Good evening JCAs! Once again, I am receiving some emails/ comments about
how some of you are getting emails from one particular researcher.
A few weeks ago, this same Ph. D.Candidate reached out to me asking me to post a message on the JCA blog on her behalf to recruit participants for an online survey for her dissertation. I politely declined- indicating that I get similar requests often (and my policy is the same for all
inquiries which is to decline them). Unfortunately, I find that when I let
one person solicit info from JCAs I get flooded with similar requests
from other PhD Candidates, as well as market research groups. I just do
not have the time to verify each project to make sure its legit (and
make sure the JCA community will not be exploited, etc.)
The candidate never replied back and I never thought anything more of it. However, she has recently sent out emails to several of you with the opening of "
Dear *J.CREW AFICIONADA* member, As a member of J.CREW AFICIONADA you are invited to participate in an online research survey to study..."
Considering I declined the JCA blog's participation with her research project, using the "J.Crew Aficionada" phrase as part of her solicitation (and appearance of an endorsement for her study) to the JCA community is somewhat baffling. Therefore, I feel the need to address this situation just to make sure there is no confusion on where the blog stands with
this.
Why the post? First, I did
not endorse the research nor have any idea how the
information collected will be utilized. Proceed with caution if you
decide to participate.
Second, I hate to think any JCA thought I gave their email address away. So if you got sent this email, please know I did
not provide anyone your name or contact info.
Third, although I am sympathetic with researchers, I think the use of the "J.Crew Aficionada" phrase in the email is misleading. (No where does it mention that it is not affiliated or endorsed by this blog. Even though she did mention that she is not associated with the J.Crew brand.)
Lastly, as mentioned in the "
JCA is Not Affiliated with Any Other Site" post: I do not post about or
endorse any third party websites, research groups, or marketing firms,
on
the JCA Blog that helps
them by using the JCAs as a free marketing tool.
I hope everyone can understand my position about this. And for the
individuals trying to pursue this community, please respect that I
do
not care for the J.Crew Aficionada blog to be used (even indirectly by using the JCA/J.Crew Aficionada term) for your personal endeavors.