I stopped reading the replies. I’m not dignifying the lunacy about this being a problem. Nothing but a bunch of crack smoking creating problems that don’t exists.
AudioCircle has run over a decade with manufacturer’s subforums that they pay for and moderate. It’s rare that very much moderation is even needed. Most manufacturers are very friendly towards discussion.
Paraphrasing 1968 - Allow me to Introduce Myself.
My name is Beau, and I have taken on the duty of moderator (Tied to the Whipping Post if I may mix metaphors) for the aforementioned forum.
I can't change what is happened in the past only acknowledge it and tell you that I am going to do my best not to let it happen again. I told Steve that I plan to moderate with a velvet fist. That means that I want a debate, I want discussion but when it gets personal, I am going to give you a chance to steady the ship and get back to a rational discussion.
I've mostly lurked online with the occasional outburst but that's going to have to change as I plan on engaging with anyone interested in the OMA/Fleetwood brand and hope that those discussions promote not only our brand but the industry as a whole. This sandbox is not big enough to take your truck and find an unoccupied corner. We need to work at making a bigger sandbox.
Beau
As I stated yesterday and reinforced by Folsom this practice is common in many forums and just doesn't pose a problem
Also FWIW beaur has been a member of WBF since 2011 and has been an employee at OMA/Fleetwood during all of that time. Beau is well known here to many members and is as fair and to the point as anyone I have met here. Beau is quite familiar with the TOS at WBF and not only will abide by them but he has promised me that if ANY of his usergroup members cross the line they will be immediately moderated and that includes his boss.
It is also my understanding that beau is taking the lead on this and he has had talks with Jonathan whom as I understand now feels he was out of line in his comments to Bill and has also asked beau to remove the inflammatory posts
So here we are with a user group filled with energetic people who want nothing more than a place to discuss their systems and common Fleetwood gear. I have yet to read anything but positive comments from the members who have no pugilistic desires. Simply put I feel that with beaur's moderation and with his promise that even the owner will be moderated if he gets out of line, should really serve to put a lid on this rather than reading all of the requests by members. As Ron stated, this is what has been decided.
So let's have some faith in this and give it a chance. Further all Fleetwood user group members are also members of WBF and may choose to post in the forum. If such is the case, then will be subject to the TOS of WBF exactly the same if WBF members post in the Fleetwood user group. Beau has given his word which I respect is allow for engagement on the Fleetwood user group in a cordial fashion.
It is my hope that with everything laid out here that many are worrying about things which are only suppositions. As beau also said....
This sandbox is not big enough to take your truck and find an unoccupied corner. We need to work at making a bigger sandbox.