I've been following a discussion over over on The BBQ Forum with quite a bit of interest. There were accusations made about the fairness and consistency of the selection of teams for an upcoming invitational bbq contest. The issue has been rectified, but it brings a few things to my mind that I have to get off my chest.
The internet has become such a large part of daily life that rather than pick up the telephone and call someone directly, or even communicate one-on-one via e-mail with direct questions people sometimes choose to post their grievances on a public discussion board.
I'm not against the internet or discussion boards, but I think the parties being accused should have been approached "off line" first and given a chance to provide a solution before accusations were made about a conspiracy and stirring the pot. In the future I hope that before complaints about bbq sanctioning organizations are posted on discussion boards, that those with authority to make changes are contacted first and given a chance to correct the issue(s). If a satisfactory answer is not given or an alternative provided, perhaps it's o.k. to air the issue publicly. Maybe it's just me, but I suspect there are others who feel the same way.
The same logic goes for product purchases. If I purchase a defective product from a retailer or directly from the manufacturer, I try to contact the manager or owner for a resolution. In 99% of the cases, a solution is given.
These types of petty squables only hurt (not help) the sport in the long run. I'm a pretty big NASCAR fan and I can't really imagine Jimmy Johnson or Dale Earnhardt, Jr. making their complaints known to NASCAR through an internet website. I'll bet they pick up the phone and go straight the source - someone who can actually address issues and solve problems.
3 comments:
I totally agree. I'm not sure if it's cowardice or just a sign of the times. I was reading something on communication in business and they talk about making yourself and your communications by challenging yourself for one week to "up the level" of communication for a week.
If you were going to send it in an email, write a letter.
A letter, a phone call.
A phone call, do it in person.
While not always practical, it certainly does yield better results and usually faster too.
I hear what you are saying and agree with your point. However you have to remember that much of the time it is the goal of the complainer to get attention and stir the pot.
It's much easier to fire off a quick anonymous message board post complaining of a conspiracy than to give someone the benefit of the doubt and try to contact them to rectify the situation. That would be too much work for many and wouldn't garner them near the attention they desire.
the internet is an amazing place...
one voice can sound like a million and a million opinions can be made to look foolish by one person.
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