New at YF...

Very good and logical categories.

What does everyone think about creating a place to post comments regarding vendors we've used (i.e. Yards, Engine Repair, Chandlers, Detailers, etc.)? This may go against the Forum rules for posting advertising and may also be hard to police.
Perhaps this could be alleviated by only allowing senior members to post there??

This type of posting requires vigilant policing, even in the most well-intended venue.

I'm a firm believer in passing along the word, preferably good, but you get the rep you earn. However posting it in Forum would amount to an ad if good and slander if bad. Too risky.

I honestly don't see how it could be construed as either. The yachting business is ever-growing (regardless of the economy) so there are new support businesses popping up weekly. Some of these are fantastic and some are duds. I am very lucky in that I have a wealth of resources to call on for referrals (even these aren't always enough) but not everyone has those connections.
Another problem is related to time- with the number of boats growing, the contractors are busier. Thus, the wait time for service can be a problem so I am sometimes forced to look for contractors that aren't well known. Many times, these are run by well trained techs from "Plan A" contractor and have seen the need to start "Plan B" contracting company. Many times they are just as good as "Plan A", and sometimes they are too overwhelmed with the business side of things and are un-reliable.
This forum constitutes a great number of my trusted friends (even though I haven't met many of you) with whom I'd like to share my knowledge and experiences. It also seems like a good avenue for doing so.
I guess I'm willing to take the risk and I assume the risk would be mine alone (as opposed to the Forums) since I am a full-disclosure member who posts using my name.

I'm with Ken Bracewell on this vendor issue; it would be a useful tool.
I'm not too worried about slandering anyone since I have been fortunate to have had mostly good people doing good work for me.
And, as Mother suggested, "If you don't have anything good to say....." the duds will tend to find their own level anyway.
For me and others, it would be good to know locally (in various locales)--say, from Stuart down to the Keys--who does what well and isn't busy out to July.
I have a great local varnish guy, but he ain't going too far because he rides a bicycle(!)

I had a simple haul-out last week in Palm Beach and was amazed at how busy the various yards were scheduled.

Maybe, as Ken suggested, a spot here in the Forums just for Thems With A Need To Know?

Hi,

Ken you have a great idea and in theory it sounds great. It is however something that is open to abuse and could easily.

I am currently involved with a guy who is keen to do a similar thing to help owners of similar large yachts.

One way might be to do it like they do at Techimo.com under the resellerratings section where all the comments are moderated before appearing online till posters reach a certain level ( in that particular section)This helps them stop a lot of spam from one or two post trolls.

That is where my idea of only allowing "Senior Members" to post comes into play. In a way, it would be self policing since the regulars (we all know who we are) would spot a fraud well before that person gained Senior status. The moderators (and I would be glad to help) could then keep an eye out for abuse by those with posting rights.
Carl, is this a pipedream?

Hi,

Maybe a solution would be to have a separate section that requires a different log in where you have to have supplied some verifiable data about yourself that can be prove you are a genuine contributor and not a shameless self promoter.

I am sure Carl knows who a lot more of us actually are than we know of each other.

One of my current employers has vented many times about the lack of honest reporting about yachts and equipement, etc. Everything published is a puff piece. There was a publication called "Powerboat Reports" which did an honest evaluation process, but they're now out of business. C.R. and Underwriters Labs can do it because they're huge. The is a major can of worms. I recently had a very bad experience with a vendor, and I'll keep my friends from making my mistake, but this vendor may have done right by others. If I were to publish my opinion I may be damaging someone who just did a bad job for me. Conversely, I've recommended people who've done good by me only to disappoint those I've referred to. Hate getting that call even though it's not my fault. We all have our reputations in our parts of the field and those who know us know what to ask us about. As tempting as it may sometimes be that should be kept between friends.
P.S.- How many times have you recommended your favorite restaurant only to find they were too busy 6 months later because word got out?

Carl,
I agree with you.
Posting comments (good and bad) regarding vendors YF members have used may be useful in general, but may also inadvertently harm the trust and camaraderie that you've worked hard to achieve. It's like opening up a can of worms.
When controversy arises, it will be difficult to verify facts, and may even distract the attention of YF members and guests away from YF's primary objectives.
Arnie

Even PMs have some risk. As there will eventually be some busybody who will blab what he was told in a PM. Tricky business indeed ....

no help Kelly

The funny thing is that eventhough people ask for advice and opinions, most follow their initial ideas. Often based on seducing looks or price tags. This is why it takes two or three yachts before they have found what they really needed or wanted. I feel more sad than glad when people tell me; "I should have listened to you..."

At the same time, it is quite a responsibility to recommend one supplier or service over another. Not only may things have changed without we knowing it, things may also change without notice....

Just brainstorming here...
I would propose that everyone would be able to read the posted information- it's for everyone's benefit.
Now as to the issue of limiting posting ability- that's what traditional print has done for years. In print publication the "posters" are employees of the magazine (thus couldn't say too much to upset advertisers) and other "posters" are via editorial so they are filtered by an editor (so the Senior Member idea is another form of filtration).
This format may upset some folks (advertisers even) but I think it would boost traffic, regardless.
One last thing- perhaps we could allow for junior members a chance for rebuttal if it were to be sent through a moderator. I say rebuttal because, it would be much easier to police self-promotion if they are only referring to allowed to comment on already-posted material.

Carl- sorry to hijack the thread.