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Dan Bernier
Inner circle
Canada
2299 Posts
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Posted: Jun 11, 2011 10:51am
Membership card? You mean we get one of those? Wow, I am so "not" impressed.
All I have received is the Journal, and the initial automatic email sent by Tami. Oh yay, and a postcard for the convention. I have not even received any word from anyone from Kidabra. This is very sad, and very unprofessional. I am a business owner, and this type of business practice should not be exceptable. I am giving it until the end of the weekend, then I have no choice but to report it to Paypal to recover my money back before the deadline. Because I used my credit card number through paypal, I will have to notify my credit card company as well. If this is how Kidabra operates, I think I will also un-join.
Sorry, but I find this to be disrespectable to me as both a new member and first time customer. Someone should have at least the decency to contact me with some kind of explaination.
"If you're going to walk in the rain, don't complain about getting wet!"
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Mike Maturen
Inner circle
building a horse pen and needs
1985 Posts
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Posted: Jun 11, 2011 9:21pm
I agree, Dan. Communication is a real problem. However, I think the mission of the organization is a good one, and I want to give them a chance. If things don't improve, I simply won't renew.
Join me in giving them a shot.
Mike Maturen
World of Wonder Entertainment
The Magic of Mike Maturen
989-335-1661
mikematuren@gmail.com
AUTHOR OF "A NEW DAWN--Weekly Wisdom From Everyday Life"
member: Fellowship of Christian Magicians, KIDabra International
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Dan Bernier
Inner circle
Canada
2299 Posts
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Posted: Jun 12, 2011 1:12am
You're right Mike. I think I woke up in a bad mood.
I too think the mission of the organization is a good one, and I was quick to forget the reasons why I finally decided to join in the first place.
My last post was a bit too harsh, but there does seem to be a on going communication problem. I can be extremely understanding when I know what is going on. When I don't know what's going on, I feel left in the dark, and the dark is a lonely scary place. 
"If you're going to walk in the rain, don't complain about getting wet!"
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Mike Maturen
Inner circle
building a horse pen and needs
1985 Posts
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Posted: Jun 12, 2011 8:22am
I think perhaps a [possible solution is to have one or two volunteers (or perhaps some of the chapter presidents) pitch in to help communicate with the membership.
I know the organization is still small by comparison, but there is no reason that some form of structure can't be put into place to help with this. I think as a result, the organization will grow and flourish.
Mike Maturen
World of Wonder Entertainment
The Magic of Mike Maturen
989-335-1661
mikematuren@gmail.com
AUTHOR OF "A NEW DAWN--Weekly Wisdom From Everyday Life"
member: Fellowship of Christian Magicians, KIDabra International
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Dennis Michael
Inner circle
Atco, NJ
5970 Posts
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Posted: Jun 12, 2011 9:46am
OK guys, here's my Two-cents, volunteers are welcome... How about it, I'm sure you can be a great help. Many of us are spread thin in helping. Skip Way helps with the conference, and the Journal as well as a full time performer. I help with the Chapters, this Thread, the KIDabra Website, the Journal, and the Conference, plus whatever is asked of me, and perform full-time. Why? Because we believe in the importance of this organization. I could go on and on what many of the others do to make KIDabra such a success.
Setting up and running a successful conference is not an easy task, I know this first hand.
One of the things I dislike is the spam I get from so many other organizations to all my email addresses, not just one but six or more of the same email, weekly, bi-weekly, and monthly. They go right into my junk folder.
KIDabra on the other hand, alternates, one month the Journal, and the next with a very informative newsletter. Any more than this it too would appear as spam.
Since it appears both Dan and Mike are good in customer relations, I'm sure KIDabra could use you in some way. It's easy to sit in the sidelines and make suggestions, the hard part is to follow-through with actions.
One thing I have learned from experience, is there usually is more to a story than one-side's opinion. I got complaints several-times that I never returned a birthday call. I couldn't because I didn't have caller ID and they never left a return number.
Dennis Michael, Atco, NJ (856)768-2281
KIDabra Chapter #1
Facebook
Email: DennisMichael@KIDabra1.org
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Dan Bernier
Inner circle
Canada
2299 Posts
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Posted: Jun 12, 2011 11:07am
Hey Dennis, this hasn't been a positive experience so far as a new member for me. I didn't join Kidabra to see what I can do for it. I joined to see what it can do for me. I'm sure eventually I may feel like I can contribute, but I'm still feeling things out.
I too am a very busy person. I betcha Mike is too. But, we can't go around and tell our clients and customers that we had no time to communicate because we were too busy. We can't stand before our clients with the same poor excuses you used. Let me remind you that we are all busy trying to make a living. What all that has to do with bad customer service and poor communication is beyond me. Are you saying that Kidabra is incapable of running properly because you are all over worked? I wish I knew this before joining.
A very simple email from someone explaining what's going on would be not only sufficient but appreciated. The continued lack of communication is a clear sign that nothing is being done about it.
We're talking about bad communication here Dennis. It maybe easy to sit on the side lines and make suggestions, but only a good organization will actually listen to those suggestions and make appropriate changes to fix the problems. I don't have any suggestions because I don't even know what the problem is.
A good organization wouldn't just takes someone's money and then not deliver on the products, and then fail to communicate with them for over a month.
It sounds like there are some issues with Kidabra that Kidabra feels are not important enough to take serious enough to fix. It sounds like Kidabra staff are over worked, and over burdened. It sounds like Kidabra folks are just too busy with everything else that they simply do not have time to mail out peoples products that they paid for.
In other words, I'm screwed? Is that how it goes?
"If you're going to walk in the rain, don't complain about getting wet!"
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Dennis Michael
Inner circle
Atco, NJ
5970 Posts
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Posted: Jun 12, 2011 11:46am
I sincerely apologize if my post sounded negative, it wasn't meant to be that way. I misread your post. You sounded very knowledgeable and thought you were ideal working with KIDabra.
I can't answer or speak for Mark and Tami, that would be over stepping my "bounds".
The KIDabra Staff is all volunteer and we enjoy doing what we do. The business end is handle by Mark and Tami, which I am not involved.
I'm sure there is more to this, and do know Tami was in the hospital recently. That could be a reason for not receiving an email from her. I don't know.
You are right, KIDabra is small, really small in membership considering the many thousands in SAM and IBM. This is not an excuse or justification.
I also know there has been problems with shipping to and from Canada. Donald Dunphy and I talk about this several times, where I usually get my Journal a week or two before he does, with only one exception he got the last one a week before I got mine. Also I have been waiting over two weeks for a laptop screen from a Canadian Corp, when it should have been 5-8 days. The point is there must be some extenuating circumstances here, which I wish I could help you with.
KIDabra has never ever "screwed" anyone. I will try to find out what the hold up is and PM you.
Dennis Michael, Atco, NJ (856)768-2281
KIDabra Chapter #1
Facebook
Email: DennisMichael@KIDabra1.org
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Dan Bernier
Inner circle
Canada
2299 Posts
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Posted: Jun 12, 2011 12:32pm
Dennis, I too apologize.
I hope to be able to contribute to Kidabra in the future in any area I could be best utilized. I don't mean to imply that I'm just a taker, self centered at times,:) but I love to give of myself and my time. It's just that as a newbie I'm more focused on the benifits of being a member, and finding a place in this organization first.
There "is" more to the story, as I recently received an email explaining what is going on. I am very satisfied with the explanation, and feel bad as well. I was not aware of what was going on, and now that I do know I can only say that my respects go out to all those who put their heart and soul into this organization, and to those who make sacrifices for the sake of Kidabra's continued growth.
I also apologize for insinuating that I was getting screwed. My self centerness got the better of me.
"If you're going to walk in the rain, don't complain about getting wet!"
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Mike Maturen
Inner circle
building a horse pen and needs
1985 Posts
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Posted: Jun 12, 2011 2:05pm
I am more than willing to help where possible, Dennis. I said so a few pages back in this thread. It was one of the reasons I joined when I did. I was going to wait til they straightened the problems out...but decided to get involved to see what I could do.
So far...no response, with the exception of your post telling me that Mark and Tami are merely "lurkers" here.
My offer stands. I have limited time, but am willing to help.
Mike Maturen
World of Wonder Entertainment
The Magic of Mike Maturen
989-335-1661
mikematuren@gmail.com
AUTHOR OF "A NEW DAWN--Weekly Wisdom From Everyday Life"
member: Fellowship of Christian Magicians, KIDabra International
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davidpaul$
Inner circle
Pittsburgh, Pa
1967 Posts
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Posted: Jul 16, 2011 11:23pm
Quote:
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On 2011-06-12 11:46, Dennis Michael wrote:
I sincerely apologize if my post sounded negative, it wasn't meant to be that way. I misread your post. You sounded very knowledgeable and thought you were ideal working with KIDabra.
I can't answer or speak for Mark and Tami, that would be over stepping my "bounds".
The KIDabra Staff is all volunteer and we enjoy doing what we do. The business end is handle by Mark and Tami, which I am not involved.
I'm sure there is more to this, and do know Tami was in the hospital recently. That could be a reason for not receiving an email from her. I don't know.
You are right, KIDabra is small, really small in membership considering the many thousands in SAM and IBM. This is not an excuse or justification.
I also know there has been problems with shipping to and from Canada. Donald Dunphy and I talk about this several times, where I usually get my Journal a week or two before he does, with only one exception he got the last one a week before I got mine. Also I have been waiting over two weeks for a laptop screen from a Canadian Corp, when it should have been 5-8 days. The point is there must be some extenuating circumstances here, which I wish I could help you with.
KIDabra has never ever "screwed" anyone. I will try to find out what the hold up is and PM you.
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I don't mean to add fuel to the fire but I too had the same problems a year or two ago,.....Lack of communication...no receipt of items due me, etc. I joined because, I was looking to improve in this arena and partake of what was offered. The answers/explanations given me regarding problems were different but had the same result. I just felt I was waisting my money and quite frankly I don't want to do that. The conference sounds great and everyone involved seems sincere but if I ran my business in the same manner I'd be out of business. That statement is not meant to be hurtful in any way it is just fact. I too received "several" postcards advertising the upcoming conference as well as renewal notices. My confidence is just not here to send in my money although I really would like too..........Like I mentioned on a previous post a year or so ago after being chided that there were extenuating personal issues, that it would be nice to let us know about it so that maybe we could help in some way. Oh well!
If you can't help worrying, remember worrying can't help you!
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slowkneenuh
Regular user
So much to learn and yet I have only
155 Posts
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Posted: Apr 8, 2012 10:58pm
I am/was really interested in joining this organization until I stumbled across this "old" thread. Have the communication issues been resolved? Are the benefits being delivered as advertised? It does appear to be a great orgnization to join and I am more than willing.
John
John
New Hampshire
"A poor workman always blames his tools"
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Mike Maturen
Inner circle
building a horse pen and needs
1985 Posts
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Posted: Apr 9, 2012 12:02am
John,
Thanks for asking instead of just writing KIDabra off.
Things have improved. Being an all-volunteer organization, there are still some snags, though. I have offered to help in any way that I can...and I received an email from Mark responding to that in less than a day.
The Journal now comes in a digital edition as well as print (we get both)...that will help the Journal problems.
I think the organization is (even with the issues) well worth the money...which is why I renewed my membership last week.
Mike Maturen
World of Wonder Entertainment
The Magic of Mike Maturen
989-335-1661
mikematuren@gmail.com
AUTHOR OF "A NEW DAWN--Weekly Wisdom From Everyday Life"
member: Fellowship of Christian Magicians, KIDabra International
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Donald Dunphy
Inner circle
Victoria, BC, Canada
5999 Posts
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Posted: Apr 9, 2012 11:10am
Quote:
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On 2012-04-09 00:02, Mike Maturen wrote:
The Journal now comes in a digital edition as well as print (we get both)...that will help the Journal problems. |
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Just a small correction. The most current email, that talks about the digital edition, says something different. For this issue only (the Bruce Bray one), there will be both a digital and print issue. From that point on, there will only be digital issues. The only exception will be the annual yearbook, which will be a print edition they plan to give away to members at the Conference.
So, your membership now includes 5 digital issues and 1 printed issue.
- Donald
Donald Dunphy is a Victoria Magician, British Columbia, Canada.
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GaryLee
Loyal user
276 Posts
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Posted: Apr 9, 2012 11:19am
This doesn't sound like a reasonable solution to the problem.
I hope they'll make that very clear on the website.
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harlin
New user
30 Posts
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Posted: Apr 9, 2012 11:54am
Gary I beg to differ with you. I have been very frustrated about not receiving the journal and I am very pleased with this action. It looks like they finally realized they have a problem and are trying to find a solution. Now it is a wait and see how quickly they get caught up on back issues but I really believe this is a very positive step forward.
That being said Communication is a problem but sometimes we can only fix one problem at a time just keep moving forward.
Harlin
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GaryLee
Loyal user
276 Posts
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Posted: Apr 9, 2012 12:17pm
If the journals will only be in digital form, it means I'll only be able to read it online. It may work for others, but not for me.
There is more to Kidabra than just the journals, I realize that. My position is signing up for the journals because this time in my life I do not see myself travelling over seas.
In fairness, I thinks it's of importance that this new information is posted on their website so others are not misled to believe they will recieve journals in the mail.
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Donald Dunphy
Inner circle
Victoria, BC, Canada
5999 Posts
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Posted: Apr 9, 2012 12:21pm
Keep in mind that the email newsletter goes to out to members and non-members, so lots of people were informed of this change. Not just the members. I'm sure that the website will be changed to share this new information, as well.
One reason it might not be changed immediately, is that Dennis is currently dealing with a loss in his family, and he's in charge of the website. So, please cut him some slack.
- Donald
Donald Dunphy is a Victoria Magician, British Columbia, Canada.
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GaryLee
Loyal user
276 Posts
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Posted: Apr 9, 2012 12:28pm
I'll keep him in prayer Donald.
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Dennis Michael
Inner circle
Atco, NJ
5970 Posts
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Posted: Apr 10, 2012 7:40am
Thanks Donald, for your card. It's almost over, Mom was buried Friday and we need to get rid of the estate, (sell the house) and fix it. It is on going and draining around here. I try to keep up with the tasks but it is hard.
Dennis Michael, Atco, NJ (856)768-2281
KIDabra Chapter #1
Facebook
Email: DennisMichael@KIDabra1.org
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Mike Maturen
Inner circle
building a horse pen and needs
1985 Posts
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Posted: Apr 10, 2012 8:24am
Dennis,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Mike Maturen
World of Wonder Entertainment
The Magic of Mike Maturen
989-335-1661
mikematuren@gmail.com
AUTHOR OF "A NEW DAWN--Weekly Wisdom From Everyday Life"
member: Fellowship of Christian Magicians, KIDabra International
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John Long
Inner circle
New Jersey
1777 Posts
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Posted: Apr 11, 2012 10:04pm
"Things have improved", really?
On April 2, 2012, I wrote and called for the second time and told them that although
I joined Kidabra in the fall of 2011, the most recent issue of the journal that I received is the "yearbook" (or the Aug/Sept issue). I have not gotten the 2011 Oct/Nov, 1012 Dec/Jan, nor the 2012 Feb/Mar issues. I never heard back.
Just recently I did get the electronic version of the 2011 Oct/Nov issue; nothing else.
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Mike Maturen
Inner circle
building a horse pen and needs
1985 Posts
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Posted: Apr 11, 2012 10:39pm
I emailed KIDabra the other day and received a reply in less than 24 hours.
What email address are you using?
Mike Maturen
World of Wonder Entertainment
The Magic of Mike Maturen
989-335-1661
mikematuren@gmail.com
AUTHOR OF "A NEW DAWN--Weekly Wisdom From Everyday Life"
member: Fellowship of Christian Magicians, KIDabra International
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John Long
Inner circle
New Jersey
1777 Posts
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Posted: Apr 12, 2012 10:11am
I replied to the same email that Tami wrote to me (after I first joined)
Kidabraconf@aol.com
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John Long
Inner circle
New Jersey
1777 Posts
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Posted: Nov 18, 2012 4:51pm
I seem to have more issues with Kidabra - Although I first joined just over a year ago, I have not gotten any notice about renewing. Aren't notices sent? or have I been forgotten??
I sent an email to Tami about a week ago about this, but have not heard back from her.
John
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Mike Maturen
Inner circle
building a horse pen and needs
1985 Posts
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Posted: Nov 20, 2012 2:57pm
Notices are generally sent out. I got mine a month or so before I renewed.
Mike Maturen
World of Wonder Entertainment
The Magic of Mike Maturen
989-335-1661
mikematuren@gmail.com
AUTHOR OF "A NEW DAWN--Weekly Wisdom From Everyday Life"
member: Fellowship of Christian Magicians, KIDabra International
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John Long
Inner circle
New Jersey
1777 Posts
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Posted: Nov 20, 2012 4:05pm
Thanks for the info, but I believe I'm 13 months into my 1 year subscription, and have not seen any notice.
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John Long
Inner circle
New Jersey
1777 Posts
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Posted: Apr 28, 2013 10:11am
18 months and counting
I've called, I've emailed... no response
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MT
Elite user
406 Posts
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Posted: Apr 28, 2013 7:48pm
Sorry to hear that John
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davidpaul$
Inner circle
Pittsburgh, Pa
1967 Posts
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Posted: Apr 28, 2013 8:43pm
I experienced the same... no contact.. no magazine...nothing...
My money was taken though....needless to say I never renewed.
If you can't help worrying, remember worrying can't help you!
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Trekdad
Veteran user
Telford, PA
393 Posts
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Posted: Apr 29, 2013 8:16am
Same here. I received one digital magazine and nothing else. I just reached out on the website contact form again, but the last year was essentially a waste for me.
Barnhardt: You have tested this theory?
Klaatu: I find it works well enough to get me from one planet to the next.
The Day the Earth Stood Still
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