Helifreak

[Mark_T]

The error in this case was not recognizing the difference between maj and the other 20 or more people that get banned every day for the same infraction.

I do understand why they don't contact everyone, but they should have handled this one a bit better I'd agree.

They operate a zero-tolerance approach though to protect those who do pay to support the site, but it might be better for their income to be a bit more proactive in helping those who slowly migrate from user to vendor to make the transition, rather than just turn them off without talking.

[Zeeflyboy]

I got permabanned once because I posted a link to a website that had a news article about the (at the time newly announced) align black shark, in a thread about the align black shark.

Apparently that website was affiliated to some other website that is owned by a guy that is an asshole and gives the owners of helifreak a lot of unjustified legal grief.... something I had absolutely no idea about (nor, I expect, would the vast majority of members that have a life outside the forum).

While they redacted the ban afterwards when I enquired about it, I think the fact that their first action was to instantly and permanently ban a member of many years who had never put a foot wrong speaks volumes to the way they run things. Removing the link and then sending me a message to explain why and ask not to do it again would be the sort of response I would expect, not an instant permaban hammer in the face.

[Varelco]

All sounds a bit pathetic if you ask me. Where is the courtesy? You at least deserve an explanation as to why you got the ban, shouldn't need another member having to message the admin.

Brings the quality of the forum down.

[rmorris]

I agree and it was a personal project that members asked about getting one and it morphed in to a development thread and intent to get a saleable version. I admit on reflection my user needed updating but it was a very fine line and a pm from them could easily have sorted it out if they wished. Not communicating is my big bug bear regardless of the outcome.

Having had this happen and googling the issue seems a common practice for them to suspend, ban and ignore.

MJ

Helifreak are just plain rude!!! but also very shortsighted, they have missed an opportunity to turn a private individuals account in to a revenue earning account.
In the case of the E700 gasser thread it started as my simple project that developed in to a marketable item, with other conversions alongside.
All it would have taken is just a simple email from them pointing out the error and giving the option of a commercial / seller account upgrade, I know it would have been something Michael and I would have done.

Helifreak you need learn some marketing skills..........

Rob

[bill rob]

I did notice on the freak a while ago that in the smillies there are a couple of ok one and the rest are all "smart ass" sarcastic types..I don't think you can thank posters either.Apparently finless is working on another forum.Read into that what you will.

[Gixxer]

Power hungry moderators throwing their weight around.

I see a lot of that sort of behaviour on forums, and for some reason, it's usually on American forums.

[Boggy]

uncanny resemblance!

[Rctintin]

I got banned from HF also a few years back. It was when I was selling the TDR motor mounts for my good friend from Italy, gmauro. I got banned for 'spamming and advertising' on an open forum rather that in the resellers thread. How the hell are you going to attract the attention of the TDR owners by advertising a product just for TDR's in the resellers forum?!!

Thankfully I was able to log in on a friends account until my ban was lifted and was able to carry on with business via PM's. (We sold 76!!)

[chrisleematt21]

Slightly off topic maybe, but recently I tried to post on helifreak and I've been a member for a few years but couldn't, all I get is this message

Chrisleematt21, you do not have permission to access this page. This could be due to one of several reasons:

Your user account may not have sufficient privileges to access this page. Are you trying to edit someone else's post, access administrative features or some other privileged system?
If you are trying to post, the administrator may have disabled your account, or it may be awaiting activation.


I even get the same message when I try to view / edit my profile privacy and personal details. Seems a bit unfair that I don't have permission to edit myself!!!

Any one else had this problem?

Sent them an email so hopefully it will get sorted.

[Phill. H]

Had a problem on HF a few weeks back around the time of the Gasser E700 conversion I was asking about, seems what I posted had to be scrutineered before it appeared on the site but all is well now, Hmmmm

[PeteStewardson]

Up... Down... Up... Down... Down... Unreachable host, Up... Down...

If you manage to get on helifreaks, go buy a lottery ticket because you're a lucky so and so :lol:

[Sao]

HF is slowly turning into bumryder.
Shame because there is a lot of good info there but if this keeps going on I'll boycott that place as well.

[atomiccomp]

Power hungry moderators throwing their weight around.

I see a lot of that sort of behaviour on forums, and for some reason, it's usually on American forums.

I'd agree with Gixxer on that. Almost every forum I have ever been on is run and populated by bitching drama queens! Thankfully i rarely go on any as I prefer going out and doing things for real! This forum seems quite nice though.

[Jez N]

I suspect that te American forums have a large problem with people using them for free advertising and pestering people trying to sell stuff. My mother set up a forum for a medical condition she has. Quite regularly a new member will turn out to be someone from a drug company in America or Asia trying to sell off licence medications to the forums members. She therefore has to scrutinise new members but also have a low tolerance for removing people from the forum.

its hard to have a moderate policy and easier to have a zero tolerance policy! Ofc it doesn't make it right though.