Naming and Shaming
Discussion
I'm often asked why the 'no naming and shaming' rule exists on PistonHeads.com.
Why can't 'bad dealers' be outed etc?
Well, there are a number of reasons. Firstly it's simply a matter of fairness. All too often I've heard a 'horror' story about a dealer only to later talk to the dealer involved and find that there are considerably different views on what actually took place.
There are bad customers out there as well as bad dealers. Some people expect too much, distort the facts in their favour, etc. etc.
Who am I to act as judge and jury when someone posts something bad about a business? I can't verify the 'facts' as presented. If the dealer doesn't even know that the message has been posted then it's very unfair on their business to be slated in public with no opportunity to respond.
Even if the dealer does frequent this site, is it right that a dispute should be argued out in public? That's no way to resolve matters sensibly.
PistonHeads then becomes involved as a 'publisher' of what may be libelous, making matters even more complex.
Disputes are best dealt with in the real world through normal channels. Doing it online merely opens a can of worms for the person posting the message, for PistonHeads and for the business being discussed.
I've no desire to become embroiled in disputes and start providing transcripts of threads to solicitors (yes, it has happened).
Many people do not realise that they are opening themselves up to accusations of libel too. "But what I posted was true" is a frequent retort. That's as may be, but all too often emotions creeps into messages and people end up stepping over the line, putting themselves in a position where they could invite a whole heap of trouble.
So, the answer is that I ask people not to indulge in 'name and shame' discussions. It's the simplest solution I've found.
Why can't 'bad dealers' be outed etc?
Well, there are a number of reasons. Firstly it's simply a matter of fairness. All too often I've heard a 'horror' story about a dealer only to later talk to the dealer involved and find that there are considerably different views on what actually took place.
There are bad customers out there as well as bad dealers. Some people expect too much, distort the facts in their favour, etc. etc.
Who am I to act as judge and jury when someone posts something bad about a business? I can't verify the 'facts' as presented. If the dealer doesn't even know that the message has been posted then it's very unfair on their business to be slated in public with no opportunity to respond.
Even if the dealer does frequent this site, is it right that a dispute should be argued out in public? That's no way to resolve matters sensibly.
PistonHeads then becomes involved as a 'publisher' of what may be libelous, making matters even more complex.
Disputes are best dealt with in the real world through normal channels. Doing it online merely opens a can of worms for the person posting the message, for PistonHeads and for the business being discussed.
I've no desire to become embroiled in disputes and start providing transcripts of threads to solicitors (yes, it has happened).
Many people do not realise that they are opening themselves up to accusations of libel too. "But what I posted was true" is a frequent retort. That's as may be, but all too often emotions creeps into messages and people end up stepping over the line, putting themselves in a position where they could invite a whole heap of trouble.
So, the answer is that I ask people not to indulge in 'name and shame' discussions. It's the simplest solution I've found.
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