Subject:Questions regarding updated TOS

Posted by: merlyn

Date:5/2/2005 4:49:22 PM

forumadmin: I have questions specifically about number 6 of the TOS. Number 6 states that you are in violation of the TOS if you:

"Post topics unrelated to the specific subject of the forum including but not limited to rumors or speculations about existing or unreleased Sony products, discussions of Sony policy and procedures, and non-constructive complaints or petitions. "

The "discussions of Sony policy and prodecures, and non-contructive complaints or petitions" part confuses me. I'd really like some clarification on those points (especially the non-contructive part). Many of the complaints and petitions on this forum have found there way into Sony programs, which in turn, have made the apps better. Are those types of discussions to cease according the updated TOS?

In addition, are we no longer allowed to question why or why not some features have or have not been included into the programs that many of us use in our professional settings? If we are not to discuss those matters here, where experts like Peter, Jenn, and everyone else there can address them, to whom are we to address those questions and by what means are we to use?

I must say, as a long time Acid user, recent events (in regards to software and other things) and the abrupt change of tone here is of concern to me and leads me to question many things, not least of which is the future of what tools I will use in my profession. I anxiously await your reply. I'm sure it will speak volumes one way or another.

Subject:RE: Questions regarding updated TOS

Reply by: JohnnyRoy

Date:5/2/2005 6:24:13 PM

While I am not the forum admin, I would interpret non-constructive to mean complaining just to complain. Saying the new release of the product stinks without offering suggestions on how to make it better are non-constructive. The types of discussions that you are referencing to which have lead to new features and thus a better product are very constructive and should be encouraged.

I would guess that Sony has made this clear because there have been a number of posts in some of the other Sony forums that were basically rants and that’s it. This helps no one and I agree with Sony that it should not be tolerated. These forums are here for us to help each other. If you want to vent, go to DisgruntledMasses.com. ;-)

~jr

Subject:RE: Questions regarding updated TOS

Reply by: merlyn

Date:5/2/2005 7:07:28 PM

JohnnyRoy: Thanks for post. You basically helped argue my point. Some of those discussions that have lead to new features and thus better products may have been viewed by some as constructive while others may have viewed them as rants. What constitutes a non-constructive rant? Tone? How the arguement is presented? What if a post has a negative tone but offers constructive criticism? See my point? When rules get placed on what you say and how you say things, the slope becomes slippery.

I'm truly not splitting hairs here. I'm not vain enough to attempt to tell Sony how to moderate this forum. I already know that decision has been made far far away from where I am and nothing I do or say will change that, but I definately feel that clarification is needed (at least for me).

As a customer who uses Sony products and hopes to continue doing so in the future, I want to make sure that I understand exactly where this company stands with their products and how they deal with their customers. I'm at a fork in the road when it comes to which direction I want to continue in regards to the tools that I use for my trade, so this is important in my eyes.

One reason I've stayed with Sony is my ability to come on here and fire a tough question/statement off (whether I was having a problem with an app, wishing out loud, or expressing frustration over something that I felt a particular app lacked) to whoever felt like answering. Not only would the community here jump in on the conversation (be it with a solution to a problem, similar criticism, or in defense of the app), but 9 times out of 10, I'd get one of the Sony brains (Peter, Jenn, etc.) addressing whatever I had to say. The new TOS makes my ability to do that cut and dry no longer.

Take this for example: "rumors or speculations about existing or unreleased Sony products". That could mean anything! Does hoping out loud that the next version of Acid Pro has X and Y violate this rule? What about saying "I bet Sony is finally going to get around to adding Z to Vegas next time around." Understand? Needs clarification.

Subject:RE: Questions regarding updated TOS

Reply by: drbam

Date:5/2/2005 8:41:59 PM

"Take this for example: "rumors or speculations about existing or unreleased Sony products". That could mean anything! Does hoping out loud that the next version of Acid Pro has X and Y violate this rule? What about saying "I bet Sony is finally going to get around to adding Z to Vegas next time around." Understand? Needs clarification."

The bottom line message I get out the whole thing is that we better act nice, never find fault or criticize Sony on these forums. All of it is so vague that virtually anything the forum police find offensive is cause for deletion, banning and even legal action. Accordingly even asking for clarification like this could be viewed as a violation as it implies that we may not agree with Sony's policies in some way.

drbam

Subject:RE: Questions regarding updated TOS

Reply by: nlamartina

Date:5/2/2005 11:18:49 PM

I think you're jumping to conclusions. The TOS has to be stated in a general way, or else there would be a ton of nitpickers trying to eek their way through loopholes stating, "No, no! That's not in the TOS!" In the four years I've been here, there has always been a small vocal minority of naysayers that hop from thread to thread making everyone miserable. The people are different, but the results have always been the same, so I'm glad Sony is making a firm TOS so so the brunt of meaningless, un-helpful, low-content, and otherwise desctructive posts can be dealt with. This is a place to share user experiences with software, share tips, and troubleshoot. Criticizing the staff, having arguements, and spreading rumors never had a place here. The TOS is just a document that makes that official.

- Nick