Mark's Post on Ignorance in the SFX Forum

[3kids4me Super Moderator and Super Mom Find all posts View Profile Close 3kids4me]

I just posted a response to Mark's post (Titled: Myths, Rumors and Ignorance) in the SFX Forum. Since I am not an SFX member, I was unaware that the forum is actually moderated by SFX so I fear that my comments may not be posted. Since I feel strongly about this, I am posting my comments here instead.
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Mark, coming from someone who is taking your post at face value...that is, something posted from a company to inform consumers about certain policies, etc...I think it's unprofessional to make the comment below. You should simply address any rumors you feel are false without criticizing their source.

Hundreds of message boards have people who complain about every company. Think about what it would look like if any those companies decided to retaliate by calling those posters ignorant and cowardly. It's just not classy. Companies are held to a higher standard, and there are people who will read your comments and decide not to use your company based on the way you are choosing to represent it and *not* because of what a poster said on a message board. I would try to take your personal feelings out of your posts and keep it to the facts in the future. It will make you and your company look much more professional.

It is unfortunate that certain people hide and cower behind their anonymity feeling they have an entitlement to post false information knowingly, and sometimes out of simple ignorance, simply not knowing the facts. It is even more disconcerting when some of this information comes from “moderators”, who should research their information before taking “wild-guesses” and posting it. They are placed in a position of responsibility to both the website and it’s viewing public. They do a disservice to the public, and damage the credibility of their website when false or misleading information is published.

[Mark @SFX Industry Representative Find all posts View Profile Close Mark @SFX]

I just posted a response to Mark's post (Titled: Myths, Rumors and Ignorance) in the SFX Forum. Since I am not an SFX member, I was unaware that the forum is actually moderated by SFX so I fear that my comments may not be posted. Since I feel strongly about this, I am posting my comments here instead.
------------

Mark, coming from someone who is taking your post at face value...that is, something posted from a company to inform consumers about certain policies, etc...I think it's unprofessional to make the comment below. You should simply address any rumors you feel are false without criticizing their source.

Hundreds of message boards have people who complain about every company. Think about what it would look like if any those companies decided to retaliate by calling those posters ignorant and cowardly. It's just not classy. Companies are held to a higher standard, and there are people who will read your comments and decide not to use your company based on the way you are choosing to represent it and *not* because of what a poster said on a message board. I would try to take your personal feelings out of your posts and keep it to the facts in the future. It will make you and your company look much more professional.

3kids4me - Thank you for your post. I apologize that perhaps I didn't make myself a little clearer, which has caused you to believe I am criticizing complaints. This is NOT the case.

This has nothing to do with people complaining or their opinions. Every company has customer complaints and everyone has their own opinion. It just comes with the territory.

This is about people posting False and Deceptive "Facts". Everyone is entitled to air any complaint they have, but it is not appropriate post false Factual information. Please separate the two.

Companies are sick and tired of people who post false facts. Some of them choose to ignore... and some companies simply remove their presence from the site. We choose to address it.

It is okay to complain and have opinions... but it is not okay to spread false "factual information", and yes there are people who cower behind other sites rather than address any issue in a forum where there can be dialogue that helps all parties. I am here to address that issue and reality.

Most corporations choose to put on the "politically-correct" so called "corporate-spin in their responses". It may have the appearance of being professional, but is it really honest and upfront? We feel people are fed up with this and prefer straight forward honest answers and appreciate this tact. Our style in responding is to be very frank and direct and to the point.

Maybe we should have a survey on this site as to.... Do you prefer to have a company on the site that speaks openly and frankly? Or would you rather have a company that just gives you the same old corporate spin?

Thank you,
Mark @sfx
Member Communications

[Glitter Brunello Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close Glitter Brunello]

Is this about False and Deceptive "Facts" posted here at TS4Ms?

[Mark @SFX Industry Representative Find all posts View Profile Close Mark @SFX]

Is this about False and Deceptive "Facts" posted here at TS4Ms?

Hi Glitter.... no, it's on another site.

Have a great weekend...

Mark @sfx
Member Communications

[billymach4 Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close billymach4]

This might be the post in question.

SFX - Telephone solicitation - Timeshare Users Group Online Community Forums

http://www.tugbbs.com/forums/showthr...&highlight=SFX

[tonyg Goomba & Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close tonyg]

Sharon, nothing gets posted to the SFX forum without being approved, and your post went in there a few minutes ago- but I subsequently deleted it there when I saw the substantially same post here.

[JLB Please excuse me, I'm a Dick. Not a moron just a Dick Find all posts View Profile Close JLB]

In my few years there I came to learn that facts are not required OY, nor checked, so I can understood how that would be frustrtating, because it was for me.

Whenever it was an issue, and I tried address it, I was told, m/l, that the preponderance of posts would determine fact.

Something like that.

[wackymother Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close wackymother]

Is Mark not allowed to post directly at TUG?

[bigfrank Administrator Find all posts View Profile Close bigfrank]

Just so you all know, Mark asked me prior to posting and I said you are welcome to post but remember that the thread can get hot and it might get closed. Normally I ask you guys what do you think but I was on my way out to the city and just got back now. Mark as far as I know does not want any thing to do with Tug and we should be happy he is here and not posting there.

[Keitht Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close Keitht]

I think Mark's comment about the responsibility on moderators is particularly valid. I used to help out on another site but ceased doing so when it became apparent that a couple of mods had carte blanche to post whatever they wanted and then to ridicule those with opposing views.
The mod's job isn't an easy one but I think it important that those in that role at least attempt to be even handed.

[3kids4me Super Moderator and Super Mom Find all posts View Profile Close 3kids4me]

Just to be clear, I didn't say that people were behaving well or that Mark shouldn't be frustrated. I'm sure he is. I just said that I that I think in the end he would come off looking much more professional if he stuck to the facts and not the people behind them. (By asserting the facts, you say something about those people anyway without having to explicitly say it.) I would give the same advice to anyone who has to represent a company on a public forum.

[JLB Please excuse me, I'm a Dick. Not a moron just a Dick Find all posts View Profile Close JLB]

I think Mark's comment about the responsibility on moderators is particularly valid. I used to help out on another site but ceased doing so when it became apparent that a couple of mods had carte blanche to post whatever they wanted and then to ridicule those with opposing views.
The mod's job isn't an easy one but I think it important that those in that role at least attempt to be even handed.

As I occassionally say, time is the best freind of the truth.

But, then, I believe we heard something similar six years ago.

[CarolF Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close CarolF]

Maybe we should have a survey on this site as to.... Do you prefer to have a company on the site that speaks openly and frankly? Or would you rather have a company that just gives you the same old corporate spin?

Good to see you here Mark I prefer open and frank discussions.

3kids4me....I just said that I that I think in the end he would come off looking much more professional if he stuck to the facts and not the people behind them. (By asserting the facts, you say something about those people anyway without having to explicitly say it.)

I agree with 3kids4me. Just stick with the facts.

[chriskre Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close chriskre]

Why are we discussing TUG over here?

I read this thread on TUG before reading this one over here and honestly I take most negative threads over there with a grain of salt. Usually only negative posts get posted for the most part. Sometimes I am guilty of this but I also try to balance my negative ranting with positive praise when it is due. I actually go out of my way when I love a resort to rate it or give praise when I feel an exchange company goes out of their way like DAE did for me in October.

Maybe we can start a positive thread for good experiences.
I'm sure we all have them with all the combined vacations we've had.

[JWC Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close JWC]

I think Mark's comment about the responsibility on moderators is particularly valid. I used to help out on another site but ceased doing so when it became apparent that a couple of mods had carte blanche to post whatever they wanted and then to ridicule those with opposing views.
The mod's job isn't an easy one but I think it important that those in that role at least attempt to be even handed.

I agree with you 100%. I am sure we all know what the other site is. There are definitely some moderators there that fit what you and Mark have described.