)

Fukureruba

That reeks, Inflate.

Although, if that's how they play the game, and treat one of the icons of inflatophilia, then good-bye to bad rubbish, I'd say.

kuumuzu
Inflate123 wrote:
Degausser, that was pretty accurate except in my world they're all redheads.

God bless you Inflate.

harrisonford08

Gees, maybe I should have just said some vaguely critical things and gotten canceled. It was a good thing I held onto *all* my subscription information because when canceling their site you need your subscription ID (which they say they won't mail you), your blood type, and your mother's maiden name.

Long story short, I was on the fence with whether I was going to keep paying for their content. I think I'm not the only one that's been influenced into not supporting them any more because of all this. It seems like if they were really part of the community, they'd realize what a blooper they'd made and try to make amends. This whole 'neener-neener' thing reeks of elitism. And if there is one thing you can't afford in a niche community, it's isolating your audience.

http://harrisonford08.deviantart.com/ http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ijartist/

Kazuya

You know... This is really disappointing... I was going to look into BB's stuff, but if they are going to act like that... not so sure.

Gl0bSl0b

I used to have a membership there but I canceled when they went through that whole one update a month thing without telling anyone when the next update would be. Kind of sucks waiting for an update and a month would go by and you paid for nothing.

Daggerguy

Well my take on the whole this isn't one of surprise. Considering that Expansion Mansion's start in the community was with a big falling out with the previous owner of the site I enjoyed Stormrzone. I always thought the whole thing was childish and was a big reason I never bought any of their product. Heck the links section has been under construction for about a year now, shows how up to date they've been keeping the site. I always thought their content would be a little more palpable if all the paysites were merged into one big one pay site of inflation content, but then again it's not my business end. Now with this latest insult I've gone ahead and removed the site from my bookmarks. This site is much dearer to me with it's history and being my first place to find my niche, and Stormrzone was a much more user friendly site that didn't reek of the "I'm better than you" attitude that seems to run rampant at their site. I'm glad another company is on this site busy trying to fill a need in our community with pay content, and maybe it's time a great site such as this one can be a bigger hub than Expansion Mansion.

Don't climb the tree if you can't run naked through the kitchen.

Inflate123
Inflate123's picture
Daggerguy wrote:
I'm glad another company is on this site busy trying to fill a need in our community with pay content, and maybe it's time a great site such as this one can be a bigger hub than Expansion Mansion.

It occurs to me that it doesn't have to be "A vs B" in a case like this -- can you imagine writing a story, then telling a reader that they weren't allowed to read your stories anymore simply because you noted there was more than one writer in the community?

I find this whole thing really confusing. There doesn't have to be one person doing any given thing exclusively. There shouldn't, really. The internet is a meritocracy -- the best content ultimately wins.

harrisonford08
Inflate123 wrote:
I find this whole thing really confusing. There doesn't have to be one person doing any given thing exclusively. There shouldn't, really. The internet is a meritocracy -- the best content ultimately wins.

Exactly. Before, we didn't have much of a choice. Now that others are taking us up on providing inflation content things should improve (if said sites want to stay in the game). Competitive content will benefit everyone involved. Pretty soon we'll see some amazing things I think. I would love some high grade CG/suit resources fall into the hands of some inflation-motivated individuals. Seems a shame hollywood should have the monopoly.

http://harrisonford08.deviantart.com/ http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ijartist/

Inflate123
Inflate123's picture
harrisonford08 wrote:
Pretty soon we'll see some amazing things I think. I would love some high grade CG/suit resources fall into the hands of some inflation-motivated individuals. Seems a shame hollywood should have the monopoly.

I agree, and I think it's only a matter of time. When you look at what people are doing and have done with something as simple (comparatively) as Poser...I mean, when Ylandra first started posting work, I really ate my words. He (she?) contacted me after I'd said something to the effect of "all that Poser stuff is crap" on the Video Vault, and he said "Oh yeah?" and showed me what he was up to. I apologized next update!

So take someone like that, give them pro-grade tools or access to more powerful software and/or like-minded individuals who can help (acting, effects, whatever), and...yeah, it could be glorious! And even if it's not glorious right away? It's progress.

I like progress; I like seeing our community get better creatively. That's all.

Daggerguy
Inflate123 wrote:
harrisonford08 wrote:
Pretty soon we'll see some amazing things I think. I would love some high grade CG/suit resources fall into the hands of some inflation-motivated individuals. Seems a shame hollywood should have the monopoly.

I agree, and I think it's only a matter of time. When you look at what people are doing and have done with something as simple (comparatively) as Poser...I mean, when Ylandra first started posting work, I really ate my words. He (she?) contacted me after I'd said something to the effect of "all that Poser stuff is crap" on the Video Vault, and he said "Oh yeah?" and showed me what he was up to. I apologized next update!

So take someone like that, give them pro-grade tools or access to more powerful software and/or like-minded individuals who can help (acting, effects, whatever), and...yeah, it could be glorious! And even if it's not glorious right away? It's progress.

I like progress; I like seeing our community get better creatively. That's all.

Well that and as computers and software get better and cheaper, things that seemed out of reach before suddenly are coming closer and closer. Obviously most people won't be able to pull of movie quality special effects the technology and computers are coming out there that will be able to create some amazing things. Just the combination of time and getting the right people to use the tools. It would be nice to see a return to all the new sites and content that we used to see years ago. I think if some of the artists just got some more moral support it would go a long way to keeping more people around. You guys are also right that we as a community should be working together and not letting squabbles get in the way of advancing works. Hopefully there are bright things on the horizon.

Don't climb the tree if you can't run naked through the kitchen.

caffiene

I've never really liked Bambi; I won't go into a detailed breakdown of why, as tempted as I am; but this kind of thing just seems to enforce that.

What I find ironic is, if I remember right, a few years back she was just another web model with no kind of inflation-themed stuff on her site; and it was inflate123 who contacted her about doing a breast inflation set or video or whatever. And she kind of went from there to, well, whatever you'd call what she has now without being insulting. And now with this whole situation, it kind of seems like some kind of Greek tragedy or something, doesn't it? :lol:

...I meant that sarcastically.

harrisonford08
caffiene wrote:
What I find ironic is, if I remember right, a few years back she was just another web model with no kind of inflation-themed stuff on her site; and it was inflate123 who contacted her about doing a breast inflation set or video or whatever. And she kind of went from there to, well, whatever you'd call what she has now without being insulting. And now with this whole situation, it kind of seems like some kind of Greek tragedy or something, doesn't it? :lol:

I think I've mentioned this before (but I forget where). I really feel that the bambi blaze team though that they could capitalize on inflation. I really don't feel that they are actually into it. It's hard to remain motivated at something you see as only a monetary resource. Without real accomplishment or motivation things sort of stay samey and boring. Maybe this is what's happening.

On an unrelated note, what is with the expansionmansion link to cattyn's site? Wasn't that down like years ago?

http://harrisonford08.deviantart.com/ http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ijartist/

harrisonford08
Inflate123 wrote:
I agree, and I think it's only a matter of time. When you look at what people are doing and have done with something as simple (comparatively) as Poser...I mean, when Ylandra first started posting work, I really ate my words. He (she?) contacted me after I'd said something to the effect of "all that Poser stuff is crap" on the Video Vault, and he said "Oh yeah?" and showed me what he was up to. I apologized next update!

Oh man do I agree. I find most CG type stuff crap. Ylandra was awesome as far as poser work goes. I have a permanent groove dug into my hard drive with a kitchen knife for that stuff.

Inflate123 wrote:
So take someone like that, give them pro-grade tools or access to more powerful software and/or like-minded individuals who can help (acting, effects, whatever), and...yeah, it could be glorious! And even if it's not glorious right away? It's progress.

Just like eating an elephant. It may not seem like a doable task, but enough energy directed at said problem will eventually yield a solution.

http://harrisonford08.deviantart.com/ http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ijartist/

Daggerguy
harrisonford08 wrote:
caffiene wrote:
What I find ironic is, if I remember right, a few years back she was just another web model with no kind of inflation-themed stuff on her site; and it was inflate123 who contacted her about doing a breast inflation set or video or whatever. And she kind of went from there to, well, whatever you'd call what she has now without being insulting. And now with this whole situation, it kind of seems like some kind of Greek tragedy or something, doesn't it? :lol:

I think I've mentioned this before (but I forget where). I really feel that the bambi blaze team though that they could capitalize on inflation. I really don't feel that they are actually into it. It's hard to remain motivated at something you see as only a monetary resource. Without real accomplishment or motivation things sort of stay samey and boring. Maybe this is what's happening.

On an unrelated note, what is with the expansionmansion link to cattyn's site? Wasn't that down like years ago?

Well it's no surprise considering the links section has been "under construction" since the site first went live however long ago.

Don't climb the tree if you can't run naked through the kitchen.