Fairness and balance on the forum...

[GlennS]

I am dissatisfied with the service I have received from a supplier. The rules of this forum preclude me from posting the details or naming that supplier. I accept that.

However, that same supplier has been the subject of threads praising their performance. It was for that reason that I decided to deal with them. These "praise" threads have been permitted.

I believe this represents a serious problem. If the club allows suppliers to be praised but not criticised that leads to a false and misleading impression being given to the membership and other users of the forum. There is a lack of balance and the club is doing its members a grave disservice.

How do we resolve this issue? The only fair way that I can see is to prohibit threads in praise of suppliers with the same determination that we prohibit threads and posts criticising them.

 

[pauljmcnulty]

In an ideal world, that would be the way to do it: no discussing suppliers whether good or bad. Realistically, I think we'd be seen as heavy-handed if we removed threads that were just someone with a happy story.

I don't think there's any issue with you replying to a thread saying "that's not my experience with xxxx" (I've done that myself, and Simon is pretty good at providing an alternate view when one company in particular is mentioned!). The rule is really there to protect the suppliers from malicious posts, and protect the poster from compromising his efforts to get redress.

The other thing is to always let one of us know of bad service. Personally, I'm always keen that suppliers are made aware of problems, and given a chance to fix them. If there is an on-going issue, then that supplier will disappear from the faqs, and won't get recommended either here, or if I get an enquiry directly.

There's a balance with that as well: I always try to weigh-up the number of complaints with the size of the business, but you do get a feel for when things aren't going right somewhere. In a couple of cases we've sat down with suppliers and tried to work out what's going wrong, and half the time they weren't aware of most of the problems people had.

 

[Mark Elder]

Glenn, You don't have to find a "fair" way, you need to find a legally safe way!

I believe we should continue as we are - we do want to see recommendations. When poor service emerges from a previously good supplier it quickly becomes obvious (no updates to the positive thread). There is a good example in Scotland. A supplier who used to get praise on here from everyone who used him. Things changed in his business and now he very rarely gets a mention when recommendations are requested. Conspicuous by his absence...

 

[simkin911]

I guess you could now update the thread "what did you do with your 944.... " with a one liner stating factually what you were doing but leave it neither good or bad? [8|]

 

[Ex Skyline]

NAME and SHAME []!!!! That's my philosophy.....[][]. If it's the same firm I use Glenn then, don't tell me....[][].

 

[GlennS]

Gentlemen, I don't want to turn this into yet another fruitless debate about whether this forum should permit "name and shame". I am fully aware of the legal position regarding comment on the internet. It has been my professional responsibility to be aware of that since the internet came into being. Whether I agree with the forum's policy on "name and shame" is irrelevant, I have agreed to be abide by the forums rules when signing up to use it so I am bound to respect those rules.

I don't think there's any issue with you replying to a thread saying "that's not my experience with xxxx" (I've done that myself, and Simon is pretty good at providing an alternate view when one company in particular is mentioned!).

Such a comment carries little weight compared to a thread started specifically to praise a supplier, I am afraid.

 

[pauljmcnulty]

Glenn, pm me the details or give me a call. It's an old-fashioned thing, but talking to each other often works very well!

I can't build a picture of a supplier's reliability unless I get the feedback. [&o]

I think you under-estimate the way people read forums. They are very cynical about people joining to post "how wonderful the service is from Bloggs Porsche", just as they are wary of someone ranting on the forum about a supplier. There are people who believe that internet reviews are 100% genuine and accurate, but they are pretty rare.

A simple reply from a long-term, respected forum member carries a LOT of weight.

I'm also not against naming suppliers: the forum rule is not to:

3.1.2 Name companies, or individuals, in relation to accusations of malpractice, fraud or
other criminal or civil offences

There's a huge difference between a case where legal action could follow, and obviously that should not be aired on a forum, and a situation where a supplier has let you down in some way. I think a little common sense, and it's legitimate to point out where a supplier is getting it wrong. This can be a positive thing, so long as it doesn't get the sort of replies that just cause it to be deleted.

 

[pauljmcnulty]

Just to add, this year we've added Rose Passion to the recommended suppliers list because they have good feedback, and removed one company after a high number of complaints. It does work....[]

 

[zcacogp]

Erm, of course I know the answer to this question McNulters, but where is the Recommended Suppliers List (should anyone else want to read it, natch) .... []


Oli.

 

[PSH]

ORIGINAL: zcacogp

Erm, of course I know the answer to this question McNulters, but where is the Recommended Suppliers List (should anyone else want to read it, natch) .... []


Oli.

good point Oli...I'd like to take a look

Pete

 

[simkin911]

In the FAQs - c'mon get with it guys eh?![]

 

[tscaptain]

http://www.porscheclubgbforum.com/tm.asp?m=405337

Know thy forum....[]

 

[zcacogp]

Great, thanks chaps!


Oli.

 

[George Elliott]

Glenn, pm me the details or give me a call. It's an old-fashioned thing, but talking to each other often works very well!

Glenn, sorry to hear you have been short changed somewhere.

I'd give the above a try as the Reg Sec seems willing to help your case.

Put the thoughts of what the supplier deserves on ice, difficult as I find that myself.

Good luck
George

 

[pauljmcnulty]

I'd give the above a try as the Reg Sec seems willing to help your case.

It's all gone very quiet....[&o]

Not at all sure why there's been no response. I always say pick up the phone and talk, but for some reason people are often happier posting on a forum. It's a real shame, as it doesn't move anything forward, and actually leads to less trust in what's said on forums!