Don't Knock It - Share It

LDavidFM on 15/12/2010 - 13:46

I'm knew to OzBargain and I love the concept of the community sharing bargains and discounts they have found with other members. It's great. Times are tough for everyone and I don't think many people can afford to pay more than they need to for anything.

But I am really dismayed by the Ozbargain members who criticise, sometimes harshly and and sometimes insultingly, the bargains people post here. Many of those that are quick to criticise do nothing more than that. They do not post bargains themselves, just rubbish the bargains that others post here.

I usually do my research pretty thoroughly but I know the internet is a big place and I may miss things and of course I am not infallible. The posts I make are usually for things that I have been looking for myself, watching prices and shopping around for a few months.

I was appalled by some of the comments made about my posts. The critics will say it isn't a good price yet they don't post better deals. If they do and I check them out I found they haven't done their research at all and forget to include things like delivery, check the model number and availability.

There seems to be two distinct groups of members here. The ones that work hard, do the research, check details like delivery charges, hidden costs, fine print, do real price comparisms. Then there's the second group. And they are easy to pick. Every time you see a vague, negative comment or insult, click on their username and look at how many posts they have made compared to how many comments. Most people will make more comments than posts but when you see a member who has made 600 plus comments all negative and no posts at all then you know which group they belong to.

It is a good thing for people to criticise if it is constructive criticism. It helps our community, but the naysayers whoc just liek to bag other people are not contributing to the community and are not acting in the spirit of the OzBargain philosophy.

All I'm saying is if you see a post that you know is not a good deal, provide some useful info about where you can get it cheaper, don't just bag it vaguely.

General Discussion

Comments

  • neil on 15/12/2010 - 14:20
    +7

    Had a look at your posts and have to agree. It's good for users to scrutinise a deal but at least back it up with some links. Don't let the comments get to you. The Internet can be a rude and mean place sometimes.

    Appreciate your posts David. The space pen one was quite amusing.

    • DavidFM on 15/12/2010 - 14:48

      Thanks Neil. Yeah the space pens one was fun. Especially StewBalls and the Fail maths comment.

      • StewBalls on 17/12/2010 - 00:42

        I aim to please, nothing like a bit of harmless fun! :)

  • zhenjie on 15/12/2010 - 14:21
    +7

    Yep, there are the trolls around that do nothing but negative vote or post negative remarks. But, its the internet, you'll always get douche bags like that in any community or forum. Oz Bargain has done a pretty good job at doing its best to kurb these type of people, but there is only so much you can do.

  • Davo1111 on 15/12/2010 - 14:57
    +1

    It seems to be an issue - ozbargain does have a mob mentality, which works both in positives and negative ways. When it comes to bargain hunting, we make an epic team. But when it comes to jumping on the criticism bandwagon, we seem to do that well too.

    Things that work me up
    * new users always write "first post please be nice". It gives me the impression that they think they're going to get their legs broken if they post a crap deal. Perhaps im not angry at the comment, but more of the fact they get that feeling from the ozb community
    * Suspected sockpuppets, some users write some interesting comments. like "byeee, ur gonna get banned" etc, 9 times out of 10 they're right, but the (1/10) innocent person isnt too happy :/
    * Constantly battling trolls and their useless neg votes

    What can be done
    * if its a one off comment, just click report.
    * if you notice trolls, neg happy people etc that are constantly bringing down the quality of ozb, please let us know. Even if you get "thanks for that, we will keep an eye", we will mark the user (only vis by mods) and we will watch over time.
    * If there is something you feel embarrassed about, feel free to contact any of the mods personally (and anonymously if you wish). My email is on the contact page, just throw OZBARGAIN into the title.

    Although, i do try and welcome new users (reps or otherwise), i think we need to be just a little more tolerant of new users. However, not too tolerant. Just 10 minutes ago, we asked a rep to come clean about his rep status, ignored us, confirmed he was a rep, now hes going to get a looooooooong ban.

    EDIT: what i really love about ozbargain (apart from the obvious)
    * people introudcing themselves - imo makes it feel like a friendlier place. Also seperates most of the spammers from genuine users
    * people adding to the wiki. I love it when i visit a page like "birthday deals" and somebody has just dropped another link in there. makes me feel all "community" :P

    • slowmo on 24/01/2011 - 02:35

      "but more of the fact they get that feeling from the ozb community"

      have a look at the recent slurpee hack comments… pointless comments taking swipes at people who disagreed should be removed.

  • leiiv on 15/12/2010 - 16:17

    As long as those people are not making a way into moderators, we'd still be pretty safe.

  • samfisher5986 on 15/12/2010 - 18:40
    -6

    I disagree, looking through your posts you have:

    1. Posted an expensive pen that is not very appealing and seems to be a bargain of obscurity which IMO is not valid for ozbargain
      Some pens will do well on ozbargain, just not those, thats obvious at least to me.

    2. Posted a printer that is a nice product, but wasn't much of a bargain, when posting printers especially they have to be insanely cheap or you need to prove to ozbargainers that replacement toner is worth it.

    3. Posted a wireless dongle that was not a bargain, once again it might be the cheapest belkin IM1337TROLO model dongle, but most of us don't need that specific product, we just want a good cheap dongle.

    Your a new member, stick around and you'll figure out what people are interested in and what is classified as a bargain.

    • andy19363 on 15/12/2010 - 19:12
      +9

      ahhh…..
      I think you're confusing ozbargain with samfisher5986bargain.com

      1. If I am in the market for a $10000 red couch…I want the cheapest price….I don't care about the price for the blue couch. If a bargain only helps a couple of people….it's no less a bargain, whether samfisher needs/likes it or not

      2. The onus of proof of 'bargain' status does not rest with the poster. The community should decide, with proof, that a product is not a bargain.

      3. huh??……

        a wireless dongle that was not a bargain
        it might be the cheapest belkin F335BL model dongle

      which would indeed make it a bargain for that model

      we are too stingy to be that picky

      Who is 'we'?…..there is a big difference between 'bargain' and 'cheap'…otherwise we'd all be sitting in kmart clothes watching tv on our soniq

      most of us don’t need that specific product,

      some of us might…….who are you to decide?

      • samfisher5986 on 15/12/2010 - 19:17

        I'm just expressing my thoughts on the ozbargain community, none of his deals suited me, but I didn't negative vote.

        Basically I think the community (with the moderators help) already does a great job of sorting out the junk from the bargains and giving someone a little bit of a hard time if a particular deal is a waste of ozbargain space.

        If people could get away with posting junk, they would just keep doing it.

        In short: The Ozbargain community is acting as they should.

        • andy19363 on 15/12/2010 - 23:53

          giving someone a little bit of a hard time

          Means they might not post again…..

          a waste of ozbargain space.

          I'm not sure things are that tight……is space an issue??
          even if it's a 'limited interest' bargain, at least it will be captured by the search engine for those that may be interested.
          The popular stuff gets to the front page, the rest floats in 'limbo' til searched for….I'm not sure limbo takes up too much space…..

  • DavidFM on 15/12/2010 - 19:27
    +4

    Are you suggesting that I shouldn't have posted any of those items because YOU don't think they are real bargains?

    Surely it is more in the spirit of Ozbargain to post what you think is a good bargain and let the other members decide if they think it is? And let other members point out where the same or similar products can be obtained for less? If this is the case.

    You are simply doing the same thing that prompted my forum post. You are bagging my posts and yet not contibuting anything positive or constructive.

    I don't know which pen you were referring to but at around $30 for either they are not "expensive" pens. Given that you can pay from 0.10 to several hundreds and even thousands of dollars for a pen like a MontBlanc or even a Parker the thirty odd dollar price point could hardly be considered expensive in the overall context of pen prices.

    I don't believe that products have to be "insanely cheap" to be posted on OzBargain but I am prepared to stand corrected. There is an old saying that if it's too good to be true, it probably is. The best possible price would seem to be a better criteria.

    I believe the USB dongle was a good bargain. If you read my replies on that post I have backed this claim up with comparitive prices from various websites as I did with the printer I posted.

    You have not done this. You have simply expressed a negative opinion and have not bothered to back it up with any facts.

    If I ever post a product that can be obtained for less from somewhere else, and someone was to point this out with the price and website - like "No Dave, Game Dude has got them for $xxx lus $5 delivery, I'd be very grateful, and everybody on the site benefits. But comments, or opinions like yours are simply not helpful to anyone here.

    • samfisher5986 on 15/12/2010 - 19:33

      Not quite sure if you are responding to me…

      Once again, its clear the community didn't like your posts very much, I'm not talking about me.

      Now that you've posted what you think is a good bargain, you've learnt what people like, perhaps you will have better luck in the future, its all a learning experience, nobody is expecting you to jump in and know what people like, your the one choosing to take a little criticism in your topics personally.

      Your justification for your posts is not needed. You've noticed people didn't like it and perhaps you will have better luck in the future with what you have learnt.

      I COULD fill ozbargain up with products that follow the guidelines for posting but have no interest, but why would I do that? My point is that you can't say that you are entitled to post whatever you like just because you can't find a cheaper price.

      Just because you can justify why its a bargain doesn't mean people have to like it.

      • DavidFM on 15/12/2010 - 19:41
        +6

        My reaction to your posts has just graduated from mild annoyance to downright irritation. You are of course entitled to your opinions but you really should be very clear that they are just that - your opinions - and that you are not speaking on behalf of the OzBargain community.

        As andy19363 said "let the OzBargain community decide". I don't think we need you to decide for us.

        • samfisher5986 on 15/12/2010 - 19:46
          +4

          Its interesting how you backflip and agree with "let the ozbargain community decide" when your original post is complaining about the ozbargain community which I think do a great job.

          They didn't like your posts, build a bridge and get over it like everyone else.

          Most people who post regularly have a long history of negatives and trolls, but they still keep posting good bargains.

  • neil on 15/12/2010 - 19:35
    +7

    Different strokes for different folks, some people want that red $10000 couch and some think paying that much is ridiculous. I would never use anything more than a free pen but on the other hand I'm happy to pay $10 for a quality beer when I go out as opposed to getting a cheapo VB.

    Disagree, debate, be funny but be polite and respectful.

  • chloden on 15/12/2010 - 19:39
    +3

    You make an excellent point DavidFM. I think in the end it comes down to the mods putting a stop to the BS that goes on here. I have to admit I look but no longer post, and if something is not done I fear others will do the same.

    • DavidFM on 15/12/2010 - 19:46
      -1

      I think you've hit the nail right on the head chloden. This is the very real danger of naysayers like samfisher - they discourage people from posting bargains and undermine the very core of OzBargain.

      • samfisher5986 on 15/12/2010 - 20:01

        I find it interesting how you have made assumptions about me based on this topic.

        You'll find I rarely negative vote or complain about peoples posts, simply because its not needed.

        We often have great contributers with most of the garbage being posted by reps who get banned anyway.

  • DavidFM on 15/12/2010 - 20:01

    You are misrepresenting me samfisher - I did not complain about the OzBargain community. I was referring specifically to members like yourself who criticise yet do not contribute anything positive in the criticism.

    I see from your profile that its been almost a year since you actually posted a bargain yourself but that certainly doesn't inhibit you from dispensing opinions as freely as you do. And eight of your eleven posts were seeking information for your own benefit.

    I think the community can see where you are coming from by simply looking at your profile.

    • samfisher5986 on 15/12/2010 - 20:04

      You'll find "Posts" are either things I've posted to ozbargain or topics i've started. They don't include replies in forums or in items posted by users.

      I don't post much because I'm always beaten to it or outdone (supermarket postings for example)
      To get the obvious posts in before others I would have to post at work.

      You'll find the only negative thing I ever did to you was + voted by two other ozbargainers and it was just me saying that I didn't find that product very reliable and agreeing about the 11n alternative.

      • [Deactivated] on 15/12/2010 - 21:03
        +2

        Sam - let it be - and that's from me, who thinks your comments have been well thought out, informative and helpful. Sometimes it's just better to let it go. I speak with regrettable experience.

        David and Sam. Sometimes the written word loses the intent and more so if the other side reads something with either a defensive or offensive attitude in the first place.

        Likewise David you should let it go.

  • DebbieDD on 15/12/2010 - 20:06
    +5

    I think David has a valid point and the harsh comments samfisher is making have made me hesitate to post a bargain here.

  • ang911 on 15/12/2010 - 21:05
    +2

    DebbieDD defending DavidFM again…are they related? and I agree with a bit of what samfisher is saying, IMO the deals page should (and mostly does) contain completely awesome, hard to pass up deals that are likely to appeal to the vast majority of ozbargainers. Posts for things such as random novelty pens, coupon codes with very small sitewide discounts or the like are great to post in the forums and get a bit of discussion going. If enough people are interested in your forum post, then it is probably warranted to be posted as a deal. But I for one don't want to sift through pages and pages of rubbishy deals to find the super awesome ones.

    You may notice I have not posted many deals myself, but it is because I feel most of the deals I find are not worthy of being posted on the main deals page, or more often than not someone has beaten me to it. If there was a section of the forum for posting those deals that may not quite be completely awesome but might be of interest for someone who was looking for something specific like Harley Davidson pens then maybe that would stop the main deals page being clogged up.

    Just a thought, now feel free to attack and neg at will ;)

  • Davo1111 on 15/12/2010 - 22:07

    Commenting reopened as of 10:03 15/12/10 . Closed for around 1.5hrs for moderator investigation.. Regards Davo

  • Natt on 16/12/2010 - 16:07
    +6

    I think I have two different standards

    for members I am pretty much happy to read any deal they post, as long as its the best thats available at the time, and its accurate

    hey I may not want a space pen, but others might - and I learnt something too

    And I would have never thought a trade in deal for an ipod at eb would have suited me but it did.

    I think trying for "popular" posts is a bit silly. I am constantly bemused by the supermarket posts that are essentially a catlogue summary. To me these are spam. But I appreciate the effort, and occasionally I will spot something.

    Hey its horses for courses, not everyone will suit a bargain, but thats not a bad thing.

    For merchants, I think they should work hard, darn hard to survive on ozbargain. None of this vague "sale" posting, and if you post something that cheaper elsewhere which is widely available expect to be negged. And I want the goods to actually be available as well - sigh

    For those merchants that make the grade - good stuff. I think they should be given a gold star :)

    DavidFM I do think you are taking things a little personally, but I think I understand why you are. These issues raise their head a lot, at least we can have robust discussions about it :P

    I will not forget a deal I posted that was negged into oblivion because those in the know did not want others to know as well! But meh thats the intarzweb for you.

    Chin up - and keep posting :)

    • retiredfeline on 18/12/2010 - 10:28

      Pretty much agree with what you say, except about the supermarket deals. I don't think the posters there are trying for popularity, just trying to be helpful.

      I do think the neggers in the forum are a bit too zealous. If it's spam or advertising, I report it. If it could be more detailed or the title better composed I comment so. Also if I know a better deal elsewhere I would comment so, but I seldom know that much. Otherwise the deal might suit somebody and I just pass. It just takes a couple of seconds of my time, and the same for you. Silence on an unattractive deal will sink into obscurity anyway. Even the ones that provoke funny comments will get no votes if they are not attractive. If there are any caveats to the deal, the comments will give the details and people can judge for themselves.

  • inherentchoice on 18/12/2010 - 10:09

    I think that as people get used to seeing amazing bargins we become a little bit desensitised to some of the other good deals around… at least I think that's what's happened to me. As a result, people's expectations of a 'bargain' can be a bit high sometimes.

  • AntMan76 on 18/12/2010 - 11:38
    +2

    If it wasn't for those obscure products that perhaps nobody would want, then I wouldn't have got my awesome dolphin knife. :)

    Keep em coming!

  • levia on 23/12/2010 - 22:46

    I just found it now. lol…..sad…

  • markis on 27/12/2010 - 01:47

    I say let them post. If it's junk the mods will shut it down. We don't need dickheads discouraging people from participating on this forum. To the sam fella. Let it go. I've posted a few times on here. But many a time I haven't bothered due to dickheads bandwagoning the negative votes

  • dr_ rusko on 28/12/2010 - 16:29
    +2

    this really annoys me
    here's a new business to ozb
    1st post - nothing spectacular but nothing wrong with it…
    7 negative votes!!

    http://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/36972#comment-347331

    check it out for yourselves
    i wouldnt be suprised if they dont come back in the future - why would you bother when you get attacked like this…

    • andy19363 on 28/12/2010 - 17:18

      Same here…. http://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/36954

      people negging based on prices of different brands or models….

      (apart from the first neg, which is simply a very informative 'yep')

    • kupkes on 02/01/2011 - 20:43

      I have to admit, I am starting to feel the same way!
      Thank you for pointing out this post, as it is one that I may have had some interest in, but never got a chance to see thanks to the negative voting.

      On that note (and I know it is OT but it would help me in this respect), how do you change the threshold of negs needed before a post gets hidden? I have looked, and expected it to be in the settings area when I click on my username at the top, but couldn't find it there.

      • neil on 02/01/2011 - 20:51
        +1

        It's in the preferences:
        http://www.ozbargain.com.au/user/20104/edit/preference

        • kupkes on 02/01/2011 - 20:54

          Thanks for that Neil.
          Was just editing to say that I looked once again and found it. I have no idea how I missed it previously… I have looked numerous times and have never come across it, usually I am pretty good at finding these things too :(.

          edit: Wow thats where I can hide the Advertisements from also, I was looking for that longer ago too. The site doesn't look right without them now though, so I will keep them there and earn the site some extra income from the odd click I make!

  • andy19363 on 01/01/2011 - 15:48
    +1

    Another here.. http://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/37156#comment-350121

    It's unfortunate, as most of the community will now not see the deal and be able to make up their own minds. Many of the negs appear to be based on an assumption that it will involve spamming friends, which of course, it isn't. Also, many of the negs, in the old days, would have been removed as invalid. However in the new 'automated' system, they stand….meaning that even if they are ridiculous, the post disappears before the community can revoke them. (I also feel that there is less community interest in revoking inappropriate negatives than dishing them out).

    However….I'm happy….got my cotd credit…..might use it, probably won't, (there has been nothing interesting for a while), but at the end of the day it cost nothing. :)

    ill-informed mob rules once more

    • samfisher5986 on 01/01/2011 - 16:57

      I didn't vote or comment, but I actually saw this and thought there was a $100 minimum before you could use it.

      After reading your post I've realised you can use it on anything. So for a $5 item, you just pay shipping.

      I'm not sure if others thought the same which is why it got negged into oblivion, but it seems to be a reasonable deal?

      I did give the credit to myself, most people have more then one email address.

      • andy19363 on 01/01/2011 - 17:03

        I think there were a few misunderstandings on the deal, but the negs came pretty thick and fast. Lots, I'm sure, because it was a cotd deal.

        Anyway…the two of us are both happy :)

        • illusionarybreeze on 01/01/2011 - 21:37

          I think many ozbargain members are expecting more from retailers. There was an uproar that time when shoppingsquare tried to split the $20 credit they were giving away into $5 and $10 vouchers. Granted, COTD is being upfront here about the 20 x $5 vouchers, but $5 is awfully little for an item like the logitech speaker set you linked to. It doesn't even cover shipping for most items. It is also my guess that members are unimpressed by the way COTD draws you in with the "$100 Cash Credit" title.

          COTD's recent failure to keep their website running efficiently during their sale has also left a bad impression in the minds of ozbargain members.

          PS Although you don't have to spam your friends and family to receive the credit, the negative reaction seems to stem from COTD's invitation for you to pass the "deal" onto your friends and family, a "deal" that many obviously do not think is a "deal". It seems to me that there isn't really any misunderstanding, but simply displeasure with COTD.

        • andy19363 on 01/01/2011 - 22:31

          but $5 is awfully little for an item like the logitech speaker set you linked to. It doesn’t even cover shipping for most items.

          I guess $5 is $5….. not a large percentage off the speakers, but….if, as it would seem by the +'s on that post, it is a good price….then $5 off is a better price.
          An item like http://www.catchoftheday.com.au/smallfish_info.php?products_… at $4.95. is a 100% discount.

          I think many ozbargain members are expecting more from retailers.

          I suspect that may be right….when I was a lad we were taught never to look a gift horse in the mouth.

          It seems to me that there isn’t really any misunderstanding, but simply displeasure with COTD.

          I'm not sure I agree about the misunderstanding bit…Samfisher above, and Scrimshaw in the original thread are two that spring to mind that had misunderstood the deal.
          I agree that many also feel displeasure about cotd, although what their displeasure has to do with this deal is anyone's guess.

          Lastly, I think (for some)…..there is the 'there's nothing in it for me' selfish viewpoint, put eloquently here from the original thread.

          Are you kidding? NONE of us can benefit from it, only people we know.

          Clearly, whilst it's noted that it would benefit people we know….because it's not ME, it should be negged.

          If we had any sense, those interested would have set up some sort of system where we could all email each other :)

        • illusionarybreeze on 02/01/2011 - 01:10

          It's true that $5 can be a significant percentage off the prices off many items. I believe the negative feedback has more to do with the fact that it was advertised as $100, only to be broken up into such comparatively small increments. $100 (as one voucher) was always too good to be true, but that didn't matter once it was snatched away. Take the first post for example, wang: "mad let’s all place 20 orders and save $5 each time in the next month." If they thought about it, they would see that they could apply the coupons to cheap items, like you said. That reason doesn't really warrant a neg (and I think should have been removed), but it's all because COTD advertised it as $100.

        • andy19363 on 02/01/2011 - 10:53

          If they thought about it

          I think that's it in a nutshell….people seeing what they want to see, then getting disappointed when their version of reality doesn't match up. I am amazed that people would think a retailer would give unlimited $100 vouchers away.

          It's a shame…..as mentioned elsewhere, cotd, despite their reputation, are probably the most popular retailer on here, with an average of 14 +s per post, (yesterdays battery thing got 32 at last count). Clearly the 'silent majority' largely approve of the deals. It's a pity the relationship between ozbargain and cotd has been soured by a small mob, it could have been beneficial both ways…and indeed was, for a time
          http://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/27137 ozbargain only - 142 + votes
          http://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/30139 ozbargain coupon for extra $25 off - 111 + votes
          etc

          pity….

    • pauly on 02/01/2011 - 05:58

      IMHO, unless a deal is set for the business to loose a significant amount of money or there's a pricing error, COTD deals will get negged no matter what deal is on the table. I'm guessing their 'pressure cooker' type promotions are mainly to blame for causing many members to be holding grudges against them.

      It’s unfortunate, as most of the community will now not see the deal and be able to make up their own minds.

      Couldn't agree more, it is disappointing to see the post buried especially when at least some may benefit from the $5 vouchers. And I won't be surprised if many who negged the post had actually sent themselves the '$100' vouchers.

  • samfisher5986 on 01/01/2011 - 22:41

    I think some people also didn't realise that there is a whole month to use it on products.

    Just because its a crapathon today doesn't mean that there won't be something good in the future.

    • andy19363 on 01/01/2011 - 23:02

      doesn’t mean that there won’t be something good in the future

      Witness for the defence M'lud… http://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/37169

      apparently…..(I have no idea what it is….)
      :)

      • fungi79 on 02/01/2011 - 10:41

        I know I am personally waiting for a USB moustache curler/straightener to use this coupon on.

  • fungi79 on 02/01/2011 - 14:39

    You know, I was kinda chuckling reading about the mobs here on ozbargain, then I saw them: http://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/37187#comment-350541

    Half way down the page I made a cheeky comment about already getting a shiny new HTC phone from a deal no one knows about (but infact was the HTC deal that EVERYONE knows about), in 3 hours the comment was voted down to -9 with a member replying that I should be 'punished' for not letting everyone know about the deal. Does someone have an entitlement issue I wonder..

    Sigh..kids..

    • andy19363 on 02/01/2011 - 15:02

      I guess some might have interpreted your post as trolling…..

      • fungi79 on 02/01/2011 - 15:09
        -2

        And I consider them humourless people who shouldn't be part of any forums :P

        They should be permanently banned for their overinflated sense of entitlement and for having a trigger happy negging finger lol

    • Davo1111 on 02/01/2011 - 15:06

      your post looks like trolling "ohai, i have a deal that nobody knows about, and i'm not going to share"

      • fungi79 on 02/01/2011 - 15:11

        Ok, fine. Seems pretty transparent to me that it's a joke, and to a few others too, but might not some people. But seriously, -10 and counting?

        Sorry about the vent, I'll just leave this one now..

        • Davo1111 on 02/01/2011 - 15:16

          eh dw about it. tone is hard to receive over the net :)

        • dr_ rusko on 02/01/2011 - 15:44

          geez - i though my cunning use of parenthesis would convey my attempt at humor
          cant anyone take a joke around here….
          wasnt really suggesting that you get "punished"
          (maybe just a fatal beating or two)
          :)

        • SomeGuyOnOzB on 05/01/2011 - 23:52
          +2

          You might've been joking, but we have had people who seriously wrote that they had a deal and weren't going to share it.

          One guy even published a deal, saying that no one could get it though, 'cos he'd bought all remaining stock …

          If you write (joke) it makes it clear that you were joking

    • leiiv on 02/01/2011 - 19:40
      +2

      That is why I always tick the "Show all hidden comments" checkbox. So negative votes on comments is not a big deal for me. I don't like being censored for whatever reason!!

      • Davo1111 on 02/01/2011 - 21:20

        see neils comments - http://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/36267#comment-350697
        you can turn it on in the preferences.

        And to the users who are not accepting emails (not you leiiv) - turn it on!

        • dr_ rusko on 02/01/2011 - 23:50

          just trying to work out - if i switch accepting emails on… does that mean everyone will have access to my email address - or does it get sent via ozbargain and they can contact me with out getting my email address (like ebay communication for example)

        • illusionarybreeze on 03/01/2011 - 00:39

          If I tried to email you, I would not see your email address. It is done via ozbargain. However, you would be able to see my email address in the email I send you.

        • Davo1111 on 03/01/2011 - 11:56

          hmmm it should be a bit clearer. If i email you, i just fill out the contact form (all it says is "dr rusko" - i cant see your email), the ozbargain form will be emailed to you - and it will say my screen name and my real email in the body.

          IF you press "reply", it will add my email to the "To" field, and obviously, your email will be in the "from section" (assuming you reply).

        • Davo1111 on 03/01/2011 - 12:03

          Example if YOU email ME. This is the form you will see.

          From: Dr_Rusko ([email protected])
          To: Davo1111
          Subject: ohai
          Message: hey
          [ ] Send me a copy.

          This is what i will recieve in my email

          Davo1111,

          Dr_Rusko (http://www.ozbargain.com.au/user/34959/contact) has sent you a message
          via your contact form (http://www.ozbargain.com.au/user/14721) at OzBargain.

          If you don't want to receive such e-mails, you can change your settings at
          http://www.ozbargain.com.au/user/14721.

          Message:
          hey

          Subject will appear as: [Ozbargain] Ohai, email will come from your email - "[email protected]"

          (before anyone asks, thats a made up email)

          EDIT: if anyone is nervous, turn it on, and drop me a pm, i'll try and respond straight away via the form. OR you're welcome to pm me as a test. just click "send me copy"

  • dr_ rusko on 07/01/2011 - 12:39
    -1

    ahh - the mob…
    http://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/37435

    and a very angry angry mob at that…
    not sure centrecom will be back for a while - and it seems there are quite a few people who are happy about that…

    • andy19363 on 07/01/2011 - 13:05

      I guess from the looks of that one, some of the negs are from angry actual customers and hence probably justified. However, as is the way of things, their comments will fall on deaf ears as the deal will have disappeared from view.
      My vote for the best neg reason ever is by GregFiona in that thread …

      (sorry….that was it, just 3 dots)

      • dr_ rusko on 09/01/2011 - 15:53
        +1

        hmm…justified.
        a neg is a tool that can be used to bring something to the community's attention
        i think the 5th neg in that thread served that purpose. and if it didnt the 10th one certainly did. (or maybe it was the 16th that did it)
        as was the case - the thread was closed - of that thread was better suited to the forum… would have been a perfect avenue to deal with the "centrecom" issues… (which i agree there are many)
        i think getting 16 negs scares off potential posters - when you see that sort of carnage why would you even think to do it…

  • spal on 09/01/2011 - 18:20

    This post shares some of the concerns of long standing members of OB community. The interest generated in this shows that it is about time that we do some thing about this.

    One example which comes to my mind is that of Amex Colesexpress offer. A few members doubted the deals validity and sort of made a few harsh comments at the post. Some others on the other hand took the pains to call Amex to confirm the validity of the deal and posted the details for the members.

    I for one trusted the post and the members verification process and registered my card. In result I got a $30 Colesexpress voucher.

    Result for the community is no other (that I know of - not sure of Repco) made to OB.

    Personally I am very vary of posting deals. I may find something which is a good deal for me, but I don't post here. Few examples:

    HP 6500 network printer from OW- $20 (after $100 cashback for purchase of printer and ink - HP Cashcade)
    Pioneer HTP 200 $399 from HN Chadstone - bought last week - Best price was $539 + shipping - This was standard offer not negotiated price

    Current offer - Target 10% off all mobile phones expires 14 Jan 2010 - OW price matched Nokia E71 for $170.05. Why I didn't post this, because may be E71 is no more a trendy phone.

    Now I am expecting a barrage of negs, but that is the reason why I didn't share.

    Sorry, I know majority of the community believe in sharing, so please pardon my selfishness.

    • dr_ rusko on 09/01/2011 - 18:29

      "The interest generated in this shows that it is about time that we do some thing about this."

      any ideas?

      • andy19363 on 09/01/2011 - 19:19
        +4

        Lets make sure we don't just go over old ground…
        http://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/33831

        Having said that……… :)
        Personally, despite it's lack of support, I would still get rid of the neg vote and base the systems around a deal's popularity, rather than it's unpopularity.
        The 'no vote' becomes the neg vote…..all deals start out as crap deals…..positives move a deal up out of the crap 'pool'

        Surely something needs to change when people can get away with 3 dots as a reason for a negative vote. Or, another recent one…. "Go Harvey, Go……………………..(arse up)!!!!" http://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/37501

        I am expecting a barrage of negs, but that is the reason why I didn’t share.

        I don't think anyone would blame you…..posting deals here is becoming an 'ordeal by fire'

        • dr_ rusko on 09/01/2011 - 20:26

          fair point - this issue was explored in depth.
          was trying to hint at the idea that there is little to be gained at this point from "man this isnt working, we have to do something about it"
          ie - dont just leave that comment hanging in the air - make some new suggestions..
          this is a very fluid forum with flexible mods who have their ears (or eyes in this case open)

        • scotty on 09/01/2011 - 21:57

          Indeed I am having my ears & eyes open for suggestions that can further improve community. Just that when the community grow, it is also impossible to please everyone. It's a good problem to have I guess.

        • StewBalls on 09/01/2011 - 22:01
          +1

          The ‘no vote’ becomes the neg vote…..all deals start out as crap deals…..positives move a deal up out of the crap ‘pool’

          +1. Me likey bouncy, bouncy! :)

        • llama on 10/01/2011 - 10:11

          Do we want a system like at eBay, where sellers can only give Positive votes or nothing to their buyers?

          It promotes a situation where continually misbehaving posters are not identified.

        • Davo1111 on 10/01/2011 - 10:19

          llama, the issue is a lot of vendors have carefully read the rules to this site, and now use this place for advertising.

        • andy19363 on 10/01/2011 - 10:19

          I guess in the case of ebay, I suspect many would not use a seller who had few or no positive votes….

  • spal on 10/01/2011 - 05:22
    +2

    1.step forward (these are suggested with current capabilities we have):

    a.Use the report function to bring particular instances to mods attn

    b.Too many negs revoked would mean some sort of penalty - put in naughty corner - or a hall of shame -

    c. Members' profiles show a funny symbol to show the person is in a naughty corner and constant negs be ignored

    d. If we can ban reps, we could do that for members too. To be applied in extreme conditions only.

    1. Although let me admit - after last round of changes to neg votes the position is much better. A lot of opinions above were formed by members from times prior to the new changes. Thanks to the strength of the OB community and hard work of the Mods.

    2. Any comments on the mobile phone deal? It is still valid until 14 Jan

    • andy19363 on 10/01/2011 - 09:50

      Some good ideas, but I think point a. would revert things back to the old system where mods ended up doing lots of work in revoking inappropriate negs. The current system was developed to reduce that burden…. Unfortunately there are not many members interested in revoking inappropriate negs, so most of them remain.

      b+c good idea….however, we should remember that there are some who enjoy infamy and notoriety and 'hall of shame' might be more like 'badge of honour'

      Any comments on the mobile phone deal?

      I don't know if it's a good deal or not….post it…..what's the worse that can happen? :)

    • Davo1111 on 10/01/2011 - 10:38

      At the moment the mods assess serial neggers on a case by case basis.

      I dont think "hall of shame"/symbol idea would be appropriate (it is funny though).

    • SomeGuyOnOzB on 10/01/2011 - 15:14
      +1

      Just confirming I'm following this too and am interested but am at a bit of a loss too.

      There was an idea put forward that negs should be used to cover off on problems with a deal. That there is no need to repeat the same point (so dupe negs can be removed) and that negs should have information there to explain what they are pointing out/have backing links where appropriate (eg cheaper elsewhere).

      That way, if u see there are negs, they would all be worth reading (and maybe mark dupe on anything that is definitely a dupe or just vote it out)

      If the negs had that function, a very valid function, and there was no need for heaps of harassing negs … perhaps that would reduce the problem of negs out of control.

      Note: It is not in the guidelines at this stage. Currently it's at the idea up for discussion stage.

  • infernal_max on 10/01/2011 - 20:53

    ive revoked 3 negs, being the 6th to neg the comment, and it brings a small grin to my face, true story! Thats the best bit of the new system imho.

  • andy19363 on 10/01/2011 - 22:07

    Perhaps we need a secret underground movement of neg revokers……I can do a funny handshake if necessary

  • dr_ rusko on 23/01/2011 - 22:19

    ARRGGGHHH!! - sorry - i just need to vent
    http://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/38293 - has it all
    abuse (apparently "get stuffed" is a new way of explaining to a store rep that what they posted is not a bargain), unnecessary negs,
    even someone getting nasty in the name of "maintaining the reputation of this site"
    well thanks for listening
    (i wonder if the rep would have dropped his price if someone would have asked him to stand by their price guarentee - i think this would have been a much better outcome for the oz bargain community)
    for example what the baybean rep did -
    http://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/38290

    • issh on 23/01/2011 - 22:24

      yeah
      i would say that some ozbargain members did not handle the situation well
      but i would say that the rep, also did not handle it professionally but it was members who provoked/start it

      • dr_ rusko on 23/01/2011 - 22:27

        i dont disagree with you re the rep… he/she did get a little too fired up - i suppose that comes with ozbargain inexperience
        still - when reps take the time to be here - presents us a with a great opportunity to get even better deals - or deals that suit us better (as i showed above)
        wouldnt it be nice if people had a better appreciation of this…
        (and some basic manners)

    • samfisher5986 on 23/01/2011 - 22:53

      I agree.

      Many times in the past we have got Reps to reduce the price etc to make it competitive.

      Being rude because a store rep might not have realised he didn't have the cheapest price is just stupid.

    • llama on 23/01/2011 - 23:00

      IMO that thread is not a very good demonstration of how to make retailiers come and post here.

  • andy19363 on 24/01/2011 - 00:01
    +1

    slix_88 8 min ago ¶

    Give out 40 free codes and advertise your product on Australia’s largest bargain site so that you get exposure. By giving out 40 codes, you probably sold 100 extra copies than usual for those who can throw a couple bucks at a product which may come in handy. Oh, and thanks for the extra long description in trying to sell your product.
    I see much exploitation as opposed to any “bargain”. If you’re going to have a promotion of such sorts, it would be acceptable to have it universally listed free for at least a day on iTunes.

    http://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/38291?page=1

    There you go…..free is simply not good enough….

  • andy19363 on 28/01/2011 - 11:18

    http://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/38559#

    sigh….mob negging again….some of the helpful, useful comments….

    anything that I want is not on sales.

    No deal : (

    Bring out your Dead!

    Terrible prices

    You were missing the vital words “this is my first post…please be nice” ; )
    If you had said that then you would have only gotten half the negs…

    First, (probably last), contribution from that particular member….

    • issh on 28/01/2011 - 19:07

      infernal_max 8 hours 25 min ago
      Haters gonna hate, mob gonna mob

      +1 to that
      mob gonna mob

  • andy19363 on 28/01/2011 - 19:23

    nother one….
    http://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/38564

    all negging based on different makers of hard drives…..with no one able to show a cheaper price for the posted WD drive, nor give any information about that drive, or the retailer.

    It's a shame….and clear that the 'community' moderation of inappropriate negs has not been successful….People either don't care, or don't even see the deals that get flicked.

    • issh on 29/01/2011 - 11:48

      These models of WD HD's are different
      http://www.staticice.com.au/cgi-bin/search.cgi?q=1TB+Western…
      staticice gives similar pricing though

      • andy19363 on 29/01/2011 - 12:09

        sorry…:)
        wasn't particularly looking for the hard drive pricing…….just making an observation that of all the negs on that post….none have given info about the particular drive on offer…just about other drives. That information is a good thing….but doesn't mean that the wd drive is not a bargain.
        I'd be more than happy with a neg stating, "this drive is cheaper at XXXX", or "this retailer is shonky"

        • issh on 29/01/2011 - 16:00

          oh, i was referring to how the users did not do the research before negging, even though if it was less than $1 cheaper than the other stores

          I’d be more than happy with a neg stating, “this drive is cheaper at XXXX”, or “this retailer is shonky”

          +1 to that too

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