Negativity…

Folks,

I have something to get off my chest. No, my wife didn’t tell me to shave my chest!

I’ve been wanting to say something for a while, but wanted to wait until some of the negative threads have settled down so to not make light of a single company or person.

I have a real problem with people posting negative threads about poor service, products or experiences when someones way of life could be at stake. It seems that many issues could have easily been solved very easily by going directly to the source.

I know a lot of people claim that posting things on public forums are a great way to give feedback, but the entity being attacked has no absolutely no control over what is said, whether it be a lie, the truth or simply a misinterpretation. Often times, these things get solved quickly afterward with little visibility of the solution.

I regularly troll thru the topics on the left side of the screen for interesting topics (staying away from anything with “BK” in it). I very rarely follow these once they disappear. I feel this can be very damaging if most people don’t follow a negative thread thru to the end.

I really feel that the complainers, and negative posts are simply a way for someone to get instant gratification, without really solving anything.

If you have a problem with service, contact customer service. If you have a problem with a product, contact customer service. If you have a problem with a law enforcement official, contact their supervisor. If you aren’t getting anywhere with the source, contact BBB.

My point is that there are so much more productive ways to solve these problems that intentionally trying to hurt their business in spite.

I think that the admin on here handles these pretty well, I’d just encourage the users to think before they post, and encourage others to help them in the right direction if something gets posted. This kind of negativity is infectious and seems to find ints way onto the water/ice. It really seems to have people on short fuses that seems to think the world owes them something.

Thanks for reading. Hope it helps some.

I personally have no issue what so ever blasting a comapny all over the net if they don’t provide adequate customer service. For example, if I drop $40 on a faulty product and the company does not back their product. I am going to get my $40 back. Even if that is in the form or $40 worth of lost business.

While I do agree that one should do everything possible to rectify the issue before denouncing a company on-line. However if a person has attempted to rectify the problem without acceptable results then I say blast away.

Of course with this mentality, I also make it a point to post positive experiences that I have with companies and give them their due credit.

I will usualy take these posts with a grain of salt unless I know the poster. Who knows if they were rude, drunk etc. Many issues can be worked out if both parties keep a cool head and comunicate. If the service is truely bad and the proprietor won’t address it then by all means, let the public know.

Quote:

---

Folks,

I have something to get off my chest. No, my wife didn’t tell me to shave my chest!

I’ve been wanting to say something for a while, but wanted to wait until some of the negative threads have settled down so to not make light of a single company or person.

I have a real problem with people posting negative threads about poor service, products or experiences when someones way of life could be at stake. It seems that many issues could have easily been solved very easily by going directly to the source.

I know a lot of people claim that posting things on public forums are a great way to give feedback, but the entity being attacked has no absolutely no control over what is said, whether it be a lie, the truth or simply a misinterpretation. Often times, these things get solved quickly afterward with little visibility of the solution.

I regularly troll thru the topics on the left side of the screen for interesting topics (staying away from anything with “BK” in it). I very rarely follow these once they disappear. I feel this can be very damaging if most people don’t follow a negative thread thru to the end.

I really feel that the complainers, and negative posts are simply a way for someone to get instant gratification, without really solving anything.

If you have a problem with service, contact customer service. If you have a problem with a product, contact customer service. If you have a problem with a law enforcement official, contact their supervisor. If you aren’t getting anywhere with the source, contact BBB.

My point is that there are so much more productive ways to solve these problems that intentionally trying to hurt their business in spite.

I think that the admin on here handles these pretty well, I’d just encourage the users to think before they post, and encourage others to help them in the right direction if something gets posted. This kind of negativity is infectious and seems to find ints way onto the water/ice. It really seems to have people on short fuses that seems to think the world owes them something.

Thanks for reading. Hope it helps some.

---

Well said

I for one can NOT stand it when one makes a post with more than 3 paragraphs WITHOUT any pictures involved.

Just kidding you,I agree with on most points

I respect both of your opinions, because I usesd to share that same opinion. I felt as though I was doing the right thing.

Here’s why I’ve changed my way of thinking about that:

1. Most of all, it still doesn’t solve anything. The reality is, I don’t really feel any better about it either.

2. Just because I didn’t get what I think I deserved from a purchase or a service, I still hold myself responsible for giving them my money. Who else should be responsible for my money?

3. Once again, it relays this message of negativity that is infectious. Do we really want to teach our kids that complaining is the answer because it makes us feel better?

4. Bad business will always take care of its self. They won’t last long because likely they are making bad decisions other places in thier business. No need to hurt a good legitimate business becasue of one bad experience.

Some people just think they are more perfect human beings than the human beings that are making or providing product. Almost like they the consumer have never made a mistake in their perfect life.

Quote:

---

I respect both of your opinions, because I usesd to share that same opinion. I felt as though I was doing the right thing.

Here’s why I’ve changed my way of thinking about that:

1. Most of all, it still doesn’t solve anything. The reality is, I don’t really feel any better about it either.

2. Just because I didn’t get what I think I deserved from a purchase or a service, I still hold myself responsible for giving them my money. Who else should be responsible for my money?

3. Once again, it relays this message of negativity that is infectious. Do we really want to teach our kids that complaining is the answer because it makes us feel better?

4. Bad business will always take care of its self. They won’t last long because likely they are making bad decisions other places in thier business. No need to hurt a good legitimate business becasue of one bad experience.

---

Alll valid points.

I guess I get so passionate about it because I am a man of my word. I stand behind my word 100% and I own up to my mistakes. I expect and will accept nothing less from a company that provides me products and service.

So thinking that I have no problem exacting “justice”. Whatever that means.

For example. I bought a stationary baby gate for my house from Evenflo. They were using an inferior grade hardware that put my son’s life in danger. When I called them the best they could do is offer to send me more inferior grade hardware even after I explained to them that I had already purchased an acceptable quality hardware from the hardware store. They would not offer me anything above and beyond. As you can imagine, I was upset. This is my son’s saftey we are talking about. I now seriously question the quality of their other baby saftey products.

Quote:

---

Quote:

---

I respect both of your opinions, because I usesd to share that same opinion. I felt as though I was doing the right thing.

Here’s why I’ve changed my way of thinking about that:

1. Most of all, it still doesn’t solve anything. The reality is, I don’t really feel any better about it either.

2. Just because I didn’t get what I think I deserved from a purchase or a service, I still hold myself responsible for giving them my money. Who else should be responsible for my money?

3. Once again, it relays this message of negativity that is infectious. Do we really want to teach our kids that complaining is the answer because it makes us feel better?

4. Bad business will always take care of its self. They won’t last long because likely they are making bad decisions other places in thier business. No need to hurt a good legitimate business becasue of one bad experience.

---

Alll valid points.

I guess I get so passionate about it because I am a man of my word. I stand behind my word 100% and I own up to my mistakes. I expect and will accept nothing less from a company that provides me products and service.

So thinking that I have no problem exacting “justice”. Whatever that means.

For example. I bought a stationary baby gate for my house from Evenflo. They were using an inferior grade hardware that put my son’s life in danger. When I called them the best they could do is offer to send me more inferior grade hardware even after I explained to them that I had already purchased an acceptable quality hardware from the hardware store. They would not offer me anything above and beyond. As you can imagine, I was upset. This is my son’s saftey we are talking about. I now seriously question the quality of their other baby saftey products.

---

When we truly listen to both sides of the issue, we are able to come to a clearer conclusion. When we are critical of a company, a point of view, a decision, or whatnot, it is imperative to see both sides of the coin. Ignorant assumptions don’t get us far. Thanks for your insight.

The one thing I cannot stand is a forum where negative posts are frowned upon. I go to forums to look for opinions, both positive and negative. I’ve been on forums where negative posts were removed or ignored, its no good. People quit visiting them because it just turns into a say something good or say nothing at all place. Similar to forums who only allow the posting of sponsor links.

A good forum has both positive and negative opinions and both can be shared freely.

Quote:

---

The one thing I cannot stand is a forum where negative posts are frowned upon. I go to forums to look for opinions, both positive and negative. I’ve been on forums where negative posts were removed or ignored, its no good. People quit visiting them because it just turns into a say something good or say nothing at all place. Similar to forums who only allow the posting of sponsor links.

A good forum has both positive and negative opinions and both can be shared freely. [/quote

Interesting thought. Language does shape reality. Pros and cons are necessary to come to one’s own conclusion.

Quote:

---

The one thing I cannot stand is a forum where negative posts are frowned upon. I go to forums to look for opinions, both positive and negative. I’ve been on forums where negative posts were removed or ignored, its no good. People quit visiting them because it just turns into a say something good or say nothing at all place. Similar to forums who only allow the posting of sponsor links.

A good forum has both positive and negative opinions and both can be shared freely.

---

In my opinion, this is absolutely true, but only if the intent is positive. I’ve seen several good constructive reviews that give good useful info. The ones that I hate are the ones that are intended for retribution.

I really think they (mods) do a good job here, but I’m seeing this epidemic take over other sites. They really don’t have enough good quality members like this site does. This site seems to police itself. That’s a good thing.

“If you think in terms of a year, plant a seed; if in terms of ten years, plant trees; if in terms of 100 years, teach the people.”–Confucius

Now that I am a father – with children in tow, many times…..I find that my behavior, language, driving, etc. are always under the most intense observation. Children watch EVERYTHING you do.

Because I care about what kind of person that I am teaching my young ones to be – I think my interactions with all people – including the dirt bags have improved

I guess I treat people with a very basic level of respect – even if they don’t deserve it – until they prove me wrong or let me down. Then, I avoid them.

Dressing someone down – in front of my young boys – will be a lesson taught when they are able to comprehend the entire scope of the issue. With them, we simply smile and move on.

Life is too short to deal with certain types of people.

It is the same thing with business, products, services, etc. If they are not worthy of your business – vote with your wallet. It seems to send the most profound message. Trust me, they get it.

Fatherhood has some interesting impacts on one’s personal development.

Dog

Quote:

---

The one thing I cannot stand is a forum where negative posts are frowned upon. I go to forums to look for opinions, both positive and negative. I’ve been on forums where negative posts were removed or ignored, its no good. People quit visiting them because it just turns into a say something good or say nothing at all place. Similar to forums who only allow the posting of sponsor links.

A good forum has both positive and negative opinions and both can be shared freely.

---

I think another “thing” that should bother people and should definitely be taken into account, is the 1st time poster, that comes on guns a blazing… bad mouthing a product or business. Gain some credibility on a site before you start runnin’ it Would you walk into a crowded area of strangers and start screaming about your issues ?? That’s what is happening when you do it on a website such as this… I have no problem if the site mods remove some crybaby like that… if your gonna give your opinions & badmouth someone, maybe introduce yourself first

(I put zero to very little stock in opinions from people who hide behind screen names too)

(then again, some people whom I know, I also put very little stock in their opinions)

Dog,
You are very right. Everything counts with kids.

x2

“It must be true, I read it on the internet”

Really?

take it for what it’s worth,(in most cases not much)

Quote:

---

Dog,
You are very right. Everything counts with kids.

---

Everything does kind of come down to this for myself. But I am gonna go a different route. I recently have been looking at the IDO archives and seeing the fireline vs braid (PP832 mainly) argument and nobody has any issues of bashing certain lines, or jigs, or other little stuff, but when it comes to bigger items such as depth finders, or resorts, or others, it all seems negative now? If you think it ok to shoot a chipmunk then why not a moose? Sorry for the poor metaphor but it goes to the point that you can not start discriminating due to the price tag or how close to home the product that is getting bashed is. I recently recall a few threads of negativity that were on this site and the response of how odd this bad service was or caught on a bad day or no one else had issues actually made myself even come out with a better feeling for these particular “products”. Lets face it our kids are going to be sold a lot of crap in their lives and I feel the need to teach them how to resolve the issues with the company 1st, use their wallet in the future if that didn’t work, and communicate to others their problems so others may learn, or in the case of many threads on here, the community will come to the business aid and say maybe give it another shot bc so many others have been happy with it.

Let me start off with that I am not trust worthy so take this with a grain of salt. I am not sure I agree with your statement. While I see your point, I think that it boils down to the more a person spends on a product, the more passion it creates. If you spend $700 or more on something and your expectations fall short of what you thought you were buying, there is a much greater chance you will let those feelings known. If you bought a spool of line and you hate it, most people would chalk it up to a lesson learned, and let it go. I think the ugliness that comes up from time to time, is from someone bashing a product that someone else has spent a lot of money on because now that person feels in a way they are being attacked because someone is not happy with a product they themself own and are proud of it. That is human nature, petty as it may be.

Quote:

---

Quote:

---

Dog,

You are very right. Everything counts with kids.

---

Everything does kind of come down to this for myself. But I am gonna go a different route. I recently have been looking at the IDO archives and seeing the fireline vs braid (PP832 mainly) argument and nobody has any issues of bashing certain lines, or jigs, or other little stuff, but when it comes to bigger items such as depth finders, or resorts, or others, it all seems negative now? If you think it ok to shoot a chipmunk then why not a moose? Sorry for the poor metaphor but it goes to the point that you can not start discriminating due to the price tag or how close to home the product that is getting bashed is. I recently recall a few threads of negativity that were on this site and the response of how odd this bad service was or caught on a bad day or no one else had issues actually made myself even come out with a better feeling for these particular “products”. Lets face it our kids are going to be sold a lot of crap in their lives and I feel the need to teach them how to resolve the issues with the company 1st, use their wallet in the future if that didn’t work, and communicate to others their problems so others may learn, or in the case of many threads on here, the community will come to the business aid and say maybe give it another shot bc so many others have been happy with it.

---

I have no problem with someone posting a Negative post about a product or service. I myself have done so a time or 2 ( Althought not near as often as I have made positive post )If I get a bad product or receive bad service I feel I owe it to my fellow sportsman to let them know, so that they may not make the same error or at least take a second/closer look at the service or issue. I feel we can look at the Info. that we read and then still make our own decision. I find that I have learned something from most all post. Both positive and negative.

Agree Fishthumper.

Hard to be positive if you feel you have been screwed over. And social media is one place you can get results with your complaint. If others judge it as trivial, that’s their issue!

-J.

Some very good points made for both sides of the fence. Regardless of in person or on a forum, if its an all out assault, you can usually see right away there are more issues that haven’t been stated. In most cases, someone is omitting to include their own faults in the situation.

We’ve seen a few of these come along over the last number of years. I find it interesting that in many cases, the truth finally comes out later in the depths of the series of posts and a more clear picture is painted. I too pay little attention to the post until I feel there is enough facts given to form my own opinion.

There is a distinct difference between giving a negative review of a products’ performance or quality and just blasting it. To have creditability, you have to state the good with the bad.

Whether negative or positive all a poster is trying to do is spread the word to our close IDO community. Seems like a really good thing to me. Having said that its no fun being on the receiving end of a negative post. But my mental wounds inflicted by BK have mostly healed.

My hatred of all things CLAM is the perfect example of this complaint. Yes, I feel jaded by the poorly worded responses and lack of sympathy shown by customer service towards my history of product failures stemming from the admittedly poor construction and quality control (mostly involving CLAM’s HUB houses). I will continually dig into them whenever a reasonable opening is given..

I’d give them more slack if they buckled down and actually fixed the issues instead of coming up with more and new product options with new and exotic issues of their own…

I also very much appreciate the good/bad product and service reviews posted on this site. I respect most of the information posted here. It normally isn’t hard to see through the one-time wonders and the negative nellies that bich about everything.

Remember when “buyer beware” was what we had to deal with when making purchases. Now with the internet buyers have a chance at getting the last word in on a purchase if they like. Depending on how bad they where treated or how poor a product was they can voice that over and over again. Guess now a days its more “Supplier beware”.

Dont see anything wrong with that. Well at least for the consumer. For suppliers our on line reputation is just another thing that needs to be paid attention to. Guess maybe its easier to do that on line now than with customers that walked out your door and never heard from again.

well here is my opinion on this.

if something bad happens, you tell your friends and they tell their friends and so on….and the chain goes for a long time….

something good happens….poeple usually just go with it or in some cases rarely say anything. and then if by chance you do tell someone about the good experiance. they are probably less likely to pass it on…

as my observation is easier to complain then compliment at times. and i hear more from friends and people what is wrong with stuff. then what is good with stuff.

I am also guilty of saying what is bad and not good, so not casting stones at anyone here.

Yesterday I had a transaction with a company in St.Paul that still makes me feel like Peter Griffin did when he was sexually harassed at work. For now I’ll stay positive. I got a close parking spot.
This stuff happens but I wish someone would have told me I was going to get screwed to prevent this.

For many companies you just go on line and look for reviews. Google has reviews as well as Bing, yahoo and many other places. Not sure how popular Yelp is around the upper mid west. There is always Angies list but you get to pay for seeing the reviews there just like us contractors pay for being on there. Have to laugh every time I see one of their commercials. Usually stop laughing when paying their bill every month.

There are people that like to take advantage of these reviews to. Companies that put up bogus reviews of them selves or hire third party companies to do that. Consumers that will tell suppliers the want free or discount service or they will post negative reviews. Would imagine this leads to more than a few consumer fraud and slander court cases.