Directory cull

[Brian Turner]

I've been busy yesterday and today culling superfluous categories from the directory to streamline it - should be easier to use, now.

[caldera]

No more talking about creditsafe?

[Brian Turner]

Creditsafe's solicitors sent me a legal notice that the complaints were defamatory, and I had little option other than comply and remove the material they objected to.

I have nothing against people discussing business here, but posts making specific allegations against a company, and their practices, really needs taking up directly with the parties involved.

[caldera]

Thank you for the answer to my question. Iwas however surprised to read the second part to you reply? Is the freedom of speach and opinion not allowed on this site?
Surely you can post invaluable tips and information from other businesses, not associated with you in any way, that help other small buisiness with information regarding the trading terms or pitfalls of dealing with certain companies.

I really Do believe that removes Planitax from credibility!

The 3c's of buisiness.

credibility,credibility and credibility.

If you are an entrepeneur, then surely you have heard of sticking your neck out

[revsorg]

If you want to go round sticking your neck out then that's up to you caldera. But the only person who should stick Brian's neck out is Brian.

[caldera]

Wrong answer.
If you advertise yourself as providing a service then you should complete the obligation. In this case a buisiness forum.
I would suggest that this forum be re-named "Webb design buisiness forum"

[bumfluff]

Sorry, but that's ridiculous. Theres plenty of stuff related to business left to discuss without getting into defamation and so on.

I totally agree that people who have had a bad experience with a company should be able to tell others, but on the other hand I can also agree with Brian about taking the thread down. After all, it's his business that is being put at risk, not yours. Now, as I understand it, Brian consulted with a solicitor before making the decision to remove the thread - a lot of forum owners would have taken the thread straight down without even looking into other options.

Yes, it's a shame, and it would be great if there were a mechanism to stop big companies threatening small ones with litigation whenever they don't like what's being said, but unfortunately there isn't.

[Brian Turner]

Originally Posted by caldera

Thank you for the answer to my question. Iwas however surprised to read the second part to you reply? Is the freedom of speach and opinion not allowed on this site?

Surely you can post invaluable tips and information from other businesses, not associated with you in any way, that help other small buisiness with information regarding the trading terms or pitfalls of dealing with certain companies.

I really Do believe that removes Planitax from credibility!

The 3c's of buisiness.

credibility,credibility and credibility.

If you are an entrepeneur, then surely you have heard of sticking your neck out

There's a difference between complaining of a bad customer experience - which is fine - and that of making accusations of a company motives - which can be classed as defamation. And that's what happened here.

I was clearly informed by our company solicitors that there was real substance behind the complaint, and that Platinax would be unlikely to succeed in defending against it - but would incur significant legal costs if it tried to do so.

So the threads were removed (actually, deleted).

Does that mean Platinax loses credibility? Only as much as other internet publishers who have faced similar issues, such as The Motley Fool and Friends Reunited.

As you rightly point out, we're a business forum, to discuss business issues - not attempt to destroy all of that to appease a handful of members, whose only contribution to the site had been to force it into a legally impossible situation.

I'm happy to let members post expressively about their company experiences - but it also needs to be done responsibly. I think so far we've done a good job with that, and it was unfortunate that this issue arose as it did.

In the meantime, if you feel so strongly about the issue, you are more than welcome to provide a donation to the £500 legal expenses Platinax incurred trying to stand its ground. A little gratitude for putting our necks out to help your own wouldn't go amiss.

Anyway, it's been a general learning experience - I've written about it here: Legal responsibilities of webmasters

[peterjhale]

I was going to donate some cash but your link just goes to contact details - how about you link to paypal (use their donate button)

[caldera]

Thank you firstly for your honesty regarding this subject.

Personally i do not find it surprising that when buisiness' are faced with extra expences, that they did not expact or request, become emotive.

Owning and running a manufacturing company that i have to work so bloody hard at, i know how frustrating this type of rare situation can be.

Sorry for the quotes but "good buisiness' don't get surprises".

By the way. I'm going to fight my corner and i will let you know the outcome.

So Brian. I shall post you a reasonable contribution towards your legal fees.