Link to RIC removed?

anon · Post by **anon** » Thu Dec 07, 2000 11:59 am

Any reason why the link to the Rickenbacker Registration Page was removed from RIC's official website? This is a topic on the AGR newsgroup as well.

admin · Post by **admin** » Thu Dec 07, 2000 10:22 pm

I think that the topic has been fairly well covered on the AGR newsgroup. John Hall has articulated the reason from RIC's standpoint and it is offered here for those who do not have access to the newsgroup. Although this is a quote, John is resonding to a specific question and, therefore, the context in which the response is being made may not be fully understood by readers who have not read the entire thread. John wrote: Quote:You've just highlighted one of the biggest problems yourself. WE don't have a registration site (yet either . . . only PETER does. Many people havebeen unable to keep separate in their own minds his unofficial information versus company policy or recommendations.

We're all for rapid dissemination of information and alternative viewpoints as well, but when our policies are increasingly met with "but it says over at the Rickenbacker Registration Page . . ." then we need to establish some distance.

I'm hoping this will be a temporary thing, until a way is found to adequately separate official from non-official information more clearly as well as improve the quality of information in certain areas. In any case, Peter's site is certainly well up to speed and doesn't need a link from us to stand up all by itself. We have nothing but respect for his efforts to date.

Our trademark is obviously only used by permission on unofficial websites but just because it's used shouldn't imply any obligation on our part to link to them. That's what search engines are for.

Cheers,

John Hall
I have done my level best to post appropriate disclaimers on the "Rickenbacker Registration Page" and on "The Rickenbacker Forum." Let me please say again that "The ONLY Official policy with regard to Rickenbacker service and instruments is at www.rickenbacker.com." I wish to apologize for any frustrations that have been experienced by the Customer Service Department at Rickenbacker or by John Hall.

As a final comment with regard to this situation, I would like to say that I am grateful for all the assistance that John Hall and RIC have provided since the creation of alt.guitar.rickenbacker in November 1997 and the Rickenbacker Registration Page in July 1998. It is my sincerest wish that a healthy exchange of information continues so that we may all discuss the historical, technical and perfomance aspects of Rickenbacker instruments and the artists who play them. Life is short. Let's play on.

johnhall · Post by **johnhall** » Fri Dec 08, 2000 4:38 pm

Now that the links section of our website has been split off on its own page with appropriate disclaimers, this site is now listed again alongside other sites of interest to Rickenbacker owners.

This site continues to serve the RIC community admirably and as long as everyone understands that the opinions expressed or information presented does not necessarily agree with company policy, we're happy to see it thrive.

markthemd · Post by **markthemd** » Fri Dec 08, 2000 8:12 pm

I will also do my best to not step on any toes and forward those points to either you or to your service department,which ever is most appropriate.

But as I have said previously ,"there is always more than one way to skin a cat" as the old saying goes.

admin · Post by **admin** » Fri Dec 22, 2000 8:03 am

John: Thanks for your attention to this matter. I really like the manner in which you resolved the issue through your thoughtful and considerate approach along with the addition of a disclaimer at the Official Rickenbacker Site. The Rickenbacker Forum will do its utmost to remind readers that The only Official statement on Rickenbacker instruments, policy and service is at Rickenbacker International Corporation -Santa Ana, California.