I may be wrong, but do any of you ever get the feeling that some people(very very very few, ok, maybe one or two) join this site just to use us. Not for recipes or ideals, but for other things. I'm not sure how to explain it without offending anyone, but there are thousands of us on here and we are a very powerful group if asked to do something for the cause. Does anyone here know what I'm talking about?

Hi kris,

Love your avatar...he is a cutie

Yep, we are, if I'm not mistaken, the largest cake site. I'm not quite sure, but are you talking about advertising or getting info to help with starting their business?

Nope, because that's what this site is here for. I'm talking about something else.

I can appreciate how you're trying to convey your idea without offending anyone but it's still pretty vague. Are you talking about using us like a political lobby? Is someone trying to "slam" another business by discrediting them?

I can't say that I've ever encountered anything like this...

I don't think I get it.

do you mean by getting votes for things like baby contests or votes for any other contests?

I must be slow because I don't get it either! Can you help us?
Faye

Not sure what you mean?...give us another hint...

You read my mind. I just treat certain posts like a commercial, change the channel, lol.

I don't get what you are talking about....please help out.

You mean use this site to sell their Pampered Chef, Wilton, Williams Sonoma, etc. stuff?

So I'm a slow typer.

Yes I understand what you are talking about. Let's say I post a cake pic, to prove "I am one of you too" then it isn't to long before I start asking something of the community. I have seen this a few times. I too-change the channel.

Use us? Slightly confusing...a little paranoid....But i like where this is going! Ok I'm kidding. But honestly if you do feel you're going to offend people by saying what you're trying to say its best if you don't mention it ONLY because its been known to happen around here and it makes people quite unhappy and since this is a friendly cheery lil community we have going then the happier the better.

Note: I'm still very curious though...

o.k. I admit it....I use you guys.....for free therapy...Thanks!

I think I know where your coming from. I have people wanting direction on some of my cake. I'm always glad to send, but then I go to see their pictures or post and there is none. Some of them are members for years. I wonder whey they don't share their talent with use. I think sometimes they are here for themselves only.

I am really a brunette, but feel like I'm a blonde!!!!! LOL

No offense to our very talented and smart blonde's out there!

But I am definately lost! LOL

Oh yes! That thought has crossed my mind more than once as well...............and what a great source/force we are to tap into when you think we have over 80,000 members to sway into helping some self-serving cause or similar - things completely unrelated to cake!

Well I'll just come out and say it... I read a thread recently where someone who had very few posts to begin with used the whole thread to encourage us to vote for her for something or other -- it just seemed like a blatant campaign on her part. Is that the sort of thing you are talking about?

sue_dye,

I know exactly what you mean. I do not like that, either. There are what, 70,000 members here, but only 300-400 of us participate regularly.

I have also noticed that there are some newbies who are obviously not new to cake decorating, as their first post asks about complicated cake work, fondant inlays, chocolate wraps, etc. A little intro when they ask for help with these techniques, especially about their experience level, would be nice. It's easy to assume that just because it is a person's first post, that means that they're new to decorating, but I could be so very wrong. I would rather discourage someone with very little experience from taking on difficult techniques without some training, than to have them become totally discouraged with the outcome, then give up on cake decorating altogether.

Theresa

I'm a true newbie and want to be very involved I strive to have over 1,000 posts like many of you!! Thanks for being welcoming

Okay - I'm not cluing in to what the originaly posted meant by this thread ...

Everyone seems to have their own ideas as to what 'being used' means to them on CC. I honestly don't feel that this thread can go anywhere but downhill when it is said in that context.

People have asked me for advise, instructions, patterns, recipes, etc., and I'lm glad to help where I can ... and I have done the same. That to me is what CC is all about - people coming together to share their knowledge and in the process learn from others.

If it's the case, then so be it. Ignore it and it'll go away.

This can't go anywhere positive, so just leave it alone.

Stop, stop, stop, stop, stop, please!

Yes, we could be a huge force to be reckoned with if we made a move 'en force', so I can see how someone would be tempted to try it. (vote for me) I mean, there are hundreds of brilliant and influential people here! (I'm the bomb) And people respond to powerful groups! (Vote for me) Ok, I am just kidding. But I know where you're coming from. (I rule) I appreciate that you don't want to say anything specific to spare feelings, etc. (Is it me?) That is wise of you!! (It's me, isn't it?) Well, thanks for letting us vent this feeling. (Oh my God, they're onto me! I'm outta here!)

Melvira - you crack me up!

Melvira you are so funny!

Melvira- You CRACK ME UP!!

I'm always trying to be very conscious of how much I contribute vs. how much I ask- I try to only ask things after I've researched the site thoroughly for the answer to see if it's already been posted. I would hope that someone would PM me if they ever felt I was taking advantage...

I'm sorry... funny? Did I say something funny? (OMG... they can read my thoughts!!!!!!!! )

Edited to add: Hey wonderbuns... it depends on what you are studying. I did graduate with an IT degree with a 4.0, but I slept with a LOT of teachers! KIDDING!!!!