How many folks in that thread, rather than descending to rabble rousing and hate mongering as a way to deal with the issue, actually picked up the phone or hit up VS to discuss the issue personally and professionally? Who took the time to try and figure out what was not being brought to the boards in order to truly figure out what the deal was and the reasons behind decisions?
In my experience, after being in the Acacia suit with VS for years, which btw VS and Homegrown were the first two companies that came together to form a defense group, I have only know VS to be one of the most ethical and upstanding companies around. While I may not have agreed with their decision on first glance, I took the time to hear them out and realize there was way more to the problem than anything presented on the boards. In the end, regardless of my opinion (which ain't worth
), I applaud their decision to review their actions and take the course that they have chosen. At the same time, I respect that they had to make difficult choices. Anyone that actually runs a real business knows that oftentime difficult and sometime unpopular considerations must be made.
In the end, both parties are happy with the resolution so what anyone thinks at this point is mute. VS was never "hurting" for biz and truth to tell i seriously doubt any of the affiliates that have been earning cash with them for years even considered dropping them.
Feel free to bash me for this opinion, I won't lose any sleep over it. I know at the end of the day that I didn't just join a lynch mob and I stood by my convictions and presented my views off the boards to the folks at VS in a calm and considerate fashion, respectful even in my criticisms.
To me, that was the professional way to handle it and I got the same in return. For that reason alone, like it or not - you don't have to agree, but I still trust them with our traffic.