[Jared Hartzell]

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Should we add a Consumer Reports forum section?

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It's been brought to my attention that it may be a good idea to create a new forum topic here called "Consumer Reports" where members can create threads and post replies to share their positive or negative experiences with Rotorway-related vendors/businesses and individuals that offer parts, services, training, maintenance, etc... I'll state the obvious here that it is very likely to cause conflict. However, it's also a great way to inform others of experiences (good and bad) that allows for more educated/informed decisions to be made. For example, Yelp or Google reviews help us all determine whether or not to eat at a particular restaurant—it makes clear sense that we should do this here as well.

Anyway, I've created a poll to vote on this here. After one week (or a few days, depending on how the votes swing) I'll revisit this thread and the majority vote wins.

If it gets voted in, here's what the rules/restrictions will be for that forum:

- No editing, deleting replies or threads. If you change your mind, you can clarify with another reply/comment. 

- Administrators will be the only ones with access to moderate that forum, moderators will be unable to. Admins will NOT delete any topics or replies unless they're deemed to be a legal issue. If a thread escalates beyond reason requiring moderation, it may be closed for further replies and the offending user(s) will be privately warned.

- Rotorway forums will not be responsible for the information created by users there (as is the rule with the entire forum) and any individuals or businesses who try to demand or request that information be removed will be ignored. Rotorway forums protects and upholds user rights to free speech by not removing or censoring their opinions on this forum. However, Rotorway Forums does not offer any legal advice or legal protection.
 

Thank you for voting and feel free to reply with your thoughts!

[Tim Morris]

Here is the big problem.  If you are a vendor and you get one negative review, Valid or not, the vendor is going to be very hesitant to have a presence on this site.  I don't want to scare anyone away.  We have so few vendors anyway, word of mouth normally takes care of getting the word out.

[Jared Hartzell]

That's a valid point. I think a higher amount of positive reviews would negate the rare negative reviews that occur for every business. Our two official vendors are listed because of their great customer service, experience and trustworthiness in which they have their own forum for. This would be a forum would be intended for 3rd party vendors or individuals who are selling parts/products to other members but of course, I won't restrict it to that. Yes, word of mouth helps but not everyone (especially new owners) get to find out about bad actors ahead of time until it's too late. Thank you for voting Tim!

[Sam Oliver]

At this stage of the life of this Forum I don't think it would be productive.  In time mayhaps.   My experience with "reviews" in general is that the positive are rarely reflected,  People purchase a good and service and expect good service.   Usually only rave when it's exceptional.   Which is OK.   But they can post negatively for things that are often as much exacerbated by the customer, or caused by a lack of communication and follow-up by the customer.   And often turn into shouting matches or tit-for-tat accusations on public space.

Perhaps a highlight on the "shoutbox" to celebrate a particular vendor who stood out.   And if a person feels strongly enough about something, they just put it in the general discussion.   

If and when the forum grows, the justification one way or the other may be affirmed.   If somebody wants to put a glowing review on one of the vendors who already has their own thread they can do that.

[Jared Hartzell]

Since the majority have voted against it, we won't be adding that forum. Thank you everyone for voting and sharing your opinions!

This thread is now closed.