scammed through paypal link? NO, I WASN'T BUT READ ON....

[TKC747]

What is the exact process of emails and confirmations sent when joining the ACA online through paypal: This is the receipt I got:


You sent a payment of $25.00 USD to American Cichlid Assiciation (danekind@one.net (danekind@one.net))


notice the misspelling of Association. Have I been scammed? Why can't I get access to BB back issues?

Thank you

[TKC747]

sorry, false alarm, The treasurer assured me I was not scammed

[similis]

I actually thought the same thing when I signed up this weekend.

It's a bit awkward how the process works for signing up, they should work that out a bit.

It just leaves you hanging after you've paid... there should be some kind of confirmation and it should take you back to the aca with a welcome.

Glad I wasn't the only one confused... although it doesn't take much sometimes...:p

[Mrfiremouth]

We have yet to get or write a code that will translate Word.docs and "Access" programs to the vB3/4 software for automated subscription service. We need to have the system like this because the current members get a BB mailed to them. The mailer needs the info in a different document than the vB database can provide for membership data at this time.

We either need to change the way we track data(name/address/status) and send that data to the magazine printer for mailings or we need to come up with a custom code that will work with the software.

Either way, EVERY SINGLE MEMBER is added manually to the system by Claudia(for BB's), and then one of the 3 Admin's here(usually me if I can) so that ACA Member status is granted.

I apologize for the misunderstanding and we will talk to Tim about adding a comment on the Paypal transaction stating that it may take up to 48 hours for a volunteer to add you to the electronic system. I usually can do this within 8 hours of the transaction, sometimes even within minutes. It just depends if I am Online or not at the time. :)

[DogFish]

First off I would like to say to both Thank you for joining the ACA. The web site is sill under construction and some one is working on store. It takes time to get the coding done, please bear with us.

I will make a note of the misspelling of ( Association ), thanks for pointing that out. If any one needs something or has a problem just let us know.

[afrabat]

Though it does take a little time, atleast we do not have to send a check or money order and print out a sheet to send in the mail with the payment. Iowa Aquaria Assoc. does it this way and that is the reason I haven't joined. It does take a few moments but it doesn't take a whole day.

I would personally like to thank Rich, Jim and everyone else who has something to do with this process. You are always reassuring people and letting them know that you are on it. People (not speaking directly to Similis or TKC747) are such in a hurry now a days to get things asap we forget to stop and realize how much actually goes into it.

Think about the speed limit (lets say 25mph) people are in such a hurry all the time they go exactly the limit. But if someone decides not to go the limit and go 23mph they get their bumper ridden and honked at. When we see a cop car the first instinct is to go exactly the limit. Isn't that odd, you would think we would go under the actual limit so we don't get in trouble. Even when being taught by a drivers ed teachers.

[Claudia]

A warm welcome to the ACA!

Thank you so much for bringing our attention to these matters via e-mail and on this thread!

With many thanks to Alex, the current system is *so much better* than what we have had, and we are grateful for that! As Rich has mentioned, there is much yet to be done and with time, that too will come. We thank you so much for your kind patience!

Currently, we are relying on volunteers who do their best to respond in a timely manner. With the knowledge that this system is less than optimal, we all look forward to the day that it is fully automated. In the meantime, we will look into alternatives to alert those who submit payments to the fact that it may take up to 24 hours for their membership to be instated.

As a note of clarification to Rich's kind post, it is Marty who enters each member into the database by hand, and Claudia sends each member a welcome. : )

Thank you again, so much, and if you have any questions or further concerns, please do not hesitate to let us know!

With Warm Wishes for a Wonderful Holiday!
Claudia

[similis]

I was just thinking about the earlier post, and I didn't mean to sound disparaging or like I was complaining...

Both Claudia and Rich were very helpful and on top of the situation right from the start. They both even went as far as sending along their phone numbers to call if I had needed to. (Where else will you get that kind of "customer service" these days?) If I would have signed up on a weekday, there most likely wouldn't have been any hiccup at all.

Anyway, I look forward to being a member for a long time, and the next time renew, I'll know!

[TKC747]

Thanks for the clarification about where the coding is...I just thought it would be automatic like the cichlid room companion... There's a lot to be said about Claudia's personal welcoming each and every member. Thanks Claudia, for the personal touch, I am so used to automation I thought I had been scammed when nothing automatic dropped into my email box.

Thanks again!:)

[chc]

I would personally like to thank Rich, Jim and everyone else who has something to do with this process.

Think about the speed limit (lets say 25mph) people are in such a hurry all the time they go exactly the limit. But if someone decides not to go the limit and go 23mph they get their bumper ridden and honked at. When we see a cop car the first instinct is to go exactly the limit. Isn't that odd, you would think we would go under the actual limit so we don't get in trouble. Even when being taught by a drivers ed teachers.


Ditto on thanking the Moderators!

Also, I never thought about the speed limit thing. You're right. People do drive exactly the limit with a cop around. It's almost as though slower would be suspicious!

[Big_Kill]

Welcome to the ACA. We are thrilled to have you!

[fishsafari]

I sent my payment back on April 12, and I am not sure whether I have been added. I just tried to post a "want ad" and got a message I didn't have access. Is there a way I can tell if my membership is active?

[DogFish]

The Forum has not up-grade you to ACA member. Its Late Sunday night, give us some time and we will look in to it, and get back to you.

[fishandfire]

We have some new administrators that are still learning the processes with the ACA forum (including myself). I have a list of paid members by name. However the name you listed on your profile is not your full name, so I can't cross reference your name to the list to get everything switched. Could you please send me a message with your real name and I will work on this.

[DogFish]

I sent my payment back on April 12, and I am not sure whether I have been added. I just tried to post a "want ad" and got a message I didn't have access. Is there a way I can tell if my membership is active?


You have been up-graded to ACA Member and should be able to post in the " TP " part of the forum. If you have any more problems or question just let us Know.

[fishsafari]

Thanks! I'm just getting used to the whole process.

[TKC747]

I'm sorry I even posted the original posting... it looks bad for the ACA to have this post up on the front page every once in a while. I am just a New Yorker, a bit paranoid about scams and such living in the big city. I do apologize for thinking the worst without knowing the whole process.

And thanks for adding "NO I WASN'T BUT READ ON..."

[DogFish]

I'm sorry I even posted the original posting... it looks bad for the ACA to have this post up on the front page every once in a while. I am just a New Yorker, a bit paranoid about scams and such living in the big city. I do apologize for thinking the worst without knowing the whole process.

And thanks for adding "NO I WASN'T BUT READ ON..."

Your post was fine, believe me when I say the ACA has weathered a lot worse. One of the reasons why ACA Members volunteer to be MODS or part of the Web Team is to help other members navigate the forum. Members need to be able to feel conferable posting. This site helps to diffuse knowledge about Cichlids which is one of the main reason the ACA exist. We all want to learn more as hobbyist and fish keepers to insure the best care for fish. You can not do that if your having problems or not conferable with this site.

Remember, the only dumb question is the one you did not ask! Please, if any member has any questions on Cichlids, the forum, fish keeping, the ACA just post.

Some one will try to answer you.

Thanks

Jim

[sheag35]

I must say i did myself get a little worried after joining 2 nights ago, but after popping off an email to Claudia my worries were put at ease, ACA Claudia is a gem, if you dont pay her start doing so Ambassador at large is the perfect title for her, heck she put up with an Irish mad driving her probably around the bend for the last two days, but if everyone on here is like her and Mo Devlin (whom i know from www.irishfishkeepers.com (http://www.irishfishkeepers.com) and without whom i wouldn't have joined A.C.A. BIG KUDOS MO) then i'm gonna be a happy fishkeeper/fish addict ;)
hope i can help some people on here and get some help also as i'm a cichlid nut
Thanks again for having me and letting me join your association
Seamus

[DogFish]

I don't think that there is a member that has dealt with Claudia, that has not come away thinking what a GEM she is!!

On a personal note:

Having to deal with me, might just qualify her for SAINTHOOD . She is the Editor of the Buntbarsche Bulletin and has agreed to stay on as editor for a year more. Thank You!!

You can tell she very much loved and respected by the members of the ACA.

[Dean Hougen]

We should honor Claudia by making her a Fellow of the ACA.


Dean

Oh, wait.

[afrabat]

Thank you CLaudia for everything! WOO! Thanks for staying on another year too! YOU ROCK!!

I concur Dean, Claudia for ACA Fellow"ette"

[DogFish]

We should honor Claudia by making her a Fellow of the ACA.


Dean

Oh, wait.


In the last couple of months a lot of new ACA Members joined, and might not know what Dean talking about.

FELLOW OF THE ACA

Link to Page: http://www.cichlid.org/index.php?pageid=aca_fellows

It is the Highest Award the ACA can bestow to some one. Last year Claudia became the only second woman to receive this honor, From 1972 to 2010 it has only been given out 17 times.

[sheag35]

well she imo deserves it, shes a credit to the organisation

[DogFish]

Thank you CLaudia for everything! WOO! Thanks for staying on another year too! YOU ROCK!!

I concur Dean, Claudia for ACA Fellow"ette"

I think a lot of us ACA members feel that she ROCKS.

Sorry Deans post was a little confusing, he's a computer nerd in academia. I don't think they let him out much (LOL dean I'm teasing you).On the other hand, I guess she could be nominated twice.