Berkeley parents network

Projects and Investigations Defunct Project Threads
1

I think we should post some less favorable reviews of West Wind on the Berkeley parents network. I suspect that if they’re going to let a bad review stay, it will have to be well documented, so think about what you could write in a short paragraph about the place.

Probably something about their shady business practicies, Better Business Bureau reports, court cases, etc. Basically things that are easily verified and incontrovertible.

I’m going to put up a post saying that I was turned off by the cult-like aspect, etc etc, and put a link to the bullshido thread.

2

I think that isn’t a bad idea.

But keep in mind that West Wind does have fans over there (parents, mostly) who will probably come in and say “you cad!” because you took advantage of their true generous intro lesson nature and never intended to see them favorably in the first place. That’s not my opinion, but I would worry about it becoming a bitch fest. Also, bullshido isn’t exactly G rated, so please note that the link may contain profanity, since it is a site mainly for parents, and they might get offended (I actually like the site and read it when I’m looking for services because it’s a good resource, and I just want to make sure anything we post there is fair and proper).

But I have considered posting on the BPN, and I think if the two of us posted on there, it would carry more weight instead of just one of us pointing fingers. So I’ll get on that.

3

Good advice. I’m not going to say that the Bullshido link is my story, just that I had a “similar” experience.

Another thing is that you’re supposed to be either a parent or someone who works with children to join the network, so you might want to sign up as your mom to keep everything aboveboard. I just said I was a teacher, which is technically true since I’ve run the kids class at ModCom once.

4

I think I’ll just put that I work at a daycare. Sure, it’s a daycare for dogs, but they don’t need to know that.

5

The requirements for a negative review on the BPN are quite specific. There’s still a lot of leeway, but you’ll have to compose your review carefully.

http://parents.berkeley.edu/FAQ/neg.html

I was looking at the submission page, and there only appears to be a spot for unsolicited positive reviews. So I guess we either have to wait for someone to ask about martial arts, or find someone else who’s a member of the BPN and get them to send in a request for a recommendation.

6

OK, here’s the plan. I’ll submit a response to one of the old posts. My response will will focus on West Wind’s money grubbingness and hopefully be included in one of the newsletters. You can respond to my post with further info on questionable business practices.

Sound good? You’re receiving the BPN newletters now, right?