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Once upon a time, there was a website called the Martini Lounge. Its main purpose was to bring women together “in community”. The site included articles about family, health and wellness, spirituality, beauty and style, political issues, et al. There was also a forum where women could discuss the various pieces on the main site, as well as other things that it didn’t cover.

It’s now a mere shadow of what it was, or what it could have been.

In November, the site disappeared for a time…as did the ML’s president. The domain name was not paid for until for several weeks or so, after which time, everything returned; and the forums were being overrun with spammers. There was something that could be done, but webmistress Maja could not do anything about it–partly because she couldn’t access the site the way she needed to, and partly because she would not do it until she was paid for what she’d done for the site already.

She’s not the only one who’s been screwed. Fellow webmistress Malin also hasn’t received payment; and she asked for much less than what Maja’s price was. Vixx paid to have her site advertised at the Lounge and has asked for her money back, but has yet to receive a dime. At some point last year, the Martini Lounge opened a website hosting branch; those who have yet to receive their hosting have paid for goods they’ve not received. Unfortunately, since hosting isn’t a “tangible item”, according to PayPal, they can’t get their money back. This is fraud. Fraud is a criminal offense.

Fast forward to tonight. The forums have been taken down. Those who attempt to visit are redirected to a page written by Maja, explaining her actions. The main site is still up, though.

You may also read Maja’s letter to the powers-that-be at the Lounge.