[TOW2topgun]

So I have a question.
Let's say that there is a locally owned small business in our community that provides a service/ product that most of us like and they provide this at a reasonable price. Then people began talking about this small business because they are very happy with the business, store, price, employees, etc. Should the citizens discussing this amongst themselves be considered free PUBlicity? Is this a bad thing and something that should be frowned upon? Should someone tell them that they need to pay for this publicity or allow the masses to discuss what makes them happy?

I feel like if they are providing a service and product that warrants positive chatter amongst the masses then good for them for having a great business.

[shangriLa]

So I have a question.
Let's say that there is a locally owned small business in our community that provides a service/ product that most of us like and they provide this at a reasonable price. Then people began talking about this small business because they are very happy with the business, store, price, employees, etc. Should the citizens discussing this amongst themselves be considered free PUBlicity? Is this a bad thing and something that should be frowned upon? Should someone tell them that they need to pay for this publicity or allow the masses to discuss what makes them happy?

I feel like if they are providing a service and product that warrants positive chatter amongst the masses then good for them for having a great business.

I agree, anything other than that would border socialism and make us feel shushed.

[TOW2topgun]

I agree, anything other than that would border socialism and make us feel shushed.

Ok, just so long as someone else see's it the same way I do.

[Joe Sixpack]

yes . . .

[Grayce]

I think people should always praise " good service/business" it's hard to get these days!

[Subby]

Not sure I follow you entirely....

But I pay my dues to PUBby, so that I can advertise whatever is prevalent to my job(s).

It is a business for PUBBY...much like anyone else's business..and nothing is free. American capitalism 101.

[Ursofake]

I agree, isn't that what a message board is for, so that the community can discuss all the wonderful experiences, sales, savings and what not that they found in their community?

[Subby]

I agree, isn't that what a message board is for, so that the community can discuss all the wonderful experiences, sales, savings and what not that they found in their community?

Sure it is, if you have a membership.....you surely don't think they give Pubby this arena for free do ya?

[Ursofake]

Sure it is, if you have a membership.....you surely don't think they give Pubby this arena for free do ya?

I am not sure if we are on the same page here, but I am thinking the OP meant something along the lines of lets say this:
He went to a restaurant in Hiram and the food and service were really good, could he come on here and tell everyone about it including the restaurant name without getting in trouble, if they are not a commerce member. The way I see it as long as the restaurant owner or employee is not on here promoting their business or posting specials it should be OK for others to ralk about there wonderful experience. Paid member or not.

OP please correct me if I am wrong.

[JMT]

The difficulty I see is that it would be pretty easy to stage a discussion like that with an unpaid membership. Or two. Or three. Or a couple of friends with paid memberships and a willingness to shill. So separating the shilling from the honest discussion becomes a pretty difficult line to draw. I'd find it difficult to explain if someone challenged me on why a particular thread was removed and another one wasn't. Maybe if it only had one comment per user, per month/year/season/whatever? But it would seem difficult to lay out ground rules in a fair way.

[PUBBY]

So I have a question.
Let's say that there is a locally owned small business in our community that provides a service/ product that most of us like and they provide this at a reasonable price. Then people began talking about this small business because they are very happy with the business, store, price, employees, etc. Should the citizens discussing this amongst themselves be considered free PUBlicity? Is this a bad thing and something that should be frowned upon? Should someone tell them that they need to pay for this publicity or allow the masses to discuss what makes them happy?

I feel like if they are providing a service and product that warrants positive chatter amongst the masses then good for them for having a great business.

Two things TOW:

First off, freedom of the Press is the freedom of the man who who 'owns the press' (aka: owns the site) to print/publish what he chooses. Do know that if I feel like I'm being cheated in the process, it is well within my undisputed right of ownership to publish or not publish anything just as it is within your right to come or go.

Now that we have that straight, I think it is especially important to know that with well over 10,000 visits daily (and nearly that many visitors daily), we offer those who play by the rules an exceptional vehicle for marketing their business. For instance, did you know that a commerce or business license on paulding.com costs less than 27.5 CENTS A DAY. I price it at that rate with the idea that every business ought to jump at the chance to join as a commerce member. Here's our rate card:  ratecardmailmarch08.pdf (176.28K)
Number of downloads: 94

Now if a business has a ton of folks that support it and knowing that they would benefit from publicity from them, I would think they would want to do it right.

In fact, I do wonder about the ethics of a business that would be so CHEAP that they wouldn't spring for little more than a quarter a day to have the right to have you come on and talk about them and publicize them.

Yes, if a business knew they had a great customer base that would really help them and all they needed was a publicity license for the site to make it happen I would think the purchase a tremendous investment. I'd buy one in a NYminute and let my patrons have a field day with publicity, all with our blessings. That would be honest business and that would be smart business.

So let me recap.

So to me the question is not whether folks ought to talk up a business but whether the business is run by a cheap cheat who seeks something for nothing or whether it is run by wise entrepreneurs.

Yep, a business and its friends can come on here and seek to game and rip off the system in some kind of silly effort to cheat me out of $99.95 -- twenty-seven CENTS a day ... or they can pony up the $99.95 and help their buddies in business make thousands honestly and appropriately.

pubby

PS: I think it is important to know that we do remove the names of non-commerce members from the titles of topics that are either praising or condemning a business or service. We do that routinely as the presence in the title is absolutely reserved for commerce members (to the best of our ability).

The problem lies with businesses and customers who don't mention it once but rave on and on and on about their favorite business.

If nothing else, the folks doing the raving ought to know (and probably do) that if the raves are helping a competitor to a commerce member, that it is likely to cost me money and time. My point is that if they don't care about me and my business I feel justified in returning the favor. ... especially when the bunch appear so cheap as to not spend little more than a quarter a day for it all to be hunky dory.

pubby

pubby

[Madea]

So, if an initial thread pops up about a new business, why not print out that thread and take it to that business and say hey, they are talking about you on p.com. Here's what we have to offer.

Or, you could do a "Best of Paulding", and have businesses nominated in different categories. Then allow folks to vote. Then present those threads to the respective businesses to encourage business members.

[Subby]

I just presume it to be plain and simple...

you pay, you can say (the name).

If not, you caint.

Correct me if I'm wrong.

[PUBBY]

So, if an initial thread pops up about a new business, why not print out that thread and take it to that business and say hey, they are talking about you on p.com. Here's what we have to offer.

Or, you could do a "Best of Paulding", and have businesses nominated in different categories. Then allow folks to vote. Then present those threads to the respective businesses to encourage business members.

Actually Madea, we do that.

Our edits are basically limited to the title (removing the business name). This editing of the title is apparently what got the goat of the OP and others. Subby, we may have to go to the pay you say rule in the future suggested but we're not there yet. I suspect if some 'patrons' were so assertive they abuse the rule as established might force us to go there. (multiple new topics daily or weekly would probably do it.)

Our biggest problem is with national chains whose advertising/marketing decisions are made in far-off places and who provide little or no local budget to the local manager.

Paulding.com is a phenomenon that is really quite successful here but the entire concept is alien to 'marketing managers' in NY City.

pubby

[Subby]

Actually Madea, we do that.

Our edits are basically limited to the title (removing the business name). This editing of the title is apparently what got the goat of the OP and others. Subby, we may have to go to the pay you say rule in the future suggested but we're not there yet. I suspect if some 'patrons' were so assertive they abuse the rule as established might force us to go there. (multiple new topics daily or weekly would probably do it.)

Our biggest problem is with national chains whose advertising/marketing decisions are made in far-off places and who provide little or no local budget to the local manager.

Paulding.com is a phenomenon that is really quite successful here but the entire concept is alien to 'marketing managers' in NY City.

pubby

Well, hell!!! I hope not!! I'm laid off, and still know a good buy when I see it! Don't do it to me, old man!!!

Member 40 pleading with you!!

edited to say.....did I understrand that correctly?

That doesn't mean I'm extinct from band flaggings?

[JimmyZ]

I am not sure if we are on the same page here, but I am thinking the OP meant something along the lines of lets say this:
He went to a restaurant in Hiram and the food and service were really good, could he come on here and tell everyone about it including the restaurant name without getting in trouble, if they are not a commerce member. The way I see it as long as the restaurant owner or employee is not on here promoting their business or posting specials it should be OK for others to ralk about there wonderful experience. Paid member or not.

OP please correct me if I am wrong.

This business that I believe we are talking about did join as a commerce member Sunday night after several fellow p.commers went and said we saw this and thought we would check it out.

[PUBBY]

This business that I believe we are talking about did join as a commerce member Sunday night after several fellow p.commers went and said we saw this and thought we would check it out.

... but after we had removed the name of the business from the title of the topic.

pubby

[telracs eracniks]

It is ABSOLUTELY FREE PUBLICITY!!! Word of Mouth is the best advertising a small business can have! We have a lot of people who share our products with others, tell others about them and we get business from it! If you have good quality products that cause "chatter" among customers, that is the best publicity you can get! Trust me, we get a lot of business that way!

Scarlet

[copschick]

It is ABSOLUTELY FREE PUBLICITY!!! Word of Mouth is the best advertising a small business can have! We have a lot of people who share our products with others, tell others about them and we get business from it! If you have good quality products that cause "chatter" among customers, that is the best publicity you can get! Trust me, we get a lot of business that way!

Scarlet

Thats the point that Tow was trying to make, Scarlett. It isn't right to "persuade" someone to buy what you are selling just because your new business is all the buzz. You can take the name out of the thread, but everyone still knows who you are talking about. JMO

[TNTToday]

It is ABSOLUTELY FREE PUBLICITY!!! Word of Mouth is the best advertising a small business can have! We have a lot of people who share our products with others, tell others about them and we get business from it! If you have good quality products that cause "chatter" among customers, that is the best publicity you can get! Trust me, we get a lot of business that way!

Scarlet

AMEN! And I will also add it should work the other way as weel. If a business falls short on custer service than that should be known too. Word of mouth is the best advertisement, both good and bad.

[A Former Geek]

I receive a large part of my business from free “word of mouth” advertising. Customer service and honesty are the keys to receiving this free PR from customers.

[Interested Party]

There is no better advertising than word of mouth!

[Oh No Its Me]

So while we're on the topic of free publicity.....Did ya hear LisaG is offering low cost childcare during Spring Break? She's got a degree in childcare education and has an adorable almost 3 yr old lil boy...

No Lisa isn't paying me to say this

[pixiestixs]

So while we're on the topic of free publicity.....Did ya hear LisaG is offering low cost childcare during Spring Break? She's got a degree in childcare education and has an adorable almost 3 yr old lil boy...

No Lisa isn't paying me to say this

YUP and she is darn good with every kid i've seen her around, and yea my daughters future hubby (LOL) is totally adorable.

[O'sFan]

So I have a question.
Let's say that there is a locally owned small business in our community that provides a service/ product that most of us like and they provide this at a reasonable price. Then people began talking about this small business because they are very happy with the business, store, price, employees, etc. Should the citizens discussing this amongst themselves be considered free PUBlicity? Is this a bad thing and something that should be frowned upon? Should someone tell them that they need to pay for this publicity or allow the masses to discuss what makes them happy?

I feel like if they are providing a service and product that warrants positive chatter amongst the masses then good for them for having a great business.

Tow,

Make NO mistake, that this site is NOT about Paulding County, it is about pubby. If there was a place curing Cancer, it would only be able to be openly discussed as long as the Cancer Cure Center paid this site first.

[Charlie Brown]

Tow,

Make NO mistake, that this site is NOT about Paulding County, it is about pubby. If there was a place curing Cancer, it would only be able to be openly discussed as long as the Cancer Cure Center paid this site first.

O's is ALIVE

[GipperGirlGotsMoxie]

This is a privately owned business. What Pubby wants is what Pubby wants. Just like if Walmart decided not to sell anymore No. 2 yellow pencils. It is a private company that can be operated however the CEO seems fit. But, here's the rub...the consumer can decide whether to continue doing business there or to go to their competitor to do business, instead.
Pubby isn't doing anything wrong. Unless, he doesn't chose to listen to the majority of consumers. It's capatalism and it works...even for a liberal .

[TOW2topgun]

This business in question had no knowledge of this site when I mentioned it to them (which was free advertisement for pub and his site and what do I get in return???) then I speak with the owner and someone approached him telling him that he wa gettin too much free advertisement and he should get a commerce membership. Now if I have it wrong then please correct me.just seems to me that if we (payin members) are happy with a business then we should be able to discuss it. I can see where some would believe that a friend of the owners may come on here to strum up business. This is not the case with me. I have never met this owner before and stand to gain NOTHING from talking about him. I also understand that p com is a business and the management should also take customer satisfaction into consideration. Now I know my membership is cheap and I alone amount to a drop in a bucket but if a business owner tells his customers love it or leave it, and has a my way or the highway approach to running his company then he potentially stands to loose more than just one drop in the bucket.....

[O'sFan]

This business in question had no knowledge of this site when I mentioned it to them (which was free advertisement for pub and his site and what do I get in return???) then I speak with the owner and someone approached him telling him that he wa gettin too much free advertisement and he should get a commerce membership. Now if I have it wrong then please correct me.just seems to me that if we (payin members) are happy with a business then we should be able to discuss it. I can see where some would believe that a friend of the owners may come on here to strum up business. This is not the case with me. I have never met this owner before and stand to gain NOTHING from talking about him. I also understand that p com is a business and the management should also take customer satisfaction into consideration. Now I know my membership is cheap and I alone amount to a drop in a bucket but if a business owner tells his customers love it or leave it, and has a my way or the highway approach to running his company then he potentially stands to loose more than just one drop in the bucket.....

I think he already has.

[telracs eracniks]

AMEN! And I will also add it should work the other way as weel. If a business falls short on custer service than that should be known too. Word of mouth is the best advertisement, both good and bad.

I agree. We try very hard to give personal customer service to each customer. Online orders go out within 24 hours AND I always put extra items in the order for the customer to try. I have heard some bad things said on occasion about our products to others from people who have never even purchased from me! I mean strange things that made a few people leery of trying my products and told me so in a pm, but eventually they did come by and told me about the negative comments...which were really out there! I actually laughed when I heard them! In the end, I won over the people who were leery by spending time talking to them about my products, providing good customer service and a good relationship with my customers...and still got their business, even after some negative comments.

Scarlet

[LPPT]

When one person has a positive experience with a business, they tell someone, or maybe 2, and on and on it goes.
When a p.commer has a positive experience and post it on the board he tells thousands of people.
This relates to thousands of dollars in business to the businesses.

Pubby has invested much time and money in this site, building this audiance to the point that it is highly profitable to businesses, along with being entertaining and informative to those that come here.

Advertising on this site is very very inexspensive for a small business.

Commerce pays the bills at p.com, and without it there would be no p.com.

We constantly strive to make everything as fair as possible for everyone.

The largest most consuming job on here is dealing with people, personalities, opinions and feelings, no 2 people are alike.
It is impossible to please everyone, we try to set rules and make changes when needed to please the majority.
This is the best you can do.

We hope the majority enjoy the site.
It is only fair this site be profitable like any other business.

[PUBBY]

I agree. We try very hard to give personal customer service to each customer. Online orders go out within 24 hours AND I always put extra items in the order for the customer to try. I have heard some bad things said on occasion about our products to others from people who have never even purchased from me! I mean strange things that made a few people leery of trying my products and told me so in a pm, but eventually they did come by and told me about the negative comments...which were really out there! I actually laughed when I heard them! In the end, I won over the people who were leery by spending time talking to them about my products, providing good customer service and a good relationship with my customers...and still got their business, even after some negative comments.

Scarlet

Scarlet:

One of the good things about pcom Scarlet, is that you get to know who some of these naysayers are. It stings sometimes to hear the negatives broadcast on a public board but at least in this context you can identify them. You come to understand that they have their own reasons and points of view that compel them, almost obsessively, to detract from others. I mean Osfan's negative comments about me and pcom are numerous to the point of being trite. Total the posts (pubby = 5100 and Osfan 16,000+) and ask yourself how accommodating you'd be and how accommodating and open to criticism we've been.

As far as far as Tow's point, the idea that we might remove a non-commerce member name from a topic header is a policy designed to cater to the needs of those who support us.

For instance if someone were to come on and say what a wonderful deal they got at another nearby mopar dealership it probably would be offensive to the Hardy Winning Dealerships. You surely don't think I should risk the long term support I have had from Hardy to let that competitor have their name in a topic header to advertise?

And that is what is being suggested ... and there is no way I can, would or should do that. And it is not about me, it is about protecting those who support the site vs. those who choose to try and game the system to reap as much free publicity as they can (not everyone is guilty but a few names come to mind who have so abused the opportunity as to force the current rule.)

For the record, we do allow new businesses, using a non-business name, to post one NEW BUSINESS story in the business news.

This contrasts with the approach suggested which is for the site to allow posters to come in and say whatever they want about whomever they want ... even if it would get us sued, cost us business customers or whatever. Said differently, we have our judgement, we have our interests and we accommodate the interests of others but we're not stupid. It does appear, though, that some want us to be stupid.

On that offer, though, I decline.

pubby

[copschick]

Scarlet:

One of the good things about pcom Scarlet, is that you get to know who some of these naysayers are. It stings sometimes to hear the negatives broadcast on a public board but at least in this context you can identify them. You come to understand that they have their own reasons and points of view that compel them, almost obsessively, to detract from others. I mean Osfan's negative comments about me and pcom are numerous to the point of being trite. Total the posts (pubby = 5100 and Osfan 16,000+) and ask yourself how accommodating you'd be and how accommodating and open to criticism we've been.

As far as far as Tow's point, the idea that we might remove a non-commerce member name from a topic header is a policy designed to cater to the needs of those who support us.
For instance if someone were to come on and say what a wonderful deal they got at another nearby mopar dealership it probably would be offensive to the Hardy Winning Dealerships. You surely don't think I should risk the long term support I have had from Hardy to let that competitor have their name in a topic header to advertise?

And that is what is being suggested ... and there is no way I can, would or should do that. And it is not about me, it is about protecting those who support the site vs. those who choose to try and game the system to reap as much free publicity as they can (not everyone is guilty but a few names come to mind who have so abused the opportunity as to force the current rule.)

For the record, we do allow new businesses, using a non-business name, to post one NEW BUSINESS story in the business news.

This contrasts with the approach suggested which is for the site to allow posters to come in and say whatever they want about whomever they want ... even if it would get us sued, cost us business customers or whatever. Said differently, we have our judgement, we have our interests and we accommodate the interests of others but we're not stupid. It does appear, though, that some want us to be stupid.

On that offer, though, I decline.

pubby

Pubby, his comment had absolutely ZERO to do with a name being taken out of a thread/topic header. It had to do with a conversation he had with someone in person, NOT on pcom.

[telracs eracniks]

Bruce here, I can only say we are very happy with Pcom. The site offers us an opportunity unmatched by any medium I have seen in over 25 years of marketing. We are still in our infancy and money is always tight so we can't afford the $1,500 or more for print ads or to do every local flier. As a non commerce member I am sure one may hold a different view, as a commerce member I am grateful we are somewhat protected. I do like that bashing of local businesses does not go on as there are always those just waiting for the chance to trash someone or a business. Without those financially supporting this site there would be no site. As for the nay sayers or as I like to call them the blaa blaa blaas, the number one thing we hear is I read it but don't get involved in the site. Those that do post for the most part seem to be positive about life and this community. That leads me to believe the negative folks are a small minority so Pubby is right in satisfying the majority.

[PUBBY]

Pubby, his comment had absolutely ZERO to do with a name being taken out of a thread/topic header. It had to do with a conversation he had with someone in person, NOT on pcom.

I certainly have no knowledge of anything off the board and how would I have any control over that?

And considering we typically allow positive comments about businesses when the communication does not involve the name in the header, I'm a little off guard.

I will say that I do get concerned when folks 'game the system' ... and start more than one topic promoting a business even if they are in compliance with that rule.

Finally, I point to my original reply in this topic which is that given the restrictions we put on non-commerce member promotion that it would, at 27.35 cents a day, seem like a no-brainer for the business to sign up for a commerce membership, comply with the rules and get official support.

I would point out that commerce members do get a bonus premium membership that they can use for themselves or, if they feel that the lead provided by that member was so valuable, they could designate a premium membership for their 'favorite customer.' I've been accommodating in this way before.

pubby

[telracs eracniks]

Scarlet:

One of the good things about pcom Scarlet, is that you get to know who some of these naysayers are. It stings sometimes to hear the negatives broadcast on a public board but at least in this context you can identify them. You come to understand that they have their own reasons and points of view that compel them, almost obsessively, to detract from others. I mean Osfan's negative comments about me and pcom are numerous to the point of being trite. Total the posts (pubby = 5100 and Osfan 16,000+) and ask yourself how accommodating you'd be and how accommodating and open to criticism we've been.

As far as far as Tow's point, the idea that we might remove a non-commerce member name from a topic header is a policy designed to cater to the needs of those who support us.

For instance if someone were to come on and say what a wonderful deal they got at another nearby mopar dealership it probably would be offensive to the Hardy Winning Dealerships. You surely don't think I should risk the long term support I have had from Hardy to let that competitor have their name in a topic header to advertise?

And that is what is being suggested ... and there is no way I can, would or should do that. And it is not about me, it is about protecting those who support the site vs. those who choose to try and game the system to reap as much free publicity as they can (not everyone is guilty but a few names come to mind who have so abused the opportunity as to force the current rule.)

For the record, we do allow new businesses, using a non-business name, to post one NEW BUSINESS story in the business news.

This contrasts with the approach suggested which is for the site to allow posters to come in and say whatever they want about whomever they want ... even if it would get us sued, cost us business customers or whatever. Said differently, we have our judgement, we have our interests and we accommodate the interests of others but we're not stupid. It does appear, though, that some want us to be stupid.

On that offer, though, I decline.

pubby

You are very correct Pubby and you just cannot please everyone. I learned that a long time ago! You are very accommodating as far as I am concerned and as you know, I try to stay away from controversy as much as possible.

I also understand why you do not allow names of businesses to be advertised on here or people to post their items for sale to make a living without a commerce membership. Commerce Members pay for that privilege and I have told several people about how inexpensive it is to get a Commerce Membership on here and was very convincing as they took the membership quickly after our conversation. I have said many times on threads that we get 90% of our business from Paulding.com Members!!!! We have used our Commerce Membership to grow our customer base and appreciate all the support that we get from you. I do not have any complaints.

There will always be those who disagree with the rules, heck, I don't even know what all of them are! But Bruce and I use our membership to promote our products and have made a lot of good friends from here. I have never worked in retail at all, so this was all a very new learning experience for me. Considering everything you have to deal with --and I'm sure you get constant pm's about things people don't like--I feel you are more than accommodating. To those who disagree...well then I have learned that we have to agree to disagree. Another lesson I have learned in life.

Thanks Pubby for all your support! I know all Commerce Members do as well!

Scarlet

[telracs eracniks]

I will also add to scarlet's sentiment that pcom is 90% of our business. pcom brings more buyers to our site even though I get more referrals from Google. My bounce rate(those that leave the site after one page view) from pcom is 48%, with google it is 64%, the national average and target range is a 77% bounce rate from search engines.

Bruce

[O'sFan]

Scarlet:

One of the good things about pcom Scarlet, is that you get to know who some of these naysayers are. It stings sometimes to hear the negatives broadcast on a public board but at least in this context you can identify them. You come to understand that they have their own reasons and points of view that compel them, almost obsessively, to detract from others. I mean Osfan's negative comments about me and pcom are numerous to the point of being trite. Total the posts (pubby = 5100 and Osfan 16,000+) and ask yourself how accommodating you'd be and how accommodating and open to criticism we've been.
pubby

There you go with the post counts, again. My posts have been 97% positive on this board, and you know that, pat. So, don't try your lame spin on the post counts. It has gotten old and quite boring.

You fail to understand or comprehend others points of view. It is your way or the highway. Owning the site allows you this option, but others have seen this as a HUGE drawback to you and your way of doing things. I would go on about how much you have "spent" on the site, but you would probably delete my post so as not to change the color of your Rose colored glasses. My opinion of you was positive until about 4 months ago, so, again, don't sing your song and dance routine about how negitive all my posts are. The "Old Timers" can see right through your BS.

[TOW2topgun]

Two things TOW:

First off, freedom of the Press is the freedom of the man who who 'owns the press' (aka: owns the site) to print/publish what he chooses. Do know that if I feel like I'm being cheated in the process, it is well within my undisputed right of ownership to publish or not publish anything just as it is within your right to come or go.
Now that we have that straight, I think it is especially important to know that with well over 10,000 visits daily (and nearly that many visitors daily), we offer those who play by the rules an exceptional vehicle for marketing their business. For instance, did you know that a commerce or business license on paulding.com costs less than 27.5 CENTS A DAY. I price it at that rate with the idea that every business ought to jump at the chance to join as a commerce member. Here's our rate card:  ratecardmailmarch08.pdf (176.28K)
Number of downloads: 94
pubby

Is this the attitude a business owner should have towards his customers? I think not and am almost tired of being told that you are in charge and can do what you want. We are clear that you are the Pcom GOD. I know I can come and go as I want but you as a business owner should want me (not me per se but all of us pcommers) to STAY rather than go. I know I may not be your favorite customer but I pay you for a service and if I am not happy with that service then I have the choice of not paying you anymore. Once again, not just me, but ALL paying members. I understand that commerce members pay you $60 more than I pay but I would venture to say that there are more members on my level versus commerce members and you make the majority of your cash from regular ol' members.

As far as the Original Post goes, I was not talking about a thread title getting changed. I do know that there were more than one threads about the same business and I doubt this was done on purpose. I think there were like 3 post at the same time talking about the same business. I would hardly consider this "gaming the system" as you accuse. I think we just simply did not know the name of this business and did not do a search or scroll through the vast amounts of post to look for the business name.

My original question was vauge and was just made out of curiosity. I spoke with the business owner in question and asked if his business had picked up and mentioned to him that his business was the buzz on this site. HE mentioned to me that some certain someone came to him and told him that he had gotten plenty of FREE publicity and urged him to purchase a commerce membership. I questioned this because this guy JUST opened and business seemed to be slow. I was a customer at this business and was EXTREMELY pleased with everything and thought since this was the case, I would share my experience on here as others had done. I do not think the owner had even heard of Pcom prior to me mentioning it to him last week (even though I get beef from the Pcom GOD, I still let this guy know about the site in a positive light). I don't think anyone that was praising this business was "gaming the system" either. I think we were just pleased with the service.

I understand that the site must advertise itself in order for businesses to know about it BUT, I just thought it was kinda odd that someone would go to an owner of a business and tell them that they had gotten enough of free advertisment.

Dear GOD,

If this is not how it happened then I apologize. I did hear it from the owner though.

TOW

TOW

[NoReason]

Is this the attitude a business owner should have towards his customers? I think not and am almost tired of being told that you are in charge and can do what you want. We are clear that you are the Pcom GOD. I know I can come and go as I want but you as a business owner should want me (not me per se but all of us pcommers) to STAY rather than go. I know I may not be your favorite customer but I pay you for a service and if I am not happy with that service then I have the choice of not paying you anymore. Once again, not just me, but ALL paying members. I understand that commerce members pay you $60 more than I pay but I would venture to say that there are more members on my level versus commerce members and you make the majority of your cash from regular ol' members.

As far as the Original Post goes, I was not talking about a thread title getting changed. I do know that there were more than one threads about the same business and I doubt this was done on purpose. I think there were like 3 post at the same time talking about the same business. I would hardly consider this "gaming the system" as you accuse. I think we just simply did not know the name of this business and did not do a search or scroll through the vast amounts of post to look for the business name.

My original question was vauge and was just made out of curiosity. I spoke with the business owner in question and asked if his business had picked up and mentioned to him that his business was the buzz on this site. HE mentioned to me that some certain someone came to him and told him that he had gotten plenty of FREE publicity and urged him to purchase a commerce membership. I questioned this because this guy JUST opened and business seemed to be slow. I was a customer at this business and was EXTREMELY pleased with everything and thought since this was the case, I would share my experience on here as others had done. I do not think the owner had even heard of Pcom prior to me mentioning it to him last week (even though I get beef from the Pcom GOD, I still let this guy know about the site in a positive light). I don't think anyone that was praising this business was "gaming the system" either. I think we were just pleased with the service.

I understand that the site must advertise itself in order for businesses to know about it BUT, I just thought it was kinda odd that someone would go to an owner of a business and tell them that they had gotten enough of free advertisment.
Dear GOD,

If this is not how it happened then I apologize. I did hear it from the owner though.

TOW

TOW

That is ..wow ....That seems a little over the top