This thread deals specifically with the issue of feedback to positive or negative reviews of members experiences with vendors in the "Manufacturers and Services" portion of this forum.
For several years I've seen what started out as a tremendously positive site dedicated entirely to the promotion of a concept of great use to many outdoors enthusiasts begin to devolve. While I agree that both sides of vendor customer opinions need to be available to our members, I personally feel that any thread that digresses into an argument "for" or "against" is totally useless and extremely distracting from the purpose of this site.
My suggestion would be that the forum follow the lead that most if not all of the retail websites have adopted.
Adding a "reviews" category, by vendor, for all vendors who have gained acceptance into the "Manufacturers and Services" portion of this forum.
This category should allow anyone to express their (+/-) views on their individual experience while eliminating the supplementary argumentative feedback.
All initial (+/-) review posts should be relegated to the review categories without the possibility of replies by others.
If others have experiences that cause them to agree or disagree they should submit their own review without reference to any other review. No purpose is served by expressing personal opinions on the OP's intent.
However, vendor response to the OP should be allowed for all to see.
Keeping this forum positive is paramount to it's continued success. Negative vendor feedback can be a positive thing if properly managed. Make a place for it.
For those who would point out that this option already exists on vendor websites, I am personally apprehensive of the selectivity involved.
I definitely feel that these reviews can be a highly beneficial part of this site if managed properly.
Not looking for an argument or trying to persuade anyone... Just making a suggestion.
Also, I have no experience in the IT knowledge necessary to make this kind of thing work so go easy on me.
Bookmarks