Back to the original point of #1, is that the Fauna good guy certification program is not neutral and never will be and therefore is not on the level as a BBB to me. Its your board, Rich. You're obviously doing with it what you see fit, but don't pretend to be on the same level as an organization that strives for neutrality when you and your moderators clearly do not.
Whit, I don't want to burst your bubble here, but do you know what is required to join your local BBB?
"To be a member of the Better Business Bureau, Inc., an applicant must, at a minimum:
Be in business in the Bureau’s service area for not less than six months for the purpose of Bureau membership, or not less than twelve months for the purpose of the Membership Identification Program (MIP), or such longer period of time as necessary to evaluate an applicant’s record, unless:
a. the principals previously operated a firm with a satisfactory record in this or another Bureau’s service area; or
b. the firm is a branch of an existing member or company that has met these standards; or
c. the company has signed a Pledge to Arbitrate agreement and/or an ADR Precommitment program agreement with the Bureau and is not engaged in a type of business that historically generates unresolved complaints or patterns of complaints.
MIP program participants must meet the criteria set forth in either (a) or (b) above to waive the twelve month in business requirement."
So you have to be in business for a year, or prove that you've been in business before.
"Complete and sign a membership application and pay appropriate dues and fees as set by the Better Business Bureau Board of Directors."
You have to pay a fee.
"Supply background information about the company, its principals and other information deemed essential to the Bureau's responsibility to provide inquirers with factual reports on the reliability of the business."
You have to prove that you are who you say you are.
"Fulfill all license and bond requirements of city, county, state and federal agencies and authorities; provide license numbers upon application for BBB membership; and provide periodic updates as requested by the Bureau."
You have to operate legally.
"Promptly respond to all complaints forwarded by the Bureau and make good faith efforts to resolve such complaints in accordance with generally accepted good business practices. MIP members must agree to binding arbitration under BBB Rules of Arbitration for all unresolved complaints; if the consumer also agrees, or pre-commit to a dispute settlement process through a provider other than the Bureau, which the Bureau determines substantially complies with BBB consumer dispute resolution criteria.
Comply in a timely manner with any decisions rendered through the Bureau arbitration programs.
Be free from an unsatisfactory report at the BBB in whose service area the company is headquartered.
Cooperate with the Bureau's efforts to eliminate the underlying causes of patterns of customer complaints that the Bureau calls to the company's attention.
Cooperate with the Bureau's activities and efforts to promote voluntary self-regulation within the company's industry.
Adhere to established Better Business Bureau standards of advertising and selling, including the Code of Online Business Practices for online businesses that apply for the BBBOnLine Reliability logo, and cooperate with the Bureau in matters relating thereto.
Be free from any governmental action concerning the marketplace and its customers that demonstrates a significant failure of the company to support the principles and purposes of the Better Business Bureau. Bureau staff must suspend a membership when an action is filed if the allegations suggest such a failure."
When you do something bad, you have to listen to us when we tell you how to fix it.
"Refrain from using the name or logo of the Better Business Bureau for commercial, sales or advertising purposes in any manner not specifically authorized in writing by the Better Business Bureau.
Support the principles and purposes of the Better Business Bureau and not engage in any activity that reflects unfavorably on the Bureau and its members."
Don't make us look bad, or drag us into your garbage.
You're correct, the GGC is NOT the BBB. However, it's still a paper tiger with no legal power or method of enforcement, except to kick someone out and maintain a record of all complaints lodged against a company. If you think it's an impartial organization, research further...politics galore, depending upon what branch you're talking about.
I understand your points with the GGC. I agree with some, not with others. I just wanted to point out that in reality, an organization that you hold in much higher esteem isn't really operating all that differently. It's all a matter of PERCEPTION and REPUTATION.
3. I voted that way because I am frustrated with "the system" in place here. The whole interlocking freaking system. I am frustrated with the moderation style, the politics and petty skirmishes, the stigma of being an active TRR member here, the pay to play aspect of practically all perks, including signature, etc etc etc. Its an emotional reason, which is why its last, but its valid nonetheless.
Again, I understand what you're saying, and I respect your opinion. I think the moderation style has definitely come under fire, and many people share your opinion. Politics and petty skirmishes exist on virtually every site. Being an active TRR member is only a stigma because of the TRR members that have espoused such vile hatred for FC and/or Rich, and no one likes it when someone visits your house just to poop on your floor, you know? I realize not every TRR member is in that group, but it's guilt by association. The pay to play argument has been beaten to death, but it is the way it is. If it's worth the perks, pay... if it's not, don't. The absolute worst part of the membership fee implementation is that so many people took it to mean that their value to the site was lost unless they coughed up $10...that IS emotional, and that IS personal, and many people feel that way. It's ok.
With all that said, I have to add that I'm not really agreeing or disagreeing with you, just pointing out my observations and acknowledging that your feelings and perceptions are far from out of the ordinary.
I've detached quite a bit from the frazzle, here and at other sites, because it's not worth it. I put in my opinion when I feel like it, but I have no delusions of holding any sort of importance to the success of this site or any other...or the herp hobby as a whole. I think the events of the last few months have turned me into a mere observer, and that's probably not a bad thing.
