Auto Forum Moderator Sued For Highlighting Problems With Aftermarket Maker
from the can't-take-the-criticism,-so-we'll-sue dept
It really amazes me when we see companies go out of their way to sue critics or those who post negative reviews of their products or practices. If those companies put the same amount of effort into actually treating their customers right and taking the criticism as feedback, they'd probably be doing a lot better. Instead, companies that treat customers badly usually discover that suing critics only helps turn more people off to the company. Reader Crash70rs points us to a post on the HotRodders.com forum, where one of the moderators at the site is being sued for defamation by an aftermarket manufacturer named Streetbeasts.
The moderator had written a wiki article about the company, highlighting the fact that the company was connected to another company that had been found guilty of wire fraud and defrauding customers. Streetbeasts seems upset about a bunch of things that were said about the company -- though, some of them clearly seem to be opinion-based, and others hardly seem defamatory. The moderator notes that this is basically a SLAPP lawsuit designed to silence him rather than to win a defamation case, and he's decided to fight it (good for him). Maybe, one day, companies will realize that dealing with your problems is better than suing those who point them out.
Reader Comments (rss)
(Flattened / Threaded)
But which one do you think requires more effort?
(reply to this comment) (link to this comment)
"Maybe, one day, companies will realize that dealing with your problems is better than suing those who point them out"
it seems to me that Streetbeasts is doing just that, sad fact is it thinks the problem is moderator.
(reply to this comment) (link to this comment)
Streetbeasts, meet anti-SLAPP laws.
Anti-SLAPP laws, meet Streetbeasts.
You two play nice now, 'kay?
(reply to this comment) (link to this comment)
There going to have a run for there money, the forum community is comming to together and pitching in with donations and auction to raise funds for legal fees. Its great to see people band together for a common (good) cause.
(reply to this comment) (link to this comment)
Re:
Its great to see people band together for a common (good) cause.
Yes, I love watching a good lynch mob at work. :)
(reply to this comment) (link to this comment)
suing is expensive
Directv did me wrong so I sued. But with most companies, the average person doesn't have near enough money to sue them. What happens is the company runs you into bankrupsy and you end up signing a settlement saying you will never sue them again. Because of money, court is not a level playing field.
(reply to this comment) (link to this comment)
suing is expensive
Directv did me wrong so I sued. But with most companies, the average person doesn't have near enough money to sue them. What happens is the company runs you into bankrupsy and you end up signing a settlement saying you will never sue them again. Because of money, court is not a level playing field.
(reply to this comment) (link to this comment)
Thank you Streetbeasts
Now I know to avoid your products at all costs.
(reply to this comment) (link to this comment)
They just don't get it
This company and others in the same mind set just don't get that they are in a different world. The goal posts have moved. With social media, the company's response can be far more newsworthy than the instigator's original offense, as in this case.
So the upset company gets a double whammy -- bad publicity for its product (the original complaint) and bad publicity for a crappy response. And its viral.
(reply to this comment) (link to this comment)
Just sue no matter what. Personal responsibility is out the window. Everything is everyone else's fault. Sue them.
(reply to this comment) (link to this comment)
Streetbeast low quality
The StreetBeasts lawsuit is against Jon the web master / owner of Hotrodders.com.
All Jon has done is gathered the public information on Streetbeasts and placed it in one place for easy viewing. This information is documented with court documents and newspaper articles.
So far there have been many contributions of money towards this legal fight against the SLAPP lawsuit against free speech brought by Streetbeast.
(reply to this comment) (link to this comment)
Let them sue, maybe they will get sued themselves.
Let them sue, I support the moderator 100%. Maybe some of the defrauded and lied to owners will sue Street Beast for the lies and B.S. they got when they purchase... What goes around, definitely comes around.
(reply to this comment) (link to this comment)
Set your autodialers to: 1-888-888-6645 TOLL FREE. See how much we can run up their phone bill, and maybe drive 'em out of business.
(reply to this comment) (link to this comment)
Won't make it past summary judgment.
If what the moderator had written is truthful, then Streetbeasts doesn't have a case. Truth is an absolute defense to a defamation claim.
(reply to this comment) (link to this comment)
Street Beasts
I'm a wiki contributor to Jon's forum and will be financial contributor ($$ are few with the lousy market) and have been personally threatened though my comments are very mild. SB is trying to force Jon to release the wiki contributors names but he has resisted. I don't like the product and what it's trying to represent. Their supposed rep - well he leaves a lot to be desired in his responses. As far as quality issues, others have to speak from experiences as mine are only visual and hearsay
(reply to this comment) (link to this comment)
StreetBeast
Wonder how many of the 15 comments above are from unhappy StreetBeast owners? Most of the bad comments I've seen are from purchasers nine years ago. Anything from recent unhappy purchasers?
(reply to this comment) (link to this comment)
my experience with streetbeast
I purchased a 41 willys the car is now finished for sometime, but the experience will never be over. in my opinion, these people should be selling chesnuts on a corner somewere.everytime I called for info they never returned calls
I EVEN WENT TO FACTORY in miami and the workers in shop had nothing good to say about managment. My left fender stuck out 1.5 in. more than right side. gell coat on hood bubbled up like huge pimples. They told me to send pictures. they did not offer new one. I spent my money and time to repair. I would not deal with them for any reason again, when there are other good companys out there, who know there product,and can anwser questions.beware.and im less than 9 years ago TOM
(reply to this comment) (link to this comment)
Law suit
I'm glad you're fighting this attempt to gag free speech. I have a similar complaint against a vendor, they took my money, almost $3000, and won't return it. How did you get the 'wiki' thing? Is that a way to post on the web? Tell me how. Good Luck!
(reply to this comment) (link to this comment)
awtoys
thanks for this information !! very interesting !!!
www.awtoys.net
(reply to this comment) (link to this comment)
Re: StreetBeast
I have a 67 year old broken heart. December 5,2007, I order the 34 Ford Coup($5,000.00 down) and waited. Many phone calls with many excuses for answers, I finally get the letter. Feburary 24, 2008, Bob Southern, StreetBeasts.
"Due to the current economy, we are down sizing our 50,000 square foot factory. If you don't pay the remaining $10,475.87 within 90 days from the date of this letter..."
WELL, you can guess the rest. Bye bye $5,000.00.
Sad, sad day.
Bruce Houghton
Markham Ontario,
Canada
(reply to this comment) (link to this comment)
Re: Re: StreetBeast
Hi.I also just got the same letter about paying the balance for my car. Deposit paid in July /August 08 recieved letter March 13,2009. Pay balance $12,445.00 within 90 days or loose it. Neil Saulnier Nova Scotia Canada
(reply to this comment) (link to this comment)
I'm glad you're fighting this attempt to gag free speech. I have a similar complaint against a vendor, they took my money, almost $3000, and won't return it. Tacho Universal 2008
(reply to this comment) (link to this comment)
Car Workshop
This just made my day that much brighter. Thanks a million. Something else I stumbled across was this http://www.driveafrica.co.za .Take a look!Keep up the great work!
(reply to this comment) (link to this comment)
OMG! I cannot believe people are like that. I think these people have waayyy too much time on their hands! heh, I just hope they don't come after me where I work selling used cars kansas city
(reply to this comment) (link to this comment)
Add Your Comment