Harlow

As always, this blog is meant to be helpful and is based on my personal experiences & opinions. I do not represent the board, or speak on the communities behalf.

In this entry, I'll be addressing the question of 'Alerts'. There are plenty of pros & cons to writing an alert. The obvious concern to the hobbyist contemplating writing an alert is retribution. Especially if they are a 'newer hobbyist' VS an 'established provider'. The provider will most definitely be on the defensive and do their best to discredit the Alert. As well as the 'White Knight' hobbyist who might pelt you with negative rep (Red Bars) to defend their favorite provider.

In MY opinion, what makes this site & community so Special, is that when utilized correctly, there are checks & balances. We depend on each others transparency to make educated decisions. Both about who we choose to see, and who we want to avoid.

Alerts are meant to serve as a 'Warning Flag' and should Only be written in the instances of physical harm to ones person & or property, robs, threats, or possibly extortion. Anything else; ie. a disappointing visit, lackluster performance, dirty accommodations, and poor communication should be posted in the form of a review. You can leave 1 star & explain in the body of the message all the things that caused you to feel it was a negative experience.

So back to alerts....

Ask yourself, 'Is this something that you feel other hobbyist would benefit from knowing. Is it inflammatory, or necessary? Would YOU have appreciated this warning prior to seeing said provider?'

If you feel that an Alert is warranted, make sure you've done everything possible to resolve the issue directly with the provider Before posting. Give them an opportunity (if possible) to try & rectify the situation, and be Forthcoming with your intention (Non Threatening) to write the Alert if it isn't cleared up in a reasonable amount of time.

If you're still uncertain, another option before posting the Alert, is to post it as a question in the discussion forum and get some feedback from the community as to whether they feel it is Alert worthy. NEVER MENTION THE PROVIDER BY NAME if you choose this option. Once you've gotten some feedback, if you choose to post the alert, at least you'll have documented on the forum that this was not something you took lightly, and you respect the communities opinion.

Never write an Alert when you're angry or emotional. Make sure you have a level head & state ONLY the pertinent facts. Do NOT engage in name calling, derogatory comments, or a back and forth with hobbyist; and or providers. ALWAYS BE RESPECTFUL.

There's never an Easy answer to this question because it affects both the provider & the hobbyist. But it IS Necessary at times to keep everyone as well informed and safe as possible.

Follow your heart ❤
Be Kind

And at the end of the day....
Treat others as you'd like to be treated.

Nameste