To All PlanetFeedback Users

Still hoping that the PlanetFeedbackTeam is working on that report
"Abuse Button". If nothing else, it will be a little
reminder to raise the bar and keep the tone down as far as the name
calling and sarcasm.

While I have been guilty of writing a bad comment here and there and
its so easy to do this because people ask for unreasonable things when
complaining sometimes.
Especially when they are in a restaurant, get horrible food or service
wait until they leave to complain then want to be comped for a few
meals to go back again...??? This seems like a ploy only to get free
food.

There are many who have very valid complaints and write letters
explaining the problem and they do not ask for anything but that the
management at that particular business be notified to make things
better.

I guess it takes many different personalities to make the world go
around.
And then there is PFB...LOL

I agree that opinionated posts can sometimes be taken personally, but
it's not targeted at the consumer, but rather the company! Let's hope
that 2008 will keep the site strong and free of personal attacks!

As founder of this site, I respect your opinion more than anyone
elses. Keep participating, because you re on the most solid ground of
anyone here, Many claim to represent this site and everything it
stands for, but that position truly belongs only to you. Keep up the
good work|

Maybe you should proofread the letters and make grammar changes

Pete,

In a nutshell... here's my two cents on the topic.

Enforce the TOS.

If a person is out of line the site owner gives them a warning.

If it happens again TOS 'em for a year.

No need for some fancy smancy process involving points. ( No offense
Jeff )

Let the TOS as established do what it should do for letter writers and
commentors alike.

Enuff said.

BillR

I think this is great. I've been making an effort to improve lately.
I'd just like to remind people that this doesn't mean we'll be free of
conflict, or that there won't be an obstinate person who insists on
butting heads with the majority. It's the internet; that's what you
get sometimes.

I like Jeffrey's suggestions below. I'd like them even more if they
came with a time frame, so that one negative comment doesn't go
against you forever -- maybe it goes away if you keep your nose clean
for a month or whatever.

I just know that I don't envy TPTB in the situations where a letter
and the responses it gets are emotional and controversial.

Is the State of the Union Address over yet???

Pete,

Forgive me for saying so, but if you're going to talk the talk, you've
also got to walk the walk.

Sure, we all need to "Step Up" and "Raise the Bar" make sure that
what's said to the letter writers is constructive criticism, but when
you make a comment that the letter writer turns around makes into a
very sexist comment, what is one to interpret? That the letter writers
are immune to having Raise the Bar? It seems very defeatist when you
look at it. It also makes me feel like everytime I visit the site I
have to wonder if there's going to be another drama that unfolds
because someone doesn't agree. Last time I checked, I though we were
free to disagree. Or is that not the case here anymore?

What should be one should be for all. If the letter writer gets
abusive, then the time to act is then, not after the fact and not to
blame us, the commentors, on the issue. If you don't want to do that,
then maybe it's time to make some changes around here, like maybe
moderating the comments being sent. No, wait, we tried that and
apparently no one liked being policed. Hmm..I guess we're darned if we
do, darned if we don't.

I hope I didn't violate TOS by saying darned.

I know it's an enhancement to the site... and I appreciate that
everything can't be done... but here's an idea for when there's money
available for site upgrades:

Next to every comment and letter, put a "Report" button. Then, if
something is inappropriate, it gets identified to Greg (and you).

Sure, this sort of thing can get abused. But I like how Yahoo!
Answers does it:

(1) Anyone can report an inappropriate letter (yes, letter) or
comment.

(2) If you report something that Greg determines is NOT inappropriate
(a violation of the TOS), you -1 points.

(3) If you report something that Greg determines is inappropriate, you
get 1 point.

(4) If you post something inappropriate (be it a letter or a comment)
and it's reported, you get -1 point.

Anyone that reaches -5 points automatically loses their account. So,
this can happen if you post a lot of offensive stuff. Or, if you
falsely report.

Obviously, there are other ways of doing it. But the basic idea is to
make the site as self policing as possible. Heck, Greg doesn't even
need to evaluate the complaints. It can be more automated: any post
(letter or comment) that receives at least 10 "reports" is
automatically removed.

Pete,

I agree that some of the commenting has gotten out of hand and will
truly make an effort to be more tactful in some of my replies.

However, I can't help but notice that you've failed to address another
glaring issue that's been happening of late. I've noticed that, in
many cases, even the most constructive of criticism is blasted by the
OP.

There was one instance a few days ago in which one of the regular
commenters posted a very friendly response to a complaint letter, and
even AGREED with the OP, along with some polite pointers for what he
could have said different. The commenter was BLASTED by the OP and
told to mind his own business.

Now, when a poorly written letter is made-fun of and nastily
criticized (as I have, unfortunately, been known to do in the past), I
completely understand your frustration.

But in some cases it's a two-way street.

I guess my point is this: If this is truly a community of respectful
debate, your comments should be directed to ALL users of the site, and
that includes the letter writers.

It's NOT just the community of regulars that 'misbehave' on occasion,
as seems to be your perception.

Just my .02 cents. Thanks for listening.