Making Trailer Drive On

Jdeagro

iboats.com Partner
Joined
Jul 30, 2003
Messages
1,682
Re: Making Trailer Drive On

To address comments regarding advertising, we do not, but that does not mean we would not. iboats is a customer, and we are very happy to be associated with them.<br /><br />I think the misconception is that iboats moderates the forums directly with employees. The fact is that they do not. The site is moderated by interested parties, not associated with iboats or their vendors (including us), and not paid by iboats. They volunteer their time and knowledge to help others. In essence the forums are hosted by iboats but belongs to it's users. You all!<br /><br />The problem that we (Nauticus) get into is that our product is controversial to some people, and traditional methods. In the defending our product I need to educate and make claims as to what "You ALL" can expect from the product. In some cases, I have had to correct misconceptions. Is it selling, or is it informing? That depends on which side of the fence you stand. The problem is if we have a viable product, what do we say without sounding as though we are "SELLING". <br /><br />Have I crossed the line? To some I am sure I have in my enthusiasm for the product. Have I helped anyone? I truly hope so. Please understand that iboats is a valued customer and more importantly they provide a very valuable source of communications directly with "You ALL" our valued consumers. This will help us serve you and provide a better product in the future.<br /><br />We are pleased to have the opportunity to participate on this forum, and hope that we contribute valuable information, advice, and suggestions that can help others.<br /><br />Our friends at Bennett also post here and they do a very good job of advising and helping others. Unlike Bennett, who has been in the marine market for many years, answering questions regarding our product or suggesting our product as an alternative involves some information / education.<br /><br />I can certainly understand that these forums should not be used to "advertise". Providing information, assistance, advise, from user to user is the major benefit that we all share. It can also be a benefit when the manufacturers technical people contribute accurate information. Obviously there needs to be some balance.
 

BillP

Captain
Joined
Aug 10, 2002
Messages
3,290
Re: Making Trailer Drive On

I personally go to forums to get unbiased info opinions and facts, which isn't what happens when many vendors post in public forums. Give the paid advertisers on IBoats a "vendor's forum" to answer questions and sell their product. Let us consumer folks discuss products without vendor hype in the thread.<br /><br />nautijohn,<br />If you are not an advertiser here then why are other vendors kicked off and given the explaination that it isn't fair to advertisers? Did that banner of yours come free or is it part of them selling your tabs? IBoats hosts and controls what is done on the forums...anyone who believes the moderators are acting without instructions needs some headache powder. IBoats is under control here, not the moderators.
 

Jdeagro

iboats.com Partner
Joined
Jul 30, 2003
Messages
1,682
Re: Making Trailer Drive On

BillP;<br /><br />When Iboats decided to sell our products they also decided to develop the banners as a means of introduction. Everyday you see Sears, Walmart, Pep Boys etc. advertise the products that they sell. Some vendors offer advertising allowances and some don't. I do not think that promoting or advertising a product is something bad. I also do not think you are suggesting that retailers should hide what they sell, or that if they advertise it is a questionable product? Iboats apparently felt our product was worth promoting, and we are very happy for that. This does not mean that we would not or will not advertise on Iboats when we can. <br /><br />The Moderators are certainly given guide lines I am sure. Exactly what that is I do not know since I am not that close to the administration of the company. However they are not employees of Iboats, and they are given a great deal of freedom to regulate the forums.<br /><br />You seam very irritated by the vendors attempting to provide information about their products, as if all vendors lie. Since there is no restriction for members to post their own experience, I would suspect that any vendor who is not truthful will be exposed rather quickly. <br /><br />Why not simply ignore anything you feel is inappropriate or those members who you do not trust. <br /><br />I am not opposed to a vendor forum and it may be a good idea, however someone who needed info on a product would then need to enter two forums based on your suggestion. They would need to verify the truthfulness by going to the open forum after reading the vendors post. Or they could simply accept the word of their fellow consumer and not bother with the manufacturers information at all. <br /><br />In all of my personal dealings with manufacturers, I found that their technical staff had a lot of good information to evaluate. I am sure that they all feel their product is the best, and may be biased but not liars. In all cases it was up to me to make my own decision.<br /><br />I can not speak to the actions of the moderators with other vendors, but it would only make sence to me that they not allow potential business for iboats to be redirected to other retailers, web sites, or suppliers. Iboats is paying the cost of hosting and maintaining these forums.<br /><br />Again, if any of my post have been offensive to you, I certainly appologize, and I invite you to call me directly if you wish to get that appology in person.
 

KaGee

Admiral
Joined
Aug 14, 2004
Messages
7,069
Re: Making Trailer Drive On

After all the postings, no one ever mentions that the referred website says their product is for Aluminum boats only.
 

BillP

Captain
Joined
Aug 10, 2002
Messages
3,290
Re: Making Trailer Drive On

nautijohn,<br />It doesn't bother me that vendors provide technical info or introduce their product. I actually like to see what's new and available. But since I've dealt professionally in corp America for 25+ yrs with 100s of sale types my defense is way up and I'm sensitive to "sales pitches" that don't tell all. Nobody wants that around.<br /><br />What does bother me is them giving "opinion" as if fact in order to sway business their way. One example is a recent trailer mfg that posted his trailer is a new invention and the only trailer to let you launch without ramps...that is all opinion, purely incorrect and misleading. Everything about his "new invention" has been in use for years in various applications. Tilt trailers alone have been used for 50+ yrs and let you what he claims without problems. The newbie boating crowd doesn't even know tilt trailers exist and would buy his product without looking for a tilt (which is easier and safer to use). <br /><br />Don't take it personal...I'm just one of 400 million.
 

ssnedeker

Recruit
Joined
Oct 19, 2004
Messages
5
Re: Making Trailer Drive On

I have no problem with someone suggesting you consider a product they sell as long as full disclosure is made about their relationship to that product. Also, their product has to be the right solution rather than just product pushing. In the example above, Magna just wrote "Hey hayhauler: check out this site www.magnaplas.com, the products on this site will help make launching your trailer a breeze" WITHOUT disclosing that this was HIS website. Unless you happen to notice that his Member Name matches the website link and that this was his first post, you would think it was just someone providing an unbiased suggestion.<br /><br />At least NautiJohn lets you know in some of his posts that he is connected with the product by writing things like "go to OUR website." However, I would prefer a more direct and open approach.<br /><br />I think it can be a big benefit to have manufacturers and distributors on a board like this as long as they provide full disclosure. They can often answer questions that retailers can't. Plus, it's a good way for them to get direct feedback about their products.<br /><br />ScottS<br />------<br />Disclosure: I have no connection to the above referenced products nor do I have any marine products to hawk, peddle, or unload! ;)
 

Jdeagro

iboats.com Partner
Joined
Jul 30, 2003
Messages
1,682
Re: Making Trailer Drive On

Thanks!<br />Good suggestions.<br />I will close all posts from now on as:<br /><br />John DeAgro<br />Nauticus, Inc.<br /><br />I will be at trade shows for the next few weeks, if someone needs help quickly during this time please call 800-233-0194.
 

Jdeagro

iboats.com Partner
Joined
Jul 30, 2003
Messages
1,682
Re: Making Trailer Drive On

BillP<br /><br />Sorry I did not get this post before I left but I have just returned froom the IBEX show in Miami. It is a trade only show for the vendors who make and sell part to OEM builders. The show is anual at this time of year.
 
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