I would hate to think that there will be the "Film-Tech" black list since just about every dealer could have some bad experience to qualify for flogging.

I could see this becoming a "don't buy" list.

While I feel public display of poor customer service (and lets face it, exhibitors probably need this as much anyone too)can be a good thing, I don't think it is appropiate to have it in a technical forum such as this one.

Perhaps someone can explain to me the connection between:

I'm having trouble keeping my projector from coming out of frame

and

I didn't get my shippment from Dealer A

While both may contain useful information, they really are not related in my opinion.

Sincerey,

Steve

------------------
"Old projectionists never die, they just changeover!"

The warning on the front of the forums would undoubtedly be tested legally if a slanderous post were made that adversely affected a company's cash flow. In a case like that, I don't think the protection of free speech or your caveat would hold up, and you and/or the poster would at least be dragged to court, and possibly have to pay damages. Precedent has been set by the stock inflation schemes on yahoo boards, etc. The courts held that use of the internet and chat boards did not make the fraud scheme any less subject to applicable law.

There is also the real world possibility of competitors flogging each other by steering complaints to the forum, and having schills post glowing reports on their own company.

In short, any posts in such a forum would be dubious in nature, probably inflammatory, and not serve the industry. Besides, it is simply good manners to attempt to work out relationship problems privately.

I think you would find that the more experienced businessmen -both exhibitor and dealer- would find such a forum irritating and juvenile, and would refuse to participate. That would leave it open to the chronic complainers, kids, and mentally disturbed.

You could instead set up a measurable rating system, like Evans has for the theatres in Huntsville. Such a system could act as a guide to the different dealers and suppliers. The problem is that such a system would require regular maintenance and input from customers. Evans' system for rating is very professional, and I would expect no less of film-tech.

I guess I've said my piece, as usual. I'll don my flameproof suit now.

It also becomes more difficult to keep track of what is where, and more time consuming to surf the site.

quote:

---

Perhaps someone can explain to me the connection between:

I'm having trouble keeping my projector from coming out of frame

and

I didn't get my shippment from Dealer A

While both may contain useful information, they really are not related in my opinion.

---

Steve,
What if someone decides to buy from a fellow film-tech member as a direct result of the other member's high profile and pursuit of business from film-tech members and lurkers? What if they use their high profile in the Film Handler's Forum to promote their own business? In that case, I think it's 100% valid to call attention to a problem in that same forum. To post a "I don't like Dealer X" in the Film Handler's Forum when that dealer has ZERO presence here, well I think then your argument has merit. But if someone is using the Film Handler's Forum and exploiting it, it's a two way street. I normally have a very low profile here, but let's just say I know what it's like to have a dealer give me the run around while at the same time telling me "it'll ship next week" for two months. It's not a good feeling. (If the guy who's been helping me with my sound cabling reads this, no I don't mean you! You've been great, actually) Please bear in mind this is just my opinion. I'm not telling anyone what to think.

Thank you for the consideration.

You and I seem to be in agreement! I have written a private e-mail regarding the "Dealing" on the Film-Handler's Forum.

I am not saying that there shouldn't even be a place for that just that I think, and it is my opinion, that the Film-Handlers forum should stick to booth issues, not deals, shipping and receiving (unless it is relating to shipping and receiving film so Technicolor would be fair game).

As an example. Mr. Purdy's post about CE's new xover card for the 3417 monitor/crossover is very appropriate since it is useful knowledge for "Film-handlers" that just might be in the situation of deciding what to do with the carcus of the monitor they own but have to return the THX cards....he even gives the List price so everyone knows the approximate cost of the thing.

What would be wrong would be if say Dealer X then posts ...our price for the CE xover card is $XXX.XX (please assume there are numbers in in the "Xs"). Or "We are having a sale on CE xover cards. That isn't technical information anymore, that is dealing...at least put it in the "For Sale/Wanted" section.

The benefit of Mr Purdy's notice is that a technician, or exhibitor can call their dealer(s) and find out their cost.

Come discuss this tonight at the Chat, if you can.

Steve

You've made good points. I personally don't mind the occasional "I've got that in stock, contact me at blah blah" kind of post. If the forum was being consistently spammed, then I guess I would mind. I kind of like the way things are.

BTW..if you ever look at my posts on where I could "deal.", I generally make the statement to "call your dealer or e-mail me."

This would come up if through an ongoing thread where it was found that a part needed to be changed.

Many people here know I work for a dealer but I almost never use their name since I like to have my opinions be my own and in no way reflect that of my employer.I also don't want my opinions to be looked at like I have an angle to sell something.

For Jerry, zip up that suit!!! I am afraid I don't qualify under the 'kids' heading, so I am going to have to admit I'm mentally disturbed! (Of course, those who know me are aware of this fact anyway, including Mark, who I've known for many years!) Keep up the good posts!!!

In my 21 years in the biz, I've mainly dealt with four different booth/equipment suppliers. I've had my share of bad service from every one of them. It's always because they're on the road, they're swamped with orders, whatever. Stuff happens. You make a couple of phone calls or send an email and it usually gets handled. Occasionally something goes wrong (like the situation that started that other thread) but I think those situations are rare.

In short, I think problems should be resolved between supplier and customer and not be made public on film-tech, unless something outrageous or criminal happens, then by all means bring it to everyone's attention!