EDIT March 9, 2011: added a list of indie cosmetics companies I have purchased from repeatedly and wholeheartedly endorse; and added the link to "How to keep someone with you forever" / how to create a sick system

So. Much strife came to a head in MMU-land this past week. My rants at consumers and vendors were nonspecific as to companies, even industry, because I thought a lot of the information could apply to any company and any consumer. But really...it was spurred by the rather violent and near-simultaneous consumer backlashes surrounding two totally separate indie makeup vendors. Based on my reading the various screencapped responses from the company owners, I is my opinion that both of these companies essentially set up "sick" systems - systems that inspired utter and blind devotion, and polarized people from intelligent reasoning consumers to near-religious fanatics with a strong "us versus them" mentality. I do not know if they set up these sick systems consciously, or unconsciously (most people do so unconsciously.) This sick-system dynamic is present in families, in companies, in social groups of all types...and the mechanics of creating a healthy thriving social community and creating a sick system share quite a few similarities. It is the great attraction, and danger, of social networking and especially social marketing. Everyone should try as much as possible to be aware of what they do, and why - to avoid falling into, staying stuck in, creating, or helping to perpetuate, a sick system.

• followups and additional discussion at Phyrra and Legothique, with a summary-excerpt and highlights of the most contentious points below.

Glittersniffer

• the company used soap dyes in some of their products - many of which are are approved for use as soap dyes but not for cosmetics and especially not around the eye area. Some customers had violent reactions to GS products. Photos have been posted.
• claimed that they were vegan when, in fact, many of their ingredients were not vegan.
• have a product recall and refunds allegedly currently underway, but some folks are reporting having difficulty getting their refunds.

More information, screenshots, and lots of links at Lipsticks and Lightsabers; and a calmer point-by-point analysis and regular updates at the Glittersniffer Complaints Blog.