I wrote a blog entry about an unusual problem I encountered, the steps taken to resolve it, and the obstacles I bypassed along the way.

Some obstacles involved a computer product by a non-Australian company, and I questioned the worth of this product, and the slowness of their support.

Well, soon afterwards, the customer calls me to say we have a problem. Apparently, the company in question didn’t like the negative aspects of the post, and would consider taking action if the post wasn’t removed.

I removed the post, re-edited it, so no company names were mentioned (or could be inferred), and posted the new “clean” version.

The customer is pleased, the local branch of the company is pleased, but she said that there was no way of knowing what action the overseas “head office” would take, and it would be better for me, if I also removed the “clean” version.

Now, if I someone posted something nice about Computer Aid, then good.

If someone posted something about a bad job that I had done (or a bad product I had sold/made), then, I probably deserve the bad rap, and I cop it sweet.

I would never consider threatening, or even asking the poster to remove their post. As far as I’m concerned, they are entitled to their opinion, and they should be free to express it (even it I don’t like it!).

Freedom of expression is a fundamental part of any democratic society.

So, I find myself in this analogy: I’m in a small car at traffic lights… the lights go green, and I’m just about to take off, when I notice a large Kenworth about to cross my path (ignoring his own red traffic light)… some people might go anyway (“but I had right of way”)… I say the kenworth has right of way… and one day, the driver will make a more fatal mistake.

Anyway, I pull the post, but I’m annoyed, angry, distressed, disappointed… I feel all sorts of emotions. I’m strongly tempted to just resurrect the original post as an F. you! gesture. But I have a family to support, and I don’t want the headache of legal rubbish on top of trying to build a good business.

I consider all sorts ways of anonymously posting something about this companies paranoid tactics… but you can’t be truly anonymous on the net. So I feel trapped and helpless… by a larger company that will not tolerate any form of criticism. I sincerely wish them the worst: bankruptcy.