I received an email message today from a member of the Prescott Mac User’s Group.
The message:
If it wasn’t for that ugly ad of the woman on your home page I would do RSS, and I would recommend your site to my PMUG group. I am the editor of our blog. As it is, the ad is a real turn off, appealing only to certain men with little concern for women.
Basically, the unsigned email said the site would be recommended to other Mac users if it were not for the advertisement on the home page. I consider that an implied threat at worst, an ill advised criticism (and lack of understanding of how internet advertising works) at best, and another example of the self righteous zealot attitude of some Mac users.
I responded that most web sites use network ads such as Google AdSense, and therefore site owners don’t always control what ads are displayed. And, in explicit and choice words, I explained that such a critical eye would best be served on something more important.
Later in the day I received a response from PMUG President, Allen Laudenslager:
I just thought you’d like to know that I will be passing on your reply to our members at this Saturday’s Prescott Mac User’s Group meeting as an example of how not to respond to reader’s comments. I suspect that I may also use it as an example of how not to respond on our club blog which is also picked up by several other user’s groups.
While I doubt that one users group more or less who takes the time to read your blog is inconsequential, I suspect that most of our members will take great exception to your parting statement to our blog manager and friend.
My intent is not to start a flame war over such a small issue but as a 40 year customer service professional, I am constantly amazed by the silly customer relations gaffs like this one that experienced professionals who should know better still make.
What can I say to someone who starts an unnecessary, unwarranted flame war, yet who states he does not intend to start a flame war, and yet carries on a flame war? Far too many Windows PC users point out that some Mac users are pompous, self-important, arrogant, zealots. This is one of those times I agree.
The world has plenty of serious problems that deserve our consideration and concern. Whether or not a reader likes an ad on a web site is not one of them. From the PMUG site:
PMUG: Sharing Knowledge and Building Friendships
I wonder how they do that?