At 10:39 AM 8/15/96 -0400, Dick Burger wrote:
>I am a bit sensitive to the lists wishes regarding commercial concerns...we
>try not to answer any msgs that do not specifically request info about where
>to purchase or how much something might cost. Then we answer privately.
My 2 cents:
If anyone on this list does not know Dick Burger, let me be the
first to ENDORSE WHOLEHEARTEDLY his business, British Parts Connection
("BPC"). Dick provides a valuable service and has on several occasions
provided me with information concerning PARTS AVAILABILITY, PRICE and NEED.
He has saved me money over what Moss charges and is EXTREMELY pleasant to
deal with - not to mention, very accomodating in his return policy. In
fact, he asks that you not pay him unless and until you are satisfied that
you got the right parts. HARD TO BEAT.
Having that said, I believe that either (i) I misunderstood Bob
Skillman's original post [which is below] or (ii) there is a distinction to
be made. From Bob's original post, I thought he was getting messages from
people saying that they have the INFORMATION they need to solve their
problem and that they will be happy to SELL it to them for a fee. In my
_opinion_, THIS TYPE OF COMMUNICATION should not be tolerated on this list.
If what Bob was saying was that people, like Dick Burger, were
sending him messages saying that
"I have followed the messages related to your problem;
people recommend Part A; it is available, if you want to purchase it from
me; we have it in stock for $X,000.00",
then I see no problem in this type of communication. To me, that is
offering a service to the listmembers - price quotes for free. Use the
quote to comparison shop. I don't see what's the harm?
Dick Burger's message continues:
>I usually do not mention the
>business unless I think it may help with my credibility. Things like who
>has best quality and the like. Is this appropriate? It seems to me that if
>you treat people fairly and honestly, self promotion is not needed as
>pleased people will pass the word.
I think Dick is right on track. In fact, I have recommended him and
BPC by NAME to several members of this list. I will continue to do so. I,
for one, hope Dick continues to provide his service to the list. I would
hate to see him go the route of Mr. John Twist......
>>Bob Skillman started this thread when he wrote:
>>> Is it just me or have other list members, when asking a technical
>>>question concerning a problem, received numerous personal E-mails from
>>>"inividuals" who happen to have the solution for a price.
>> <snip>
>>> I realize its a free(?) country but I thought the list was to give
>>>information to all list members who may share common problems and
>>>experiences.
>>> I have received some great E-mail from list members (Thanks
>>>Llyn,etc.) but sort of resent companies mailing me and saying they have
>>>what I need and how much its going to cost me.
TTFN !
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Tim Moses, Esq. http://www.csra.net/moses
U.S. Naval Academy `86 http://www.csra.net/moses/86.htm
Live from Augusta, Georgia - We're a Hole in One !
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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