ALL READ - Zero Tolerance Policy - Any more blatant rule breaking = BAN !!

[ernysmuntz]

was very bored and typed a load of rubbish (don't worry wasn't cheeky)

 

[Yewen]

ernysmuntz you can voice an opinion on anything to do with the forums.

Just email a moderator if its relating to the forums, or email the shop if it is shop related.

Feel free to email me if you wish to discuss things further, we are not unreasonable its just publically advertising competitors that is the issue.

Not major sensorship really, its all just about OcUK here which is perfectly understandable.

 

[locutus12]

I had a similar experience with a bloke called Andy at OCUK, he was difficult on the phone, arguing over my decision to return an unopened unwanted motherboard wwell within the 7 day grace period. Definately don't expect to be talked to like that when dealing with ANY company, it's downright rude and unprofessional. .

EDIT - Not slagging OCUK off at all, that was just my experience.

i think most of us have had a similar experience at some point or another...

between having a GTO2 arrive in an undersized jiffy bag with the receipt scrunched into a ball, to the more recent episode of waiting 7 weeks for an RMA only to have it sorted when i caught a person lying to me down the phone claiming there was no one available in the RMA department and that it was in a seperate building... connect 3D were kind enough to give me a direct line to the supposed different building with no one in it i was quite suprised when i got through to the same people, so were they.

basically the guy just didnt want to tell me that my RMA`d card had sat in OCUK for 6 weeks before it was finally posted off to be repaired which having worked in customer services myself was understandable given i went off like a small nuke. Although the main thing should be noted that in the end a replacement was sent, but im sure it would have dragged on for another couple of months had i not of started making phone calls to OCUK, connect 3D and a few other places to try to locate my card.

This asside i still shop at OCUK as when it comes to graphics cards most of the time they are equally priced if not cheaper and for me its a case of better the devil you know. On this basis i try not to break the forum rules, besides which if you wish to inform someone of a cheaper place to buy a product there is no need to break a forum rule and post about it, e-mail is just as effective.

but given the usual difference is probably only a couple of pounds between OCUK and said competitor... i apply the former "better the devil you know" aproach. True its not exactly a ringing endorsement but this is how i feel now when i shop with OCUK.

if they had good customer / RMA service all the time and had treated my purchased items with a little more respect then i would have a little bit more of an optimistically loyal view towards OCUK regardless of whether they were cheaper or not.

p.s. i would not of known about OCUK without these forums, proof that they generate money.

 

[Massive Attack]

i think most of us have had a similar experience at some point or another...

between having a GTO2 arrive in an undersized jiffy bag with the receipt scrunched into a ball, to the more recent episode of waiting 7 weeks for an RMA only to have it sorted when i caught a person lying to me down the phone claiming there was no one available in the RMA department and that it was in a seperate building... connect 3D were kind enough to give me a direct line to the supposed different building with no one in it i was quite suprised when i got through to the same people, so were they.

basically the guy just didnt want to tell me that my RMA`d card had sat in OCUK for 6 weeks before it was finally posted off to be repaired which having worked in customer services myself was understandable given i went off like a small nuke. Although the main thing should be noted that in the end a replacement was sent, but im sure it would have dragged on for another couple of months had i not of started making phone calls to OCUK, connect 3D and a few other places to try to locate my card.

This asside i still shop at OCUK as when it comes to graphics cards most of the time they are equally priced if not cheaper and for me its a case of better the devil you know. On this basis i try not to break the forum rules, besides which if you wish to inform someone of a cheaper place to buy a product there is no need to break a forum rule and post about it, e-mail is just as effective.

but given the usual difference is probably only a couple of pounds between OCUK and said competitor... i apply the former "better the devil you know" aproach. True its not exactly a ringing endorsement but this is how i feel now when i shop with OCUK.

if they had good customer / RMA service all the time and had treated my purchased items with a little more respect then i would have a little bit more of an optimistically loyal view towards OCUK regardless of whether they were cheaper or not.

p.s. i would not of known about OCUK without these forums, proof that they generate money.

i feel the same way m8, the same thing has happed to me before

 

[WJA96]

At the risk of getting banned I don't have a problem with what's said - but I do have a problem with how it's said.

I am an adult. I consider myself to be reasonable and polite. I generally don't swear and have only one real hobby - I like to build and tweak computers.

As an informed hobbyist, I like to know about what is coming. If it's already here it's not exciting anymore because I probably already have it. If OcUK don't stock it, then I have to buy it elsewhere.

OcUK use these forums to build up interest in upcoming products (like the Conroe hysteria throughout the summer). Those of us who buy and use a lot of this cutting edge stuff pay well for the priviledge and we then use the experience we've gained to 'steer' potential purchasers who ask all those irritating 'Which motherboard for Conroe' questions.

Now, the nub of this issue is that if;

1. I want the newest stuff as soon as possible
2. OcUK haven't got it
3. Someone else does
4. I'm going to buy it there instead

I honestly have lost count of the number of posts I've made that say things like 'but not from OcUK' or 'OcUK don't stock it'. I've had plenty of e-mail exchanges with dons and underbosses about where to source a particular item of kit that is available in the UK, but not from OcUK.

Bottom line is: Get the new stuff in first. If you're the only game in town price isn't an issue. People like me will pay full retail for new stuff delivered on the day of release. Once the competitors have that product, monitor their prices and adjust yours to stay competitive. In that way no-one will ever need to post a competitor's name or mention that a small financial benefit can be had by shopping elsewhere.

I've got my coat on.

 

[Mekrel]

Whats that got to do with anything?

What you are saying is fine, there are times where you have to buy elsewhere as OcUK do not stock everything, saying you got it from elsewhere and not actually naming where is also fine.

No one is telling you to soley buy from OcUK.

If the people that have a problem with this rule, why are you arguing the toss? They are the rules you agreed to when signing up an account.

 

[WJA96]

I don't have a problem with what's said - but I do have a problem with how it's said.

 

[devilkazuya]

i gather this ruling does not include mentioning items that OCUK does not stock, like talking about places that sell grado headphones for example

 

[Minstadave]

i gather this ruling does not include mentioning items that OCUK does not stock, like talking about places that sell grado headphones for example

Thats fine, aslong as they don't sell other things that OcUK do.

 

[ernysmuntz]

ernysmuntz you can voice an opinion on anything to do with the forums.

Just email a moderator if its relating to the forums, or email the shop if it is shop related.

Feel free to email me if you wish to discuss things further, we are not unreasonable its just publically advertising competitors that is the issue.

Not major sensorship really, its all just about OcUK here which is perfectly understandable.

Cheers,

(have to agree with the "fone monekys" bit....

lol...I've also had the frustrating experience of talking to Matt and Andy....

Strangely enough it was about returning a motherboard, it got sent back to me because I'd used it with a Vapochill, (I even spoke to DFI tech, maker of the mobo, and they said that it was upto the shop but they couldn't see a problem as DFI would definately support the RMA) the thing is....hehe the damn thing wasn't even broken, it was my RAM....so there we go...

I find OCUK very picky about that sort of thing, again understandably they aren't as big as the massive faceless places, but being faceless seems to almost be a plus these days.

I have had good experiences too as I mentioned earlier, just saying though that there seems to be an air of superiority to the competition and thats not always quite how it pans out.

 

[fish99]

Thats fine, aslong as they don't sell other things that OcUK do.

Actually I would say it wouldn't be fine because OcUK also sell headphones. If someone posts asking for headphone recommendations and you posted 'you can get grado sr80 for £xx at xxxx shop' then that's against the rules. Also the shop in question could well sell some of the same headphones OcUK do, since OcUK do sell Sennheisers.

 

[Yewen]

Actually I would say it wouldn't be fine because OcUK also sell headphones. If someone posts asking for headphone recommendations and you posted 'you can get grado sr80 for £xx at xxxx shop' then that's against the rules. Also the shop in question could well sell some of the same headphones OcUK do, since OcUK do sell Sennheisers.

You would have to take every case on its own.

If they were buying £1000 studio headphones, and that is all the shop sells then it would most likely be ok. General headphones and MP3 players would be in competition with OcUK.

WJA96 I can see nothing wrong with what you have posted. Although I am not in agreement.

Today I have edited out probably a good two weeks worth of competitors for my usual load since I have been a Don. The people this is targeting are the posters who make the competitor links day in day out several times.

For the majority of people this zero tolerance thread will make absolutely no difference to how they browse the forums.

People will always shop at several stores, OcUK do not have a monopoly but on their forums people have been taking the biscuit slightly with the amount of promotion they have been giving competitors. Some with links to shops they have an interest in aswell.

There has been an increase in the rule breaking, this is just an attempt to combat those actually breaking the rules.

 

[mikeymike]

ok im not trying to be sarcastic or anything so please dont take this that im taking the mic or anything, ive just read the rules and have to say ive never read them properly before, do they mean i cant say something like "i bought an opteron for £33 off YES AS IT IS PC GEAR IT IS A COMPETITOR?" as i am talking about an auction website, but not in any way that could affect ocuk really? if this has been gone over in this thread already, apologies, i am too lazy to read through all of it after the first 2 pages :]

 

[matt100]

my word what a depressing thread

I think I could sum up by suggesting rather than posting snotty and frankly rather rude threads with a bunch of threats in them, why not actually ACT on the threat and suspend twice then ban anyone who breaks the rule.

Its not as if ocuk are short of members so you could stand to lose a few and tbh I'm sure after the second warning letting the user know the next time would result in an IP ban you'd get compliance.

All this thread serves to do is make ocuk look slightly more petty than usual, the idiots will still post competitors, I guarantee it, in fact give me decent odds and I'll put money on it.. otherwise why would you have to have so many underbosses and dons to police the (welcome) swearing and sig size rules when that also is in your FAQ..

Morons don't read..

tbh this thread smacks of a middle management sign saying something along the lines of "please leave these facilities how you would like to find them" etc... irritating when you read it and instantly forgetable.

 

[Mekrel]

my word what a depressing thread

I think I could sum up by suggesting rather than posting snotty and frankly rather rude threads with a bunch of threats in them, why not actually ACT on the threat and suspend twice then ban anyone who breaks the rule.

Its not as if ocuk are short of members so you could stand to lose a few and tbh I'm sure after the second warning letting the user know the next time would result in an IP ban you'd get compliance.

All this thread serves to do is make ocuk look slightly more petty than usual, the idiots will still post competitors, I guarantee it, in fact give me decent odds and I'll put money on it.. otherwise why would you have to have so many underbosses and dons to police the (welcome) swearing and sig size rules when that also is in your FAQ..

Morons don't read..

tbh this thread smacks of a middle management sign saying something along the lines of "please leave these facilities how you would like to find them" etc... irritating when you read it and instantly forgetable.

Your forgetting though that this has been brought up in the past many atime, last person to do so was Marshy and still even after so many warnings etc, it is still broken to this day. Why do they have to keep giving out more warnings to be ignored?

All you have to worry about is yourself, I couldn't give a flying **** if some moron doesn't read the rules or breaks them when knowing better. Aslong as I'm safe.

As for "It's the attitude that I don't like, not the rule" kodswallop, simply - they pay for the forums, their rules, their attitude. If people didn't like it as much as they say, then why are they not leaving the forums? Grow some round things between your legs instead of posting about not liking it. (Not directed to you Matt100 by the way, just the generic few who seem to have so much of a problem).

 

[matt100]

I know what you're saying but my point is the FAQ exist, I've been around here long enough to see plenty of people being told not to mention competitors, clearly I understand the rule myself but I'd bet the majority of rule breakers are new members.

They won't read the FAQ, they won't read this thread, they won't obey the rules and frankly they probably won't be that bothered if they get in bother.

I've served my time in environments where you're tempted to make little signs saying "don't eat this its mine" or "please fill the printer if you empty it" and other narky little things like that and I think this smacks of a similar attitude.

To be honest if ocuk can't handle the rule breaking with their admins and have to resort to pointless threads like this (and look at the people posting replies, on the whole we're all long term members who know full well what the rules are (except cyber-mav lol)) then perhaps its time to question the whole forum. I frequently empty my pockets in the direction of lots of online IT retailers (am I allowed to ackowledge there are others?) most of which don't have forums and don't employ fridge style "this is my butter" post it note posts to try and defend what I thought was a pretty healthy business.

 

[2bullish]

Frankly I do not see what the problem is. Like other posters have written, if an online retailer has a product that OcUK has then so be it, if it is cheaper match it. End of.

The whole rules are rules thing is a little immature imo. This is a thriving business and the forum generates sales through a community spirit. Market forces will always allow the user to make a choice irrespective of rules, so why bother, encourage the community and the buyer will pay a little more out of loyalty at the end of the day no matter who says rules are rules, not because of them.

A case in point. I buy nearly all my product from OcUK and so does my company Fastro. I buy it because I am happy with the price and the service. I count myself a net savvy shopper and know that with certain products I can get it cheaper, however, in the grand scheme of things I am happy to have a one stop shop because I save on shipping. As I am happy with OcUK, I shop here.

Ergo. Keep shoppers happy, at the right price, they will buy.

Not because of Draconian rules enforced by rather immature enforces who by their very nature are not qualified to know what is good or bad for an etailer except as a guideline from the shop. (no offence)

Shop = has good prices and good service = does not have to worry about forum, commonsense aside, that abusing one's host is a no no.

I am a happy shopper not because of silly forum rules, I am a happy shopper because of OcUK's ability to give me a good price with the service I expect. I would shop here with or without the forum if it continued to give me the best price, which at the moment, it does.

 

[easyrider]

Its easy,


Dont mention competiton in the market.

Talk about hardware.


Thats it.

We all know how to use google....

Do we need to discuss it on the forums?

No.


COME ON!

 

[welshtom]

We all know how to use google....

you know thats not true .

half of the questions on this forum could be solved with an "i'm feeling lucky" click

 

[Richdog]

Your forgetting though that this has been brought up in the past many atime, last person to do so was Marshy and still even after so many warnings etc, it is still broken to this day. Why do they have to keep giving out more warnings to be ignored?

All you have to worry about is yourself, I couldn't give a flying **** if some moron doesn't read the rules or breaks them when knowing better. Aslong as I'm safe.

As for "It's the attitude that I don't like, not the rule" kodswallop, simply - they pay for the forums, their rules, their attitude. If people didn't like it as much as they say, then why are they not leaving the forums? Grow some round things between your legs instead of posting about not liking it. (Not directed to you Matt100 by the way, just the generic few who seem to have so much of a problem).

Keep going and you WILL be an underboss some day!

Listen mate, what is it to you if people have posted in this thread saying, not rudely I might add, that they have a problem with some of the things around here. All you're doing to be frank is making a bit of a prat of yourself arguing like a broken record against people simply stating their opinon in a reasonable way. Just let it go and stop trying to play the big man by spouting non-sensical, pseudo-macho lines like: "Grow some round things between your legs instead of posting about not liking it" (though I have no idea how posting an opinion on a board that frown upon it constituses a lack of balls, quite the opposite in fact). No-one's impressed.

The mods here are very very strict, but i'm sure they're not complete nazis. If they have a problem with what's been said then let them post and say so, they don't need you to act the busy-body i'm sure they're quite capable of fighting their own battles (indeed we know they are).