No-one is denying Hugh's years of work, and I do have to say that I feel sorry for him; no-one should have to go through that. However... I do honestly feel that the "review" is a massive over-reaction to an unfortunate experience. Furthermore, as much as I hate to say it, the review as posted is an irresponsible misuse of Thompson's position at this web site.
What needs to be considered is that when a review is posted, especially when the post is from the site owner, it is generally taken as the site's official viewpoint. It's already been noted that the DH review has turned up in Google News. As such, Hugh has now stated to the world that his site - with the authority it carries as a well-established forum in the telecommunications field - recommends that Canadians avoid Wind. Some readers will see that in the news feed and, trusting his past reputation, thus avoid even considering the company altogether. However, his recommendation is based solely on a very bad experience with customer service, and does not include any assessment of the actual mobile telephone service. (He may have honestly set out to do so, but the point is that for whatever reason he as yet has no experience whatsoever with using their product.) Thus his readers are being done a dis-service in that they may end up avoiding a provider that could well give them exactly what they need.
Does this mean that Thompson should merely gloss over the experience? Certainly not - that would also be irresponsible - but he has already made his feelings clear through his chronicles in the forum. However, to take that personal experience and turn it into an "official" blacklisting of the provider is, frankly, an irresponsible use of his preferred position as the site owner. As but one example, my experience with Wind over the past five months is the mirror opposite of his, yet I do not have the luxury of the DH podium to speak from. Hugh should have been more careful in separating a personal bad experience from a professional review. As a site operator - and as such a "voice" of Digital Home, he should know better than to let his personal feelings conflict with his professional standards in that way.
Tv
Note - Let me be clear that I'm not a Wind employee, nor is this simplistic boosterism. Yes, I'm very happy with what I've experienced so far, and the holiday unlimited plan has changed how I use wireless for the better. I am prepared to work through startup glitches to see what the end result is, just as I did over a decade ago with Clearnet. I'm also quite prepared to walk if the company doesn't deliver, just as I did when Telus became overpriced and unresponsive.
What needs to be considered is that when a review is posted, especially when the post is from the site owner, it is generally taken as the site's official viewpoint. It's already been noted that the DH review has turned up in Google News. As such, Hugh has now stated to the world that his site - with the authority it carries as a well-established forum in the telecommunications field - recommends that Canadians avoid Wind. Some readers will see that in the news feed and, trusting his past reputation, thus avoid even considering the company altogether. However, his recommendation is based solely on a very bad experience with customer service, and does not include any assessment of the actual mobile telephone service. (He may have honestly set out to do so, but the point is that for whatever reason he as yet has no experience whatsoever with using their product.) Thus his readers are being done a dis-service in that they may end up avoiding a provider that could well give them exactly what they need.
Does this mean that Thompson should merely gloss over the experience? Certainly not - that would also be irresponsible - but he has already made his feelings clear through his chronicles in the forum. However, to take that personal experience and turn it into an "official" blacklisting of the provider is, frankly, an irresponsible use of his preferred position as the site owner. As but one example, my experience with Wind over the past five months is the mirror opposite of his, yet I do not have the luxury of the DH podium to speak from. Hugh should have been more careful in separating a personal bad experience from a professional review. As a site operator - and as such a "voice" of Digital Home, he should know better than to let his personal feelings conflict with his professional standards in that way.
Tv
Note - Let me be clear that I'm not a Wind employee, nor is this simplistic boosterism. Yes, I'm very happy with what I've experienced so far, and the holiday unlimited plan has changed how I use wireless for the better. I am prepared to work through startup glitches to see what the end result is, just as I did over a decade ago with Clearnet. I'm also quite prepared to walk if the company doesn't deliver, just as I did when Telus became overpriced and unresponsive.
