Those will do! But I was referring to a post yesterday penned by our friend "TheDon" here, "Steven Buys a Dell".
Posted on 03/01/2002 10:00:45 AM PST by TheDon
A spat between Dell Computer [NASDAQ:DELL] and some gun owners continued to rage today, despite a formal mea culpa from the computer maker's chairman.
In a message to supporters, Jack Weigand, owner of Pennsylvania-based Weigand Combat Handguns Inc., claimed today that Dell Computer is "connected" to Handgun Control Inc., a lobbying group that changed its name to The Brady Campaign last June.
Representatives of Dell Computer and the Brady Campaign refuted the statement.
Weigand touched off a firestorm Tuesday when he posted a notice at his site and in several gun forums, describing how Dell initially canceled his order for an Inspiron notebook computer earlier this month after his company's name triggered an automated order screening system put in place by Dell following the Sept. 11 attacks on America.
In a statement released Wednesday, Chairman Michael Dell confirmed that the computer maker does "carefully review customer orders for prohibited destinations and activities" and red-flagged Weigand's order because of the word "combat" in his company name.
But, according to Dell, the computer company made a mistake in its handling of the cancellation of Weigand's purchase.
Although Dell has offered to ship him the computer at no charge, Weigand said he refused.
"I know every gun owner in America will appreciate my not accepting the computer I was offered," said Weigand in the message, noting that Dell is listed as a merchant at a Web site entitled the Handgun Control, Inc. Online Shopping Mall.
"This is a handgun control support site. Please come to your own conclusions," said Weigand.
According to a banner at the HCI online shopping mall, clicking links in a directory of dozens of online retailers and making purchases there raises money for the gun control organization.
Dell spokesperson Cathie Hargett said the computer company was not aware of the HCI online mall, but she confirmed that the company participates in a number of online affiliate programs "on both sides of issues."
According to Hargett, Dell "has not taken a position on the issue of gun control. Not in our sponsorships, not in our giving, and not in our public policy."
A spokesperson for The Brady Campaign told Newsbytes today that the organization did not authorize the creation of the HCI online mall, nor has the lobbying group ever received any funds from the site.
According to Amy Stilwell, communications director, the Brady Campaign has also never received donations directly from Dell Computer or Michael Dell.
The site hosting the HCI mall, Progressivefunds.com, "hosts online virtual shopping malls on behalf of affiliating organizations" according to its terms and conditions page. The site is registered to David Cole of Hallsville, Texas, according to domain records. Cole was not immediately available for comment.
The message seems to be out there: don't antagonize the gun owners. It's not the "gun lobby" you'll have to deal with, but your own grass-roots customer base.
Of course, now that Dell has seen the stick and is doing the right thing, let's not skimp on the carrot.
You get it. I'm reminded of the Jeep advertisement issue of a few months ago. Now this. Perhaps the worm has turned.
Those will do! But I was referring to a post yesterday penned by our friend "TheDon" here, "Steven Buys a Dell".
OK, so where do I find an online affiliate program in which Dell participates with the pro-Second Amendment side?
Dell is really mishandling this. I'm sure they released that statement, it sounds logical. But it's no where to be found on their website, even among their press releases. They have pages of comments in their customer service forum, but not a word from the company. I'll accept their statement's until I hear of a 2nd ammendment site not allowed to join their affiliate program. But as you can tell from these threads, Dell isn't convincing many people.
From what I can tell, Dell isn't convincing a lot of the same people.
Those who've accepted Dell's explanations, and know how large companies regularly screw up like this, have moved on to other threads.
Not only is this not on Dell's web site, it's not playing anywhere but the Internet, either.
Which means it ain't playing.
I don't think most people need any convincing in regards to Dell. Jack made a big mistake by not checking out his facts before he started making accusations. Hopefully he will be more careful in the future.
The only thing Jack Weigand needs to be carefull with is the next Hand Gun I send him to tune-up. The last two I sent him were the best money could buy.
HCI has morphed into two entities
The Brady Campaign
The Brady Center
I agree. Dell did the right thing by correcting the mistake, but he decided to bite off more than he can chew.
Which means it ain't playing.
NE PA Times-Leader story *here*.
World Net Daily linked story here:
Well then I had better see him spending some of the millions he spends in advertising money going to NRA and other pro Gun publications before I would ever consider buying a Dell mouse.
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