Anyone remember this comic?
In the past, the prevailing attitude was that we should allow anonymous comments here at www.indoorcycleinstructor.com. Anyone could comment and no log-in was required. This was based on a belief that the quantity of comments was much more important than the quality of the comments or who it was making the comment. Visitors and ICI/PRO members were treated alike.
I never liked that policy and feel that it was misguided. Commenting is a privilege that should be reserved for registered users at the very least. I can't post a reply on Pedal-On without first logging in, why would here be any different?
Not requiring a log-in to post a comment also makes it easy for Spammers to post advertisements for Viagra and links to malicious software. We employ the best anti-spam software available and it blocks hundreds of spam comments every day. But, like the spam filters on your email, sometimes a legitimate message is blocked. That's when I get the "why did you delete my comment?" emails.
We are a community of passionate Indoor Cycling Instructors. We should know who we are talking to because it leads to a feeling of safety which = more and better discussions that will benefit all of us.
After a number of discussions with ICI/PRO members and members of the ICI/PRO team we have decided that comments will be restricted to ICI/PRO members only.
Do you feel this is a mistake? ICI/PRO members can leave a comment below 🙂
John is a member on the AFS (Association of Fitness Studios) Advisory Council.
Holding certifications from; Schwinn, Heart Zones, Team ICG and Life Time Fitness, John's held regularly scheduled cycling classes between 1998 and 2015 when he moved to Florida.
When the weather permits, you'll find him riding and leading outdoor groups by himself or with his Tandem partner (wife) Amy.
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John……here’s my opinion FWIW…
In reality, I’m just as anonymous as “Vivienne” as I am with “anonymous” but, regardless, my take is that if you don’t want to put your real name or make some sort of investment behind a posted comment, opinion, rant, diatribe etc……it’s worthless. Unfortunately, *worthless* isn’t the same as *without influence*
This is a bit of a diversion, but I’m pretty sure that most folk are aware that there are these web sites around where any disgruntled consumer or general malcontent can post any and everything they like about a business enterprise. I’m thinking about Angie’s List here (if it’s not PC to mention a name, I apologise)
Anyhoo…..last year my daughter was interning at an absolutely fabulous animal hospital here in the Boston area but they were being assaulted by negative posts and comments on Angie’s List. These comments were made by someone whose dog had received excellent care, recovered from its malady and the owner was apparently beside herself with relief and pleasure…..until she received the bill (a bill that had been discussed and approved ahead of time and was embarassingly small in comparison to what you’d pay for the same care for yourself….or your car….or you bike) All anonymous, of course……and with no comeback. Rest assured, though…..the legal profession has glommed onto this and there is now a category of lawyer who specialises in “reputation protection” for just this sort of start-up industry. Gotta love these non-governmental stimulus packages!!
However, I guess that, if folk are willing to pony up their $$$bucks for ICI/PRO membership but still not have a voice (i.e. remain *anonymous*) you have to let them have at it. Conversely, if you’re posting here for free….use your name/social security number/address or any other identifier.
Ya gotta pay to play.
Vivienne
Simply put, membership has its privileges.
Brilliant!!!!!!
Right on, John. Definitely-a good move.
Certainly a good idea John! Why should someone who has no vested interest in our community and does not wish to support all the effort that goes into providing quality information have “anything” to say about this community?! We all tend to take better care of something we have worked for or paid for!
I think it’s a wise move.
It’s the right move, John.
Thanks, I’m pleased that you agree. I won’t be sharing the multiple emails I have received in complaint… from non members.
And just to clarify: there is no registration process for non-members other than becoming an ICI/PRO member.
Totally agree! If they are serious, they will join…
I agree with you 100% John, keep up the great work and knowledge you’re providing.
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