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Brunswick Tactics! Updated!
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| Joe Kriz |
Posted on 10/11/07 - 5:49 PM
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I'll get to the point. I am really unhappy with Boston Whaler and the Brunswick corporation and the way we have been treated concerning the 50th Whaler Anniversary Contest.
I have been trying to calm down all day.
If you have the new, 50th Anniversary Whaler Calendar, you will see what I mean at the bottom left of the first page.
If you don't have the new Calendar, you can view what I mean on Boston Whalers website here:
http://www.whaler.com/Rec/default2.as...t=calendar
Boston Whaler selected 2 outside judges for the Whaler Memories contest the Whaler calendar photos....
They asked WhalerCentral.com and their members to promote their 50th Anniversary of Boston Whaler boats which we did happily.
For some unknown reason, only one judge and their website is mentioned and acknowledged on the calendar... Why?
There is no mention of WhalerCentral.com ... Why?
After helping them out, this is how they treat us?
I obviously don't think this is fair. Do you?
If they acknowledge one judge and their website for helping out, why not the other?
I have been in contact with the people in charge of the contest and they said they forgot to include us...
Hogwash....
They didn't forget to send me the complimetary package for being a judge.
They also didn't forget to send me the 50th Anniversary 13' Whaler model for being a judge....
I don't think they forgot us... In my opinion they just didn't want to acknowledge us...
You just don't forget the people that help you.... No way...
It is my opinion that someone higher up in the Brunswick corporation decided they did not want our website to be mentioned or acknowledged on the 50th Anniversary Calendar....
Maybe they don't like our site. Maybe they are bias towards the other site.
For whatever reason, we were not mentioned.... Is this Injustice?
It certainly isn't moral, respectable, or acceptable human behavior.
It appears Brunswick does not play fair with people they ask help from.
They asked for our help to promote and judge the contest, but now they don't want to acknowledge us and left us out of a very important piece of Whaler history.... the 50th Anniversary Whaler Calendar....
This is not a small deal for me. This is huge. The 50th Anniversary of Boston Whaler.
We helped. They forgot us...
The next time someone asks me what type of boat to buy, maybe I will just forget, and tell the people to buy a Bayliner....
If you are interested in complaining to Brunswick and voicing your opinion, call or email Boston Whaler or Brunswick. You will find their phone numbers and contacts at their respective websites.
http://www.brunswick.com/contact/m/contact/
http://www.whaler.com/Rec/default2.as...nt=contact
They apparently do not care about any of you, the 6500 members of WhalerCentral.com, they forgot us.
They apparently do not care about your opinion or whether you buy a new Boston Whaler or not, they forgot us.
Why did they do this to us?
I don't know.....
Our site has only promoted the well being of Boston Whaler boats since our beginning.
Just doesn't make sense to me...
Does it make sense to you?
For me, the person or persons who made the decision to forget about us should be fired.
The Calendars should be redone to either include us, or, remove the acknowledgment of the other site. One or the other. That is the only fair way to handle this in my opinion.
I have a Sour, Sour taste in my mouth for "All New Things Boston Whaler" and I will not forget what they did to us until the day I die.
Joe Kriz
WhalerCentral.com
Edited by Joe Kriz on 10/14/07 - 4:44 PM |
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| Whalerdog |
Posted on 10/11/07 - 5:56 PM
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don't blame you for being discussed to say they least. See what they do to correct the situation.
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| WhalerDan |
Posted on 10/11/07 - 5:58 PM
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I agree it's an injustice. However they did say they forgot. It is so easy for stuff to slip through the cracks. One reason is that so many different people work on a project like this. My wife works in marketting promotion for a major newspaper and this stuff happens all the time. I once shot the cover for a best selling book and they credited another photographer who had shot a cover for a book by the same author.
Try asking them if they can make it up by doing any of the following:
1) Include this site if any more of the calendars are printed. They might not have made them all.
2) A promise to include this site in next years calendar.
There's no value in burning this bridge.
WhalerCentral is really an amazing site. I love the interactive modern menus and other features.
And yeah, it's too bad many new Whaler purchasers wont get to see this site listed in the calendar. Joe, you rule.
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| sraab928 |
Posted on 10/11/07 - 6:14 PM
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My emails have already been sent. I fully support Whalercentral and Joe.
Scott
1974 21' Revenge w Mercury 200 ProXS V8 |
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| ioptfm |
Posted on 10/11/07 - 6:30 PM
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I would demand that Boston Whaler include a link to Whaler Central on their web page. Not a minor little mention on the last page, but in a well define highly visible spot on the front page
Tom
1979 Sport 15' |
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| BAY2SAV |
Posted on 10/11/07 - 6:31 PM
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I'm with Joe and will send my concerns.
They forgot? I would imagine that WhalerCentral has drummed up plenty of business for them over the years.
Heck, they were probably jealous that WhalerCentral gets more hits and provides better information about Whalers than the corporate site!
Denny
1972 13' Sport
Smirked Hull and Blue Interior
Nissan 25hp 4-stroke |
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| CapnJs |
Posted on 10/11/07 - 7:19 PM
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Joe,
It is certainly possible that Brunswick "forgot" Whaler Central on purpose. But there is always a chance that they messed up and missed it.
I am the CEO of an organization that produces a fall festival each October in our community; this year was its 23rd year. We printed a brochure describing the location of various activities and planned to distribute 10-20,000 copies before the event. We produce two or three other publications each year and we thought that we had a very good, established procedure for error checking. For the October 6, 2007 event, the brochure designer, the printer, and five staff members (plus myself), proofed the guide before it was printed. The day the shipment was delivered we discovered that we had neglected to include the date of the event anywhere on the thing.
Fortunately the people who used the guide at the event last Saturday didn't notice the error and all had a good time.
Whether Brunswick forgot by mistake or on purpose doesn't diminish the value of Whaler Central to those of us who visit the site all of the time. Every project that I start on my Montauk this fall will have your mark on it and I look forward to posting photos of the completed boat here in the spring.
It's easy to make those kinds of mistakes and I'd like to think that Brunswick simply messed up and forgot. If we find out that they did it on purpose I've got my eye on a nice Grady White as my next boat (I've already had two Bayliners and had great times on both of them).
Jack
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| Bob Kemmler JR |
Posted on 10/11/07 - 7:30 PM
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I would think IF it's a honest mistake that they will do the right thing and rectify the situation on their website until they reprint more calendars with the proper edits added. I surely hope this is what happened. I'd hate to think someone held a grudge against joe or this site for whatever reason. They will get my .02 worth for whatever its worth.
On the hunt for a classic 19 or 21 Whaler |
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| Derwd24 |
Posted on 10/11/07 - 7:33 PM
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I have to say that when I read the interview with Bob Dougherty in the issue of Professional Boat Builder that Jeff provided the link to some weeks back and how he was shown the door at Whaler after so many years of service, I was pretty disappointed in Whaler as I am now after learning of this. No doubt in my mind if I couldn't own a classic and had to buy new, it'd be one of the Everglades boats.
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| joninnj |
Posted on 10/11/07 - 7:58 PM
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Joe, All
This is very unfortunate. Coming from the corporate world and still being in it today, I will say that it is very easy for silly Sh_t like this to happen. It is however, an unfortunate reality. The person (s) who finally edited this calendar may have had no idea that credit to the other judge was missing…. May have been a simple entry level editor who Ok'd this and then reviewed by a manger who was a sleep, and out it went...not realizing content (like one of the judges) was missing. This kind of thing happens every day in different ways...It is wrong.
May be best to focus on how Whaler plans to make amends and recognize a loyal following of almost 7000 members. I would happy to send in my thoughts as a corporate exec from another large company…. I will suggest they pay more attention to important content and details. Perhaps a link to this site-mentioning whaler Central as a contributor and judge to their calendar would be appropriate. . And maybe an apology.
The Best
Jon in NJ
Many other boats and outboards in my boating history
The Whaler is the one I like the best!!! |
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| Yiddil |
Posted on 10/11/07 - 9:30 PM
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I would try and work out a solution that puts it all in the past and not be angry. I'd say rather than be angry, talk with the upper management to see what they can do to fix the mistake regardless of what was done, and get your site the recognition it deserves. I have seen poor performance before from people meaning well at Boston whaler, but in the end, they came through and fixed a situation for the better of all. You just have to talk to the right persons. Good Luck, cause I know this site helped Boston WHaler in many way and Im sure they know that and dont want to loose your support and those of 7000 participants here
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| Home Aside |
Posted on 10/11/07 - 9:31 PM
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Joe,
Very unfortunate for this to have happened, I'd like to believe this was an honest mistake on someones part, albeit a major let down for yourself and WhalerCentral.
I have to say that I don't believe Continuouswave was mentioned and WhalerCentral went unmentioned intentionally. With the initial mention of yourself & jimh as judges in the contest it just doesn't seem plausible they would intentionally leave you unmentioned, especially after the package you mentioned receiving.
These projects pass through numerous stages on their way to final product and mistakes are bound to happen.
All this being said, I will certainly e-mail Boston Whaler & request they correct the mistake on future publishings of the Calander as well as on their website.
You run a fine ship here, please don't let something like this make you abandon it....
I may have made a mistake when I opened the thread on the calander you posted but I couldn't find the acknowledments you were talking about....Hang in there
Pat
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| Henry |
Posted on 10/11/07 - 10:03 PM
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Joe:
I certainly understand why you are upset. In light of the recent history of corporate behavior, this seems typical. It has been a long time since I have had any faith or trust in any corporation. Corporations have no honor or integrity. We should not expect any from an entity established for profit and to minimize liability, i.e., responsibility. It is to easy for an ass kissing corporate spokes person to say "I am Sorry" or "it was inadvertent" or "we forgot" and thereby shrug off responsibility.
Quite frankly the corporate site is worthless. It is all hype, sales talk, and marketing. It provides no really useful information. I never go on the corporate web site. There is nothing there. I do go on your website regularly to do research on issues relating to repair and maintenance of my Whaler and to keep abreast of new information and problems relating to Whalers so I can monitor those things on my boat.
I think a certain Whaler "Master Dealer" is also an example of an entity that displays this corporate attitude of greed and disregard for the customer. (It used to be that "the customer is always right". No longer. It is now "get the customers money up front and then disregard them." After relying on a representation of how good they are I ordered products and a tool from them and received a part with a defect that was easily discoverable upon inspection and a tool with a defect. This corporation refused to make good on the defect and made me pay to ship the products back. I will never buy from them again. No one else should either. This is an example of how these Whaler related corporations take you and your web site and your members for granted. (Unless they just treated me like crap because they considered me just "a spick from MIami."
YOU SHOULD STOP PROMOTING AND ASSOCIATING THIS SITE WITH THESE MONEY GRUBBING CORPORATIONS!!!
You should take advantage of this event to transform your site into the "Practical Sailor" magazine of Whaler boating. If you are not familiar with "Practical Sailor" I will briefly tell you that it is a great little magazine that accepts no advertising and presents great, objective and unbiased articles testing and discussing sail boats and products related to sailing. you should do the same with this site. First sever all connections with Brunswick corporations and Brunswick authorized dealers. DO NOT PROMOTE THEM! And do not accept anything from them. I do not think you really need them. Your information data base is superior. You will soon get the reputation for being the main source for objective, unbiased and honest Whaler boats information. Everyone interested in a Whaler will include an examination of your site as a main part of their investigation. That is probably already the case. Again you do not need them.
Finally I would like to see you expand your Joe Kriz Online Parts Store. You should sell drain tube supplies and tools, as well as many of the items that are presently obtained from Twin Cities Marine. I have seen how you have tried to provide info and help to people here and your lack of bias and greed (I think you say on your store's site that you will not sell items that Twin Cities sells), and that has gone a long way to enhance your credibility. If you sold some of the products that Twin Cities sells I would buy them from you (I have noted the rod holders you sell for the time when I will need them), but I will NOT buy from them. I also do not buy from my local Whaler dealer which is also a Mercury dealer because they sell everything at list price. Almost everywhere else in town gives a discount off of the Mercury list price.
Anyway good luck. And forget them.
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| MW |
Posted on 10/11/07 - 11:33 PM
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So they forgot 6,500 Whaler Owners, and the hard work and help of our "KING" Joe K. ??? and we should'nt get angry ? Yea, right ! message sent to Brunswick (cc to Joe).
mw
send them the 13' die cast model back Joe !
Edited by MW on 10/11/07 - 11:34 PM |
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| PaulTarwater |
Posted on 10/12/07 - 1:06 AM
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Brunswick Corp sells engines...not Whalers. That's where they make their $. That is why it is damn near impossible to buy a new Whaler with a powerplant other than a Merc. This golden website is dedicated to Whalers with various power configurations and is about the vessel, NOT the motor. That is also why Brunswick marketing attaches their motors to many other fiberglass scows that are crap. Sell, Sell, SELL ! Just one more reason NOT to buy a new Merc!!! The integrity of cooperate US is gone and has been for some time but that is also what gives the do-it-youself man and this website inertia. Roll with it ! Brunswick Corp (and most other big corps) do not make a move without fully investigating every angle so you are right in thinking that this omisson is deliberate. So be it. It's just another reason to buy a new ETEC...and put it on a 1970 Katama !!!
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| whalersal |
Posted on 10/12/07 - 2:10 AM
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At $45,000 for a 19 foot boat, I think they make money on the boat too.
Maybe I am cynical, but i always set the bar low for being satisfied in my dealings with big companies, in both business and private affairs. Usually I am not surprised on the negative side.
Hang in there Joe, I bet it was a mistake, albeit one that did not show respect to you as a Whaler expert and friend. I don't know you, but based on the company you keep (Jeff) you must be a pretty good guy. Life is too short to let this stuff get in your head. You love Whalers for their simple design, the pleasure they give you when you work on them, and for those little red foam Whaler key chains, and not because a few young idiot MBA's didnt clap for you at the awards dinner. Be bigger than they are. You love Whalers, but more generally you love boats. I love my Whaler, as well as my Parker, and I visit Whaler sights, classic Mako sights, and others to get my boating juice. You guys have an oustanding site, and I hope you are proud of it. Your accolades are certainly known among the Whaler community with or without the Brunswick mention.
Heck, I didnt even pony up for the calender.
I am sorry that a guy who has done so much to advance a brand, and more importantly help so many people with their Whaler restorations and choices, was slighted. If you are ever in NJ please look me up for a warm meal and a little fishing.
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| Bob Kemmler JR |
Posted on 10/12/07 - 3:42 AM
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PaulTarwater wrote:
Brunswick Corp sells engines...not Whalers. That's where they make their $. That is why it is damn near impossible to buy a new Whaler with a powerplant other than a Merc. This golden website is dedicated to Whalers with various power configurations and is about the vessel, NOT the motor. That is also why Brunswick marketing attaches their motors to many other fiberglass scows that are crap. Sell, Sell, SELL ! Just one more reason NOT to buy a new Merc!!! The integrity of cooperate US is gone and has been for some time but that is also what gives the do-it-youself man and this website inertia. Roll with it ! Brunswick Corp (and most other big corps) do not make a move without fully investigating every angle so you are right in thinking that this omisson is deliberate. So be it. It's just another reason to buy a new ETEC...and put it on a 1970 Katama !!!
Whats your point Paul? Brunswick would be stupid not to want to use THEIR brand of outboards. Yamaha does the same thing with the boat brands they own and I'm sure BRP is locked onto a few transoms as well. This post is about Brunswicks poor treatment of this site and all it's contributors and hopefully the rectification of this poor treatment. If you'd like to reply to this last reply of mine, please jus tsend me an private msg so this thread doesn't get off track.
On the hunt for a classic 19 or 21 Whaler |
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| triggered |
Posted on 10/12/07 - 3:48 AM
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Well I have to side with Joe for sure. We have all as members supported brunswick in one way or another. We have either bought their boats new or told someone " hey you know what you should check out those whalers". They should have given this website the recognition that it deserves and Joe the recognition that he deserves.
people together are mightier than the sword.
i will write a nice little letter as well.
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| danedg |
Posted on 10/12/07 - 7:16 AM
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Back in the 70's, Steve Martin made popular the phrase.."I forgot...", as a reason for inexcusable behaviour. It was ludicrous then...and remains so today.
Modern corporations can only remember one thing...the bottom line.
Preoccupation with the almighty dollar, is liscence to to disregard history, quality, ethics, etiquette, and the values that led Dick Fisher, to create Boston Whaler in the first place...he must be rolling in his watery grave....
When will Brunswick wake up and realize that it'll be cheaper to manufacture BW's in China!?....Don't laugh...I'm sure it's been discussed....
Yeah Joe...you got screwed....
But you're not alone!
My entry into the memories contest finally ended up with the right photo, coupled with my apology for sending the wrong one in the first place....they never did insert the text I hoped would accompany it...guess they forgot....
I was told that they would document my boat...I sent them copies of all the original paperwork, a couple of years ago....still haven't heard back from them...guess they forgot....
When the contest closed, I received my 50th Anniversary Keychain for participating..the next day I received 2 more!...I guess they forgot I only entered once....I gave the other two to Whaler owning buddies....who questioned why they made the thing so heavy...if the thing goes overboard with keys attached it'll sink like a rock....guess they forgot.....
Your loyalties lie not with Brunswick Corp., they lie with Boston Whaler...with it's rich history, devotion to quality, and unique approach to producing a unique boat.
Please do not "give up the ship!"....
You will only lower yourself to Brunswick's level....unbecoming to a person such as yourself....
Bayliner Central just doesn't sound right....
PS*....I just looked through the online calendar....have you noticed how they shamelessly have promoted their new products based on the warm fuzzy memories of unsuspecting owners?....We should have expected nothing more!
Edited by danedg on 10/12/07 - 7:36 AM |
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| Home Aside |
Posted on 10/12/07 - 7:50 AM
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Joe,
just an FYI, I haven't seen the Calander in person, but as for the link you posted and the Boston Whaler website there is no mention of WhalerCentral or Continuouswave on the link or website calanders.
Pat
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