UPDATE: Slander Policy (Please Read)
Jan 29, 2009 15:19:16 GMT
Post by septofclansinclair on Jan 29, 2009 15:19:16 GMT
Attention Forum Members:
While is the past this has not been an issue, recently we have noticed an increase in certain kinds of criticism on the SBG Forum. While we support reasonable and informative dialogue about the swords that we buy, the manufacturers that make them and the vendors that sell them, it is inappropriate to make personally insulting comments on the individuals at various levels of the industry.
Part of the SBG Forum's purpose is to serve as a place where feedback on swords, manufacturers and vendors can be given and shared for the community's benefit. This occasionally includes commentary on particular models and brands that are negative; that is, they may point out flaws in the sword itself including in its function, the customer service received, misleading or incorrect information in the advertisement about the sword or other aspects of the product/transaction. This can serve as a "Buyer Beware" in cases where a product is not as advertised or expected, and as honest feedback which the manufacturers and vendors may take to heart and adjust their actions accordingly (or not). These honest and frank discussions are part of what makes SBG Forum such a valuable place, and are well within the realm of courtesy and legality - no honest, courteous and clear criticisms of products or services are out of line.
However, to take these comments to the next level and bring negative statements against the owners, manufacturers, reviewers, or vendors themselves is strictly against SBG Forum policy. We pride ourselves on being the "Friendliest Sword Forum" online, and believe that this is a reputation worth upholding. Therefore, we ask our members to refrain from any slander against these individuals, as it reflects badly on themselves and SBG as a whole (and may someday lead to legal complications, as other sword forums have found in the past).
"Slander" is to be considered any personal attack, abusive language, malicious statements, or accusations of fraud or theft whether they be TRUE or FALSE. If you do have accusations of theft or fraud, there are appropriate legal channels to take your claim, none of which are the SBG Forum.
The following are examples of what is acceptable and not acceptable commentary on the individuals in this industry.
Acceptable:
Forum member: "I recently purchased the Samurai Katana from Joe Smith's Swords, and I was disappointed with what arrived. The sword looks drastically different in person than it does on the site – in fact, it appears to have a cast metal tsuba instead of a blackened
iron one as advertised. The blade was not sharpened and bent, the saya had a crack in it, and my email to customer service was not returned after a month of waiting. Based on the product not being as advertised and the poor customer service experience that I had, I would probably not buy from Joe Smith's Swords again."
Unacceptable:
Forum Member: ""I recently purchased the Samurai Katana from Joe Smith's Swords, and let me tell you Joe Smith is a liar and a fraud. I don't even think they sent me the right sword because the tsuba was cast metal and not iron, like Joe Smith CLAIMED on his crappy website. The sword was bent and dull, the saya was cracked, and Joe Smith ignored my email asking for a refund. Take my advice, do not buy from a crook like Joe Smith!!"
The first statement offers an honest commentary, gives the facts, and an opinion of the purchaser that they would likely shop elsewhere based on their experience. The second contains inflammatory language and is personally insulting to Mr. Smith. Even though the facts are identical, and both people were honestly reporting on a bad experience that Mr. Smith's customers deserved to know about, the first was done in a way that would hopefully inspire Mr. Smith to change his business practices and perhaps tighten up his quality control. The second would likely cause Mr. Smith to become personally offended, and spend his time defending his reputation instead of examining his practices and quality control.
In conclusion, we ask all forum members to please refrain from these personal attacks. Failure to abide by this requirement of membership may result in your posts being edited/deleted, and your account being suspended or deleted.
Thank you,
SBG Staff
While is the past this has not been an issue, recently we have noticed an increase in certain kinds of criticism on the SBG Forum. While we support reasonable and informative dialogue about the swords that we buy, the manufacturers that make them and the vendors that sell them, it is inappropriate to make personally insulting comments on the individuals at various levels of the industry.
Part of the SBG Forum's purpose is to serve as a place where feedback on swords, manufacturers and vendors can be given and shared for the community's benefit. This occasionally includes commentary on particular models and brands that are negative; that is, they may point out flaws in the sword itself including in its function, the customer service received, misleading or incorrect information in the advertisement about the sword or other aspects of the product/transaction. This can serve as a "Buyer Beware" in cases where a product is not as advertised or expected, and as honest feedback which the manufacturers and vendors may take to heart and adjust their actions accordingly (or not). These honest and frank discussions are part of what makes SBG Forum such a valuable place, and are well within the realm of courtesy and legality - no honest, courteous and clear criticisms of products or services are out of line.
However, to take these comments to the next level and bring negative statements against the owners, manufacturers, reviewers, or vendors themselves is strictly against SBG Forum policy. We pride ourselves on being the "Friendliest Sword Forum" online, and believe that this is a reputation worth upholding. Therefore, we ask our members to refrain from any slander against these individuals, as it reflects badly on themselves and SBG as a whole (and may someday lead to legal complications, as other sword forums have found in the past).
"Slander" is to be considered any personal attack, abusive language, malicious statements, or accusations of fraud or theft whether they be TRUE or FALSE. If you do have accusations of theft or fraud, there are appropriate legal channels to take your claim, none of which are the SBG Forum.
The following are examples of what is acceptable and not acceptable commentary on the individuals in this industry.
Acceptable:
Forum member: "I recently purchased the Samurai Katana from Joe Smith's Swords, and I was disappointed with what arrived. The sword looks drastically different in person than it does on the site – in fact, it appears to have a cast metal tsuba instead of a blackened
iron one as advertised. The blade was not sharpened and bent, the saya had a crack in it, and my email to customer service was not returned after a month of waiting. Based on the product not being as advertised and the poor customer service experience that I had, I would probably not buy from Joe Smith's Swords again."
Unacceptable:
Forum Member: ""I recently purchased the Samurai Katana from Joe Smith's Swords, and let me tell you Joe Smith is a liar and a fraud. I don't even think they sent me the right sword because the tsuba was cast metal and not iron, like Joe Smith CLAIMED on his crappy website. The sword was bent and dull, the saya was cracked, and Joe Smith ignored my email asking for a refund. Take my advice, do not buy from a crook like Joe Smith!!"
The first statement offers an honest commentary, gives the facts, and an opinion of the purchaser that they would likely shop elsewhere based on their experience. The second contains inflammatory language and is personally insulting to Mr. Smith. Even though the facts are identical, and both people were honestly reporting on a bad experience that Mr. Smith's customers deserved to know about, the first was done in a way that would hopefully inspire Mr. Smith to change his business practices and perhaps tighten up his quality control. The second would likely cause Mr. Smith to become personally offended, and spend his time defending his reputation instead of examining his practices and quality control.
In conclusion, we ask all forum members to please refrain from these personal attacks. Failure to abide by this requirement of membership may result in your posts being edited/deleted, and your account being suspended or deleted.
Thank you,
SBG Staff