luna65

I've had what I perceived to be this phenomenon occur in the course of my life, but the strongest instance was with the individual in my icon/avatar. The first time we met, and he took his hand in mine, I felt a surge of energy within me, like I didn't have to sleep for a week after touching him. In subsequent encounters I've always said that looking at him is like staring into the sun: I can literally feel the heat, perceive the light, that radiates outward. There are other accompanying sensations, but that is the most distinct impression.

It's always been difficult to articulate the sensation lest people will write it off as a starstruck reaction to natural charisma, but in this context I imagine you'll "get" what I mean.

Full disclosure: I have purchased from H&EE with no applicable complaint.

I suppose the implication that Michele was bribing people is disturbing, and I have to admit I was confused after reading about people receiving $50 worth of stuff with what amounts to about a $10 order (minus shipping) because when I ordered direct (after obtaining some samples from other members), all I got was one sample of the signature scent, and a decorative bottle that goes for about $3 retail. Now had we not been exposed to all the experiences of other people who got tons of goodies then my reaction would have been in a much more normal context, because the inclusion was typical of most etailers. But my emotional response was much more conflicted, although admittedly that's my own issue, not anyone else's.

Now I understand in a contextual sense that things change, and the types of business practices/decisions that were occurring during the launch of Michele's b&b business had to evolve once she was more established (which happened in a seemingly rapid amount of time). But the purpose of the above was just to attempt to explain why some customers might have felt slighted, given the overall circumstances. It is not to imply that any perceived slight was, in fact, intentional.

And perhaps part of the reason the drama regarding H&EE seems a lot more immediate - than the example of what has happened with sCara and FeMaledictions, for example - is the introduction and relationship that was initially established, resulting in a rather symbiotic link between bpal.org and H&EE, if that makes any sense. Although it appears, given Quantum Spice's investigation, that potential customers might have been also been informed of the business via the NA Lush Forum, but it seems to me that a large part of Michele's customer base comes from this community. Perhaps that is an entirely incorrect assumption, but I think that is what makes this dispute more of a personal one overall than merely that of an etailer who has been a source of customer angst.