I decided to shorten this, so it was easier to read and perhaps not as long~
First: I love the advice I receive here, especially as many of you ask the questions before I do~ :P
Second: I have contacted Mamasource about this, as I feel the issue is getting out of hand.
Third: I understand many of you are trying to make ends meet, as this is a hard time with the current economy.
The problem:
Almost on every post there are solicitations being posted for everything that is being sold out of the home. I feel it is occurring WAY TOO OFTEN on this board which is meant for advice, help, ideas and support.
No offense but I for one will not open links that I do not trust, nor do I have an abundance of funds for Shaklee, Mary Kay, Party Lite, Pampered Chef, or whatever it is you are posting.
My biggest concern for others:
This is highly valid – for the supplement, vitamin and essential oil providers:
You are in no place to truly dispense these products as you pose a huge health risk on the public (if you do not have all the information on the person or for yourself)!
For example: I was at Good Food and was appalled when a clerk began asking a patron's symptoms to begin diagnosing and then dispensing supplements. (And from my work I clearly would not do this. I would first check with her physician or specialist.)
One huge risk factor: Underlying Medical Conditions & Medications… these ARE AFFECTED by supplements, vitamins and essential oils. These things interrupt the effects of certain prescribed medications for a variety of patients!
Are you willing to risk someone’s well-being to make a buck?
It is my concern when I am an Alternative Wellness Provider (and you impact every alternative provider as well when you do this, and have them thought to be unsafe/ untrusted.)! Especially the Young Living distributors – I am appalled when you post about taking oils internally~ not all essential oils are the same and many are full of toxic fillers. (Those found in the health food stores and beauty supply stores are a huge risk.)
I too, run a business from my home. However, I only recommend what I do - I have not posted links, emails, etc. for people to contact me. I feel if the person wants to research what it is - it is up to them. I will and I have shared what worked for my conditions, as I totally sympathize with others. However, I have never pushed it (My work). That is so not my style~
I think it is great if you work from home, but there are better ways to market and advertise for yourself. That is another reason there are Member Perks on Mamasource.
I am here for advice and help – I am frustrated when I see a post directing me to a link or an email, when I am looking for tips… I do not want to spend money to 'fix' or help my child. (As a wellness provider, I have that covered, thank you very much.) And just like everyone else - I have every right to be here as well (as someone so 'nicely' pointed out). The soliciting IS against the guidelines - otherwise there would not be a 'spam' option to report reply postings. And I consider solicitations as 'spam'.
Supplements & Vitamins are not the answer to every single problem here. Why do so many of you that distribute think it is?
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This is in response to what I read in a post. I thought I'd clarify why I am passionate on this subject...
"Its only serious if you make it that way. Who cares what others do as long as it works for them, and they are not harming anyone."
My point is, and I thought I was clear - many supplements/ vitamins (and even essential oils) do cause harm if the seller does not understand the background on the person they are dispensing to. Underlying health conditions and medications can be interfered with.
So are you telling me it is okay for someone that is required to have heart meds (or something similar), to take something unaware from someone only to find out their medications are becoming ineffective or worse?
The well-being and health of others should be our concern if you are selling products or services in this category.
I agree with Katie S - I think that the majority of people that suggest supplements do so because they have witnessed them helping people in their own lives. I don't think they mean harm. Yes, maybe there are people out there for personal gain but I think most posts are meant to just suggest a myriad of options.
I completely agree with you! I've reported people before and used to get responses from Mamasource but I don't any more. I bet they have so many it's just too much of a hassle. :/
I have always looked at Mamasource as "advice given/not taken". There are always many options for all the questions posted and I see nothing wrong with all the different choices. I believe all the Mamas out there can make their own choice on whether or not to take the advice and make decisions based on the information posted along with doing some homework on services and products. It's kind of like the government trying to censor the talk radio hosts/hostesses. If you don't like it, turn it off.
I think most people are trying to help others. Yes there are the few that may not be. When someone has had a terrible experience or seen a close friend/ family member etc... go through something and what they did helped them. Why not share. They do not always tell the name of the company and give people the option to call if they want to. What may not be helpful to you, could be to someone else and it is their decision. If your not judging then it won't bother you. Its only serious if you make it that way. Who cares what others do as long as it works for them, and they are not harming anyone.
Hi A.,
Brava!
I completely agree with you. I've had to ask in my posts to refrain from any supplement solicitations because of the challenges my son has. The last request I asked for specific answers and would you believe that someone says, if you change your mind about supplements I can help you, with a :)
I really value the advice and support that I have received with Mamasource, but this is something that I think needs to be reeled in.
Have you had any responses from Mamasource? I will be more than happy to complain as well.
Kim
I will agree to disagree with you. When posts are made by a mother I would think that she would want as much information from a person with EXPERIENCE or someone who know of an experience about that specific situation, so in turn the mother can make a personal decision on where to start the research. This is the logo from Mamasource. About Us...
Mamasource is a safe and easy way to connect with other moms in your local area. Find the advice, referrals and insight you need, in a supportive community of moms helping moms.
Yes, you are wrong. No one is forcing you to open any links or to use this site, for that matter. It's no different than a public marketplace where people talk, gossip, exchange ideas, share experiences and offer opinions -- bad, good, informed or ignorant. If a solicitor's claims seem dangerous to you, what recourse do you have? The law?
Put up your own mother-inspired site where you can set the rules and educate others about the risks of improper use of supplements, essential oils, snake oils, etc.
You are essentially correct about unqualified people trying to "diagnose" others, but it will not stop them from giving advice, however inappropriate.
I'm a firm believer in science, but even my father who was a doctor would say, "Sometimes the patient has only to believe."
It has bothered me also. I agree with everything you said.
Agreed! I just don't trust anyone who says they have a miracle cure for what ails me!
