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Yes, NINE Squidoo Accounts… Gone!
I consider myself a very laid-back, calm, and FAIR person…. but right now, I am about to lose it. Suddenly, and without warning, Squidoo sent me nine email notifications that NINE of my accounts – not lenses, but entire accounts – had been either locked or terminated. Needless to say, I am about to blow a gasket here…
Nine Squidoo Accounts Gone – POOF
I am trying to remain calm while I await a response from the Squidoo team, but I am finding it harder and harder to do with every second that passes.
I have worked my a$$ off for that site. Not only here on PotPieGirl.com, but all over the internet. If I get a Google alert about Squidoo and someone is trashing the site or passing bad info, I go there and comment. I help others in forums to not only learn what Squidoo.com IS, but also how to make QUALITY lenses that help the entire Squidoo site.
As far as email questions I answer – lenses and accounts I have reviewed and helped – well, let’s not even go there right now. Let’s just say that HUNDREDS and HUNDREDS of hours of my time have been devoted to this.
In fact, in the midst of these emails from Squidoo are emails from a fellow lensmaster I’ve been helping with links and RSS feed stuff for his lenses. I read these emails from Squidoo and sit there stunned. Then I open the email from Mike (the guy I’ve been helping) and it reads:
“Wrong url for the blog. My BAD! Inserted it and it works like a charm! Thank you for your help. People could learn much from you about customer service and business development.
They go hand in hand!Have A Great day!Mike”
Just in the last 2 hours, I’ve gotten TWO emails from TWO separate people who BOTH made their first sale online with Squidoo and my help. They wanted to thank me.
How in the world does someone who works so hard to make Squidoo better have this happen?
I’m at a loss.
SO – I imagine many of you can understand that I am not a happy camper right now. Thing is, I am such a fan of that site and of that community that I am literally checking my email inbox every minute HOPING they will respond before I am done with this post.
So far, no luck.
Why Did My Squidoo Accounts Get Terminated?
WHY this happened? I have NO CLUE. I know the rules at Squidoo. I know why individual lenses get locked – in fact, I had a lens get locked when it accidentally tripped the Squidoo spam filter. I’ve been active on the Squidoo site for some time – let’s just say I try really hard to pay attention and follow the rules.
I am looking at the cached versions of some of the account lenses in question now – I see nothing wrong. I either wrote, or have rights, to all the content. All images were used from my own ClipArt account that I pay for. Each account is on a different topic so that also throws me for a loop here.
What Are The Topics of These Lenses?
Want to know that HORRIBLE things these Squidoo accounts are about? Ok, I’ll tell ya:
fitness business,
picnic table plans,
crockpot recipes,
economy busting tips,
weight loss surgery info and resources,
a woman’s health issue,
cold sores,
weight loss, and
and a new PotPieGirl account that I planned to put lenses relating only to what I do online.
Real risky and spammy topics there, huh? You can see a full screen shot of one of the lenses here. These are not NEW accounts, either. I went back to RE-read the TOS at Squidoo (for like the 20th time…lol) and oddly, I can’t get the page to load for me today. This all gives me a bad feeling.
What I’m Most Concerned About
Yes, losing these accounts bothers me, but not as much as WHY I may have lost them. Did someone get upset with me? Perhaps someone got a little “spam button” happy with anything of mine to force me out of the picture? I don’t know WHO actually makes the final decision to take such drastic action as to suddenly delete a Squidoo account (let alone NINE in one fail swoop). Is it a paid staff member or a fellow lensmaster who is a volunteer?
WHO is in charge of pushing that “delete account” button?
The paid staff at Squidoo is small. They count on volunteers from within the lensmaster community to make the site work and grow. This makes me nervous right now because this FEELS like it was a direct hit on ME. I keep waiting for more emails to come informing me that MORE of my accounts got trashed.
Being in charge of, or having access to, the account delete button is serious stuff, don’t you think? All that work of a lensmaster GONE with the click of a button.- with no warning….not nothing.
Eggs and Baskets
As we all know, diversification is key in business – especially online business. I have said that myself over and over and thankfully, I practice what I preach. I have plenty of other income streams out there that this moment with Squidoo will not break me. All it’s doing is upsetting me and causing me to really, REALLY worry about what I should tell YOU about Squidoo from now on.
We all also know the risks of putting content on a site that we don’t own. This could happen to any account we have at ANY user-generated content site we use. That’s just a fact of life when you use other sites to make money online – and yet one more reason to be sure your ultimate goal is to make your own niche sites.
What If You’re Following One Week Marketing?
Yes, I imagine this is a BIG question for many of you reading right now. What if you are actively following the One Week Marketing Action Plan?
Do I tell you to stop using Squidoo?
No, at this moment I do NOT say that. As I mentioned, I have this nasty gut feeling that this was directed at ME. Whether this is accurate or not, I am following my gut instinct right now and telling you to keep on keeping on. If my opinion changes, you will be the FIRST to know.
I refuse to teach others how to use a site that could even POSSIBLY be a time-waster for YOU. I pinky-promise that I won’t teach anyone to use something I don’t believe in (even if I did believe in it at one time).
Also, in front of me (on a post-it pad, of course…lol) sits a list of 6-7 OTHER sites that can be worked in the same One Week Marketing fashion. I’ve been quietly gathering this info with the intention of writing an advanced guide for the One Week Marketers that are really kickin’ butt with OWM.
But, if need be, I am prepared to change One Week Marketing in a heart beat and the thousand or so people that already have OWM will get their update for free as soon as it is available – IF that becomes necessary. I’m sure at least ONE of these “other” sites would LOVE to have a thousand folks come build high-quality, traffic-pulling pages for their site =)
But for now, we do nothing but what we have been doing. In other words, no one panic – except for ME…lol.
For now, we wait. I feel it is justified that I get a response and perhaps an explanation, don’t you? I know the Squidoo staff certianly doesn’t HAVE to, but heck, even Megan Casey (Editor-in-Chief) said this in the comments of my post when my lens got locked:
“Megan Casey Said:
Not a secret: PotPieGirl is one of my favorite lensmasters. (Yes, I can play favorites all I want!)…”
Ok, checking my email inbox for a email from Squidoo one last time… :::crossing fingers::::
Nope, no email …. sigh. Ok, I’m off to take complete screen shots of my lenses with the cached versions in Google.
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Hi Jennifer,
Just got this post through twitter. This royally stinks the big one. I will be waiting, and I’m sure many others will be, to see what the outcome is.
You are right, there are many other sites that operate on a very similar basis as Squidoo and I too cannot risk losing all the work I have put in.
Hanging on to every word,
Jodie
P.S. For what it’s worth, what did this happen? What day and time? I’m very curious because I was just speaking with a prominent Squidoo member and she had no clue that someone would have more than one account. I found it surprising that someone that active on Squidoo would not have realized this. Just curious if there is a connection.
Jodies last blog post..Affiliate Marketing-Make 30000 By The End Of The Month
That is absolutely insane! I know of no one who has “given” more to squidoo than you over the past two years. The only thing is, I can not possibly think of WHY someone would want to make it a personal attack on your accounts. I really hope that it turns out to be a big misunderstanding or just a mistake. I know that myself and probably hundreds of others would quickly “take our business” elsewhere if it turns out badly….
Thanks for your support!
@Jodie – I started getting these generic termination emails about 1:30 pm today ( 2/8/2008 EST – Atlanta time). Having more than one account is not against Squidoo’s TOS (fyi – I finally got that page to load. TOS can be found here: http://www.squidoo.com/pages/tos ). In fact, I have seen having multiple accounts recommended in order to keep all lenses on the same topic.
I don’t know WHAT is going on….but well…. I’ll just hush now…lol
@Bryan – Thanks! I’m hoping it is a misunderstanding too AND that I get my content back. I don’t want anyone to make any rash decisions right now – we don’t have enough info on this yet, and we’ve also only heard MY side, ya know?
We’ll see…
THANK YOU!
Jennifer
~PotPieGirl
Jennifer,
I’m very sorry to learn of what has happened to you. I’ve only known you for a very short time (since the post on Garry Conn’s blog last month) and just recently purchased OWM. I’m even in the middle of creating my first lens.
But in that short time, I know that you are a very helpful and sincere person. It is my hope that the accounts being deleted is a mistake and will be reinstated soon.
Keep the faith!
Thank you, Mark!!!
Jennifer
~PotPieGirl
Hey Jennifer,
Keep your head up. You’ve done so much for that site and I’m really disgusted at the way they treated you. I have no doubt in my mind that this is a malicious doing by someone at Squidoo because of what us Caribbean folks call ‘bad-mindedness’.
I left Squidoo a long time ago for Hubpages because of the way they locked a couple of my lenses with no explanation and no way to get them back. Most you could do is try to copy all the content from Google’s cache because its your content.
I feel for you. Right now I’m so angry almost as if it happened to me because I know the love you have (had) for Squidoo and the type of person you are when it comes to helping people. Seen it here on your blog and at Wealthy Affiliate first hand.
Stay strong, Jennifer.
Jay | Wealthy Affiliate Insiders last blog post..Wealthy Affiliate Bonus – Take Your Pick
Hope this is resolved for you quickly. I can’t imagine Squidoo doing this intentionally. Has to be a glitch or something.
Courage!
Bette
Jay & Bette –
THANK YOU!!!
Jennifer
~PotPieGirl
Hi, Jennifer, sad to hear about this. Let’s hope once weekend is over, you get some answers and possibly get unlocked your lenses next week.
I agree, Bryan – this seems more than over the top. Well, fingers crossed and lets hope we can as power do something about this and get our potpiegirl back what belongs to her.
Whoa! I find this very disturbing. After reading your post I’m leaning toward thinking that someone reported you for spamming out of spite. I’m also disappointed that Squidoo would just delete your accounts like that without a warning or giving you a chance to explain yourself. I know spam when I see it and you,Jennifer,are not a spammer.
The only other explanation would be that Squidoo is changing their rules without notice. This would be stupid in my opinion because a lot of the best lensmasters have a lot of different accounts. At this point I only have three accounts and 20 lenses and I haven’t had any problems,although Google will not index any of the lenses on my main account and I can’t for the life of me figure out why.
I’m so sorry this has happened to you and I hope you get an answer soon. If this is on purpose I think Squidoo is shooting themselves in the foot. Do they really want their best lensmasters to leave them for a competing site and take their traffic with them? I’m betting the answer to that is “No.”
The reason I have chosen to learn about this thing called internet marketing from Pot Pie Girl and not some of the other “gurus” out there is because of your honesty. You tell it like it is and everything you teach passes my B.S. test which is not true in the majority of cases. Plus you’re a Southern girl like me so you speak my language.lol!
If Squidoo no longer appreciates Pot Pie girl and her One Week Marketing System, that’s okay. We’ll find somewhere else to play.
I’ll be anxiously awaiting Squidoo’s explanation for this lunacy.
This is shocking news, Jennifer – I hope it all gets sorted out quickly. *fingers crossed*
thefluffanuttas last blog post..A Browser Toolbar for Squidoo Lensmasters
@Sandis – Thank you for your support!
@Tyla – Thank you for your kind words! If this IS a “clean up” or something site-wide at Squidoo, then surely I am not the only one that got emails like mine today, ya know? Hopefully, this will all get straightened out quickly.
@Fluffanutta – THANK YOU for the crossed fingers!
Jennifer
~PotPieGirl
Jennifer, sorry to hear of this rather huge bump in the road. …I don’t (can’t) keep up with everything and wonder if you have it documented as to specific accounts you hold — to make it possible for malicious volunteers to know that they are yours. …Surely this will all work out and be another great topic for you to write about. Hoping for the best.
MiMis last blog post..Lensmaster Ramkitten Interview
Hiya Mimi =)
Yes, I have all my accounts listed (as well as lensmaster name and topic) in a file. This all just totally blows my mind….
I too support you completely and am anxious to find out what happens. In the meantime, I’m holding off creating any new lenses of my own. This is very disturbing to say the least. If this is not an error, then there’s no excuse. Those in charge need to be focusing on all of the blatant plagiarism on Squidoo these days instead of legitimate, quality lenses.
@RamKitten – Let’s not jump to conclusions yet. As I said, we’ve only heard MY side of the story…and this issue may be completely isolated to ME.
However, THANK YOU for your support both here and in the SquidU forum =)
Jennifer
~PotPieGirl
This absolutely breaks my heart! I have a feeling it is probably what you’re thinking too. With the way this economy is going, people are VERY sensitive about money.
Someone probably saw how successful you are and had to do something drastic to spite you. That really irks me!
Hi Jeff =)
This breaks my heart, too. Not because of money, either. I happen to LOVE Squidoo and love teaching others how to make great pages on the site. While I am crossing my fingers that it’s not something so vindictive, in some ways, I kinda hope it is. That way, it only affects ME.
Thanks for your support!
Jennifer
~PotPieGirl
Hiya PPG!,
Man!, I don’t believe it! I bought OWM and I am learning to use it and I look forward to earning with it in the long run, but cannot believe that this has happened! I look at a couple of blogs and I have found you and your system to be the most honest I have found! I am a major hardass and at this point I would be screaming discrimination! I am a noob at all of this and if you are not violating the Squids TOS then they need to back off or find the culprit! I hope this irons out! If it does not I am sure that there are enough of us to break out with a can of whupass and forward emails to the Squid and fight for you! Me personally, I love to fight, but that is just me! I am rooting for ya!
@Peter – Hahahhahahaahhahaaha! I haven’t said, “can of whupass” in a LONG time! Made me laugh – thank you!
Jennifer
~PotPieGirl
Also, the common denominator in this is not just you – it’s the fact that many of these lenses are accessible through OWM. Usually in the past, you haven’t shown any lenses beyond what is in your PPG account on Squidoo.
I think it’s going to be happening more though. Today on one of my lenses, I noticed the keyword was squidoo plus my keyword.
Do you have a way to set up a filter where you can see if someone posts the same content you had on your lenses?
Sorry- my brain gets rushing when I hear something awful like this!
@Jeff –
Interesting observation. Yes, about half of those accounts were available to One Week Marketing users – but not all of them.
Others finding my work and copying it is NOT new to me – but wow, kicked my butt on NINE ACCOUNTS? That’s pretty impressive…haha!
Jennifer
~PotPieGirl
Jennifer,
Heart breaking!.
You said it well, “diversification is key in business.”
Squidoo is their business; even if we use it as a tool in our businesses. It is always worrisome to have someone else in control – even a whiff of unjust treatment can be frustrating. This is enormous.
Hang in there – those of us that have gained from your efforts are with you.
Allan
Well,
I hope that Squidoo has not deemed it necessary to become “dictatorial” in the world that they have created if you guyz know what I mean? It is almost like the tax code…………………you know getting penalized for being successful! I am a bit of a conspiracy theorist and I smell something rotten in Denmark! If TOS is not violated then what is it? I think it just might be like PPG thinks…………….someone is being vindictive! Man I hope this gets worked out or it will squish the Squid for everyone who bought OWM!….I am still for breaking out with the can of whupass tho!
@ BFuniv – Yes… it IS Squidoo’s business and they have the complete right to delete ANY page on their site at any time they want. What I want to know is a) which of the staff members are working on a Sunday (unusual, I believe), and b) WHO gets to push that “delete/lock button”? All nine emails in a row on a Sunday is just so weird to me, but maybe someone will make sense out of it soon.
@Peter – I’m not going to draw any conclusions without further input. Hopefully we will find out “the rest of the story” soon =)
Jennifer
~PotPieGirl
Oh, and in the spirit of complete disclosure, this is the email I received from Squidoo (NINE of ’em….all within minutes of each other):
Now, they SAY that my lenses have been locked and will be deleted in 7 days unless I follow up with them, BUT, when I log in to some of the accounts, it says the account has been terminated (and some say locked).
Jennifer
~PotPieGirl
edit to add: Times the first 6 emails were received were (all EST)
1:42 pm, 1:43 pm, 1:43 pm, 1:44 pm, 1:45 pm, 1:45 pm
The 3 others were sent to individual email accounts.
As you say Jennifer – who is working on a Sunday? And who has the authority at HQ and among various volunteers to start deleting accounts?
Lets hope that common sense will prevail when people return to the office in the morning.
Hi Jennifer,
I know how hard your work on your lenses, so it’s a real pain to have the accounts locked.
Hope you get this resolved soon and post an update here.
andrew wees last blog post..Friday Podcast: Print-On-Demand Business Strategies With JGoode
Hi Jennifer, I am really shocked about all of this and I truly hope it gets sorted out very promptly and with a huge apology, I have my fingers crossed for you 🙂
I don’t understand, why would they do this? There are a lot of BAD lenses that they should be blocking instead. I do hope this is all a mistake.
Andrews last blog post..I am a SquidAngel!
That is horrible and kind of creepy. I’m really sorry to hear that. I’m glad to hear you have covered yourself in other ways though.
Hopefully it was just some dumb glitch, and they’ll get it figured out…
I’m so sorry.
boshemias last blog post..The Case for Curves… Guest Entry from Invoice Ninja
I hope this is just some weird “glitch” too!
Thank you all!
Jennifer
~PotPieGirl
Hi PPG
Just saw this. Will escalate.
Not sure why you have nine accounts, not one, but that’s something we can look into later. In the meantime, I’m passing this along to the team.
Seth Godins last blog post..Learning all the time
Thank you, Seth =)
Jennifer
~PotPieGirl
PS – I’ll be more than happy to detail why I have numerous accounts.
I really feel for you, losing something like that without any warning in particular just leaves me angry, frustrated, saddened, feeling lost… a whole range of emotions.
It’s one thing losing the trust, feeling that you have been let down, but it’s another losing your hard work, as well as one of your income streams.
I have considered cloning my lenses within a blog to help reduce the posibility of losing everything should anything happen to Squidoo.
It’s very worrying that this happens without warning. Ok, now if you are a spammer or produce garbage that’s one thing, but YOU have the respect of a lot of the Squidoo community, and as you said Megan too. Who’se next for the chopping block?
I know you will bounce back though. Looking forward to seeing where you turn next.
Just to follow up….
I received an email from Megan Casey (THANK YOU!) and she is looking into the issue.
For now, I be patient (ohhhhh, that is SO hard to do! lol)
I’ll let y’all know.
Jennifer
~PotPieGirl
This is crazy. Even if it turns out to be a mistake that gets reversed by Squidoo, I would still think that you would want to think about how to change OWM to diversify the approach.
This kind of power is a problem not with Squidoo alone but also with Google and other gatekeepers on the net.
I also think that it is interesting that Seth is not in the loop on a fundamental policy like number of accounts — which is clearly recommended by Squidoo. Still, it is cool that he commented (Twitter amazes me).
Let me know if you need any help…I’ll be watching this one.
Regards,
Mark
Mark Masons last blog post..How To Make A Few Extra Dollars Online
Hiya Mark =)
Thanks for stopping by! I still stand by people getting started online with Squidoo and One Week Marketing. We all have to start somewhere, and Squidoo is a WONDERFUL place to start, get your balance with internet marketing, AND make some moooo-la! I am SO proud of all these folks that are really starting to kick it online since they implemented the OWM Action Plan!
However, we all know that diversification is essential when working online. Multiple Streams of Income is the end goal… I want to get people started in the right direction. I have a lot of great stuff going for an advanced OWM guide that includes diversification techniques and opportunities. I look forward to getting that out to those that are ready for it. If need be, I have those techniques ready to put in the main action plan (but this is not my intention – only if it is necessary).
As for multiple Squidoo accounts (from Squidoo – http://www.squidoo.com/what – about half way down):
Owners don’t need to know everything… they ARE supposed to hire folks that do…lol (and Seth has that well-covered).
Thanks for the offer of help. Looks like we are on the path to at least finding understanding of what has happened.
Jennifer
~PotPieGirl
Jennifer, it’s got to be a glitch vs. something directed at you. Your integrity shines through all of your work.
Squidoo, however, has been going through some growing pains. They are expanding and adding new products, but not necessarily taking care of the “backend” of things.
I haven’t had the rotten experience of having accounts or lenses locked, but I did receive 6 emails from Squidoo today…with nothing in them. That was a first. And weird.
Making lemonaide out of lemons, here, I’m thinking that this experience is going to wake Squidoo up a bit. If it had happened to a Squidoo “nobody” it might have been overlooked.
BTW, I tried to leave this comment on the forum and got bumped because your thread had been closed.
gia combs-ramirezs last blog post..Ask gia | Energetic Help for Autistic Children
Thanks for that insight, Gia. Six empty emails sent to you by Squidoo today? That is very odd!
Also odd that my SquidU thread is now locked. So now what, I have to open a NEW thread just to let others know the outcome and calm the storm I created? :::sigh::::
Thanks for you support and input!
Jennifer
~PotPieGirl
hi Jennifer,
I am keeping my fingers crossed here for you, hoping this situation will come to a positive closure soon.
I too am blown away by this. I’m glad the Seth took the time to reply to you, Jennifer.
I am pretty sure that if the lenses were deleted by someone working at Squidoo, their user logs will show who what when, and how the lenses were deleted.
I just finished two lenses and even though you say not to panic, I’m going to go and copy them to a file – or put them on an unused WordPress Site of mine.
Good Luck!
(dang – but this is upsetting!)
Anne
Mirjam and Anne – Thanks for stopping by and sharing in my misery!
No, we aren’t going to panic, but it’s always a good idea to have copies of your hard work 🙂
Jennifer
~PotPieGirl
Jennifer, just reading the update. I’m really happy to read Seth’s post. Hopefully this will all be cleared ASAP.
Now how’s that for Squidoo service? lol
Jodies last blog post..Affiliate Marketing-Make 30000 By The End Of The Month
Hiya (again) Jodie 🙂
I sure hope this gets cleared up soon, too. My right arm is killing me. The hubby and I had major grudge matches on the Wii last night… Tennis, bowling, golf, and baseball. Shoulder HURTS and all this typing isn’t helping… hahahahaha!
Jennifer
~PotPieGirl
Hi Jennifer,
I’m definitely rooting for you and believe that everything will work out for your good.
You are and have been such an instrumental reason for the initial success many of us here on your blog are finally experiencing.
We’re just waiting for your word on how we can best support you and OWM going forward.
Sunshine
Sunshine –
You’re a doll… thank you SO much!!
Jennifer
~PotPieGirl
Hi Jennifer:
For some reason the discussion on Squidu seems to have closed. I am looking forward to a follow up on this.
While I am disappointed that you had your accounts locked, I am impressed that both Seth AND Megan communicated with you on a Sunday. THAT shows commitment from both of them to you. I appreciate that. I am sure you will sleep better.
Also, isn’t it nice to see all of the Squids come out of the woodwork to show their support? 🙂
Best of luck!
EuroSquids last blog post..A Broadway Revival of Hair
Hey there, EuroSquid 🙂
Yes, the original thread was locked down. I imagine they didn’t want things getting out of hand?
I also respect Megan and Seth’s participation in this matter today. Regardless, I don’t intend to lose sleep over this. In the big picture of life, this is the “small stuff” – and this too shall pass. Whether my lenses get re-instated or not, life will go on 🙂
The most pressing and troubling issue for me is this – what do I tell my readers, those that value my honesty, if my accounts are NOT re-instated and a “sufficient” explanation is not given as to why?
This bothers me… a lot. I feel a responsibility to those that read my stuff and that responsibility will be the ultimate factor in deciding what to do IF needed, ya know?
Oh well, I guess I will jump off that bridge if I get to it…..lol
OTHERWISE, tomorrow is the first day of my birthday WEEK. Yes, I like to celebrate a WEEK (hubby won’t let me have the whole month….bummer!)
Thanks for your support!!!
Jennifer
~PotPieGirl
Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday, dear Jennifer. Happy birthday to you.
May as well start early since you’re up. …and be glad you could not hear me singing that!
I know it’s hard to not think the worst, but I really feel like this will all come out well in the end — hopefully first thing tomorrow. And if it doesn’t, then you will regroup and lead your flock like always — from what I can tell, that will be in your usual honest and forthright way. …Sleep well. 🙂
MiMis last blog post..Lensmaster Ramkitten Interview
I can understand why some threads get closed in the SquidU forum and usually the last comment is from a moderator. This time it just “ceased to be”.
Lets just hope it was because it was felt that now HQ is on the case, there was no need for the discussion to continue. However, I am surprised that no one from HQ left any sort of message on there before closing it.
PPG – you are so right to say we must beware of speculation but I am aware of other things going on that have made me rather concerned over the last few weeks. Dont know if anyone else is feeling uneasy about anything? I am not saying we should discuss our concerns publicly but if we do have concerns perhaps we should be sending an email to HQ?
AJ2008s last blog post..Just to wish all my Fans….
wow, that is shocking Jennifer! But I’m glad you’ve had a response from Squidoo & they’re looking into it. I hope it turns out to be just a glitch with their system – I can’t imagine what kind of person would want to go after your lenses in a malicious way (and who would know what your different account names are?). I really hope that turns out not to be the case anyway – if it is, then it’s wrong that other users have that much power at Squidoo.
This is a good reminder about the need for diversification -I think I might do as some others have suggested, and put my lens content on my own blogs too, just in case. I love Squidoo, but I guess no third-party site can be trusted 100%.
Thanks for being so open about what’s happening here, & I hope it’s all sorted out in your favour very soon.
and happy birthday week btw : )
Have a great birthday week Jen…My wife has her birthday week this week too ( Feb 13).
Sorry to hear the Squidoo glitch….does not sound to me like something a legitimate Squidoo employee might do……..sounds like som ehacking going on somewhere…whether aimed at you or not….its something for Squidoo to pay attention to.
So far I have six accounts, and all been quiet on them
You are right….this too shall pass,,,,,but it sucks thw wind out of the sails for a time, til ya reset the jib!!
Leo Hanes
Thanks all for your concern and input. I haven’t heard anything yet this morning, but hopefully I will soon.
And thanks for the b-day week wishes!! Oh, and Leo? MY birthday is Feb 13th – yes, FRIDAY the 13th – too!
Jennifer
~PotPieGirl
Ah – I just went back into SquidU and found the second thread locked too. (the first thread was started by me… the second was started by another forum member)
Kimberly posted in this one before locking it and apparently, me talking about my situation in the SquidU Forum was against the rules.
Kimberly posted a link to this thread:
http://www.squidu.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=7164
Which states that we cannot post about closed accounts or locked lenses. That post I linked to is from 9/2007 and I was unaware of it.
My apologies to SquidU for breaking a forum rule. I was unaware…. but now I know 😉
Jennifer
~PotPieGirl
I saw my thread was locked but I figured it would be. Actually, I wanted to see if they’d handle that a bit more professionally and leave a reason why. They did and I am satisfied. If the person closing your original thread had just left a reason, I would have been satisfied. Most forum owners and mods know that if you lock a topic without a word during a discussion like this, you leave a lot of people wondering why and then things can spiral out of control quickly.
So, I’m digging through all these posts and trying to figure out whether you know what happened to your accounts yet? Did you break the ToS somehow or was this a glitch?
Unbelievable – that you of all people get treated this way, Squidoo Ambassador Extraordinaire!
Glad Seth knows about it; I too don’t understand how he could use only one account – how do you optimise the bio box for multiple campaigns?
Happy Birthday for the 13th – Aquarius eh? Now we know why you’re streets ahead of the rest!
As you say, odd this happened on a Sunday, unless it was an automated job.
Could be somebody is jealous of you and how much your help is appeciated by us all.
Karen
SandyPeaks
I just firmly believe that all of this is going to be resolved soon. I totally trust you and I totally trust Squidoo. To discover I am wrong about either of you would be a huge disapointment, so for now, I am choosing to believe in a perfect outworking. period.
Joan Adamss last blog post..Legally Blind Golfer
Hi jennifer
It`s shocking for me!
Keep your head up.
Greetings from Vienna
bernd49
Yup….SAME HERE!!! 4 ACCOUNTS CLOSED TODAY!!!! I followed the One Week Marketing to a T!!! was actually doing good until today…..Months of work WIPED OUT!
Squidoos reply is they rarely close an account, then review and open it back up, they said if it was closed, it most likely will stay closed!
Jeff
Why did you have nine seperate accounts?
Just a quick update before I have to be out of the office for a few hours for appointments….
No, I have not heard anything from Squidoo HQ yet. After the first email from Megan, I sent a reply back to clarify the situation (her email implied that I had nine lenses locked/deleted…. not ACCOUNTS. She also said that my accounts were locked and not deleted, so I clarified that I cannot even log IN to these accounts and get this message when I try to log in:
“Your account has been removed due to a violation of our Terms of Service.”)
In short, No news from Squidoo HQ of any sort since yesterday.
Whatever happens, happens. I know I did nothing to intentionally violate Squidoo’s TOS.
Bottom line is, it’s their site and they can do whatever they want, right? Right =)
Jeff – You had accounts closed? When? You mentioned a reply from Squidoo? Who did you talk to? Was that today? Sorry for the questions, but you are the first lensmaster that has said a PEEP about having accounts closed.
Anthony – There are many reasons to have multiple accounts at Squidoo. This does NOT violate the TOS of Squidoo. All of my accounts are associated by both my Social Security number and my paypal address. They know who to send payments to each month, and they knew who to send one combined 1099 form to for last years (2008) total earnings.
Ok – gotta run out, but I’ll be back (said in my best Arnold voice…lol)
Jennifer
~PotPieGirl
Hi Jenn
The 4 ACCOUNTS were all closed this morning at 4am????? 4 accounts, 30 lens. I also can not log into squidoo without the red text saying my account was removed due to a violation of TOS! I emailed squidoo from all four accounts, basically receiving the same canned reply, it reads:
Alas, we very rarely see false positives, or lenses locked by mistake. More often than not we’ve made editorial judgment calls based on the quality of the content on your lens or on reported spam behaviour. You might not agree with us, but as a free site, it’s important for our community to focus on creating worthwhile, authentic, helpful content–and not junk or spam.
If, after you’ve read this and the links above, you still really believe your lens is worth staking your reputation on, then hang in, cross your fingers, and we’ll get back to you.
Thanks,
The SquidTeam
So, like you, I’m waiting, but from the looks of that canned reply, I’m not holding my breath here. I did acually read one of the links they told me to look at, about being spammy, and they say they do not allow any lens on weight loss any longer, or lens pushing readers to affiliate links, not sure if thats new, i never saw that before. Let me find it in case its new!
Jeff
FOLLOW UP:
heres the info they emailed me concerning lens that are diet/weight loss related:
So, here’s where we draw the line between junk and spam. There are topics we’re just not going to let people write about. We wish we didn’t have to do that, but it’s the best plan available to remove the bad actors that want to take advantage, while keeping the site open for passionate people of all stripes.
The biggest offenders in the spam world are:
–Pharmaceutical, drug, and diet aid reviews and sales.
Ive read the TOS before I never saw that info in those words before.
Jeff
Hello Jen,
Hang in there baby! I just started building lenes on your advice from Andrew wee’s pod cast. I love issue. I burn them to a cd and listen all the time. Yours I have listened to the most, over and over. We have a little conection in that we started all this about the same time two years ago. But you have made it and I am still circling the drain.LOL
At the very least Squidoo could have sent an email warning what was wrong. I got the boot from Parked.com the very same way a year ago. I love what you stand for and will always follow you where ever you go. Keep up the good work! I will be watching my in box.
Ron
Hi Jennifer,
I can’t find anything out from squidoo & looking at the forum. I’ll be watching this blog like a hawk for updates. Really want to know what the **** is going on. I’ve got 5 other accounts that have WIP’s. Didn’t have any emails, yet.
If what Jeff is saying about ‘pushing visitors to links’ in lenses now being a no-no, I’m in big trouble. How many links would HQ consider ‘Pushing’? Hummmmm.
I think I’d better get busy and get backups for all my lenses’ content. The outcome of this just may make me move faster on my overall goals.
Deb~Flowergardeners last blog post..Slippin’ and Slidin’
Thanks for sharing your story Jeff. I’m happy everyone is willing to share their personal stories, perhaps it might give people some time to at least save their material before their accounts and lenses disappear.
I am a disappointed that this the way that Squidoo is choosing to deal with it. Often times there is a Grandfather clause in effect for these types of things. Leave the old ones alone, but no one else is allowed to create. Now everything is going to be left up to someone’s judgment rather than the community as a whole.
At any rate, if diet products are first, what is next? I have almost all of my lenses pointing to my domains and not affiliate products, does this mean that they escape what Squidoo is after?
Now there are more unanswered questions rather than answered.
Still sitting tight to hear more, but if this is now in the official Squidoo TOS, I imagine we will be getting an update from Jennifer in regards to OWM.
That being said, I don’t think there are any lenses that Jennifer made that would be put into the “spam” category, but then again, it is now up to someone’s judgement.
Jodies last blog post..Affiliate Marketing-Make 30000 By The End Of The Month
I am curious to see why they did it too. It seems strange.
patricia sanderss last blog post..Squidcasts
I got to this post from Josh Spaulding and I am so glad I did. Thank you for a very good post. I have just one lens on Squidoo and have been debating whether to do more, so I’ll be subscribing to your blog to find out what happened.
Beth Partins last blog post..MonHaibun: Loveliness I Could Call Forth
Just read what happened ,this terrible,no way do you desreve this,your the most honest internet marketer I know of.Squidoo is way off base on this one I am sure,in fact I am going to go complain to them right now! t/c
WHAT?
I did not know that you cannot talk about a locked thread! When did the internet and/or ownership of any site preclude it’s members from discussing anything at all concerning anything at all that occurs on said site? What has happened to the first amendment of the United States Constitution? If this does not make you other people in here mad then I suggest it is time to rediscover American history! How dare anyone say what you can and cannot discuss in a thread! As long as it is not defamatory or outright accusatory or libelous. Man that is straight bullyouknowwhat!
Hi Jen,
“Don’t give up before the miracle”!
I won’t repeat what everyone else has said….we all feel the same way about you. There is no one who has helped me more.
But I would like to say “thanks”…and that’s for being real with all of us. We care about you and the fact that you are right upfront with the hurt and anger certainly makes it easier for me. There are days I think I’ll never make it and trying to pretent all is well is over rated.
You have opened up and let all of us see that the feelings we’ve had as we try to build our businesses are ones you have had (and still do). There’s something very comforting about that.
To know that someone with your success is going through this is hard….but I know that in a month down the road we’ll all be thanking Squidoo for something…..who knows what the lesson is…not me. But I always believe we make the biggest steps forward when someone tries to hold us back.
I’ll following you and this of course….and giving you a hug in my heart!!
God Bless….Anne
Sorry to hear. The decisions may have been made by a lifeless software algorithm.
Why is the paid staff at Squidoo so small? They’re rolling in money, so why are they so miserly about hiring an adequate staff? It’s unprofessional.
To Jen and Jeff,
I am new to the world of IM and Squidoo. Jen you may recognize me as TheAVlady from WA. A fellow Georgian.
Anyway, it just so happens that I just recently joined Squidoo and haven’t even built a lens yet. But, I am a very organized person and I copy the TOS of every account I create. So, I have a copy of the TOS from Squidoo dated Feb 04, 2009 12:34pm EST.
I opened it up in word and did a search for the word “weight”. I did this because both of you made reference to havings lens that related to weight loss. Furthermore, Jeff stated that they emailed him saying those were not acceptable. I found no reference to ANYTHING about weight loss in the TOS I agreed to. Of course, they can change it at anytime but it’s obsurd to not let your folks know ahead of time.
If you would like a copy of the TOS I have just let me know and I will email it to you, for what it’s worth. You could at least argue that you did not break the TOS.
HTH,
Donna (TheAVlady)
FYI: I did a side-by-side comparison of my copy and the on up now and they seem to be exactly the same.
Jen,
Sorry for the three separate messages. I tend to think that way. Having to ponder for a bit. If you want to use these at all, please feel free to combine them into one message.
I was just wondering about something. Being a novice and all with Squidoo. I did notice that they seem to exist for the purpose of having folks donate money to charity. Am I wrong about that?
Now, if that is the reason for there existence, why would they want us IMers (urr, umm and soon to be IMers) on their site earning money for ourselves?
Just a thought as to why this may have happened. Being almost clueless about this and knowing you’re under a lot of stress right now… I won’t object to the teacher popping my hand with the ruler and sending me back to my chair. :o(
Thanks for all you do, Jen. You are a blessing!
Peter,
Freedom cuts both ways.
Everyone is free to stand on their soapbox, or write fliers as they please. We are free to ignore them – we can’t be forced to listen or read.
Squidoo and its forum are like a newspaper – our editorial comments are ours, but they decide what is fit to print. Ours freedoms do not override their liberties.
We are free to take our business elsewhere, or start a competitor; but they own their site and can determine what appears on it. Just as we can erase comments on our blogs. If their control becomes onerous, many will leave.
Our rights end where they interfere with the equal rights of others – and so do theirs, when they reach our rights.
BFunivs last blog post..Time for a change – a new style of BFU Journal
So the biggest offenders for spam on Squidoo are pharmaceutical, drug and diet stuff, huh? Well I can remember when I read OWM and the example was given in researching fatloss4idiots was 13k pages referencing that product in one form or another and like 138 with that in the title. So now what? Does this mean that The Squid is gonna wipe out 13k+/- pages from Squidoo? What about Strip That Fat? and blubber this and lardass that! I dont have the marketing experience that a lot of you in here have, but I am smokin mad right now! This action of Squidoo’s can have/can make internet history! I frankly find it unamerican! The consequences for many lensmasters is daunting to even think about! BAM! 13k pages locked/deleted? Then where to go from there? Think about it people!!!!!
Still watching and waiting. but wanted to join in the birthday wishes. and to say congrats on such a huge, active, and concerned following! You have major support out here, Jennifer. It warms the heart.
I think most people on Squidoo are trying to make a little cash. If it becomes a social site, I just really do not have time. And I doubt if serious marketers do either.
Anxious to hear the outcome of all this. What a way to start a new year — but I do agree with others who say OWM could easily be re-designed if necessary. It is a great plan – no matter what!
Joan Adamss last blog post..Legally Blind Golfer
Hi Jennifer
I hope you get this issue sorted out.
But one thing I noticed was how positive everyone is being towards you so hope you take strength from that.
Your OWM is an excellent book – straightforward and no bull – you come across like a very honest person.
No doubt somebody has got their knickers in a twist and is having a devil of a job trying to sort it all out.
Best wishes
Rach
Jeff said above:
So, like you, I’m waiting, but from the looks of that canned reply, I’m not holding my breath here. I did acually read one of the links they told me to look at, about being spammy, and they say they do not allow any lens on weight loss any longer, or lens pushing readers to affiliate links, not sure if thats new, i never saw that before. Let me find it in case its new!
Jeff
Jeff, where did you see it stated they won’t allow lenses that push readers to AFFILIATE LINKS?
What in the world? If that is true, then 99 percent of all lenses will get deleted!
That cannot be true, can it??? Or are they only wanting people to make money through the co-op instead of making 100% commissions on affiliate products?????
This whole think is MOST incredibly upsetting. My feelings for Squidoo have changed forever.
I really wanted to dive into this and make more lenses. I’ve put HUNDREDS of hours into the ones I do have so far, and if they got deleted it would feel like SUCH a violation — no words to describe it. Especially if done without warning and time to make corrections if they object to something.
ACK.
Ok everyone… let’s settle down a little. We don’t KNOW anything yet so speculating is only getting everyone even more upset.
I can’t respond to everything right now, but I will say these few things:
1. re: Affiliate Links – If anyone cares to, go to the Squidoo site and read the (free) Everyone’s an Expert ebook by Seth Godin. This is Seth’s personal vision for Squidoo and within it’s pages (I believe somewhere about page 23), he talks about who might want to make a lens and why they might want to make one (or 100). Making lenses for individual affiliate commissions (not just Squidoo revenue modules) has always been ok and part of the original structure of Squidoo.
Also in this ebook, Seth talks about a lens NOT being a place that someone stops, but instead it is a place where people find recommendations to go NEXT. ie, lensmasters give their recommended links to resources. Seth Godin’s description and vision for the site does not indicate any problem with encouraging a click OUT of the site, or a click thru to another lens.
Here is the direct link to read this book by Seth:
http://cobrand.squidoo.com/EveryoneIsAnExpert.pdf
I encourage everyone to read the TOS and all the other links that are at the bottom of your dashboard.
2. re: Diet stuff – Poker, Pills, and P0rn are the three big “likely to sapm” type topics online. Pills and Poker are not allowed on Squidoo (p0rn is, as long as it is categorized properly and does not involve under-age activity) – also, credit card offers are not permitted (and maybe credit repair stuff but don’t quote me on that).
When Squidoo says they don’t allow “diet aids” type lenses, I believe they are talking about pills – not books or systems. In other words – as far as I am aware, lenses about Fat Loss 4 Idiots or Strip That Fat are NOT an issue to be concerned about.
3. re: Squidoo Staff stuff – In my opinion, they don’t need a bigger staff. In fact, them having a smaller staff is something that appeals to me. Yes, the site has gotten VERY large, but I am currently not of the opinion that a bigger staff is the solution. I have always been a BIG fan of Seth Godin and a big fan of Squidoo. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that something just “glitched” and nothing uhhhh…. weird has happened.
If in fact it was my own fault that this happened and somehow I violated the TOS or the spirit of Squidoo, I will let you know. I will accept whatever the outcome is (hey, it’s their site, right? lol) and move forward.
So, let’s all hang tight. I know patience is a tough thing to practice, but let’s give it a whirl….lol. Squidoo has been good to us, so let’s try and give them the benefit of the doubt here…ok?
Now, I am going to see what I can find out and I will be back =)
Oh… and to ALL OF YOU…
WOW WOW WOW! I am blown away by all the input and support each of you have shown. You are the BEST EVER!
THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jennifer
~PotPieGirl
Jennifer,
This one worries me severely. You are one of the Squidoo elite I feel. 9 of your accounts…4 of Jeff’s closed. This is screaming that there are more to come. It was hard when ScribD tossed me and told me to “Go advertise somewhere else,” but to get tossed by Squidoo…oh my, that thought makes my stomach feel sick. I figured someone pushed the spam button on ScibD just to do it and led to me losing over 20 documents I had worked hard on and was receiving lots of traffic from. Woke up one morning BANNED. I even wrote you about it, because I was so upset. I am seriously debating on moving all of my lenses to my main account, but lord that is a lot of lenses and I do not even know if that would prevent me from being locked. If they get locked, that means all the other links to those Squidoo lenses we have all over the net at other article sites and blogs are no good either. That will be a daunting task to backtrack and correct everything. VERY DAUNTING!!!
You are the reason I started creating lenses and I am a true blue OWM. I know how you feel and I am sad this has happened to you and Jeff. I strongly feel it will not stop with you 2. Call it paranoia or whatever, but I think a lot of lensmasters might as well brace themselves for what is coming. I hope like heck that I am just being paranoid!
You can find the comments about affiliate promotion on SquidDon’t! 2nd Module, 8th paragraph. I believe the TOS also states they do not want you automatically routing the lens to an affiliate site or any site. That is all I could find about affiliate links.
Hi Jennifer,
I am sorry that this has happened to you! I truly hope that this can be resolved quickly!
I am one of your followers and came back to your site today to get the Wealthy University information when I say this post! I was scheduled to start my campaigns today on Squidoo, however I will hold off until you receive an update on what’s going on.
I know it will be difficult, but have fun for your B-Day!
EN
Hi Guys!!!
I still havent heard anything from Squidoo, on any of the 4 emails I sent. I think Jenn has way more pull than me, so I believe she will hear before i do as to why they closed the accounts.
ACK. As far as the weight stuff and affiliate stuff…..heres the info that Squidoo sent me this morning……in their words, copy and pasted here:
I hope to hear something soon, Jeff
The biggest offenders in the spam world, and topics that aren’t okay on Squidoo, are:
–Pharmaceutical, drug, and diet aid reviews and diet pill sales. (Examples: Viagra, Hoodia Gordoni, Penis Enlargement pills, acai berry etc)
–Yes, weight loss and dieting lenses are far more often spam than good–especially when they’re selling something, or promoting an affiliate site.
–Affiliate lenses promoting other affiliate programs. Go figure. (For example, the Yuwie affiliate network has been spamming Squidoo with the same content, thousands of pages a week, for a while. So, they’ve earned their way onto our SquidDon’t list. If you’ve got a Yuwie lens, chances are it will get shut down. Sorry).
Jennifer,
Happy Birthday,
I’m guessing we won’t have to wait till Friday to get this worked out. Feeling your pain, I remember a 60’s poster that pictured two vultures talking “To heck with patience – I want to kill something.”
As a small gift, I’ve added a clickbank link to OWM on several of my lenses. Hope those affiliate links bring us some business.
Ok – all…
I’VE GOT NEWS!
I’m going to do a new post because LORDY, there is a LOT to read on this page!
So, you’ll have to be patient for a just a bit longer while I get my ducks in a row (and fed….lol) and get my post typed up.
But, before you go crazy from me asking you to be patient for even a minute longer….
Here’s a hint:
It’s GOOD news. No, it’s GREAT news!
and you won’t believe the rest of the story 😉
Hang tight!
Jennifer
~PotPieGirl
First, Happy Birthday week hun.
Second, do you realize how many people respect and admire you and are behind you on this? No matter what happens with this, you have a faithful and thankful crowd of people that have been helped by PotPieGirl. You have earned the respect of us all. We will still be here when this blows over. And so will PotPieGirl, only better than ever.
Hello Jennifer
To put a more positive spin on things since you mentioned that there will be a OWM2 (or 1.5 depending on what you find out) want to do a little preview of how it builds upon the first.
Also you might want to check out Josh Spauldings blog because he did a post on Ezinearticles vs Squidoo and your name was mentioned there (as a authority on Squidoo). Might be good to trade some constructive thoughts there.
Take care.
Hi Jennifer,
I’m horrified to hear what has happened to you. I bought OWM just yesterday, printed it out and I am still reading thru the day-by-day emails as you mentored Nick T.
Anyone with a lick of sense can see you are one of the good guys. And I wish you all the best.
Thanks for being who you are!
Sincerely,
David.
Amen, Jakki
We love you Pot Pie Girl !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ron
Oh thank goodness! I just bought OWM and joined Wealthy Affiliate AND gave my job 1 years notice!!! Just kidding on the last part 🙂
I am in shock. I will wait for the out come but just know this ppgirl, if you move I move. Period.
hang in there,
Bella
Well, I have NEWS too! I’m sure its not like Jens news. I had yet another account deleted today! Happened within last hour, so thats all my squidoo accounts, 45 lens total, all gone. I tried to access the forum on Squidoo but those 2 threads are locked, and any further posting on the issue will be dealt with swiftly by locking/deleting posts.
So, I can understand its in Squidoos best interest to get all Jens accounts back open, but, I’m worried about the little guys like me!!! 2 months of work down the drain, followed the OWM step by step and now I’m pretty much invisible. Worst part is Squidoo sends that canned email to me 5 times now, so I have no idea exactly what I did wrong, how to avoid it in the future, or what to earn from, other than your hard work can/and will get deleted instantly with zero recourse if the 3 people working at squidoo feel that its in violation.
Ive tried to get an answer, but I dont think they will be emailing a little guy like myself, I’m on the canned email list.
Jeff
This is Major Bullshit! Like I said before it is unamerican to lock that thread as people have a right to know what is going on and we all have the right as Americans to “redress of grievance” I know like what Bfuniv said up there about Squidoo’s rights, but that may be so. When it comes to locking a thread? What is it that Big Squid is afraid of? That other’s may become informed of what is happening? No sneak attack like poor Jeff up there? This is just major BS no matter how you put it! These kinds of issues really make me hot so all of you in here forgive me, I would do the same for anyone in here!
Jen,
I hope this get’s resolved soon. I was going to purchase your e-book and join WA through your website. If it turns out that Squidoo has lost there marbles then I will follow you. I’m studying Squidoo because of YOU! I knew what it was before I found your website but they owe my loyalty to them because of YOU! Your integrity bleeds through in everything you post online. And on top of all of that your from the South. ROLL TIDE ROLL BABY!
Wow, I’ve not heard of Squidoo deleting accounts like that. I’m sorry to hear it because I’m sure you had an absolute ton of lenses between all of your accounts. Recently a colleague told me her youtube accounts were deleted for no reason…… she could not get an answer. Her content was all good. I believe she lost about 200+ videos which were posted all over the internet for various things. It’s really devastating- I hope you get answers.
Re. Jeff –
I wouldn’t get too distressed just yet. If you read Jennifer’s last post she said that she has great news.
I believe it was some kind of mix up, which could possibly explain what has happened to your accounts aswell.
Don’t get too distressed until you read her next post. I’ve been refreshing her home page every two minutes waiting for it haha.
Even if this is a misunderstanding, we can all learn something from this. I know it gets said a lot but you can’t afford to put all your eggs in the one basket. Especially when you’re using a platform which you don’t own such as Squidoo, you can blink and the next second everything’s gone.
Hey Pat,
I’ve been refreshing it every 1 minute for past 4 hours to see what the news is 😉
True about the baskets, I’m glad I only have a portion at squidoo, I’m concerned because after Jen announced she had good news 4 hours ago, we had our last accound closed and deleted after her message, so thats reason Im leary here, but, I am trying to be patient here!
Jeff
Pat,
You too! I have been refreshing her home page and hitting my recieve email button all night, can’t wait. I have to go to work tomorrow and will be wondering all day… But I have to get to bed now, so it sounds like everything is going to be fixed. What a day!!!
Good Night All
Ron
Rons last blog post..There Is No Place Like Nome
I think that what has happened to you merely serves to lend more weight to the increasing demand for international regulation of the internet. Someone appears to be bearing some kind of personal grudge against you – it may just be jealosy, who knows. Since the internet evolved some 30 years ago it has remained essentially unpoliced and unregulated – a thieves paradise – but the time has long since arrived, I think, for this wild west approach to be brought to an end. We all obviously need some central world body – an INTERPOL-type regulator – to which serious complaints can be addressed and properly investigated. One only has to take account of the multitude of abuses that occur daily to realise the need for a central arbiter – sites that show people how to make bombs, peole losing their accounts for no apparent reason, criminal gangs using the net to plan armed robberies, children being groomed in chat rooms, scammers earning millions through online fraud, etc. One could just go on and on and on.
I am still in shock about this ~ I read this this morning and can not believe it! I can’t even imagine the repercussions that this could have ~ but I am sure they will take care of the problem and take care of you! You have to be their best customer! The amount of business you bring…. wow!
Hang in there, I am sure it will be fine ~ I would have had two heart attacks myself though! LOL
Happy Birthday to you! Mine is the 14th! It’s our week! Only good will come of this week!!!!!!!!!! 😉
Philip,
Go to the next post and you will see it all worked out well for the Pot Pie Girl, and us.
The problem with central control is that you formalize corruption and add many new costs. You can not regulate away scams and dirty dealing, they still exist even in prisons where inmates are under (almost) total control.
In the real world it is still up to the individual to protect themselves by dealing with folks they know to be honorable, backing up their data, and diversifying their risks.
There are sites on-line that do a good job of exposing scams. There are many existing laws that thieves dance around and are arrested for breaking. There are thousands of organizations that police us already. Another layer of bureaucrats will not protect those that do not protect themselves.
If this had been a real vendetta, it would have been found out and exposed. Perhaps Jennifer would have taken her data and led us to new sites – that was not required this time. We currently have freedom to select who we work with; and an effective, informal reputation based system for selecting on-line relationships.
What is subsidized increases – over protecting fools leads to more fools (look at the highly regulated finance industry).
With high regulation and central controls you can still be scammed, or assaulted; at school, in a paper or magazine, from your government, on a street corner, or at any juncture where you deal with fellow humans.
If you are wise and not greedy you can minimize your own risks; even working with lawyers, bureaucrats, or at an auto dealership.
It is hard to believe, but prior to the last depression, America had hundreds of automobile producing companies. Today we have 2 1/2, and soon perhaps one centrally controlled company. Regulation and taxes have destroyed quality, value, and choice – and still do not protect consumers.
Regulators do not exist for the benefit of the regulated or their clients. Once created a regulatory body gains life, and exists to perpetuate itself and grow. (In High School I did investigative work for an INTERPOL agent)
The already over regulated users of the internet, and our societies will function best in self regulating and adaptable relationships.
Or; we can settle for evolving a controlled internet that has few options – like driving a Yugo till the next breakdown.
“One of the greatest delusions in the world is the hope that the evils in this world are to be cured by legislation.” – Thomas B. Reed
(sorry Jennifer, for my answers on YOUR blog. It happily is your sandbox, you can erase this and send me away as you wish.)
No problem! Thank you for stepping up =)
Note To All
Before commenting, please know that this situation HAS been resolved.
The details of the resolution can be found here:
https://www.potpiegirl.com/2009/02/squidoo-un-deleted-nine-of-my-accounts/
Thanks!!
Jennifer
~PotPieGirl
Wow! Your experience has scared me. I don’t have a Squidoo lens. But as a user of Blogger, I live in fear that my blog will disappear. I know it’s happened before. I’m searching for a way right now to back up my posts and images. But so far, I’ve found no simple solution that will accomplish both.
Work at Home Mom Revolutions last blog post..Work at Home AccuScribe Medical Transcription
I feel your pain! I have had 8 lenses locked recently. Fortunately I haven’t had a whole account deleted.
A couple of these lenses have been there since 2007. All my lenses are helpful with plenty of free advice for those willing to read them.
I don’t use Squidoo as much as I used to for this reason, I have found an alternative that I like almost as well.
I am in exactly the same position – I woke up this morning to find 5 of my accounts deleted and all lenses locked and I can’t understand why either. I have emailed Squidoo so hopefully it will be resolved.
I began OWM 6 weeks ago – and have 6 campaigns going – and 5 now deleted (thats 26 lenses gone!)! All of my lenses are original non junk lenses which I put alot of hours and effort into – i just hope mine get unlocked like yours did Jennifer.
So far all I have recieved is an email for me to wait up to 15 days for them to review the accounts and why don’t I in the mean time read their TOS – which I have already done about 10 times!!
Week 1 through to 4 inclusive got deleted while week number 5 is still active. And my last campagin week 6 is also deleted – and they were just getting good amounts of traffic too!
Fingers crossed all turns out well.
Hi I would like to provide an update to my previous post.
i have just recieved an email from Squidoo stating that none of my accounts will be reactivated. This is what they had to say –
“Suidoo doesn’t endorse third party marketing guides such as Pot Pie Girls guides. Nor can we guarantee that the information these guides contain is in line with our TOS. The lens topics you’ve wrtten about are specifically not allowed on Suidoo”
The topics I have written about are to do with morning sickness, hemorrhoids, bacterial vaginosis and solar energy.
I can’t believe this – all my work is now down the drain. All the times I spent sitting at this computer until 3 or 4 in the morning to get them up to a high standard. I have all these sites pointing to my lens and it has all been for nothing. I am absolutely gutted at this decision – I am literally in tears as I write this – I have just wasted 6 weeks for nothing. I am so disappointed i am at a loss for words.
I hope this never happens to anyone else.
LIZ….
SAME HERE, WEEKS WASTED, and my accounts on phone look-ups, drop ship apparel and designer handbags, ALL DELETED. Basically told me that Squidoo doesn’t endorse third party marketing guides, or the use of Pot Pie Girls guides. My lens were running for 8 months, and without warning…..POOF!!!! From past experience unless ur a heavy hitter like Jennifer, you will never get a reply from Squidoo on this. I am also sick, and done with this.
Jeff
Well folks if you think this is only happening on Squidoo it is not. It is slowly happening in many forms on many other sites and it will get worse if you intend to continue using the “free” sites.
I bought OWM and I have used it and some of my sites still make money every month. But! I will not use Squidoo or other pages like it ever again. I still use the methods in OWM but I use them on my own sites that I own. Face it folks the days of using the “free” sites for marketing are slowly going away. You even have to be very careful now when using the free sites just for getting a back link.
My advice is to learn how to build your own sites and market them using the OWM strategy as it does work! Marketing on Squidoo is dead and that is a fact no matter PPG says and the TOS is going to keep on getting tighter and tighter.
Many of you have lost lots of hours of work and time trying to build something. I feel ya! I built 20 sites on Squidoo and then stopped and found another way. You should do the same. It is time to boycott Squidoo!
Yes I agree with both your last comments. Another disappointing fact is I originally purchased OWM to do a review on it for my subscribers – so what do I say now? I can only be honest and say stay away from Squidoo. This is all really unfair.
Hi Jennifer
I am scared now. I have been following you for about a month now online and I ordered your free “How to Do Squidoo tutorial” and am working on my 3rd lense now (which I have spent hours making the other 2) and now after, I finish that one, I am going to wait to see what happens to you before continuously posting more. You have helped me so much in my own online marketing quest and this really sucks for you. I have learned so much from
Michelle
Long ago I started making my own SELF-HOSTED WordPress sites using Hostgator as the Host. Lynn Terry and others have always recommended having your own sites that cannot be shut down. It’s not expensive to grab a domain name and use Hostgator (which you can have unlimited domains for very low cost per month….like $10 bucks). I’m building my 4th WordPress site. I keep a checklist of the plugins I use on them, etc. so that it gets easier each time I start a site. I can build one in my sleep now and can have it up and running with posts and pages on it within a day. The nice thing about using WordPress is you can use it in “Blog” format or just build “Pages” and have it look like a static website. So, if I’m going to put my hard work into something (especially affiliate marketing)….better to spend the time on my OWN site on not on someone else’s site that has their own rules. I can work hours on my own sites and NEVER worry about being shut down after all my hard work is done. Also, ONE WEEK MARKETING can be used no matter what content manager you are using (Blogger, Squidoo, your own sites, etc). It’s a MARKETING guide and can help you regardless. Lynn Terry has a post called “How To Start A WordPress Blog” at her ClickNewZ site which is really helpful. I’m fairly certain that PotPieGirl also has her own sites but I’m not sure if she has anything on her blog referencing what I’m talking about. Anyway, I feel for everyone that had all their hard work go down the drain. I think that Squidoo fixed PotPieGirl’s issue more so because she has heavily promoted them and they know it. She could really damage their reputation if they had decided to not unlock her accounts. I don’t blame her for this. I’m glad they unlocked her accounts, but I wish that they would take care of the little guys a bit better. I seriously doubt that everyone they lock is some horrible criminal spammer. Unbelievable….