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In Reply to: RE: Alex replies on his forum - Tues Oct 28th posted by Metralla on October 29, 2008 at 09:27:14
I visit this site, but do not post often. I was reading this thread, and saw that "APL" has surfaced. I know nothing about him other than what I have read, but I have to say that his post is outrageous. He is obviously engaged in dishonest business practices. No honorable/legitimate person holds thousands of dollars of someone else's money and equipment, dissappears, and then reappears claiming that he could not communicate or even get off a single post earlier because he was visting some hospitals without internet access, and then says that all is well and will be even better when he moves to Bulgaria!I am an attorney and, unfortunately, I have to tell you that it is a waste of money to try to sue him. No doubt he will not answer the complaints that are filed against him and you will get judgments. They will, however, be worthless, and it will cost you money to get them.
The best advice I can give is as follows:
1) Do NOT send him any money or equipment no matter what he says,
2) Don't waste any more of your own money on an attorney trying to get back several thousand dollars,
3) Keep bugging him to see if he will return your money and equipment NOW (there is no reason why he should not, if here were honest),
4) You may want to call you local District Attorney and Better Business Bureau and notify them of the theft.
Edits: 10/29/08 10/29/08Follow Ups:
know nothing about him other than what I have read
Then perhaps you should be a little bit more restrained?
but I have to say that his post is outrageous
Are you sure that you're not interjecting your values about what constitutes a good business into this? Are you the final arbiter as to what constitutes reasonable communication? You have already stated that you know nothing about the details of each of the circumstances surrounding APLs communications with their customers. Do you know for certain that expectations weren't properly communicated? Or perhaps that certain communications where lost due to a complicated set of circumstances, surrounding more than one individual at APL?
No honorable/legitimate person holds thousands of dollars of someone else's money and equipment, dissappears, and then reappears claiming that he could not communicate or even get off a single post earlier because he was visting some hospitals without internet access, and then says that all is well and will be even better when he moves to Bulgaria!
Again, your qualifying statement at the beginning of your post allows for the possibility of an alternative to the statement immediately above.
If you asked questions to which there are answers: you may not have to later correct mistaken speculations....
If you think you're going to faint, go out in the hallway
So why have you spent so much time and energy over the past several years defending him? What's in it for you?No slight intended - I'm just curious.
Edits: 10/29/08
Hi Racerguy,
Thanks for responding.....
Alex is my friend. I own some of his work; I think that he makes super great gear. I can tell you that he's trying really, really, really, hard to make amazing sounding audio gear, build up a strong business that gets people their equipment in a timely manner, and provides excellent support and communication. Despite many challenges, I've seen first hand how much he cares about both his work and his customers.
I can understand that some folks are really frustrated, and I have no issue with them: as I am not involved in their particular case.
You are most correct in stating that Alex can defend himself far better than I can. But, there are certain circumstances that have (likely) prevented or at least slowed him from doing so.
I totally understand that people completely outside the world of APL, who've never had any dealings with the company, or even heard the products, are going to make assumptions and speculate about this or that...
At the end of the day, I don't think that it's helpful to throw more crap around; I'd rather try and clean it up. You, and others, may see things differently, and I respect that; I'm just offering up my opinions and insights. There are things that are more important than high end audio.
If you think you're going to faint, go out in the hallway
But sometimes you have to let your friends deal with the consequences of their actions/inactions on their own. Otherwise you are an enabler, or worse yet, you get dragged through the mud with them.
In this case, Alex has created a perception of extremely poor business practices. If it were just one or two problems or problem customers, your defense of him would probably be warranted; however, this has been going on for a long time and seems to be a sign of broader issues. Your continued defense of Alex in light of this situation makes you appear to be supporting or condoning Alex's bad behavior. I'm sure that's not your intention, but given the track record, that's the appearance.
My friendly suggestion is that you let it go and allow Alex to defend himself (or not) without your help. Otherwise, you will continue to enable Alex, and irrevocably link yourself to the bad perceptions Alex has created. I'm sure that's not what you want.
Hi Sordidman, I respect your civil exchange with Racerguy who I happen to think asking a very good and legitimate question. I fully understand your position and that we tend to defend our friends (and the good side of them we know), but in this case I am afraid that you have been defending something that you also personally had no first-hand experience with, and that is being a victm of Alex' like some of us are. All the excuses and defense for him simply do not add up anymore after years (since the Philips-1000 years) of non-responding, avoiding direct contact, and then posted somewhere else each time giving out poor-me excuses (and I had given benefit of doubt numerous times in the beginning). So yes, if he is a big boy, then he should defend himself, take the responsibility, and clean up the mass himself. I agree with you that there are things that are more important than high end audio (or making amazing sounding audio), and being ethical and treating customers right are two of them. Regards, tc
Edits: 10/30/08
I am truly sorry that you feel that you've been a "victim."
It is true that I do not know the circumstances of your particular interaction with APL.
In the past, I've been frustrated, (in dealing with someone else), and know what it means to wait and wait on an expensive item: then get caught up in a big communication issue. (I can tell you stories about waiting for my custom guitar amps).
Again, with respect to your position: I do not know, but I know Alex, and his intention was never to rip your off, or anyone else. He may have put himself; in a dire situation, (and a confluence of circumstances may have arisen), and you may have been treated unfairly; (irregardless of whether Alex has a good reason or excuse).
I can tell you, knowing Alex, that he never intended to treat anyone "unethically," or blow anyone off, or take their money and run.
He is not running a scam and fully intends to deliver on his promises. I cannot say that I wouldn't be angry if I were in your shoes. But, the terms "victim" and "unethical" are (IMO) a bit of stretch; as APL is delivering product.
If you think you're going to faint, go out in the hallway
I am sorry too that you are so sure of his intention to never to rip anyone off, and that the terms "victim" and "unethical" are a bit of stretch. Your response is becoming more biased, more in favor of Alex but without any solid evidence. I was/am not angry because of his delayed delivery, but because of non-responding, avoidance, and inconsistent words and action.Since you are a friend of him, seem to have access to him, and obviously you care about his reputation,so here is my proposal -- How about suggesting him reply to me directly in turns of "where is my Philips 1000 now?", or basically "what has he done to it", and "how about returning it to me, if he still has it"?
Let't not drag this thing on, since you are not Alex. I will wait for his reply after waiting several years.
Edits: 10/30/08
I have a good idea of what happened with many of the SACD 1000s.
I think that I made it quite clear, of how I would define "victim." That term would indicate that you were a "victim" of a crime, fraud, scam, or scheme to deliberately steal your money: not poor communication regarding your expectation level; however right you are in that regard.
The "evidence" of that fact is clear simply through the fact that Alex has fixed, and upgraded and shipped several SACD 1000s. It is very likely that Alex is still working hard on finding a solution for you. I'm sorry about the communication issue: only he can address that for/with you. I am NOT saying that you are wrong. I am saying that there's a difference between not communicating with you/being out of communication; and purposely trying to steal from you.
Have you called the 707 number to speak with him in person about it?
If you think you're going to faint, go out in the hallway
Excellent idea I bet Alex is reading this forum
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