I'll add two cents in that I agree with Jim. The vendor or representative
should have a right to to clarify or represent themselves. Off list responses
don't correct any damage done to the vendors reputation if errors were made.
Tone and attitude in those messages are significantly important
and I agree Flaming messages don't help anyone.
There are periodically runs of messages here that I percieve as vendor bashing
for the sport of it. . It's not that they don't contain some factual
information, but they always seem to be focused on smearing the vendor. I can
see no other purpose. Its all in the tone and wording. I understand wanting
to vent when people are angry, but if you would not accept a message posted with
your own name substitiuted for the vendors the content is probably the wrong
thing to send. I particularly don't like seeing a list member or a vendor put
on trial without an opportunity to represent themselves.
As far as the specific message Greg got (having not seen it, and not wanting to)
if the vendor went beyond stating facts they probably hurt themselves. It used
to be that retail believed that 1 dissatisfied customer generated fear whch cost
sales in at least 10 more potential customers. With the web that is now a higher
number. On list or off list the word of such actions will travel.
People do stupid things when they are angry, last I heard vendors hire people.
Jack McCarrick
Jim Hill wrote:
> Greg Hutmacher wrote:
>
> > . . . I received an email sent to me off list that chastised me
> > for questioning the quality/value of a Triumph related product.
>
> > the individual took personal offense that I questioned/commented
> > on a product that they apparently have a vested financial interest
> > in and emailed me to tell me.
>
> First of all, you should know that it's not all that difficult for someone
> to figure out who you're talking about. There are archives for this list and
> old posts can be retrieved.
>
> If I'm not mistaken, it appears that a question was raised about the
> "authenticity" of a product being sold, based on second hand information. A
> perfectly reasonable question to raise and a perfectly proper use of the
> Triumph list. As you stated, "listers should feel free to state their
> question, opinion, or their impression/experience with a product or service,
> good or bad . . ."
>
> Of course you run the risk that the individual or firm you've mentioned will
> take issue with what you've said . . . and they certainly have a right to
> reply - which can be done by private email or by a post to the list.
>
> Personally, if someone questions a remark I've made to the list I'd just as
> soon hear about it privately rather than getting blasted in front of the
> whole list. Private disagreements are often best resolved privately.
>
> Since there's no one to police internet email, we all have to deal with the
> occasional rude note dropping out of the blue. If that's what happened here,
> then I agree with Brad Kahler: A polite "Buzz Off" statement directed
> privately to the offending party should end the matter.
>
> Jim Hill
> Madison WI
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