Story/Doc Idea at DVinfo.net

Ed Szarleta · September 28th, 2004, 09:38 PM

Today, I almost got swindled by a nationwide car repair shop, which will remain nameless (Goodyear). Frustrated, I began to concoct various revenge plots, of which all would have landed me in the slammer. Being much to pretty for jail, I decided on a more satisfying endeavor - an "Investigate Report" style of documentary. Hopefully not as corny as what your local news teams produce, but more Michael Mooreish (except, actually true) or John Stossel (20/20) like.
Anyway, I don't really know where this could go as far a distribution, but boy would it make me feel better exposing these scumbags.

David Mintzer · September 29th, 2004, 08:59 PM

Problem is that most Goodyears are independently owned. Dont expect much. In California, the Goodyears are awesome. They have something out there called the Bureau of Automotive Repairs--use lipstick cams to sting rip--off artists. By the way, I wouldn't do a documentary on the subject--too limiting and its been done many times as part of consumer news reports.

Imran Zaidi · September 30th, 2004, 07:44 AM

David's right - they are independently owned. Usually the best way to fight rip off artists is to tell your entire circle of friends and family that they ripped you off. They in turn will always badmouth that shop as well. You will inflict much more damage on them this way than any documentary would. Although it's much more incognito and probably not as satisfying as throwing a brick through their window.

You could also find out the corporate headquarters contact info for the franchise and send them a letter carefully documenting what happened.

Also, don't forget your local news stations - there's always some kind of consumer watchdog in the area. If your case is blatant, I'm sure it will attract attention.

Ed Szarleta · September 30th, 2004, 04:09 PM

Thanks for all the input...I have contacted the local news channels so we will see what happens, but I figured I would do my own little piece also, incase they have bigger fish to fry...Would be more gratifying too I think, but we will see.

September 28th, 2004, 09:38 PM	#1
Ed Szarleta Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Florida Posts: 156	Story/Doc Idea Today, I almost got swindled by a nationwide car repair shop, which will remain nameless (Goodyear). Frustrated, I began to concoct various revenge plots, of which all would have landed me in the slammer. Being much to pretty for jail, I decided on a more satisfying endeavor - an "Investigate Report" style of documentary. Hopefully not as corny as what your local news teams produce, but more Michael Mooreish (except, actually true) or John Stossel (20/20) like. Anyway, I don't really know where this could go as far a distribution, but boy would it make me feel better exposing these scumbags.

September 30th, 2004, 04:09 PM	#4
Ed Szarleta Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Florida Posts: 156	Thanks Guys Thanks for all the input...I have contacted the local news channels so we will see what happens, but I figured I would do my own little piece also, incase they have bigger fish to fry...Would be more gratifying too I think, but we will see.

September 29th, 2004, 08:59 PM	#2
David Mintzer Rextilleon Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Pleasantville, NY Posts: 520	Problem is that most Goodyears are independently owned. Dont expect much. In California, the Goodyears are awesome. They have something out there called the Bureau of Automotive Repairs--use lipstick cams to sting rip--off artists. By the way, I wouldn't do a documentary on the subject--too limiting and its been done many times as part of consumer news reports.

September 30th, 2004, 07:44 AM	#3
Imran Zaidi Trustee Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 1,315	David's right - they are independently owned. Usually the best way to fight rip off artists is to tell your entire circle of friends and family that they ripped you off. They in turn will always badmouth that shop as well. You will inflict much more damage on them this way than any documentary would. Although it's much more incognito and probably not as satisfying as throwing a brick through their window. You could also find out the corporate headquarters contact info for the franchise and send them a letter carefully documenting what happened. Also, don't forget your local news stations - there's always some kind of consumer watchdog in the area. If your case is blatant, I'm sure it will attract attention.