Stop bashing

[MnGirl]

I don't write much on TOTV but I do come to this site, like many others, and read other posts. I don't know why people feel the need to come to this site and BASH companies. If you didn't like your meal, post on TOTV you may be able to put them out of business. Never mind they have their life savings in what they're doing. Never mind that you didn't bring it up to management. Your dealing with with that one employee, the waiter, the chef, the hostess does not make a business. Everyone has a bad day.

[HMLRHT1]

Sounds like your doing exactly what you criticize others for :shrug:

[Bogie Shooter]

I disagree. She is making a valid point. The satisfied customers outnumber the bashers in nearly every restaurant thread.

[Cajulian]

I don't write much on TOTV but I do come to this site, like many others, and read other posts. I don't know why people feel the need to come to this site and BASH companies. If you didn't like your meal, post on TOTV you may be able to put them out of business. Never mind they have their life savings in what they're doing. Never mind that you didn't bring it up to management. Your dealing with with that one employee, the waiter, the chef, the hostess does not make a business. Everyone has a bad day.

I agree with what she is saying. Media can crush a business, many times when it is not really justified.

Always if you have service or product quality complaints, please attempt to resolve the situation with the company management in a respectfull way. You most always will get support from the companies in question.

[graciegirl]

I don't write much on TOTV but I do come to this site, like many others, and read other posts. I don't know why people feel the need to come to this site and BASH companies. If you didn't like your meal, post on TOTV you may be able to put them out of business. Never mind they have their life savings in what they're doing. Never mind that you didn't bring it up to management. Your dealing with with that one employee, the waiter, the chef, the hostess does not make a business. Everyone has a bad day.



I agree.

[MnGirl]

What I'm trying to say is if you had a bad meal, if you weren't spoken to politely, if your appointment was missed, it doesn't represent a bad business. It shows mistakes can be made. Not every little disappointment in ones life should be aired. This forum should be for Villagers to warn others of a potential rip off, and inform others of solid companies that want to please. Too many wolves howling will cause everyone to not listen.

[2BNTV]

I don't write much on TOTV but I do come to this site, like many others, and read other posts. I don't know why people feel the need to come to this site and BASH companies. If you didn't like your meal, post on TOTV you may be able to put them out of business. Never mind they have their life savings in what they're doing. Never mind that you didn't bring it up to management. Your dealing with with that one employee, the waiter, the chef, the hostess does not make a business. Everyone has a bad day.

:agree:

I keep those judgements to myself. I will call management over, if the waiter/waitress doesn't make something right, but I am a happy camper in general, and easy to please. They work hard for their money and have families to support. Their tips, are their livelihood, I don't begruge them, and tend to be generous.

My son works in hotel management and he said, "you can do 30,000 things right in a day, but you always have one complaint from someone". He works in the higher class hotels his whole career, and found this to be true at every hotel he's worked in.

"Let It Be", and just enjoy yourself, while others, that serve you, are doing all the work. :smiley:

[Parker]

What I'm trying to say is if you had a bad meal, if you weren't spoken to politely, if your appointment was missed, it doesn't represent a bad business. It shows mistakes can be made. Not every little disappointment in ones life should be aired. This forum should be for Villagers to warn others of a potential rip off, and inform others of solid companies that want to please. Too many wolves howling will cause everyone to not listen.


Oh, how I agree. Well said MnGirl.

[kittygilchrist]

What I'm trying to say is if you had a bad meal, if you weren't spoken to politely, if your appointment was missed, it doesn't represent a bad business. It shows mistakes can be made. Not every little disappointment in ones life should be aired. This forum should be for Villagers to warn others of a potential rip off, and inform others of solid companies that want to please. Too many wolves howling will cause everyone to not listen.

:agree: with OP about whiners who think that venting the least offense is a good reason to post. I get tired of it, however sometimes I do it too...guess we all have our triggers.
The OP stands up for business owners. That is a significant point. This site carries tremendous readership and power. I once posted positively about my handy guy, and he had 3 months solid business that he said came directly from my post. (yes he is a sponsor)

I share the OP's corrective guidance:
POST RESPONSIBLY! :posting:

[al & jane]

Too much negative energy on TOTV overall. I never read a post that begins with BEWARE.

[Golfingnut]

:agree: with OP about whiners who think that venting the least offense is a good reason to post. I get tired of it, however sometimes I do it too...guess we all have our triggers.
The OP stands up for business owners. That is a significant point. This site carries tremendous readership and power. I once posted positively about my handy guy, and he had 3 months solid business that he said came directly from my post. (yes he is a sponsor)

I share the OP's corrective guidance:
POST RESPONSIBLY! :posting:

Very nice. What I try to do is use preview post and read my own. That allows me the opertunity to change offensive words to something milder. If I need to vent, I have a much harsher blog to call it like it is.

Hate. Not so fond of.
Idiot. Misinformed.

And so on. I am guilty but trying to improve.

Lou

[Happinow]

On the other side of the coin, don't you want to know if the food is bad and service not good?? I'd rather know about these things and spend my money elsewhere. I know it's all subjective but when more than one person chimes in and has a negative experience then there may be something to it. Case and point....hubby and I went to a local place and on the first few occasions had really good food and service. On another occasion hubby had cold food. We told our waitress and she immediately made it right. I didn't see any reason to post anything negative on here. We have since gone back to the same place and the service wasn't that great but we understand that every day not everyone can be on their game. I think the bottom line is if just one person has an issue with a business then it may be just a bad day for the business and if several people complain then there may be a problem. I don't know....that's just my take.

[EnglishJW]

I don't write much on TOTV but I do come to this site, like many others, and read other posts. I don't know why people feel the need to come to this site and BASH companies. If you didn't like your meal, post on TOTV you may be able to put them out of business. Never mind they have their life savings in what they're doing. Never mind that you didn't bring it up to management. Your dealing with with that one employee, the waiter, the chef, the hostess does not make a business. Everyone has a bad day.

Thoughtful and well said.

[billethkid]

I usually make note of what has been said and then if it is a place we have not tried yet and we like what we SEE there, we will try it.

Over our many years we have found we like movies that others have said don't waste your time....and eaten in restaurants that have been bashed for one reason or other.....all the reasons posted above could roll into one bad time.

And we all know that far too many people will NOT talk to management or even the servers about their problem, because it is considered unpleasant or what ever. They will in anonymity get their pound of flesh by taking a swing on such places as TOTV.

That is just the way some people are.

Like reporting of almost any type it seems the isolated incidents get the loudest press!!!

[KayakerNC]

Too much negative energy on TOTV overall. I never read a post that begins with BEWARE.

I agree.
http://www.greenbookblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/DangerWillRobinson.jpg

[billethkid]

Too much negative energy on TOTV overall. I never read a post that begins with BEWARE.

We all see things differently.

I for one think TOTV, all the different forums taken into account, for the most part is informative, polite and educational.
There are some few negatives but far from being the overall tone of TOTV.

It always seems the 2-5% get far too much credit and contaminate observations and opinions of some.

[DonH57]

I read posts that begin with" BEWARE" just to see who's griping about what next. I've never let them cloud my judgement about an establishment as it causes me to try the place out. I've found most that complain and never inform the management are the same ones who never have the courtesy or manners to later answer inquirys of their own post.

[dewilson58]

Like any open forum, there is good and there is bad, there are positives and there are negatives.

That is the nature of an open forum, otherwise it's a censored format and then the usefulness is limited.

Regarding reviews and recommendations: Discount the top 10% and discount the bottom 10%...........the remaining 80% will be reasonably close.

[Bonny]

I agree !! The bashing, especially of restaurants, can get out of hand.
One of my bartenders got a laugh. A customer ordered an Espresso Martini. The server brought it back to the bar and said the customer didn't like it because it tastes like coffee !!! :shrug: DUH !!

What really bothers me is when someone starts with " I heard from someone " !!

[DonH57]

The worst I've witnessed here in TV we were sitting outside at an establishment in spanish springs. The waiter brought over a breakfast to the man behind us. He yapped on his phone a good ten minutes before touching his plate. Here come the complaint. " My food is cold, this is absolutely ridiculous." The manager assuming it just came out offered to make things right. The man just kept complaining then paid and left. Kind of sad really.

[Bonny]

On the other side of the coin, don't you want to know if the food is bad and service not good?? I'd rather know about these things and spend my money elsewhere. I know it's all subjective but when more than one person chimes in and has a negative experience then there may be something to it. Case and point....hubby and I went to a local place and on the first few occasions had really good food and service. On another occasion hubby had cold food. We told our waitress and she immediately made it right. I didn't see any reason to post anything negative on here. We have since gone back to the same place and the service wasn't that great but we understand that every day not everyone can be on their game. I think the bottom line is if just one person has an issue with a business then it may be just a bad day for the business and if several people complain then there may be a problem. I don't know....that's just my take.
Yes, I agree, I like to hear legitimate complaints.
It's when someone says something like a group of 8 us went, no one was happy, everything was bad and then complain cause their meals weren't comped and none of them are ever going back. :grumpy:

[Shirleevee]

Yes, I agree, I like to hear legitimate complaints.
It's when someone says something like a group of 8 us went, no one was happy, everything was bad and then complain cause their meals weren't comped and none of them are ever going back. :grumpy:

You are so right! :MOJE_whot:

[ilovetv]

Like any open forum, there is good and there is bad, there are positives and there are negatives.

That is the nature of an open forum, otherwise it's a censored format and then the usefulness is limited.

Regarding reviews and recommendations: Discount the top 10% and discount the bottom 10%...........the remaining 80% will be reasonably close.


The o.p. is right....nothing good comes from a business being harmed by false rumors and complaints. Sometimes they earn the bad reviews, and often, customers HAVE told management and some do not care. Those apathetic managers are the reason why bad employees are allowed to continue.

And this quote above in bold/amber is right, too. Just because we read something here doesn't mean we swallow it hook, line and sinker. We do have other sources of information, like our own experience with a place that is a pattern of service and food quality, not just one or two bad days.

It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it. --Aristotle

[caseycasebeer]

If we have a bad experience we generally just keep it to ourselves, and decide whether or not we choose to go back.

On the other hand, if we have a GOOD experience we generally shout it from the rafters. Example: A week ago we went to Carrabba's off 27/441. We avoided the dinner rush by going early, and when asked if we wanted to sit at the tables near the bar, we said 'Sure. As it turned out, during Happy Hour (3-7P) Carrabba's give those seated at the bar tables half off on draft beer and wine, AND half off on appetizers! (WaHoo!!) We had the BEST calimari we've ever had ANYWHERE, then we shared an entree that we couldn't finish, although it was Very Good.

When I asked to speak to the manager our waiter was polite ... but obviously a little concerned (until I told him I wanted to put-in a Compliment, not a complaint). The manager came over and we chatted. When I told him the calimari was the best we'd EVER had, he just 'glowed, and promised to pass it on to the kitchen. It was pretty clear that having a customer actually COMPLIMENT good food and service was a bit of a rarity.

Best,
Casey&Mary
PS: We went back a couple days later, and yes, the calimari was as good as the first time.
PS2: And when sharing an entree, we Always make a point to 'tip as though we'd both ordered entree's (versus shared...). Economical is good; Cheap is Bad.

[graciegirl]

And...after a time we get to know the honesty and fairness and lack thereof of certain posters. Some posters I always am skeptical of and others I know that they always can be trusted.


I think that we should be slightly skeptical of everything we read here. When a poster on his first post, says something negative about a contractor, I always assume that it is that contractors competitor.


Some people exaggerate everything. And you can just tell by what they say they have a screw loose.


Others over a long time, six years now for me... always are like cream. They rise to the top. I would buy the Brooklyn Bridge if Villages07 was trying to sell it.

[Golfingnut]

And...after a time we get to know the honestly and fairness and lack thereof of certain posters. Some posters I always am skeptical of and others I know that they always can be trusted.


I think that we should be slightly skeptical of everything we read here. When a poster on his first post, says something negative about a contractor, I always assume that it is that contractors competitor.


Some people exaggerate everything. And you can just tell by what they say they have a screw loose.


Others over a long time, six years now for me... always are like cream. They rise to the top. I would buy the Brooklyn Bridge if Villages07 was trying to sell it.

I tend not to judge others in the hope they will not judge me.

[RErmer]

I agree that there can be too much negativity, however, I rely on TOTV for information on contractors and appreciate both the positive and negative comments so I have a sense of what to expect. Keep all those comments coming!!!!

[dewilson58]

I agree that there can be too much negativity, however, I rely on TOTV for information on contractors and appreciate both the positive and negative comments so I have a sense of what to expect. Keep all those comments coming!!!!

:BigApplause::BigApplause:

[Madelaine Amee]

I agree that there can be too much negativity, however, I rely on TOTV for information on contractors and appreciate both the positive and negative comments so I have a sense of what to expect. Keep all those comments coming!!!!

:BigApplause:

If you have been around TOTV for any length of time you get to know the contributors who have nothing good to say about anything, and in that case their input is disregarded. On the other hand, most of the necessary work around my home has been done by highly recommended contractors on this chat line - keep them coming.

As for restaurants - I find no one's taste is the same. I eat where I enjoy eating and don't worry about the rest.

[rubicon]

People, especially in this very highly charged troubled environment, are receiving more bad news than good. So it is understandable that some folks have already had their fill and little patience. It is also true that some folks seem to have a built in bias about anyone they view is complaining.

On the other side we have folks who are hard to please no matter what you do. But then you have some who develop a narrative that conveys their sincere effort of not judging harshly and you come to believe what they share.

From my view I find the vast majority of people commenting on bad food, service, etc have been objective .

But the real issue here is a repeated theme on this forum and that is this "Why do some folks complain about complainers? Should everything posted on this forum come under the heading of "kumbayah" Should no one be allowed to share their views, experience, etc with a vendor contractor, restaurant, etc?

One clue. I know some very smart owners of restaurants , Athens, being one that follows this forum so as to promptly respond to any legitimate criticisms. You may also remember that on any thread comments come down on both sides providing some good information on which to decide.

[Golfingnut]

People, especially in this very highly charged troubled environment, are receiving more bad news than good. So it is understandable that some folks have already had their fill and little patience. It is also true that some folks seem to have a built in bias about anyone they view is complaining.

On the other side we have folks who are hard to please no matter what you do. But then you have some who develop a narrative that conveys their sincere effort of not judging harshly and you come to believe what they share.

From my view I find the vast majority of people commenting on bad food, service, etc have been objective .

But the real issue here is a repeated theme on this forum and that is this "Why do some folks complain about complainers? Should everything posted on this forum come under the heading of "kumbayah" Should no one be allowed to share their views, experience, etc with a vendor contractor, restaurant, etc?

One clue. I know some very smart owners of restaurants , Athens, being one that follows this forum so as to promptly respond to any legitimate criticisms. You may also remember that on any thread comments come down on both sides providing some good information on which to decide.

:BigApplause: great post. I am always after the extremist. Over the top negative or over the top mushy are both extreme. Just be honest and don't try to spin it your way.

Lou

Lou

[KayakerNC]

From my view I find the vast majority of people commenting on bad food, service, etc have been objective.


True enough. But, any post that starts with "BEWARE" or "WARNING" in all caps is probably not going to be objective.

[DougB]

I don't write much on TOTV but I do come to this site, like many others, and read other posts. I don't know why people feel the need to come to this site and BASH companies. If you didn't like your meal, post on TOTV you may be able to put them out of business. Never mind they have their life savings in what they're doing. Never mind that you didn't bring it up to management. Your dealing with with that one employee, the waiter, the chef, the hostess does not make a business. Everyone has a bad day.

Think you may be attributing a little too much power to ToTV.

[Barefoot]

I don't know why people feel the need to come to this site and BASH companies. Never mind they have their life savings in what they're doing. Never mind that you didn't bring it up to management.

Regarding reviews and recommendations: Discount the top 10% and discount the bottom 10%...........the remaining 80% will be reasonably close.

In general, I think it's wise to refrain from posting negative reviews about restaurants or movies. Every restaurant has a time when staff calls in sick or food isn't up to par. And people enjoy different things, and have difference tolerance levels. We don't all like vanilla ice cream.

I do think it is very helpful to hear about a business (such as landscaping) that has employees who are dishonest or who have threatened people or who have taken a deposit and failed to show up, that kind of thing.

[Bonny]

If we have a bad experience we generally just keep it to ourselves, and decide whether or not we choose to go back.

On the other hand, if we have a GOOD experience we generally shout it from the rafters. Example: A week ago we went to Carrabba's off 27/441. We avoided the dinner rush by going early, and when asked if we wanted to sit at the tables near the bar, we said 'Sure. As it turned out, during Happy Hour (3-7P) Carrabba's give those seated at the bar tables half off on draft beer and wine, AND half off on appetizers! (WaHoo!!) We had the BEST calimari we've ever had ANYWHERE, then we shared an entree that we couldn't finish, although it was Very Good.

When I asked to speak to the manager our waiter was polite ... but obviously a little concerned (until I told him I wanted to put-in a Compliment, not a complaint). The manager came over and we chatted. When I told him the calimari was the best we'd EVER had, he just 'glowed, and promised to pass it on to the kitchen. It was pretty clear that having a customer actually COMPLIMENT good food and service was a bit of a rarity.

Best,
Casey&Mary
PS: We went back a couple days later, and yes, the calimari was as good as the first time.
PS2: And when sharing an entree, we Always make a point to 'tip as though we'd both ordered entree's (versus shared...). Economical is good; Cheap is Bad.
Yay !!! My kind of people !!! :clap2:

[Halibut]

Regarding reviews and recommendations: Discount the top 10% and discount the bottom 10%....the remaining 80% will be reasonably close.

I like that! When I'm buying online at a site that includes customer reviews, I always read the #3 middle scores first. :)

In a general sense, I do think negativity/bashing can cast a pall. It also seems to be contagious, much more so than optimism.

But the bad things are rarer, and thus worth comment. For example, I had an exasperating experience at a pharmacy this week ("How can you had misplaced my danged prescription twice!?") and I definitely griped about it to a couple of friends, but have I ever brought up the other 50 times my prescriptions have been filled correctly and on time? I have not. That's not a story.

[Bogie Shooter]

An example of an educated post on a restaurant thread.
'Went there twice not going back."

[Thnonne]

People have "bashed" the Daily Sun for being too positive, now some think TOTV posts should not be so negative. I think we should trust the reader to have educated opinions on both the printed news and the TOTV posts. Don't try to censor posts, let them stand on their own merit in the eyes of the reader.

[graciegirl]

There are some who have a need to bash and some who enjoy affirming. Debate is another issue. With one hundred thousand people who live here and a plethora of views, we will always have debate. NO ONE ever should take it personally.


But they do.

[Indydealmaker]

I have determined that the "word of mouth" attributed to TOTV food critics has hurt Burke's BBQ. This negative impact was unnecessary and undeserved. This mom n pop operation, as any other, deserves an opportunity to get their **** together.

Unlike chain restaurants with deep pockets who can bring in managers from other restaurants to assist in opening new stores, small biz owners have to shoulder everything on their own and almost always with limited capital. Chain restaurants have the added advantage that their "experimentation" with recipes is done out of the public eye in commercial kitchens. Mom n pops have to put it all out front and hope for the best.

Many of the complaints on here, although heartfelt, are based solely upon personal tastes. If those very personal opinions even have the slightest chance of hurting someone, they should be left unsaid in a public medium.

If the complaint involves poor customer service, cleanliness, etc., then the best approach, as pointed out here often, is the contact management.

The tone of much of the negative posts about businesses has a tint of revenge. That is just not right when you consider there a livelyhoods at risk.

[perrjojo]

True enough. But, any post that starts with "BEWARE" or "WARNING" in all caps is probably not going to be objective.

I agree...Beware and Warning are probably not the best way to start a post. It might be better to say, I had a bad experience and describe what happened. A bad experience can be a subjective thing that might not bother another. Let me read about your experience and draw my own conclusions.

[skyc6]

I don't write much on TOTV but I do come to this site, like many others, and read other posts. I don't know why people feel the need to come to this site and BASH companies. If you didn't like your meal, post on TOTV you may be able to put them out of business. Never mind they have their life savings in what they're doing. Never mind that you didn't bring it up to management. Your dealing with with that one employee, the waiter, the chef, the hostess does not make a business. Everyone has a bad day.

I agree. Well said!

[skyc6]

People have "bashed" the Daily Sun for being too positive, now some think TOTV posts should not be so negative. I think we should trust the reader to have educated opinions on both the printed news and the TOTV posts. Don't try to censor posts, let them stand on their own merit in the eyes of the reader.

There is not nearly as much competition to the newspapers as there is with restaurants.

[Golfingnut]

We have been very satisfied with restaurants here. Considering how inexpensive it is to dine out, I can't complain. I have heard complaints about some that we find top notch. Lopez,, is as good as anywhere we have dined anywhere in the country for the price.

[mickey100]

Everyone is entitled to post their opinions about restaurants, contractors, The Villages, or anything, without being attacked for it. Its usually the same 5 or 6 posters that are doing the bashing to posters. That said, I agree that its not nice to bash someone trying to make a living, unless you've really had a bad experience with them on a repeated basis. I do think most people take the posts here with a grain of salt, and keep an open mind in spite of what is posted.

[Bogie Shooter]

I have determined that the "word of mouth" attributed to TOTV food critics has hurt Burke's BBQ. This negative impact was unnecessary and undeserved. This mom n pop operation, as any other, deserves an opportunity to get their **** together.

Unlike chain restaurants with deep pockets who can bring in managers from other restaurants to assist in opening new stores, small biz owners have to shoulder everything on their own and almost always with limited capital. Chain restaurants have the added advantage that their "experimentation" with recipes is done out of the public eye in commercial kitchens. Mom n pops have to put it all out front and hope for the best.

Many of the complaints on here, although heartfelt, are based solely upon personal tastes. If those very personal opinions even have the slightest chance of hurting someone, they should be left unsaid in a public medium.

If the complaint involves poor customer service, cleanliness, etc., then the best approach, as pointed out here often, is the contact management.

The tone of much of the negative posts about businesses has a tint of revenge. That is just not right when you consider there a livelyhoods at risk.

I agree. And there have been others that were bashed.

[LndLocked]

I would like to register a complaint about complainers that are always complaining about those that complain.

[mickey100]

People, especially in this very highly charged troubled environment, are receiving more bad news than good. So it is understandable that some folks have already had their fill and little patience. It is also true that some folks seem to have a built in bias about anyone they view is complaining.

On the other side we have folks who are hard to please no matter what you do. But then you have some who develop a narrative that conveys their sincere effort of not judging harshly and you come to believe what they share.

From my view I find the vast majority of people commenting on bad food, service, etc have been objective .

But the real issue here is a repeated theme on this forum and that is this "Why do some folks complain about complainers? Should everything posted on this forum come under the heading of "kumbayah" Should no one be allowed to share their views, experience, etc with a vendor contractor, restaurant, etc?

One clue. I know some very smart owners of restaurants , Athens, being one that follows this forum so as to promptly respond to any legitimate criticisms. You may also remember that on any thread comments come down on both sides providing some good information on which to decide.

I think Rubicon has summed it up rather nicely!

[PaPaLarry]

Exaggeration always seems to be on the menu!!!