Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2000/07/11
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]I wish to express gratitude to the many luggers who emailed me privately about this issue, and to those that expressed their opinions publicly on the LUG. Although being branded a whiner was one of the risks of bringing this topic to the forefront, I don't really care. To me it's much better to speak up and risk criticism than not. Too many people nowadays, it seems, are unwilling to take a stand on things. To be sure, we aren't talking tragedy, treason, or travesty here. But on the other hand, the Leica brand has always stood for quality and excellence. Any organization that has been authorized to use the name "Leica" in its name should also operate to the same high level of quality. And when errors in judgement or lack of forethought occur, it should be a simple task to admit it and move on. It might be a much bigger task to come up with a plan to even the field; it might even be impossible, considering all the variables. But this doesn't obviate the requirement of admitting the original error. This program was just plain botched. LHSA was not forward-thinking enough to see how it would affect each and every purchaser, both the existing ones and the potential ones. LHSA should admit that they botched it. The realities of covering the LHSA's butt (having to pay for 200 cameras that weren't yet sold) shouldn't come at the expense of proven, cash paying customers. If LHSA doesn't admit the error, they are just following the lead of our many modern politicians who would rather spin things than face the issues directly. Frankly, I really don't think I want to be a member of an organization that can't admit its own error or leadership that is seemingly so enamored of ego and position to do so. Accountability matters. Credibility matters. Character matters. (As an aside, I'm a member of another American club based on a German brand. The Porsche Club of America. A club with true leadership, and one in which I'm proud to be a member.) It is a big PR mistake for the leadership to skirt the real issue and instead talk about how great the sales were. As if LHSA were somehow responsible. In reality the dealer channel is who deserves the credit. And there were probably more than a few people who don't give a flip about LHSA, they just happened to miss out on the Millenium issue, and this was the next best thing (for less money.) Plus they got an M4 rewind. :) It was refreshing to hear from the many people who wholeheartedly agree with my previously posted thoughts on the subject. Your emails of positive support are very much appreciated. And to those that think this is a trivial deal, we can agree to disagree, but thanks for your comments as well. Best Regards and may your rangefinder never need adjustment, Robert