Manufacturers and critical consumers

Klopstock · 08-29-2008, 02:13 PM

It's an old story, photographers always nag about their films, chemistry, cameras, lenses, bags... that's normal, we always want the best (analog) tools.

Today, raising a critical voice in a forum is simple, and manufacturers can not hush up the words of pundits so easily. Forum means: free speech in public.

I heard it through the grapevine: now one manufacturer starts threatening critics. Forum users receive private messages telling them that they will be sued for damages.

IMHO, such a behaviour is completely unfounded, and an impudence.

What's your opinion?

vdoak · 08-29-2008, 02:32 PM

Incredibly naive on the part of the manufacturer, I would say, if in deed the case. There are just too many jurisdictions around the globe for it to be financially particle for a manufacturer of film to even try such cases. Poor tactic, hopeless strategy. Everyone gets an opinion, even us APUGers. :-)

Lee L · 08-29-2008, 02:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Klopstock

What's your opinion?

My opinion is that all unfounded nebulous rumors must be met with endless rampant baseless speculation on the internet. That way I can filter it out in software and get on with real life.

Lee

David Brown · 08-29-2008, 03:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Klopstock

What's your opinion?

About what? This is one of the most vague posts I've seen in a while.

Klopstock · 08-29-2008, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David Brown

About what? This is one of the most vague posts I've seen in a while.

Sorry, I was just asking in general, but if you prefer the full story I will provide some details next week. Stay tuned... breaking news is coming, CNN exclusive...promise.

AgX · 08-29-2008, 04:25 PM

Sorry, Klopstock

but I must tell you that up to now I wasn't threatened to be sued. Furthermore, if a criticism is founded, on which basis such legal action should take place? In case I should be naive, please make me wiser.

However, free speech in a forum is to my mind related to being fair to all participants, which in this case means consumers and industry. (Whereby one could divide the latter further into those who design or make those products and those who manage or hold the shares...)

In case that grapevine is not meant for consumption by us ordinary members, then it should be brought to the council.
I don't see Apug as something in CNN style, nor a group which is in need of provocation.