Just wanted to mention that in some cases, I do not believe this site's guidelines are being followed and in particular with regard to the lack of respect given to others views and more specifically the number of personal attacks. One glaring example is a post by "Almighty" in the dealer rating system regarding Assael Motors in California, wherein he states that any one paying over MSRP is a fool. Well I paid over MSRP for very sound economic reasons. I had the opportunity to either sell a car immediately or wait to lease end, seven months away. The relative costs of insurance, payments, etc. of my old car vs. the Mini over that seven months would have been about 3kmore for the old car. By acting immediately to sell the old car and buy the MInI, although paying over MSRP for the Mini by about 2k, I actually saved money overall. One dealer had the exact car I wanted, on the floor ready to go. I think this was an intelligent decision but, in any event, there is no place for Mr. Almighty labeling others as Fools. This is the type of personal attack and needless comment that has NOOOOO place on this site and does not serve any purpose. :evil:

 

I agree with you 100 and 10%. You have to remember one thing, people like that have more time on there hands with little or nothing better to do then go around and stur up the pot. any way, you have your MINI, your happy with it, and thats all that counts here.


Happy motering.

 

As far as I am concerned, I have my MINI. I was willing to pay to get it early and without waiting on a waiting list (man I love that about the dealership I got mine at). MINI and the dealerships are not here to give away the cars, they are here to make money. If that means paying a 2k premium and you can afford it than thats exactly what I did. I have the car I want. Nothing more nothing less.

I hope people are not paying more than than they can afford, but if you can afford to pay for more than why not get it? I could have bought the 5 series BMW that I have been drooling over for years but this is a MINI. This is worth every penny I paid. How many can say they have a 2002 MINI Cooper S? There will only be the limited number of 2002's ever! Sorry 2003's.

 

:smile:

I, too, totally agree with RJSquirrel. This forum is a great place to share our enthusiasm, experiences, hopes, dreams, nightmares, technical info, etc., with others of like minds. Instead of flaming people, if you don't agree with them, IGNORE them, or debate them in a polite and respectful manner. Name-calling is so uncivilized and the MINI and the cheerful aura it exudes, calls for a return to civilized motoring! :smile:

I hope everyone will re-visit the MINIUSA site to remind them of what a fun and quirky little car we've all fallen in love with is all about!

Cheers & Happy Motoring!
Clover

 

a

 

Ya, i'm starting to miss the 'old days' of minicooperonline... (way back, oh, 2 months ago)...

Rocketboy_X

 

Everyone,

Thanks for your responses to the site guidelines issue. I wanted to take a minute and provide a little clarification on this issue from my point of view.

Sfiveten and I review almost everything that is posted to the forums, articles, and dealer reviews. Fortunately, we have members that like to debate issues, viewpoints, and opinions while being respectful of others. I think that in the history of the site I've only had to remove one dealer review (because it wasn't a review) and make a couple of edits to posts to remove/reduce the amount of profanity used. Given this, we encourage criticism of dealers, opinions, etc. only when it is done respectfully and in a constructive manner...after all we all want to give constructive feedback to MINI so that the cars can continue to improve, aftermarket parts vendors so they can develop the parts we are asking for, etc.

Given the original thread, my take on the review is that Almighty wasn't singling anyone out here on the site. I think everyone's motivation behind owning a MINI, the amount they are willing to pay for it, and where they go to buy is different for every person. At the end of the day we'll all have our MINIs and be smiling all the way :smile:

If, in the future, you see something that you think is questionable drop us an email at feedback@northamericanmotoring.com and let us know what you think and how best to address the issue. In the meantime keep up the discussion! Everyone's efforts are making this a great site!

Best regards,

Mark

 

Hi everyone.
As Mark mentioned above.... We are working very hard to monitor all posts and comments. As the site has grown this task has become increasingly harder. Because of this.... we want your help. If you see anything out of line or questionable please make us aware of the issue. We will do our best to resolve any problems as soon as possible.
Also.... One thing that I have taken great pride in seeing on our site vs. others. Our members command the forums! We have never really had a problem with "trolls" etc. Yes, there is an occasional comment here and there.... but our members seem to always have a "Classy" response whenever needed. I think this level of maturity has been one aspect that we all have enjoyed.

Re: Thread topic.
As Mark mentioned, Almighty voiced his/her opinion.... this doesn't mean it's right or wrong. Just an opinion. They didn't really single anyone out.
The ultimate goal is that you're happy with your deal and your MINI. If you are..... No sweat! Your already a Happy Motorer!
Happy Motoring.
SW

 

To Sfiveten and MFerguson: Hey guys, thanks for your response to my original post on this. I really can't say I agree with you but, this is not the biggest deal in the world. I suppose it goes more to what one other member said about missing the "old days". A few months ago the spirit, tone and apparent purpose of this site was different. It has evolved in to very much a chat room and subjects have become contests of my deal was better thant yours, my "S" is better than your Cooper, etc. and I don't think the evolution of the site has been for the better. Of course the first amendment is for the better and if this individual needs to extoll his superiority on this site that he got a better deal than others and that those not acting as he did are fools, I suppose I have the right to voice my displeasure in such needless comments, especially when he has no idea of my circumstances or those of others who paid over sticker. Frankly there is much more I'd like to say to this gentleman but did not feel it appropriate. While his post I referred to does not single any one person out, the statement that any one paying over MSRP is a fool, is needless, ill informed and nothing less than insulting and arrogant. It is a personal comment, even if no one is identified by name and perhaps if there is any significance, it misleads a new site member, potential buyer, etc. as to current market conditions and pricing. Should we next have posts that if your car is green you're an idiot, if your don't have the sport package you're a moron. This is exactly what he posted. In any event, it's your site and if you think his comments are ok then so be it. I think his comment is contrary to your own site guidlines and the comment clearly cheapens the value of this site and if that is the direction you are allowing this to go, it certainly serves no purpose for me in trying to gain valuable info on the car, improvements, recalls, etc.. The comment was absolutely a personal one, a personal insult and I don't appreciate it. Enough said. thanks for your indulgence.

 

RJSquirrel,

I've been thinking about your response all day long. I'm sorry to hear that you feel that the site has degraded over the last couple of months. My opinion is quite the opposite...I see more information being contributed, more debate, and more dialog than ever before. That said, we want to see the site continue to grow and improve so we need your feedback on how to deal with issues like the one you brought to our attention. We pride ourselves on keeping an open mind and listening to everyone's input. I encourage you and all members to send us your thoughts on how best to keep the dialog positive, how to deal with offenders, and what else we can do to improve the site.

We look forward to your feedback!

Mark

 

Being one of the first people to register and start using this web site, I find the direction of it very good.

While direct personal attacks and profanity aren't needed here... I do VERY MUCH enjoy reading different opinions. Whether it has to do with buying at MSRP or if painting your MINI pink is a good idea. I absolutely DON'T want to go to a web site that is all a bunch of people being fake and agreeing with everyone else. I find I learn the most about a topic when I read about conflicting viewpoints and opinions. I've NEVER been a "yes" man or "normal" ... and I prefer to read the views of others that often differ from mine and whatnot.

So basically I like the direction of this web site and the views expressed herein. I encourage different viewpoints, opinions, and experiences. Keep it up.

 

Dear Mark: Let me begin by saying that overall, I love the site and the VAST majority of info, topics, "debates" are simply great. If I can just revist this specific instance, let me say the following: First, the statement under dealer ratings that any one paying over MSRP is a fool, is, by its very essence, NOT a dealer evaluation/rating. It does not speak to nor evaluate the dealer. It does nothing less than personally attack those who paid 'over sticker' and there are many situations, circumstances, etc. where that is the intelligent choice, if not the only choice available to some people. But, it is not constructive dialogue, it is not a worthwhile expression of opinion in my view. It is just a personal insult, nothing more and nothing less. I'm not asking that any one be censored. If that gentleman wants to call me a fool, what is then served by my expressing my opinion of him and back and forth but, I think there is/was value in expressing my displeasure in that post. I believe this site is NOT to express our opinions of each other but of the car, the dealers, the distributor, mfg. etc. all directed to sharing info and expressing views on matters related to the car, etc. For example I've indicated on one topic my belief that 18" wheels and tires are unsafe, uncomfortable and inappropriate on this car and that many dealers add them on so as to up the price on the car. It's an expression of my opinion given with good intentions to give others something to consider and evaluate. Should I have just said that any one buying 18" wheels is a fool? What value is there in that to this site or to any one participating? I could go on with other examples but it's not necessary. Again, I did not mean to be critical with such a broad brush, as over all this is a GREAT site and you do a wonderful job and provide a valuable service. Besides, how could you edit everything coming in to the site? The post in question just really pissed me off. I think it was uncalled for, it did not rate the dealer, it was absolutely personal and insulting ,as it serves no other purpose, and personal comments of that type cheapen this site and take it in the wrong direction, in my view. I don't know if there is anything for you to do. As others have basically said, the type of comment we're discussing should have just been ignored by me from the get go. I just found it soooooo offensive, especially given the positive tone of most everything else I see here, that I felt compelled to comment. One last thing, from other posts, I think the concept of MSRP is not fully understood and has stirred up a great deal of negative views on this car/project and I think the post in question further added to that in a less than constructive way by simply attacking us fellow consumers. Hey, I didn't set the MSRP which is a BS concept anyway. Heck, Ferrari is just coming out with a new model (the Enzo)and every single car to be made has been presold @ $600,000 and are already reselling at $1million (before delivery).What fools

 

RJSquirrel,

Thanks for bearing with me. Its definitely a difficult line to know when to police/not police posts. I agree with your points and can see why you were offended. Going forward, I ask everyone to be vigilant on the posts (and all content on the site) to insure they meet guidelines and bring those items, that don't, to our attention. Over time staying within the guidelines will become second nature for everyone...and those that venture outside will be quickly corrected. Let's keep working together to make this the best site possible.

Thanks again for your patience.

Mark

 

Mark, thanks again for your time, your responses and attention to this. I suppose this would not have all bothered me quite so much except that I really enjoy this site, all the info, comments and real commraderie that is typically present. Your concern for people's views and for maintaining quality, good relations, etc. is certainly evident and I'll continue to utilize and support the site all the more, knowing that to be the case. Thanks again

 

:smile:

I really enjoy the MCO forum. It's informative, well-laid out, has great topics of discussion (on & off topic), and for the most part, has a very upbeat and friendly spirit.

I think the thing that so offended RJSquirrel...from my point of view, anyway...is that when posters resort to name-calling, that is totally unacceptable. And I agree. If it is possible to screen out the name-calling, that would be ideal. However, I know that with the growth of this site, that is pretty near impossible.

I think we should email the moderators whenever we are offended by flaming or name-calling. If we want to keep the good vibes going, it's really up to us!

Cheers!
Clover

 

:smile:
Motor On!!