Tips On What To Write On Your BBB (Better Business Bureau) Complaint Form

Want to or planning to file a complaint to the Better Business Bureau? Here are some tips to help you out.

Important things to know first

• be honest and truthful
• you don't need to pay a single cent to file your complaint
• your location doesn't matter - the BBB doesn't care where you are, so feel free to ask them for help
• you need to give your real name and your home address - sorry, but they don't accept anonymous complaints. Your info should be secure because the site uses the https:// and they won't post any of your private info on their site
• do NOT threaten anyone or include profanities on your complaint or the BBB might not process it. Just try to be calm and write in a polite and civil manner even if you're feeling upset and angry

If you're filing a complaint to the BBB against Bubblews, here are some tips

First, it's best to give out the following info right away to speed up the process and so you won't be getting a follow-up response asking for the info. This is what happened to me so I advice you to just give the info already so you won't have to wait twice as long for the real response:

• your Bubblews username
• the email address you used to create your Bubblews account

The above are the info that they asked me for in their response, but I also suggest that you include the following (they didn't ask me for this, but I don't know if it's because I already listed it or because they don't need it, but better to give it just in case, right? Anyway, your info won't be posted in public, so no worries):

• your PayPal email address
• your Bubblews profile page link address

Tips on what to write on the form you have to fill out: You'll be asked to explain the situation and I suggest that you explain everything with as much detail as possible.

Just be honest and tell them exactly what happened. Invite them to look at your profile and articles on Bubblews, the comments you left, your site activity, etc just to prove to them that you really followed all of the rules and that you didn't do anything wrong and that you're not one of those spammers and cheaters that Bubblews is talking about and refusing to pay.

Here are some of the things that I included in the complaint that I filed (again, remember to be as honest and truthful as possible):

• tell them that you didn't plagiarize anything and that all of your content is yours and not stolen from somewhere
• tell them you didn't leave spammy comments on the site
• tell them you didn't randomly follow people but that you have no control over who follows you so you shouldn't be faulted if spammers and cheaters decided to follow you
• if you use pics in your posts, tell them that you only use the ones that are in the public domain or that have the creative commons license or that all the pics are yours
• tell them the exact amount that Bubblews owes you - give all the dates - when you redeemed, how much you redeemed, the expected payment date

The Bubblews Terms Of Service (TOS)

I also mentioned the Bubblews TOS in my complaint. Their latest TOS includes the "retroactive" clause and I quoted that in my complaint form, including the question that - if Bubblews says changes will not apply retroactively, then how come they applied this latest redemption change retroactively?

I also mentioned that there were others like me who didn't do anything wrong and yet didn't get paid so you can add this to your complaint form too to show that you're not the only one having problems and that something is going on here that needs to be looked into. That's all for now. If you need more help, feel free to ask 😃.

Here are some of the comments from this article, back when it used to be posted elsewhere:

amyk49 wrote on February 7, 2015, 10:58 AM
Thanks for the information. I just filed my complaint. I did leave out some things you mentioned, so I will be getting the follow up email, but that's okay.

FreyaYuki replied to amyk49 on February 8, 2015, 3:46 PM
You're welcome. Good luck and I hope you get a favorable response too 😃.

GayleStorm wrote on February 7, 2015, 11:18 AM
That's some good information. I think Bubblers that have been wronged should definitely submit complaints. I feel like the only one who didn't loose a bunch of money after their big changes.

FreyaYuki replied to GayleStorm on February 8, 2015, 3:49 PM
Yes, I think that all the innocent people who didn't do anything wrong and yet still lost a lot of money should let their voices be heard. I hope they get their payments too.

arthurchappell wrote on February 7, 2015, 1:12 PM
Hope you get a good response to your complaint good luck

FreyaYuki replied to arthurchappell on February 8, 2015, 3:54 PM
Thank you 😃. I wrote about this in the post before this one. Yes, I did get a good response. I hope others who try this also get a favorable response.

Squidwhisperer wrote on February 7, 2015, 1:17 PM
Looks like BBB will be having to put out ads now for more staff... as the Bubblewsy flood-waters rise...

FreyaYuki replied to Squidwhisperer on February 8, 2015, 4:01 PM
LOL. I don't know how they managed it, but they've been very helpful.

AliCanary wrote on February 7, 2015, 1:27 PM
What a great idea for a post! This will be EXTREMELY helpful to people. I especially like the way you pointed out their TOS said changes would not be retroactive--great point!

FreyaYuki replied to AliCanary on February 8, 2015, 4:03 PM
Thanks. I hope it helps people and it encourages all those who lost money and yet didn't do anything wrong to also try and let their voice be heard. I wish them luck and hope they can get a favorable response too. Yes, I mentioned this part of the TOS in my BBB complaint.

trufflehunter wrote on February 7, 2015, 4:05 PM
Although I wasn't planning to file a complaint (and B did skip out on a few payments to me), this is a great tutorial. Thank you.

FreyaYuki replied to trufflehunter on February 8, 2015, 4:05 PM
You're welcome 😃. It's up to you on what to do, but it is free to file a complaint, location doesn't matter and you might get a favorable response too.

allen0187 wrote on February 7, 2015, 11:56 PM
Thank you very much for sharing this very informative post. You did mention that the BBB will act on complaints regarding the residence of the complainant, does this apply to international users such as myself?

FreyaYuki replied to allen0187 on February 8, 2015, 4:12 PM
You're welcome. I hope you get a favorable response too if you try this. Your location doesn't matter to the BBB. If you fill out the form, you will see a drop-down list asking you to input your location. At first glance, it seems like you can only choose from the USA states, but if you scroll down the list, you will see the rest of the countries of the world so just choose your country from that list.

allen0187 replied to FreyaYuki on February 8, 2015, 7:59 PM
Ok thanks! Worth the shot to get my cash. Plus, anything that I can do to inconvenience those people at bubble ooze would be worth it in my opinion.

FreyaYuki replied to allen0187 on February 22, 2015, 3:04 AM
You're welcome. Good luck and I hope you can get your payment too 😃. I did get my August 2014 redemption from Bubblews thanks to the BBB.

erikalui wrote on February 8, 2015, 3:26 PM
Thanks dear. I have just filed a complaint today and am hoping to get a positive response. Please wish me luck :)

FreyaYuki replied to erikalui on February 8, 2015, 4:14 PM
You're welcome. And I wish you lots of luck. I hope you get a favorable response too 😃.

seren3 wrote on February 8, 2015, 9:38 PM
I am sure this guide is helpful to many! Thanks for the information!

FreyaYuki replied to seren3 on February 18, 2015, 4:20 PM
You're welcome 😃. I hope the others can get their payments too.

*Notes:
- Image is by GraphBerry (CC:BY-SA) from deviantArt
- This was previously published on Persona Paper on February 7, 2015, 10:55 AM

How To Get Your Redemption Payment From Bubblews Via The Better Business Bureau (BBB)?

What happens after you file a complaint with the BBB (Better Business Bureau)? I don't know if anyone can recall, but I wrote an article here on Persona Paper about filing a complaint with the BBB or the Better Business Bureau against you-know-who (also known as Bubblews). I also wrote about the first response that I got from Bubblews courtesy of the BBB.

Giving Bubblews the info they want

After replying to that response and giving them the info they were asking for (I pretty much gave all the info now - the original email address I used to create a Bubblews account, my PayPal email, my Bubblews profile page URL link address, my Bubblews username, etc, so they will hopefully not have any more reason to stall or ask for additional info), I had to wait for quite a bit of time again before getting another response.

Very happy surprise from Bubblews and the BBB

This was the reply that I was waiting for though, so I didn't mind the long wait. Needless to say, I was very surprised about this. I almost couldn't believe it. I didn't think this would happen. I mean, of course I wanted this to happen, but, well, you know, there's always the doubt that, eh, nothing's going to happen, so why bother, right?

Bubblews Redemption

But, anyway, yes, I finally received my payment from Bubblews . There, let me highlight that for those who prefer to skim-read. The reply from Bubblews that the BBB sent to me was that they supposedly processed my redemption already. Again, the BBB asked me if the issue was resolved already, but I wasn't going to answer that question until I knew for sure.

The proof from PayPal

So the next thing I did was check my PayPal account. Yup, it was right there. Bubblews sent me an e-check on February 3, 2015, and it got cleared on February 5, 2015, so it's all there in my PayPal account now.

This was for the August 20, 2014 redemption that I asked the BBB for help with. PayPal did deduct a $2.68 fee amount from the total that I got, but, eh, I can let that go though it kind of bothers me. I'm still really happy that I finally got paid 😃.

Thanks to the BBB

I responded to the BBB, answering that, yes, my issue has been resolved. I thanked them for their help and added that I hoped that they and Bubblews could also pay all those who didn't get paid but didn't do anything wrong.

Speak up! Let your voice be heard! Exercise your rights!

With all that said, I strongly encourage you guys to consider filing a complaint to the BBB. I'm not saying that you'll get paid because I honestly don't know. This isn't up to me, but, based on my experience, there's a strong possibility that you'll get your money.

Filing a complaint is free and your location doesn't matter

Besides, it's free to file a complaint, and you don't have to be in the USA (United States of America, and, yes, I know you know what that means, but I just had to type it out. Sorry, Hetalia reference. LOL, and, really, I could have replaced that A with Alfred, but I won't 😃) to do this.

You can be anywhere in the world, and the BBB will still try to help you, so exercise your rights, speak up, and let your voice be heard. If you say nothing, how can anything happen?

Need help? Ask

If you need help with filling out the form, just ask. I did write a detailed tutorial about it (because this was what I was looking for way back when I wanted to file my own complaint to the BBB. I couldn't find anything of use though, so I had to figure things out myself), but you don't have to go there if you don't want to.

If you prefer, just go straight here: www. bbb. org/greater-san-francisco/business-reviews/internet-services/bubblews-in-san-francisco-ca-525234/file-a-complaint

I hope this helps someone and that all the innocent people out there who lost their redemptions will also get paid 😃.

Here are some of the comments from this article, back when it used to be posted elsewhere:

amyk49 wrote on February 7, 2015, 9:12 AM
Wow, that's really great news that they paid your missing August payment. Obviously, they would NEVER have paid it had you not made the complaint with the BBB. You have inspired me to file a complaint as well, because I have $53 that was never paid from August 2014. Thanks for posting!

FreyaYuki replied to amyk49 on February 8, 2015, 4:25 PM
You're welcome 😃. Yes, I didn't expect to get anything, but I thought I'd try anyway. I'm glad I tried and that the response I got was favorable. Good luck to you and I hope you get your payment too.

grandma20121 wrote on February 7, 2015, 9:47 AM
I can not believe it, I guess it did pay you to speak up about your missing payment, I wonder if more people spoke up and complained about there missing payments if they would be paid to?

FreyaYuki replied to grandma20121 on February 8, 2015, 4:36 PM
I couldn't believe it either until I checked my PayPal and saw the e-check there. I don't know if others will be paid too but I'm hoping that they will if they try speaking up too. If they try, there's a chance that they'll get a favorable response as opposed to simply doing nothing.

Anyway, what have they got to lose by trying? It's free and all it takes is a bit of time to fill out the form and explain the situation. The wait time is definitely longer than filling out the form.

LeaPea2417 wrote on February 7, 2015, 12:51 PM
That is very good that you complained in the proper way and finally got the payment. I hope more will get their missing payments.

FreyaYuki replied to LeaPea2417 on February 8, 2015, 4:38 PM
Yeah, I hope all those who did nothing wrong can also get their payments.

*Notes:
- This was previously published on Persona Paper on February 7, 2015, 8:57 AM
- Image is by GraphBerry (CC:BY-SA) from deviantArt

How The Better Business Bureau (BBB) Responded To Bubblews Complaints?

Also known as "An Answer From The BBB And Bubblews".

Well, don't get too excited. It's like a classic non-response actually. Naturally, that refers to the-site-that-shall-not-be-named (also known as Bubblews, but, you knew that already, didn't you?) 😃.

For those that don't know, BBB stands for the Better Business Bureau. You can go to their site to file a complaint against companies or businesses that may have wronged you. I wrote a tutorial here on how you can do that in case you want to file a complaint (not just for that site, but also for other sites or businesses that you may have a reason to complain about).

Anyway, so got a response from the BBB regarding the complaint I filed. They said they got a response from Bubblews and this is what their reply said:

"Thank you for your concerns; if you could please provide us with the following information.

User Name:
User email used to sign up at Bubblews."

The problem is that I already mentioned my username when I first filed the complaint. Admittedly, I didn't mention the email address that I used when I created an account there (though I did mention my PayPal email), but, honestly, I didn't think they'd need this info too. I mean, if they already have your username, they can use it to find all the other details associated with your account there, right?

Wouldn't that be listed on their database somewhere like a person's username would be associated with their email address, PayPal email, password, their profile page there, their articles there, etc?

Well, anyway, the BBB takes you to a page where they will ask if you accept the response from the business or not. You're supposed to select either the "yes" or "no" button and then explain your answer.

When I explained my choice, I included all the relevant details the site-that-shall-not-be-named asked for and even added my Bubblews profile link and PayPal email (again) for good measure in case they need it. Don't know yet what will happen though.

How 'bout you? Did you try this already? How did it go for you? If you have any questions, or if you need help with filing a complaint with the BBB, feel free to ask 😃.

(Side note: anyone know anything about the IC3 (Internet Crime Complaint Center)? Have you tried this with regards to you-know-who? How'd it go?)

Here are some of the comments from this article, back when it used to be posted elsewhere:

SoundNFury wrote on January 20, 2015, 1:13 AM
I'm not sure how much money I didn't get from them that they owed me. It was either $20 or $80. But I see what they did to so many others, and since I can't trust them, I don't bother writing there anymore. I didn't file a formal complaint, though. But I slammed them on my blog. lol

FreyaYuki replied to SoundNFury on January 21, 2015, 12:28 PM
Have stopped posting so often there too and am in the process of moving my posts elsewhere. I've seen a lot of articles and blog posts of people who also shared their experiences with that site. So many people lost so much. Maybe those who lost hundreds of dollars might consider filing a complaint, and, hopefully, something favorable can come of it.

BarbRad wrote on January 20, 2015, 1:18 AM
I haven't filed a complaint. That's just one more demand on my time and although I could use the $19 in my bank, I'm not sure they wouldn't pay me if I ever get to $50, which I probably never will unless I decide to start writing there again.

FreyaYuki replied to BarbRad on January 21, 2015, 12:32 PM
Yeah, it did take me a bit of time to file the complaint since you need to explain the entire situation though it wasn't that long. It's really depressing to post there because the earnings are just so slow and the bank refuses to move. Have around 44 there though so am still trying to post every once in a while but am thinking it seems to be impossible to reach 50 and who knows if they're still paying? It's just so discouraging :-(.

BarbRad replied to FreyaYuki on January 21, 2015, 9:24 PM
Which is why I'd rather tsu. I enjoy it and I do see a few pennies added each day. I also see my Bank move here so I don't believe I'm wasting my time. On Bub I feel like I'm traveling on the Titanic with everyone else still there, waiting for what I believe is inevitable. This is one of the lifeboats I have gotten into.

FreyaYuki replied to BarbRad on January 23, 2015, 1:54 PM
It's great that Tsu is working out for you :-). I also like seeing the bank move here on Persona Paper even if sometimes, it can be a bit slow. It's way better than on that other site though where it really seems like the bank is at a stand still so it feels like it's pointless to even bother posting there.

LadyTrouble wrote on January 20, 2015, 2:07 AM
I got my money, but with about a $60.00 loss! They crapped me out of $60.00 but I am honestly not worried about it too much. I don't feel like going through the humble jumble for such a small amount in comparison to what I did get.

FreyaYuki replied to LadyTrouble on January 21, 2015, 12:39 PM
Congrats on getting your money :-). But sorry about your loss :-(. When did you redeem? Those who redeemed before the 11th of Nov 2014 lost their entire payment and, for some, that meant hundreds of dollars so, maybe those people might want to file complaints and see if maybe they can get a favorable response.

arthurchappell wrote on January 20, 2015, 3:34 AM
Sounds like the BBB are just following procedures - they may well act from sheer volume of complaints pouring in about Bubblews

FreyaYuki replied to arthurchappell on January 21, 2015, 12:48 PM
Yeah, hopefully, there will be favorable responses for those who have filed complaints. If a lot of people voice their opinions and express their complaints and concerns instead of remaining silent, then maybe changes can happen.

Hollyhocks100 wrote on January 20, 2015, 5:32 AM
I had almost $300 taken of me, but can't see the point in complaining, if the moneys not there they cannot pay it.

FreyaYuki replied to Hollyhocks100 on January 21, 2015, 12:52 PM
:-( $300 is a lot of money. Sorry to hear about this. It really frustrates me how so many people lost so much even though they were innocent and didn't do anything wrong. Have heard stories of people who lost hundreds of dollars. I don't know if anything favorable will come from filing a complaint but did so anyway since it is free and you lose nothing from doing so. It's worth a try and have heard of others who tried too. Maybe if a lot of people complain, something can be done.

MsBiz wrote on January 20, 2015, 7:46 AM
I got the exact same response. The funny thing is, the BBB even says not to put personal information on their website, so, no, I didn't accept their response. My inclination given their past behavior is that they'd just delete complaintants' accounts.

Squidwhisperer replied to MsBiz on January 20, 2015, 9:39 AM
I would think that's EXACTLY what they'd do, given that petty vengeance is an operating principle there.

FreyaYuki replied to MsBiz on January 21, 2015, 1:07 PM
Yeah, but, even though the BBB says not to put personal info, they also say that they will blot out this info if it is listed. When I looked at the complaints on BBB, I saw the site's response was to ask for the person's username so I already included mine and even my PayPal ad when I initially filed my complaint. So, I was surprised when I got this response (though I didn't include the original email I used when I signed up to the site). I didn't accept their response either.

This time, I included all the info I thought they might ask for including a link to my profile on that site. I was also concerned about account deletion and actually mentioned it on my complaint to the BBB. Am pleasantly surprised but glad that my account is still there (still have some posts that have yet to move). Sounds like the site gave the same response to all of us who complained. Hopefully, if many more people complain, something positive and favorable can come from it.

Gina145 replied to FreyaYuki on January 20, 2015, 7:57 PM
From what I've heard some people have been paid after complaining to the BBB. I hope I'll be one of them, but I'm not confident.

FreyaYuki replied to Squidwhisperer on January 21, 2015, 1:13 PM
Was worried / concerned about account deletion too and even mentioned it to the BBB but was pleasantly surprised that they haven't deleted accounts. Maybe it's because the BBB already has a record of the complaints? Who knows?

Squidwhisperer replied to FreyaYuki on January 20, 2015, 8:20 PM
Or you'll get your name marked down in Varmind 's Big Book of "People Who Challenged Me" for payback down the line, when Varmind does become the Emperor of the Internet...

FreyaYuki replied to Gina145 on January 21, 2015, 1:20 PM
I hope so too. Maybe if many more people complain and let their voices be heard instead of staying silent or passive, something positive and favorable can happen. Good luck to all of us.

Gina145 replied to Squidwhisperer on January 21, 2015, 4:39 AM
The day that happens I'll lose all faith in humanity :)

beachchair wrote on January 20, 2015, 11:43 AM
I am so over that site. At some point you just need to chalk it up to a bad memory and move on. It is just not worth the frustration any more. Best of luck to those still on that site.

FreyaYuki replied to beachchair on January 21, 2015, 1:36 PM
For people who lost a lot of money, it may not be easy to just let it go and move on especially if they got absolutely nothing at all for months of time and effort. If they want to complain and let their voices be heard, maybe something can come of it. Yeah, best of luck to everyone there. Some are still hoping to redeem and get their payments.

Gina145 wrote on January 20, 2015, 7:54 PM
I've got as far with them as you have. I'm really curious to see what happens next.

FreyaYuki replied to Gina145 on January 21, 2015, 1:38 PM
Am curious too. Hope we can all get a favorable response. Maybe if a lot of people voice their opinions and file a complaint, something can be done. Have you tried other methods of complaining? Heard suggestions about filing with the FTC and IC3 but don't have much info on these sites yet. Have you tried any of these?

Gina145 replied to FreyaYuki on January 21, 2015, 2:04 PM
No, the BBB is the first thing I've tried. I hadn't even heard about the others today and hopefully I won't need to find out more about them.

trufflehunter wrote on January 21, 2015, 12:46 AM
Sounds like they wrote you an automated reply. I heard of someone else complaining to BBB with no satisfactory response sigh.

FreyaYuki replied to trufflehunter on January 21, 2015, 1:45 PM
Yeah especially since I actually already listed my username with the initial complaint. Even listed my PayPal email though, admittedly, it wasn't the same email I used when I created an account there. When I responded, this time, I listed all the details they might need including my profile on that site. Hopefully, if many people complain and voice their opinions, there can be a favorable and satisfactory response.

Jezebella wrote on January 21, 2015, 3:03 AM
I have one more pending payment. I'm waiting to see if I get that before I do anything because I don't want them to not pay me out of spite.

FreyaYuki replied to Jezebella on January 21, 2015, 1:47 PM
Good luck. Hope you can get that payment soon. Heard of others who got paid but many had their redemptions slashed so they didn't get the full amount.

scheng1 wrote on January 23, 2015, 11:49 PM
This seems to be a great way to stall the payment matter.

FreyaYuki replied to scheng1 on January 24, 2015, 2:44 PM
They suddenly announced that they would no longer pay redemptions made before the 11th of November 2014. So many people got affected by this and many lost hundreds of dollars. Trying to file a complaint to the BBB might be able to help them. It's better than doing nothing and it is free to do this. Some have said that they've been successful when they tried this. Others have also suggested the FTC and the IC3. Maybe if a lot of people tried and let their voices be heard, something favorable can happen.

nbaquero wrote on January 25, 2015, 2:15 PM
FreyaYuki They used that trick often I am afraid. That is why my position is just to leave a Negative Review that eventually alert people about their obscure business practices. I have already written off my last redemption that I know they will never pay.

FreyaYuki replied to nbaquero on February 2, 2015, 2:08 PM
:-( Still hoping the BBB can at least do something about this. After all, there are so many people who lost so much and yet didn't do anything wrong. If everyone of these people speaks up and lets their voices be heard, maybe something can happen and something can change. Am also looking into other places that might be able to help (have heard about the FTC and IC3 though am still doing more research). I think it'd be hard for some to just let things go especially if they lost hundreds of dollars.

erikalui wrote on February 2, 2015, 8:10 AM
I sent Bubblews several emails asking them about my payment but I don't think they will again revive their old model and start paying their old members. IT's really sad as I lose over $124 :(

FreyaYuki replied to erikalui on February 2, 2015, 2:12 PM
Sorry to hear about this :-(. You can try filing a complaint or reporting them to the BBB. It's free and anyone can do it regardless of location; wrote a tutorial about this. You won't really lose anything by trying and if lots of people try, maybe something favorable can happen. It isn't fair for the site to just suddenly decide to not pay people particularly those who didn't do anything wrong.

bestwriter wrote on February 5, 2015, 1:05 AM
i had noticed BBs tactics months ago when they did not pay me but when I said that here many assumed I had violated rules. Violation and yours truly are poles apart not just here but also in the real world. And now whoever supported BB then have their tail tucked in and must be remembering what they said to me. (lol)

FreyaYuki replied to bestwriter on February 7, 2015, 9:33 AM
You can consider filing a complaint to the BBB to get your missing payments from Bubblews. The site said they won't pay everyone who redeemed before Nov 11, 2014 due to fraudulent activity even if not everyone there spammed or cheated the site so it isn't fair for the innocent people.

bestwriter replied to FreyaYuki on February 7, 2015, 6:13 PM
That is too much of a rigmarole. I take it as charity. (lol)

*Notes:
- This was previously published on Persona Paper on January 20, 2015, 1:08 AM
- Image is by kaboompics (Public Domain) from Pixabay

How To File A Complaint Against Bubblews With The Better Business Bureau?

(Edited to add: from my experience (yes, I got my August 2014 payment on February 2015), the BBB can really help you get your payments from Bubblews, so I encourage you to try, speak up, and let your voice be heard. You won't lose anything by trying because it's free to file your complaint, and you can be anywhere in the world and this won't matter to the BBB. More details here and here in case you're interested. Good luck and I hope you can get your payments too 😃)

BBB stands for Better Business Bureau. Go to the BBB if you want to file a complaint about a business or company. It's free and anyone can do it. Yes, anyone. Even you. If you want to. Okay, enough with the intro. Let's get straight to the point. You know which example we're using right? No? Okay, fine, here's a hint: the-site-that-shall-not-be-named. Still don't know? I'm talking about Bubblews.

Better Business Bureau Website

Here's the direct link to the site: http://www.bbb.org/greater-san-francisco/business-reviews/internet-services/bubblews-in-san-francisco-ca-525234/file-a-complaint. If you want to complain about a different site or company, just go to bbb.org and find the business from there. When you get to the link, just read the text at the top and then click the "continue" button.

Step 1

This brings us to step 1, which is "verify the nature of your complaint". You will see 4 questions that you can answer with a "yes" or "no". I answered no for all questions. After answering, click the "submit" button.

Step 2

This brings us to step 2, which is "tell us about yourself". Unfortunately, you can't file a complaint anonymously, so you will have to share some of your personal info including your name and address. You can check out BBB's terms of use and privacy policy if you want to.

Anyway, just fill out the fields on this page. You will also be asked to select a "state/prov", which seems to indicate you can only choose from the states of America. This is not true.

Click on the drop-down list, then scroll down until you can see the countries of the world. You should be able to see yours on this list. They're in capital letters. If you're from the USA, then just choose from the states listed.

If you're from another country (like Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, India, Switzerland, Russia, Germany, Italy, Philippines, Argentina, France, etc), just find yours on the list. Double-check the info you typed and then click the "next" button.

Step 3

This brings us to step 3, which is "select a location". This means you need to select the place where the company is located. For example, Bubblews is located in San Francisco, California. After choosing, click the "next" button.

Step 4

This brings us to step 4, which is "categorize your complaint". You will need to choose a general and a specific category from the drop-down list provided. Just choose the one that best fits your complaint. Click the "next" button afterward.

Step 5

This brings us to step 5, which is "describe your complaint to us". This is where you explain the entire situation to the BBB. Just type everything on the text boxes provided.

Some things to take note of:

If you're complaining about the-site-that-shall-not-be-named, be sure to include your username and email. Some of the complaints listed on BBB had the company asking the complainer for the aforementioned info, so, if you want to speed things up, then provide the info already. Don't worry because the BBB will blot out private information as you can see when you check out their complaints page.

You can also mention the "retroactive" clause in that site's TOS and how they changed the Terms Of Service without informing anyone (at least, I didn't know about the TOS changes until after the December 31, 2014 announcement). However, even with their latest TOS, the "retroactive" clause is still there, so you can mention that too.

You can also add that you're not the only one experiencing a problem and that there are many who also lost a lot even though they didn't do anything wrong.

Final steps

After filling out everything, just click on the "submit" button. You will be taken to a page which will display your complaint info including a case number. There is also a link, which you need to take note of so you can view your complaint status. The BBB says it can take up to 10 working days for you to get any response so it's just a matter of waiting now.

Maybe something will happen. Or maybe nothing will happen. But, at least you tried. If we all tried, maybe the results will be more favorable. Hope this helped. If you have any questions, feel free to ask 😃.

Here are some of the comments from this article, back when it used to be posted elsewhere:

amyk49 wrote on January 14, 2015, 9:08 AM
Thanks for providing this important information. I know people who have already filed complaints. You've made it even easier here for someone who may be considering filing a complaint, but just didn't know how to go about it. Thanks!

FreyaYuki replied to amyk49 on January 15, 2015, 10:55 AM
You're welcome 😃. Have also heard of others who filed complaints. Was interested in doing so, but couldn't find much info on exactly what to do, how to get started, etc, so I wrote this after I tried it in case others also didn't know what to do first and were confused as to how to get started like I was.

nbaquero wrote on January 14, 2015, 10:42 AM
freyayuki Great and very detailed information. I am intending to leave a negative review (which is another alternative besides filing a complaint) for that site.

FreyaYuki replied to nbaquero on January 15, 2015, 10:53 AM
Thanks. Yeah, people can also leave a negative review if they want to. Will also look into this.

nbaquero replied to FreyaYuki on January 15, 2015, 11:39 AM
Or if they prefer they can report the site as a Scam, but they have to provide the reasons why. In any event, there are plenty of options to try to create awareness of their practices.

WesleyMesser wrote on January 14, 2015, 12:20 PM
This is good info no matter what. I've actually had friends of mine who have used the BBB for other matters so I can tell you it does help. Also I love how the other site is treated like Voldemort.

FreyaYuki replied to WesleyMesser on January 15, 2015, 10:50 AM
Thanks. And LOL, so far no one has commented on the Voldemort mention yet 😃. Even wrote a post comparing what happened to members of that site to Sirius Black - all members of the site were accused of manipulating the system and engaging in fraudulent activity and they weren't given a chance to defend themselves, they were just punished (by not being paid) just like how Sirius was sent to Azkaban without a trial for crimes he didn't commit, and he wasn't given the chance to defend himself and explain the situation :-(.

peachpurple wrote on January 15, 2015, 12:43 AM
thanks for the information. Do I have to put in my real name and address because bub site doesn't have my original details there. I can put my email, paypal.

FreyaYuki replied to peachpurple on January 15, 2015, 10:39 AM
You're welcome 😃. I saw your question on my profile page here, and, yes, I tried this too though haven't gotten a response yet. The site does say it can take some time before you can get a reply. Yes, you are required to put your real name and address on the BBB site because they don't accept anonymous complaints.

BBB will blot out your private info and not post it in public. They do have a privacy policy and terms of use. You can read it to see exact details of what they'll do with your info. If you're on their site, you can also see that they use the "https://" to indicate that the page is secure so your info should be safe. Yes, you need to input your email too so they can contact you regarding your complaint. Just follow the instructions I listed above. If you have any further questions, feel free to ask. Hope this helped. Good luck 😃.

seren3 wrote on January 15, 2015, 10:39 AM
Thanks for the walk-through! I haven't done this yet - still thinking upon it.

FreyaYuki replied to seren3 on January 15, 2015, 10:45 AM
You're welcome. It is free to do this and anyone can do it if they want to. It's also not that hard. Good luck with your decision-making. If you try it and need some help, feel free to ask 😃.

bestwriter wrote on February 5, 2015, 1:14 AM
I did go there and try to lodge a complaint but somehow felt that there is more there than meets the eye.

FreyaYuki replied to bestwriter on February 7, 2015, 9:22 AM
What exactly do you mean? Are you talking about your personal info? It should be safe with the BBB since they use https:// and they won't post it in public. It's free to try too and your location doesn't matter to them. It's worth a try because what have you got to lose anyway, right? But that's your choice.

bestwriter replied to FreyaYuki on February 7, 2015, 6:16 PM
May be I am wrong. But when I tried doing something there it was not a smooth operation. Anyway I have forgotten BB and so let it be that way.

FreyaYuki replied to bestwriter on February 8, 2015, 4:18 PM
Ah, I see. Have not experienced this. Didn't really have problems filing a complaint there. You can try again if you like. You might get a favorable response too.

bestwriter replied to FreyaYuki on February 8, 2015, 6:21 PM
Would you know of anyone who has received a favourable response. Also I am wondering whether BB is conered by their terms which may protect them - 'to do what they want to ' kind of term.

FreyaYuki replied to bestwriter on February 9, 2015, 5:14 PM
If you check the BBB site and look at their page on Bubblews, you can see a list of those who filed complaints and got them resolved. You can also see the response from the company, read what happened, etc. All the personal info is blotted out though.

About the Bubblews TOS - the latest one actually has the retroactive clause. The site says they will not make changes retroactively. I mentioned this in my complaint form to the BBB. You can check the Bubblews TOS, just search for the word 'retroactive' and you will see the part of the TOS that talks about this.

bestwriter replied to FreyaYuki on February 9, 2015, 6:40 PM
When you say resolved did BB pay them? Anyway good to know things are moving.

FreyaYuki replied to bestwriter on February 12, 2015, 11:08 AM
I got my e-check. I wrote about it in one of my latest posts, explaining all the details. If you read through the list on the BBB site, you'll see all the complaints of other people, the response of Bubblews, how it was resolved, if the one who complained accepted the answer or not, etc.

If they accepted the answer from the company, which I did in my own complaint, then they presumably got paid otherwise why would they accept the answer? You can read the details on the BBB's site. Some state outright that they did get their payments.

MommyCharm wrote on February 22, 2015, 3:18 AM
I have just filled out a complaint form. Well, I just hope that BBB could help me with my missing redemption too.

FreyaYuki replied to MommyCharm on February 22, 2015, 3:53 AM
Good luck. I hope you can get your payment too. I was able to receive my August 2014 redemption from Bubblews thanks to the BBB. I filed my complaint on Jan 13, 2015 and I got my e-check on 2015 February. It did take a few days to clear. I hope you can get a favorable response too 😃.

*Notes:
- This was previously published on Persona Paper on January 14, 2015, 9:00 AM
- Image is by GraphBerry (CC:BY-SA) from deviantArt

Questions About LinkedIn And IC3

Is there anyone here who has a LinkedIn account? Mind if I ask a question 😃? I'm starting to look into LinkedIn and am just wondering - If I decide to create an account on LinkedIn, can I use a pen name or pseudonym?

Also, how is LinkedIn working out for you? Do you find it useful or helpful to you? Would you recommend this social media site?

Okay, that's about it for this topic. Now, on to the next one. IC3 stands for Internet Crime Complaint Center. Heard somewhere that you can maybe use this to complain about or report the-site-that-shall-not-be-named (you-know-who I'm talking about. LOL. If not, I mean Bubblews). If we're talking about that site, then anyone can file a complaint regardless of location.

Anyway, am wondering if anyone has tried this before? How is the whole process of filing? What exactly do you need to do? What do you need to say?

Am also wondering if what we experienced on the-site-that-shall-not-be-named is something that we can complain about or report to the IC3? What do you think?

They did just erase all the money they owe their members with one announcement. They said the money we earned didn't exist. Their TOS says they won't change things retroactively, but they did it anyway, etc.

So, could any of that be classified as fraud or as a crime or something? Anyone know anything? Still looking for more info, so, if anyone knows anything, care to share 😃?

Here are some of the comments from this article, back when it used to be posted elsewhere:

BarbRad wrote on January 17, 2015, 6:08 PM
I think LinkedIn is most useful for people wanting to make business contacts. I think of it as a site for professionals who want to network and have a place to check into possible employers or employees. I haven't found it particularly useful for me yet, but many of my writing friends use it. Maybe some of them will chime in. I would not use a pseudonym there, since it's primarily for business networking.

FreyaYuki replied to BarbRad on January 25, 2015, 1:51 PM
Thanks for the info. Am trying to research and find out more about this. I did hear that it can be a good site like the other social networking ones out there like Twitter, Pinterest, etc.

scheng1 wrote on January 24, 2015, 11:23 PM
I have Linkedin account too, but I do not use my real name.

FreyaYuki replied to scheng1 on January 25, 2015, 1:48 PM
Oh, so it's okay for us to use a pen name on LinkedIn? Was thinking of creating an account there using a pen name or pseudonym, but wondered if that was allowed or not and wanted to see if there were members of that site who used pen names too.

bestwriter wrote on February 5, 2015, 1:07 AM
I have a linked in account and realise that it has not enthused me in anyway to look at the messages that I keep receiving - so and say wants to add and stuff.

FreyaYuki replied to bestwriter on February 7, 2015, 9:31 AM
Ah, I see. Do you use a pen name for your LinkedIn account?

bestwriter replied to FreyaYuki on February 7, 2015, 6:14 PM
I have used my own name. There it is all about one's real life.

FreyaYuki replied to bestwriter on February 8, 2015, 4:20 PM
Ah, I see. Thanks. Will look into this further when I get more time.

*Notes:
- This was previously published on Persona Paper on January 17, 2015, 11:12 AM
- Image is by GraphBerry (CC:BY-SA) from deviantArt