Recommendation

100% I agree with you.

This site should not be a place to throw eggs to users

Actually we should be able to help the consumers

You're supposed to an adult to use this site. GROW UP.
If you don't want people commenting on your letters, here's a
thought... DON'T SHARE THEM.
You want someone to pat your little bum and tell you, "Now honey,
here's what you should do"... Again GROW UP.
There are at least 10 good grammar sites, free sites, where you can
learn to write a letter. Visit one.
Better yet, take a 6th grade English class. But don't whine because
you put your letter on a PUBLIC forum and you don't get the comments
you want.
Suck it up. Don't share'em, or don't whine.

hang out here for a couple of weeks. Read all the letters then you can
judge. I'm so sick of whiney babies like yourself that come on here
and preach to regulars about how "mean" they are. The fact of the
matter is until you spend a significant amount of time on this site
you have no right to lecture anyone because quite frankly you have no
idea what you are talking about.

It seems to me that some of your letters are fairly inflammatory, and
contain language that virtually begs for negative/critical comment.
Here's an example: "I didn't tip! ha." and here's another: "I have
written nearly 30 letters [to the bank] in the past year".

To avoid criticism, try avoiding anything that sounds taunting or
inflammatory, and be sure your requests for action are reasonable (PfB
members tend to be critical of refund-beggars in particular).

Maybe you can turn yourself around, and maybe not. One of the best
ways to do so is to listen to the comments you (and others) get and
adjust future letters accordingly. It's up to you.

Here is my "recommendation" to you:

I am not exactly certain WHAT you thought you would find here on PFB,
but this letter is a pretty decent indication that you don't fully
understand what it is all about.

First, the companies that you send letters to do not see the responses
that we as reponders make to your letter. Surely they could, if they
chose to come and search for the letter, but my guess is that they
don't have that kind of time to expend on it and even if they did, why
would THEY care what WE think? We didn't write the letter.

SO, at the end of the day, the only person who sees/cares about what
we as posters say is you.

Secondly, I read your letter - didn't comment on it because to be
honest, the other posters pretty well summed up my thoughts and I felt
no need to reiterate it on something that, to me, seemed trivial. But
again, that is only my OPINION.

Bottom line, you never bothered to actually ASK for help when you were
in the restaurant. Just because the waiter/waitress SAID it would do
you no good to complain didn't mean you had to take their word for it?


You don't deserve compensation for not at least making someone with
some authority aware of the problem. Heck, even if you did make them
aware, that still doesn't really entitle you to anything at all. The
world does not work that way.

On top of that, you didn't leave a tip for something that was not the
server's fault. They did not cook the food for you. That's kind of a
crummy, vindictive way for you to handle the situation and ultimately,
it didn't help you one bit to do it, did it?

Thirdly, posting a letter to PFB bashing some of the regulars for not
agreeing with you is kind of the pot calling the kettle black. You
can't gripe about people being unfair or "mean" to you and then tell
others that their opinions aren't worth $0.02! Well, then that means
YOUR opinions aren't worth that either because you just did the exact
same thing.

See what I'm getting at here?

I have said it MILLIONS of times before and apparently I'll have to
say it MILLIONS of times more, but not everyone is going to agree with
you all the time and that is OK. It doesn't make them wrong and you
right or vice versa. It just means you disagree. Nothing more.

But when you take it personally and begin attacking people for their
opinions, it makes you no better than what you are accusing them of,
so I implore you, stay above the fray and just learn to accept the
opinions with a grain of salt.

If there is something of value to you in what is said, listen to it,
if not, just let it go. It really isn't worth the frustration.

A Nicer Amanda (how ironic)
RedheadWGlasses
Buddy
Ree
tickytack
everyone else (you know who you are)
I salute you! Your comments on the letters I have read are helpful.
Even the ones that might seem harsh, to those with week stomachs.
I often get ready to reply to a letter and you all
have already nailed it. Sure we could all sugar coat our replies.

poster: yuor comPany stimks
CrazyMo: You may want to proof read before posting.

The problem is some people don't take the time to read the comments,
until they have shot off 4 more letters.
I repeat, Marcus, you do not have to use PFB. Better yet,please stop
using PFB.
Okay go ahead add me to your list.

Marcus,

Although I'm not on the list, I'd like to be. My mother taught me
something that I've tried to live by:

Take a look at the people who don't like, respect or agree (with) you.
Examine what kind of people they are. Are they people that you
respect? If not, consider it a *compliment* that they don't like you.


By using this advice, I'd say most of the people on this list would
consider it a compliment that you don't 'like' them.

Dude, time to grow up. Seriously. If you're going to go through life,
getting pissed off and vindictive toward everyone who doesn't agree
with you, you've got a LONG, arduous road ahead.

"The ability to block certain users from accessing your letters is a
must; if it's possible now, someone please advise us."

Why, certainly. Here's what you need to do. Reach behind your desk.
Find the cord that connects your computer to the power outlet. Remove
that cord. Find the box that your computer came in. Pack your computer
back into the box. Take the box back to the store where your purchased
your computer. Find the person working at the Customer Service desk
and present them with the box. When this person asks you why you are
returning your computer, tell him that it calls you names and makes
you feel bad about yourself. Once this person finishes laughing at you
and refunds your money, leave the store and go back home, lock the
door behind you and never return to the outside world.

It is at this point that you can be secure in the knowledge that no
one will pick on you ever again. Except for maybe your parents. But
there's really nothing I can do to help you with that one.

Damnit!

Go to the mall of america for the weekend and you miss all of the good
letters.


Its as if the zookeeper was taking too many hits on his hip flask and
he didn't see the monkeys escaping.

Dear Marcus,
I'm actually not surprised this is coming from you! I'm not sure why
you feel so attacked after what you did yourself on my personal blog,
in which, I might add, I was extremely happy that I somehow seemed to
get through to someone whose SOLE intent was to "bash" and "Flame me"
based on the fact, I'm guessing that, my profile became "profile of
the month". I've been on this site for years, through many of it's
changes.
I've given my honest opinion, in many different ways, to many
different people, predicated soley on the style, intent, and overall
tone of their letter. I've caught a lot of flack for how I've
conducted myself.

You yourself, told me to "get a life...etc etc etc" Go back and read
my response to YOU again. I saw some redeeming value in you despite
this. So why not try to extend the same kindness to the people you
mentioned?

Again I can't understand where this jealousy comes from, this need to
hurt others for no obvious reason. Like I said there, and I'll say it
now, we were all in your place at one time, and somehow are able to
function well as a whole. If you get advice you don't expect or like,
simply ignore it, or explain why you feel it won't help, but don't go
knocking people themselves. It makes no sense and will get you nowhere
but where you find yourself... in the top twenty letters list...This
means either it's a really good letter or really bad one. It's not an
honor by any means to be lumped in with a bunch of poorly written
letters by people who are out for "freebies" or "revenge" or just to
see their names in the top twenty.

I thought somehow there was some quality in you that had some kind of
potential, or I would have "Flamed" you back. Re think things.... I
refuse to believe you are truly like this!!

I have to protest the inclusion of ticky tack. I know her to be a
good person with a big heart. I don't think i've noticed buddy and
ree. I tend to agree that the top two are annoying, but i've learned
to just not respond to them. I've learned that PFB is just like the
rest of the world, it's littered with people you'll just have to put
up with. Everyone does have the right to their opinion.

I squish your head! Crush! Crush! Squish! Squish!

What I think a lot of people fail to understand, is that different
people are going to have a different view of each situation. If a
person complains that the local grocery store was out of their
favorite candy, then the person complaining has to understand that
others won't see it as a grvious insult. Most people understand that
in life, you have to put up with minor inconvienences. And yes, most
of the complaints on PFB are over minor inconvienences. A valid
complaint is over lost money or physical harm. Both a result of no
fault of your own.

You can not expect everyone to agree with your opinion. And after all,
that is all it is. Yes, you may have been emotionally wounded that the
clerk at the local gas station was taking too long to ring you up, but
don't expect everyone else to share your opinion. In fact, if a lot of
posters are telling you your complaint is ridiculous, then maybe it
is.

Marcus,

I understand your point of view. I, too, have been bashed in replies
to my letter(s). However, I've also noticed something else. The people
you list, along with many, many repliers to your letter, have no life.
The main friends they have are also heavy users on this site. I
imagine they probably have get-togethers where they print out the
"really good letters" and critique them which, in the end, only really
makes THEM feel good. Finding people/friends with common interests
outside of this site is completely insane to them.

Just look at the replies...the vast majority of them are made by the
same people, with the same type of response.

Personally, this site is a joke now. Those who reply do more of a
disservice to the person wanting to get a situation resolved than it
does to help them. Years ago, I came here after I had a problem with
Fisher Price. I had bought a couple things for my girls for Christmas,
along with them receiving things from family members. Many items were
Fisher Price; two of them quit working within about 5 weeks. I
couldn't get through on their phone number, so I came here. Within
days, Fisher Price contacted me and took care of not only the two
problems I had, but I needed replacement parts for a couple other
items and they sent them to me free of charge (I had planned on paying
for the parts since it was my kids' fault the items were broken).

Now, I doubt anyone on this site is actually taken seriously.

I have printed my most recent letter and have sent it to the company
in question. That will probably be more effective than hanging around
here waiting for a response that will probably never come.

When this site went changed from a place to post a problem/comment
that needed to be taken care of to a discussion board, it lost a lot
of credibility. I only came back here because of the positive
experience I had a few years back, but I see that any type of positive
resolution is impossible now.

Sigh, you know it's a sad day in the world when people have to write
meaningless letters and then when they can't hand a bit of criticism;
tend to look like a 2 year-old who can't have the toy he wants. But
in all seriousness, are you serious Marcus? My 10 year old cousin
could type a more detailed letter, if you want to be taken seriously
how about you act like you took an English class or two? I often
remember my professor explaining that elaboration often leads to more
successful proving of points.

You letters, though MAYBE having a valid point, do not come across as
anything more to me than a passive thought. And for you to attack
other members of the site just because you don't agree with them is at
best childish(refer to upper notification previously said). As many
people say, if you can't take the heat stay out of the kitchen. If
you didn't want people to comment on your letter then you should NOT
have shared it.

As a silent reader of this site for a few years I have seen my share
of poor letters and people who should not be aloud to call themselves
human and I'm proud to include you among them. Sorry if this seems
like a personal attack but c'mon lets try to act a bit mature ok? Now
if I have offended you my deepest, well you know what? I don't much
care if your offended, you attack others so I will attack back to
defend them. (Though they probably don't need me to do this for them
as they are all very capable of defending themselves :D )

I took Business Communication in college. Got an A in it actually
although I am not bragging, as many people did. What you are
attempting to write is called a "Request Letter." You are requesting
something from an entity. In doing so, you need to observe several
factors.

Number one is the extent of personal harm. Being frustrated or annoyed
by something is not grounds for compensation. I get annoyed just by
waking up every morning and going to work, but no one owes me anything
for it. You need to decide if you were truly harmed. Are you out any
money? Did they cost you anything tangible, other than time? Only
write a request letter when you have truly been harmed.

Include relevant details. If someone ruined your suit or damaged your
car, then include hard numbers obtained from a professional. Do not
inlcude irrelevant details such as how the incident made you feel.
Stick to the facts and present them in a methodical manner.

Avoid hyperbole. If the cleaners tore your pants when trying to clean
them, then just state the facts. Don't explain how you always have
problems everytime you go there. Previous encounters have no bearing
on the situation.

Clearly define what your complaint is. Don't introduce additional
"problems" such as even after they tore your pants, and you paid for
the other items, they gave you back a dollar in change. Stick to the
issue at hand. If you have other complaints, then write a letter for
each one seperately.

Keep your letter short and to the point. Don't ramble on about how the
employees were dressed, or how you had plans to go to the park. Treat
a request letter as though you are in court. Keep it short and to the
point. Remember, a person is going to be reading this letter. Your job
is to persuade them to agree with you. They don't want to have to
filter out all your irrelevant details.

Finally, keep it on a friendly, informal tone. Don't immediately
demand anything. Just present the company with what happened, what it
cost you and maybe introduce a possible remedy. By creating a harsh
tone in your letter, you present yourself as an advesary. Keep it
friendly. Remember, your letter will be read by an actual person. You
want to befriend that person, not alienate them.

What is up with his $**t list? Especially Ree, she is usually very
compasionate for the letter writer when everyone else is on the
attack.

Oh, Marcus, you're going to ignore me from now on. I feel soooooo
sad. /sarcasm

Why do you take your own advise about getting a life?

I must be doing something wrong! No one has complained about me in
such a long time! ROFL! I guess thats what I get for not being able to
hang out here as much.

Um..4 out of the 5 on that list are definately female so I have a
question for you. Where are you hiding those "rocks"? LOL!

You have the option of having your letter being post for the world to
see, or the recipient's eyes only. If you choose for it to be
public...accept that you will get constructive criticism.

Thanks for the heads up! They sound like a bunch of troublemakers
that need to be stopped immediately!!!!

I think we should call their ISPs and get them banned from the
internet!!!! This site shouldn't be for comments like that.
Outrageous.

I'm very upset here. I wasn't even mentioned. I can be downright
rude when I want to, but I try not to. Maybe I should be, I would
like an honorable mention somewhere.

Is this the guy who wrote the "Brandy is nice" two line letter? Yeah,
THAT one sticks out.

I see other posters indicate that he wrote additional letters but I've
been away for almost 2 weeks so I guess I missed the fun. (edit to
add: I checked and see that he wrote the "my steack is cold, I didn't
tip HA! and here's my phone number" letter. Ree indicated that he has
written 5 other letters).

Redheadw/glasses? Ree? Probably two of the best posters here. They
definitely are not nasty. Tickytack is fiesty, can't really say
anything else about that and ANM and Buddy don't stand out in my mind
at this time though I'm sure I've read their postings.

I think before PF goes through the time, trouble and expense to enable
letter writers to "block out" certain posters from making comments on
your letters, they should instead remind you that you can simply
"unshare" your letter. (or, move along).

Oh poor baby, wanting to ban certain users for "not offering
constructive criticsm" (read: they disagreed with me).

You want to control who gets to comment on your letters? Start your
own Web site.

btw...I'm a bit offended I'm not on the list.

You made them up.

Perhaps you should consider the fact that, if you're getting
overwhelmingly negative responses to your post, THERE'S SOMETHING
WRONG WITH YOUR POST.

Open your mind and LEARN.

What's a guy gotta do to get put on a sh*t list around here? I'm
offended that I haven't offended. Don't make me get drunk and do
this. While extremely charming in an inebriated state, I do tend to
get a little mouthy on the sauce. I'll do it. So help me I'll do it.

I have reached the conclusion, Marcus, that you can feel free to block
me from commenting on your letters, should you come by the ability. I
don't think I have any intention of having anything to do with you
anyway after your little temper tantrum.

I have read your "letters," and I saw nothing but constructive
criticism up to and until the point where you decided to act like a
jerk. If you think "you should use business format for your letter,"
is anything other than useful advice, you obviously have your
priorities backwards.

Amanda, Red, Ree, and tickytack are all people I have seen give
constructive, useful, and pleasant advice on many ocassions. Buddy
I'm not as familiar with, but having read his replies on your letters
it is clear that you are making unprovoked personal attacks on anyone
that doesn't agree with you. The opinions of people who do this
aren't worth a penny in my book, so I intend to ignore you at all
costs. You're either a troll, a whiner, or both, so I have no time
for you. Bye now.

BTW, ticky, you can be number one on my list! :P

Poor Marcus.
I tried to offer constructive criticism, but it's very obvious from
the quality and content of your letters, including this one, that you
lack the mental capacity to tell the difference between being attacked
and being helped.

I tried to be diplomatic, now I will just be honest.

Your letters made you sound as if you had less than an 8th grade
education. You sent letters to people without any details at all.
I highly doubt that amy of the scenarios you described even took
place, and you wrote so many letters in such a short time that one
can only conclude you were just out to get whatever you could.

You are one step above a troll, and if anyone should be barred from
commenting on letters, or even posting letters, then that should be
you.

There. Now go compare that with my other comments and then tell me if
I was rude or helpful previously.

Just one question - why am I mentioned last? I certainly think I
deserve a higher ranking.

If you are so concerned with constructive criticism, why is it then
when I asked for clarification in certain parts of your letters (like
your Bank of America letter), you ignored me?

You were, however, quick to admonish me as "annoying" even though I
had never said one negative word to you. Perhaps if you don't want to
be on the receiving end of cheap shots, you shouldn't administer
them.

It's called showing respect. You should try it.

Just my $.02.

Ditto, what everyone else said.

Not to mention, there's obviously some sort of sexual hang-up, as
illustrated by the phrase 'get their rocks off' being repeated
over-and-over.

Hey Marcus, you can add me to your 'rocks off' list. Seems I'm in
fairly good company, at least for the most part.

Your letters are very poorly written (including this one) and the
language you use is not appropriate - - you don't provide enough
detail for anyone (including the company you are writing to) to know
what you're really complaining about.

You say you "enjoy constructive criticism that is directly relevant to
the letter and context and prefer public letters for this matter"
which is exactly what we've given you. Your letter is either made
public for everyone to comment on or it isn't - - simple concept. If
you aren't man enough to accept the comments offered by everyone, then
don't mark them to be shared with the community - - problem solved!
Go ahead - - I urge you to add my name to the list of those that
should be blocked from commenting on your letters because you don't
like what I have to say.

Marcus.

Your letters were horrible. Your complaints, additionally, were
extraordinarily lame. End of story.

Telling you that IS trying to help you.

Sorry to say it but your letters weren't good. You didn't include
details which were important to the validity of your claim.

You said yourself that none of these companies respond. So why are you
using this site to write vague, poorly writen letters? It couldn't be
to warn other consumers because you can see that no one got a poor
impression of the Cheesecake Factory from your letter.

I just had to laugh when you said Ree's 2 cents isn't worth a penny.
She tries to help everyone and the only thing she did was post links
to the FIVE letters you wrote that day and tell you that you needed
more details in your letter. What's wrong with that?