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.