When the Private Message becomes public.

[tartanraven]

I recently placed an order for a custom item from a vendor on this forum, but due to a Christmas shopping technicality, had to postpone payment until Jan 1. The item had been completed by the vendor but not delivered (pending payment). I was in the wrong here, but fully explained the circumstances in a PM. Subsequently, said vendor decided to make the issue quite public in their thread, including text from the Private Messages. They did not mention me by name, but did include a statement referencing my girlfriend (again, not by name). This is in violation of ECF Forum Rule #10 which states: "Posting the content of PMs or personal emails on the forum is not allowed. All PMs and emails are deemed to be confidential and cannot be made public except with the prior written consent of the author.". Is this professional conduct? Again, I was sorry to have postponed payment, but it must be stressed that I did NOT cancel the order. I will not name the vendor under any circumstances, as that is immature and against my principles. Discuss....

 

[Elnroth]

I would just report him for the violation, and let the mods take care of the rest. A violation is a violation. He has the same right as any vendor to enforce what ever payment terms you have agreed to. If he has not written proper payment terms to protect himself, that is the vendor's fault and not yours. Disclosing private business dealings is unprofessional and will most likely result is some sort of punitive action against the vendor within the ECF. I wouldn't sweat it too much, just use the proper channels and you should be fine.

 

[Elnroth]

Didn't mean to post again

 

[Hillbillie]

I would just report him for the violation, and let the mods take care of the rest. A violation is a violation. He has the same right as any vendor to enforce what ever payment terms you have agreed to. If he has not written proper payment terms to protect himself, that is the vendor's fault and not yours. Disclosing private business dealings is unprofessional and will most likely result is some sort of punitive action against the vendor within the ECF. I wouldn't sweat it too much, just use the proper channels and you should be fine.

Absolutely agree! If ECF terms have been violated, then it must be reported accordingly.

 

[AttyPops]

I guess it's not fair because I don't understand why the vendor would even post a message in "their thread" as you put it. Unless they were saying "FYI - In circumstances like this....<anonymous example> we would <whatever>." I don't see how you were harmed.

If they made it anonymous, why even worry about it? If they didn't, and it gets traced back to you, that's another matter entirely. However, your post here almost makes it worse in that it's easier to identify you and link you to that thread for someone that has read both.

 

[ardelleg]

I agree with AttyPops... who would have known it was you without the posts you have made about it? I assume you have reported it and the admins will deal with it ......

 

[tartanraven]

Close thread please