Vintage HiFi Audio Forum
Audio Discussion => General Discussion => Topic started by: Reverend on June 12, 2012, 03:58:33 PM
-
We waited to tell this story but most of you probably have heard that Tom and I were threatened with a lawsuit from a Mr. Michael Petraglia, owner of Atlas Audio. For my part, Mr. Petraglia was under the impression that I helped host the site because River Current cables ads can be found throughout the forum. He contacted us via email stating that his lawyers were looking into filing a suit against us because we hosted a forum that members were stating "very negative untrue comments about my company". I don't know Mr. Petraglia, but from what I gathered on his emails, he seems to be a control freak. Tom had a phone conversation with him that seemed to reinforce this.
1) I'm not sure how you intend to sue a person/persons that run a public forum because it's member, the majority of which have had actual dealings with Atlas, express dissatisfaction in his company.
2) Demand posts be removed from that forum.
My opinion on the matter is that Mr. Petaglia is loosing a large amount of his repair work to Vintage Hifi of Pittsburgh because of their outstanding technicians and moral business practices. There are numerous audio websites out there that state opinions on both VHF of PGH and Atlas. I wonder if Mr. Petaglia has contacted Audio Karma requesting that they remove posts by individuals stating these same negative opinions or has threaten to sue their host?
He was invited to join the forum to express his opinions and rebut the comments made by his previous customers. He has declined this request. I will not go into the fine detail of Mr. Petalgia's questionable demands or post further email documents unless need be. I'm sure he will see this in due time and as a member of this forum, I hope he does join to explain himself and state his opinions in a civil manner.
Speaking as the owner of River Current Cables, I am very disappointed that Mr. Petalgia's has sunk to the level of the threat of slander. "I will be sure to spread the word on how you and Vintage Hifi are treating other businesses in the audio repair world." As the owner of RCC I simply requested that he or anyone affiliated with Atlas ever contact me again which he ignored. If my products or services were to the point that my customers were complaining on forums, yahoo, google, yelp, etc, I would make it a point to improve my company practices, not blame others.
-
Idle threats. I wouldn't worry about it too much.
-
Just be careful guys, I'm not a lawyer but it sounds like there could be possible slander or defer mation of character issues.
I'd want to speak with legal consul before anything else goes on.
-
The reputations of each company speak for themselves.
-
Freedom of speech! He has to prove intent to libel.
-
If my products or services were to the point that my customers were complaining on forums, yahoo, google, yelp, etc, I would make it a point to improve my company practices, not blame others.
Agree 100%
-
:o :o :o :o :o :o
-
Just be careful guys, I'm not a lawyer but it sounds like there could be possible slander or defer mation of character issues.
I'd want to speak with legal consul before anything else goes on.
I have already spoken to my attorney. As long as the truth be told, there is nothing to worry about. He is welcome to try. I have not been to court for a while, but I am sure it will come back quick. ;)
-
Wow.
As long as the individuals who remark on this site have had genuine and justifiable negative experiences with Atlas, I don't really see how he could have any solid basis to take legal action.
I think something as petty as this current situation speaks volumes to Mr. Petraglia's character.
F'n jagoff.
-
You guys may already have seen this, but if not check this out.
Also, make sure you read the comments section..it contains the details of what happened.
http://www.foodvigilante.com/fv/index.php/who-uses-an-atlas-anymore/ (http://www.foodvigilante.com/fv/index.php/who-uses-an-atlas-anymore/)
-
If you really wanted to have fun with him... :P
http://www.yelp.com/biz/atlas-audio-repair-pittsburgh (http://www.yelp.com/biz/atlas-audio-repair-pittsburgh)
-
As you all said, if the statements are reasonably accurate there is nothing he can do. He will pay for lawyers and may also need to properly fix the items he did not to begin with. But if he does I think we have the resources to defend the club's rights to share experience with suppliers, positive and negative. Underestimating the leverage of unhappy customers who trade in high end electronics is a silly tactic.
His reaction to this customer dissatisfaction issues was poor, IMO. He could have turned this into a positive by seeking out the unhappy customers and turning them around by making them whole or apologizing. This legal threats only make his reputation worse. I now know that if I take anything to be repaired by this vendor and he does not do an acceptable job, he is bound to threaten me with legal action if I express my frustration in a public forum. Grat PR! Instead of a lawyer hire a public relations specialist to educate you on building a positive image.
OBG
-
Nice post, OBG. :thumbup