Why we asked for locked threads

[Shelby American Inc]

Bill,

I hope you will take the time to go back and read SAI's post in the "Turk and Shelby Peace Treaty" thread (started by Dan Semko) which triggered all of this. Hopefully that will explain what is happening. I find myself non-plussed that in trying to help eliminate controversy I have apparently caused more confusion. We are definitely not trying to stifle communication, in fact we have done the following to our little corner of the manufacturers forum to improve communication:

1) Separated out our input from that of one of our dealers so that it will be clear that responses are from the SAI and not from the dealer body - hence the recent change in the name of our section.

2) Announced our intention to monitor the site regularly once the old material was cleared out.

3) Appointed several within the SAI to answer questions that arise, based on their varied areas of expertise.
4) Expressed our opinion elsewhere that negative items should not be deleted as some suggested, because all should have a voice and there should be no censure.
5) Agreed with the suggestion of another that some of the negative threads that had been thoroughly talked out be locked to let the dialog move on with a more positive note. (We chose this approach rather than deletion, specifically so the items in question could always be retrieved and not become permanently lost).
6) Finally, I asked for deletion of both positive and negative old threads because I was sure that if we asked only that the negative be deleted someone would surely cry foul. I was trying to be even handed by asking for a fresh start on all threads rather than retain only that which promoted the company in a positive light. I can see that I just don't have the knack of getting it right!

I will say this - we are not interested in continuing when the structure is such, in a forum that is designed to allow the manufactures to promote their product (remember we have been asked to restrict the promotion to the manufacturers site rather than the general forum), that old dead issues continue to get in the way. We have tried everything in our power as a Company to respond to the negative threads, and have succeeded in mending fences with those that raised the issues, but I will not waste time going over them time after time after time, which is what happens if they are not allowed to slip away into the archives after being answered.

I hope this helps you see what we are trying to accomplish. We are looking for new, open and better communication. Any suggestions you have will, of course, be thoughtfully considered by us.

Thank you for your time in reading through this.