Originally Posted by
CJR238
Its as simple as this, a business is in business to make money, maybe even have a truly great product. But would anyone want business running government? How about running our Schools? Absolutely not, heck its bad enough businesses have there hands in government as it is, we wouldn't want them taking over more than they already have.
There is a huge difference between a 100% enthusiast run forum and one run by a Manufacturer or vendor, to not see that logically and from passed and present actions is just not being truthful to ones self or the community. There is also a big difference in the normal forum drama you speak of and Manufacturers and vendors doing there best to sell sell sell any way they can. I recall a title "V1 is lacking innovation" as apposed to a simple difference of opinion that created another great testing group. But i digress.
There is nothing wrong with a Manufacturer or vendor having a forum, i actually support the idea (have for years, i was ERF first enthusiast Mod). But don't try to make it something its not, be honest about it and what its purpose is. And that's to have a healthy and growing/expanding consumer base and get these people to buy buy buy so the Manufacturers and vendors can make $ $ $ (Larry/ER was very open with this fact). Don't try to make the forum look/sound like something its not with "hidden" forums that still include old members who were/are LEO's (Roy should count, but i was not implying him), or evade the clarity by stating having Man/Ven's Mod/Admin's don't effect what goes on. I would rather not list the endless historical issues having Man/Ven running RD.net, but it seems many have already pointed out just a few and its clear it was a big issue from beginning to even its new inception.
But as you and others have implied the precise history will make us all wiser for the wear (if we listen) and hopefully help the community grow for the over all benefit of the enthusiast. Just be honest about its purpose as you did in your last post to me and i think it will get there.
LOL. Don't get me started on the Government. With respect to schools, we've seen what the Gov local (and otherwise) have done to them. Healthcare, please don't get me started. Some view the Gov AS the problem. LOL. The great thing about business, is that companies are held to account, both by economics and the marketplace alike. Gov has little accountability. Charter schools are very successful at educating as well as private schools (without Gov interference to a large extent).
I am not in agreement with the notion that vendors sell sell sell any way they can. The exception, I feel, is with price and whoring product out. Look no further than a lot of amazon dealers (some sponsored by mfrs, such as Escort, to be brutally honest). Undermining the channel is "selling any way they can."
This forum is replete with information to allow potential or existing consumers to become educated or even more educated consumers.
With respect to the V1 article you mentioned or any others, I believe that took place off site.
As far as I am aware, I have not seen posts by any members that have been providing disinformation to "push" one product over another. My very vocal support for the V1c (even over the highly revered RL) is well known even here. Provided this continues, the marketplace and hence the overall industry will thrive.
I have said it a million times, our extended enthusiast group needs to grow beyond a mere hundred or so active participants. The Internet is replete with information here and beyond. Provided that the content and members here provide informed and true posts (even if individual members don't agree on the specifics), the community benefits.
I'd rather do business with Roy, Tom, or Danny than a faceless "dealer" fronting on Amazon. I personally know that Roy is always there to provide support to the consumer, answers the phone personally and provides exceptional customer service (I would say better than some mfrs).
With respect to forums that are not out of general public view, the old LEOs you speak of no longer (going forward) will be able to view them. Can't change the history of what went on, but going forward things should be better.
With respect to the choices today, you really can't go wrong with purchasing any detector.
Pretty much with Escort you have M4s and M3s. That's basically it. The V1C is the V1C. The top of the line value priced Whistlers are great values at their lower price points. I would argue even the top-of-the-line Cobra is not an embarrassment.
With respect to the actives, you've got ALP, LI, and Blinder basically. There really is not a bad one in the lot. Sure the ALP can foil the latest guns that the others haven't been able to, but overall they each have their supporters and for good reason.
Of course on the passive side, you've got Veil and Ontrack products.
Basically that's it in a nutshell.
I believe there really is no bad detector choice today.
When I see Roy "pushing" RMR (never going to happen LOL), then I would have concern.
But from what I have seen here, this forum is running true and the conclusions and information that is being posted by our current members is consistent with posts on the other forums.
I hope more senior members (like yourself) will consider adding your voices here. Only good things can come from it.
VG
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