it might help to start all of our response with something like this:
"in my limited experience with this product or protocol"
patsy

Vinnie Della Speranza wrote:

> I am not writing to disagree with Mark's comments about one's right to
> express personal experiences or opinions.
> However, it is important for all of us to realize that someone with
> malicious intent could cause a great deal of ill will toward a
> particular vendor with the simple click of the "send" button. Histonet
> has a large audience and with that comes the power to influence a great
> many others some of whom will take the information they read here as
> fact and gospel. Think of the harm that could be done by someone with
> less than honorable motives.
>
> Along with your "right" to express yourself comes the requirement that
> we all be forthright and honorable with the information shared here and
> if necessary prepared to back up our statements with the facts. I am
> reminded of the cliche that there are at least "three sides to a story"
>
> Having said this, I agree that no vendor choosing to use strong arm
> tactics to silence this list should be tolerated. I for one am eager to
> learn of others' experiences with the array of instrumentation available
> to us, pro or con. I would hope that vendors would see this as an
> opportunity to learn how their equipment or service might be improved.
>
> The opinions expressed above are solely my own and are not intended to
> represent the views of anyone else, especially my employer.
>
> Vinnie Della Speranza
> Manager for Anatomic Pathology Services
> Medical University of South Carolina
> 165 Ashley Avenue  Suite 309
> Charleston, SC 29425
> Ph: 843-792-6353
> fax: 843-792-8974
>
> >>>  03/04/02 08:52PM >>>
> Joe,
>
> I didn't see your original posting, and I haven't any idea of which
> vendor you commented upon; however, I had a similar experience. I made a
> post about Hacker Instruments and a microwave processor that I believe
> destroyed our tissue.  The very next day the owner of my lab had a copy
> of my post and Hacker was threatening to sue.  They got what they
> wanted: my silence.
>
> Just be careful of what you say.  Some people forget that free speech
> exists in the United States, and it seems they would like to do away
> with it.  When we comment on a particular product it must be understood
> that it is our opinion.  Opinions by their definition cannot be libelous
> or slanderous, but it is a FACT that this type of intimidation is
> present on the histonet.  We should all have our freedom to express our
> opinions without fear.
>
> Mark Tarango