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Rob R
Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 16803
Location: York
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 Posted: Sun Nov 15, 09 2:02 pm Post subject: |
 
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It depends, for me, upon whether the views expressed affect the product/service I receive. As a peaceful person I don't believe in an eye for an eye nor dragging things over between subjects, and am always prepared to forgive anyone who has misunderstood/I have misunderstood. Above all I value honesty, and would rather know someone and disagree with some things they say than buy anonymously from someone I don't know.
If I saw a dispute online that was based upon the quality of their work/the service they provide I would not take that at face value without evidence either way, but I might not buy something until I was sure I could trust them. It is also important, I think, to consider that you may not 'know' someone or all of the facts and what has happened in their lives to shape that opinion/feelings.
It's not always easy to make your views clear if you are in a minority and the debate is moving fast or are not particularly good at writing in such a way. I am always ready to admit that I am wrong and have done business both ways with people who I have previously disagreed strongly with.
I am always willing to have a brew- it can often help to sit down privately and have a proper chat, even if it is a virtual brew/PM. |
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Nat S
Joined: 15 Aug 2008
Posts: 3610
Location: York
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| Posted: Sun Nov 15, 09 2:16 pm Post subject: |
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I think it's highly unlikely you'll ever find a seller of anything that you'll agree with on all counts.
I don't run my business via the net, but customers and potential customers are free to view and I'm happy for them to do so - likewise they are free to ask me questions in real life and I will give them an equally honest answer - I certainly wouldn't fake an opinion to get money out of someone!
I might worry that pettier types would take their anger towards me and punish someone who is merely associated with me rather than being brave enough take it up with me, but thankfully that seems to be rare and not a reason to fake agreement. |
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Gervase
Joined: 17 Nov 2004
Posts: 7002
Location: Ceredigion, West Wales
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| Posted: Sun Nov 15, 09 4:30 pm Post subject: |
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In my line of work I have to work closely with whoever hires me, so perhaps it's just as well that they have an idea of what they're letting themselves in for beforehand!
If someone genuinely finds my views and opinions offensive, it's probably not a good idea to contemplate a business relationship. It works both ways, of course - I would feel extremely uncomfortable carrying out work for someone I knew to be, say, a BNP supporter. |
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Chez
Joined: 13 Aug 2006
Posts: 15151
Location: Quantock Hills, Somerset
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| Posted: Sun Nov 15, 09 4:56 pm Post subject: |
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| Gervase wrote: |
In my line of work I have to work closely with whoever hires me, so perhaps it's just as well that they have an idea of what they're letting themselves in for beforehand!
If someone genuinely finds my views and opinions offensive, it's probably not a good idea to contemplate a business relationship. It works both ways, of course - I would feel extremely uncomfortable carrying out work for someone I knew to be, say, a BNP supporter. |
That's one of the fantastic things about being self-employed, though - you can always tell potential clients that you are 'busy' if you don't like the cut of their jib. And somehow, having the power to do that means that 999 times out of a thousand, you don't need to use it  . |
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Tavascarow
Joined: 06 Aug 2006
Posts: 2892
Location: South Cornwall
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| Posted: Sun Nov 15, 09 5:21 pm Post subject: |
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| Chez wrote: |
| Gervase wrote: |
In my line of work I have to work closely with whoever hires me, so perhaps it's just as well that they have an idea of what they're letting themselves in for beforehand!
If someone genuinely finds my views and opinions offensive, it's probably not a good idea to contemplate a business relationship. It works both ways, of course - I would feel extremely uncomfortable carrying out work for someone I knew to be, say, a BNP supporter. |
That's one of the fantastic things about being self-employed, though - you can always tell potential clients that you are 'busy' if you don't like the cut of their jib. And somehow, having the power to do that means that 999 times out of a thousand, you don't need to use it . |
Or quote them an extortionate price in the hope they go elsewhere.
If they do take up your quote you can always donate the excess to a charity that contradicts their beleifs.
Personally I think it's important to be yourself.
If that offends & costs so be it. |
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Rob R
Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 16803
Location: York
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| Posted: Sun Nov 15, 09 5:35 pm Post subject: |
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| Tavascarow wrote: |
Personally I think it's important to be yourself.
If that offends & costs so be it. |
I think so too- I would avoid using someone who appears 'false' as that may mean they are purposefully hiding something in order to get the money. |
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ros
Joined: 19 Jul 2005
Posts: 1816
Location: Beds
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| Posted: Sun Nov 15, 09 5:41 pm Post subject: |
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As one who spends money online rather than earns it - then mad ideas, grumpy posts, differences of opinion don't matter a fig.
If you posted about how you liked the idea of battery chickens to increase production because your customer deserves "cheap food" or boasted about your huge profit margin, well...........
I might think again if I thought the trader routinely went out of their way to upset people deliberately -- but I haven't seen any of that on here  |
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Gervase
Joined: 17 Nov 2004
Posts: 7002
Location: Ceredigion, West Wales
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| Posted: Sun Nov 15, 09 5:56 pm Post subject: |
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| ros wrote: |
I might think again if I thought the trader routinely went out of their way to upset people deliberately -- but I haven't seen any of that on here |
Curses; must try harder!  |
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Brownbear
Joined: 28 May 2007
Posts: 9936
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| Posted: Sun Nov 15, 09 7:11 pm Post subject: |
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I'd sooner do business with someone who was genuinely and honestly infuriating than one who slimed about and concealed his or her opinions in the thought that it might cost them a bob or two somewhere along the line. And in any case, is someone sells, say, good shoes, the shoes are still good even if they're a raving loony or if they stitch the soles on under the light of a new moon to purge them of negative energy, or perform yogic flying by way of improving their ying-yang or whatever.
Even if I thought they were an utter irritating cretin, they'd still be an utter irritating cretin who sold good shoes. |
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ros
Joined: 19 Jul 2005
Posts: 1816
Location: Beds
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| Posted: Sun Nov 15, 09 7:17 pm Post subject: |
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cab
Joined: 01 Nov 2004
Posts: 30158
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| Posted: Mon Nov 16, 09 10:15 am Post subject: |
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I've flogged and swapped the odd thing here, but I'm way more a consumer on DS than a retailer. As such, I think I'm more likely to trade with someone who says what they think (even if I disagree with it) than anyone who gives me the impression that they don't say what they think. I feel like I can trust someone who is outspoken but disagrees with me more than I can trust someone who doesn't speak their mind.
Rob (to pick an example who I don't think will mind; he can stick up for himself and we've had some good discussions) has said some things that I rekon are flat out wrong, some things that strike me as being quite distant from my own ethical positions, but I entirely respect him for doing so, and if our more local providers of beef and lamb ever fail us he'll be at the top of the list for me to trade with. I don't agree with him on everything, but I know where he stands, and I respect him for it. Had meat from him once before, it was good.
I would say that so long as people stay away from personal insult, I'd happily continue trading with them, so long as the product is good and meets my ethical requirements. |
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Penny
Downsizer Moderator
Joined: 18 Sep 2005
Posts: 17630
Location: Planet, not on the....
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| Posted: Mon Nov 16, 09 10:22 am Post subject: |
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It's not something I've ever considered which is why we'll always be poor I suppose |
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Rob R
Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 16803
Location: York
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| Posted: Mon Nov 16, 09 10:22 am Post subject: |
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You're right cab: I don't mind, thanks, I feel much the same. |
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alison
Downsizer Moderator
Joined: 29 Oct 2004
Posts: 7749
Location: North Devon
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| Posted: Mon Nov 16, 09 10:30 am Post subject: |
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Whereas if someone is wanting to stay in the B&B, and has to interact over breakfast, and generally around the farm they may not want such a confrontational stay, if they thought I was a twit. A meat transaction, to use Rob again, is very different than staying as a guest. |
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jocorless
Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 4354
Location: Morecambe, Lancashire
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| Posted: Mon Nov 16, 09 10:39 am Post subject: |
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| Ixy wrote: |
| I might worry that pettier types would take their anger towards me and punish someone who is merely associated with me rather than being brave enough take it up with me, but thankfully that seems to be rare and not a reason to fake agreement. |
That would be me then I gather - I'm sorry I think its hugely important that if you are trading online (which I don't) that you make sure you are very careful not to upset potiential or existing customers - After all they are your life blood
That doesn't mean you have to agree with them but does mean you have to take care to phrase your posts in a way that gets your point across without being downright provocative and nasty
I wouldn't for instance use a supplier who was openly homophobic or racist so why should I use a supplier or anyone directly associated with that supplier whose views on certain subjects are so far from my own that I find them bordering on offensive - I have the right to choose who I deal with
Note: I was going to keep this private between us - but if you insist on taking side-swipes - I'll play too!
Last edited by jocorless on Mon Nov 16, 09 10:41 am; edited 1 time in total |
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