posted on April 4, 2002 07:03:52 PM new
All online retailers SUCK!!!! Don't buy from any of them!!!!!! Gee, maybe I'm risking a class action lawsuit from millions of companies. Oh well, it's too late now.
posted on April 4, 2002 07:15:19 PM new
What an incredible story. Still, it was never made clear if the allegations in Mr. Novak's suit were the result of truly slanderous (as in, untrue) statements made by people who were carried away with the fever of the fight or if he was just outgunning some disgruntled customers by taking them to court, knowing that no one in their right mind would suffer the costs incurred by that sort of trial over something as ridiculous as $20 worth of aquatic plants.
I *think* one does have the right to get on the Internet and disclose/discuss documented, verifiable situations in which one has been "mistreated" by a company. Of course, the *smart* thing to do is first let the company with which one has a complaint know that there's a problem, and see what the company plans to do about it. If they're a company with a strong online presence, chances are they will respond favorably to a 'hint' that one intends to take their dissatisfaction to the BBs of the WorldWideWeb.
This strategy has worked for me a couple of times.
posted on April 4, 2002 07:24:59 PM new
Well after this case plsmith, the company might just let you post your comments and then sue you. Either for libel or for just mentioning their name as a trademark violation.
These people couldn't afford to show that the case was meritless.
The law schools turn out more lawyers than can find jobs, and middle class people can't even afford to fight a law suit.
posted on April 4, 2002 07:35:50 PM new
Yes, I see the implications, REAMOND, but I'm not yet convinced that a corporate-driven society like ours -- which spends billions of dollars every year on advertizing, just to get us to remember and tout "brand names" -- will suddenly turn the tables on its bread-and-butter (we, the consumers) and start squawking when we use those same "brand names" in a context they dislike. Besides, if "Company A" sells me a faulty product and refuses to reimburse me or provide me with a replacement, I have an obligation to alert my fellow consumers to this company's unsatisfactory customer service.
I will agree that it's wrong to accuse a company of wrongdoing when there's been none, or when one only knows of it second-hand. That would destroy businesses left and right, and businesspeople have a right to protect their good names, but when I, personally, have a bad go-round with "Company A", and they eschew all reasonable remedies, I do get to tell you and anyone else who'll listen all about it.
The courts will ultimately say so, too...
words.
[ edited by plsmith on Apr 4, 2002 07:36 PM ]
posted on April 4, 2002 07:44:21 PM new
I agree pl- you should be able to publicly speak about your experience with a company.
The problem is, will you still speak about your experience if you fear being sued and forced to settle because you don't have the resources to fight the suit ?
I'm surprised this hasn't happened on eBay yet with the FB system.
posted on April 4, 2002 08:52:10 PM new"The story is unbelievable and will make you think twice about anything you post on a BB."
"It's the story of a multi-million dollar lawsuit that has transformed a sleepy online community of aquatic plant gardeners into a hotbed of accusations of libel, conspiracy, defamation, computer hacking, infringement on freedom of speech and even death threats.
That reminds me of all of the silliness that I used to have to put up with for running a chat BBS years ago. The endless bickering, sniping, nastiness; the outright hysteria, the calls for police, lawsuits, and death. Sheese! It's called: GET A LIFE!
