Posting about Retailers in Public Forums?

Davekyn (David) · #1 02-03-2009, 10:45 AM

Am I to understand we can say nothing at all that reflects how our rights may have been abused by any retailer that supports this Forum or otherwise? Are we to only say rosy things about them?

How’s it done...how can we warn others & make these people accountable to those in the market?

Cheers
Dave

matt · #2 02-03-2009, 10:51 AM

This will end in tears!!!

Davekyn (David) · #3 02-03-2009, 10:54 AM

I was trying to be serious, but guess that answers it? Keeping things factual don't seem to work...is asking the question too much or have I said somthing wrong...yet again?

astroron (Ron) · #4 02-03-2009, 11:00 AM

You have to reallise that icinspace is only about good vibes, not bad ones.
You must only say good things about people.

iceman (Mike) · #5 02-03-2009, 11:05 AM

Dave, read this, see if it answers your question.

http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/s...ad.php?t=26188

Quote:

Originally Posted by astroron

You have to reallise that icinspace is only about good vibes, not bad ones.
You must only say good things about people.

I don't know if you're saying that tongue in cheek, Ron, but I've had loads of feedback from people who get fed up with people who are constantly posting bad vibes and bring the tone of IceInSpace down. That's evidence enough to me that the vast majority of people don't like reading negativity.

toryglen-boy (Duncan) · #6 02-03-2009, 11:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iceman

Dave, read this, see if it answers your question.

http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/s...ad.php?t=26188

I don't know if you're saying that tongue in cheek, Ron, but I've had loads of feedback from people who get fed up with people who are constantly posting bad vibes and bring the tone of IceInSpace down. That's evidence enough to me that the vast majority of people don't like reading negativity.

isnt that a bit surreal? i dont like reading anything bad, who would! if you had the choice between good and bad news, what would you chose?

i dont try to post good or bad news, only factual information and the truth, with no bias, and i am not affiliated with anyone, and wont mention any competitors, as unless they are members here to justify themselves, then thats not entirely fair.

but that said, i think having an ethos of "post only happy thoughts" just wont work.

but i stand to be corrected.

I think as long as we follow your very easy going rules, then we should be able to post whatever about equipment or resellers, as long as.

1. its not offensive, personal and libelous.
2. its factual and to the point, and not written from an overy personal bias
3. it does nothing to tarnish the good name of IIS

Davekyn (David) · #7 02-03-2009, 11:18 AM

As frustrating as that sounds Ron, for those wishing to vent, it does explain a few things...There is a danger to that though...seems very one sided and can only ever benifit sponsers. Seem unfair.

EDIT...sorry Mike...just saw your post...reading now.

JethroB76 (Jeff) · #8 02-03-2009, 11:23 AM

I can understand the frustration with being somewhat unable to voice dissatisfaction with a vendor, however most of the forums I frequent strongly discourage or ban overly negative posts about vendors simply to remain in existence.

Do you want IIS where you're limited in the cristicisms you can make about a vendor (because of legal issues), or no IIS? If Mike doesn't want to run the risk of legal action (and fair enough too, threats of legal action have been made on here before) then there's only one way.

astroron (Ron) · #9 02-03-2009, 11:27 AM

I find it a bit on the nose that when a company does its job end sends goods at a brisque pace it gets lauded as fantastic and given loads of forum space, but bring to notice their poor service and it is quickly stamped on.
In my opinion, if you can praise, then you should be able to be critical, or don't allow either kind of posts.

Davekyn (David) · #10 02-03-2009, 11:29 AM

THANKYOU Mike & others:
Sorry I did not read the new policy...It has all the answers I was looking for. I may not be happy with it but now better understand.

No thanks...I like ISS the way it is...my appoligies.
Dave

Thanks again

astronut (John) · #11 02-03-2009, 11:48 AM

Dave,
I understand the need to vent your frustration about a problem with a vendor.
This would seem a good place to do this (with everyone sharing the same hobby) but it can cause problems for Mike (IIS) if things get out of hand.
They have in the past!!
I suggest a measured, calm approach to the matter and the vendor.
Things can be sorted in this way!
If you don't achieve a resolution, go to the Consumer Affairs department in your local area.

By the time it gets to this point, things are usually fixed.

marki · #12 02-03-2009, 12:54 PM

On the plus side positive feedback on different vendors provided by members of this forum works as well as negative feedback ever could. In any case it does not make good sense for a vendor to upset or neglect a customer as it is not in their own interests. I suspect that in many of these cases a resolution is simply out of the vendors hands (I have learnt the art of patience, I work with children). There are some fabulous astronomical suppliers in OZ and I think we need to support their efforts. It is better to deal with problems directly with the vendor themselves rather than make it a public debate on this forum. At least that way you have a chance of resolving the issue. If not as stated below there are other alternatives.

Ciao Mark

BerrieK · #13 02-03-2009, 02:19 PM

Dave if you are deeply dissatisfied with a vendor and have been ripped off or otherwise, the Department of Fair Trading is able to advise you on your rights and go in to bat for you if your gripe warrants such an action.

Otherwise beware the legal implications of libel.

I feel for you as I have been on the wrong end of a (NON ASTRONOMY) manufacturer of electrical goods who would not honour a warranty..the Department of Fair Trade got it sorted out for me quick smart.

Good luck, Kerrie

GrahamL · #14 02-03-2009, 07:26 PM

Sometiemes a rational approach to the vendor or consumer affairs just isn't worthwhile .. My experiance over $45
order went along the lines of deposited the cash .. a week later nothing shows .. sent email ... reply to look into it .. hear nothing ... following week sent another email ..reply to look into it again .. hear nothing .. item shows up not what ordered and cant use.. polite enquiry .. its my fault for ordering by email .. refund available if I frieght it back .. my cost.
For me the best and least troublesome solution to that mess was to walk away and forget it.

Ron makes a valid point imo .. If negitive comments about vendor service
arn't in the best interests of IIS ,,, and I do understand completely the reasoning behind that ,,then why not the other way round ?

theodog (Jeff) · #15 02-03-2009, 07:48 PM

You don't often see bad reviews about restaurants because they are just not printed/mentioned. Observing who's not mentioned can tell you much about good and bad retailers.

IIS doesn't need to go down a negative path to inform members of poor service.

IMHO

mark3d · #16 03-03-2009, 06:18 PM

one definite advantage of paying by credit card where possible, if you don't get what you paid for the bank will revoke the funds and/or chase it up on your behalf. a credit card through paypal im not sure, but probably similar situation...

i fancy the chances of the bank's lawyer better than mine

.

KenGee (Kenith Gee) · #17 03-03-2009, 08:14 PM

How is this for logic, If only positive stories about a vendor are the only ones that can be posted, then it will still become clear to people which vendors are good and which ones aren't. I think the rule is a good one. Vendors don't always get it right and sometimes they get it badly wrong, we all know that. The ones that provide great service will get lots of posts, the ones that more often then not don't will get none. So in the end you will get the same information without any stress to anyone. Also you should remember people are far more inclide to post bad reviews then good ones and that can tend to cloud (ha,Ha) the issue. my 5 cents.