"stealer" censorship on this site.

[CRSmith]

This post is in response to the moderator post asking members not to use the term "stealer. " This is a privately owned website so they have every right to censor. Still, I'd like to protest a little bit.



Don't get me wrong, I think it's rude to use "stealer" because there are good ones out there. However, I think the implications of this minor issue exemplify a broader trend in society.



I don't know, but I suspect this censorship is due to liability issues with being sued by dealers for slander. This is unfortunate because it sets a precendent. Are we going to censor subjects that offend a certain group? If the sierra club gets offended because of the "great smoke stories" thread, is that going to be censored? If oil companies are annoyed at our communal efforts to get better fuel milage, will those posts become taboo?



This issue is another small example of the vocal minority controlling the silent majority. We've witnessed a small victory of those that strive to shorten the list of topics about which we can enjoy candid and open discussion.



Stick it to the MAN whenever you can.

 

[scotmartin]

You make a very good point. I personally have to drive to the next town to find a "Dealer", my place of residence has several dealerships that I would personnaly call "stealers".



The beauty of this web site, is the open discussions. If we suppress people's opinions, then we all lose an important part of the value of this site.



Scot

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

"Let he who is PERFECT cast the first stone... "



All you "perfect" folks stand up... .



HMmmmmm - don't see many...



Dealers and their reps are subject to the same human failings the REST of us are - some flawed by genetics - some by dedicated effort - JUST like the rest of us! If YOUR neighbor is revealed to be a child molestor or thief, would YOU mind if *I* called YOU one as well - after all, he DOES live in your neighborhood - guilt by association...



SOME of the members here are in one way or another associated with dealerships, or vendors who support this website - how do you think THEY feel when they are lumped in with those others in abusive and demeaning terms?



Personal abuse and insult are the sort of thing MOST of us SHOULD have outgrown and left in the school yard... Common courtesy and respect are the marks of maturity and adulthood...

 

[illflem]

Boy Gary, you're slipping. Must say that I agree 100% with you.

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

Dang it, THAT'S IT!



I'm gonna quit posting!

 

[sdalton]

Stealer Stealer Stealer Stealer.

 

[Cummins4Life]

Originally posted by sdalton

Stealer Stealer Stealer Stealer.

:-laf :-laf

 

[Peter Campbell]

IMHO If you use "stealer" for a bad experience at a dealer- Ok sounds right. No one wants to get charged top dollar for poor workmanship. But the "dealer" that does it right- guys who went to the schools, who fix it, and who are the undisputed experts. Should not be tarnished with the stealer label. Both those business unfortunately can have a dodge sign in front! When one is good, and has good techs- let people know, When a service department is poor- repeat work-unable to fix etc. also let people know. They are not "stealers" when you are in and out problem fixed for top dollar. Paying top dollar for less is not FUN.

 

[fkovalski]

Hey- "If the shoe fits... ' Maybe it's hittin' too close to home for those whom it offends.

 

[Sled Puller]

Originally posted by reduaram



This issue is another small example of the vocal minority controlling the silent majority. We've witnessed a small victory of those that strive to shorten the list of topics about which we can enjoy candid and open discussion.

My feeling always was, if you get 200 complaints out of 10,000 users, that means you are pleasing 9,800 users.



That is a good thing.

 

[klenger]

Is this anything like "what do you call a medical student who graduated last in his class?" ... . "doctor".

 

[msimmons]

Quite frankly, I have been "put-off" by the incessant use of the term "stealer" in this forum. While there are most certainly crooks in the business (but then, name me a business who doesn't have 'em!), there are honest hard-working folks who aren't and do not deserve to be painted with the broad brush that seems to be frequently wielded in this forum.



I am a long time service manager for Chryco who has just recently purchased my first Cummins powered pickup. I have been very active on the alt. autos. dodge. trucks newsgroup for many years and have tried to help folks whenever I could.



Upon becoming a member of the TDR, I looked forward to the same cameradie and friendship that I enjoy in the a. a. d. t. newsgroup but after posting a couple times and mainly lurking, I'm not so sure that I wish to renew my membership in TDR nor continue to particpate in this forum if I am so vehemently despised by the group due to my place of employment.



As I once posted to the a. a. d. t. newsgroup in response to an individual who also held dealership personnel is "high regard"... .



I am an elder in my church

I am the Scoutmaster of our community's Boy Scout Troop

I am a member of the local American Legion

I served honorably in the United States Marine Corps

I am active in the American Red Cross Blood drives

I have a wife and two sons

I have a mortgage

I have a boss to whom I have to account to for my decisions

I have 20+ employees under my supervision

I am accountable for a multi-million dollar service operation

I am active in politics on our local level

I am a registered and active voter

I have served on jury duty

I was an auxillary police officer in my community for five years



Am I really different from you? Am I really a "stealer"?



Mike

 

[Sled Puller]

Well, Mike, you have had a chance to read some of the nightmares with service managers on here, have you ever had problems like those?



Instead of leaving, you have a chance here, to try to give the business you are in a better name.



I for one, would go to a shop that had a TDR member as a service manager.

We could have a new label, "Non Stealer, TDR thumbs up. "



I would like to see plaques presented for good service, to the diesel crowd, maybe"DIESEL APPROVED, by the people that count" not that Chrysler 5 star trash, that means worse than nothing.

 

[HOCummins04]

I am a fairly new member to the TDR. Like Mike Simmons, I have lurked a good bit in the forums, and even more in a. a. d. t before becoming aware of TDR. Unlike Mike, I am trying to educate myself about the proper care and maintenance of my truck. It is my first diesel, though not my first RAM. I read a lot, and have asked a few questions to folks directly. Mike is one of the ones who has helped me out. I affirm Mike's regular and consistent help in a. a. d. t, and believe we need folks like him as members here.



I have had a recurring problem with the steering in my truck. I have been frustrated by my local dealer's struggles to resolve the problem. I have emailed Mike personally and he helped me out.



Someone once said trouble always starts as fun - usually at someone else's expense. All of us are free to decide where we will spend our money. If your local dealer does not take care of you, you have a choice: Find one that does or get used to what you get there. You can cuss, rant and rave all you want, but that will not change anything about the dealership most of the time.



Every type of business has those like Mike that go above and beyond all the time, and those that should not be in business.



I have never met Mike, but by watching the posts that individuals make, you can get a sense of their character. I have no doubt that there are others like Mike that I just don't know about yet. A post I read recently talked about how great it was that the members here could have spirited exchanges about issues and still in the end be there to help each other. If you don't agree with me, that is fine. We don't have to be disagreeable about the way we disagree. That requires character and integrity, and a minimum standard of respect for each other. THAT IS THE HEART OF THE ISSUE, not censorship.

 

[RaymondSchultz]

I also agree with msimmons and hocummins01 on the use of the word "stealer's", they are all DC dealers good or bad and word of mouth will catch up with them on either side. Love the TDR forum, lots of good information.

 

[StinkyCheeze]

Pricing on "MOPAR Fluids" may qualify as a STEALER

I'm an inexperienced owner of this fine vehicle. My natural tendency is to use company stuff in the vehicle since "the company knows best" is the safest route in my view. Warantee preservation fears were an issue also.



I bought all the lubricants that DC specs to change 6 speed trans, HD transfer case, front 60 and rear 80 differentials.

The price was $226. 63 (discounted, I was told)

I felt too inexperienced to shop these fluids on the outside market so I was inclined to go to the experts.



WHAT DO YOU THINK?

 

[Chipstien]

Re: Pricing on "MOPAR Fluids" may qualify as a STEALER

Originally posted by wmachle

I'm an inexperienced owner of this fine vehicle. My natural tendency is to use company stuff in the vehicle since "the company knows best" is the safest route in my view. Warantee preservation fears were an issue also.



I bought all the lubricants that DC specs to change 6 speed trans, HD transfer case, front 60 and rear 80 differentials.

The price was $226. 63 (discounted, I was told)

I felt too inexperienced to shop these fluids on the outside market so I was inclined to go to the experts.



WHAT DO YOU THINK?

In short... . you got robbed. Could've gotten synthetics for less than that.

 

[Jeff H]

Meaning of dealer.

Dealer: to engage in bargaining.

Does dealer do this when he fixes or sells parts?(yea right)

So why do they call it dealer?

I think the proper term

Seller:a product offered for sale. At any cost.

mopar=mo$$

Its a free market. check around. I only blame my self for handing over the cash. WHY? Cause thats life.

Remember if you can afford it. You can afford to fix it.

 

[carson6]

my 1100$ vac pump

now that was a stealer~!!!

 

[ToolManTimTaylor]

Kewl so now we don't generalize anymore ..... Use their DIRECT names and contact info #ad






Gary, What's up with this "Sensible" streak? I agree with Bill