Re: "My very terrible experience"

[JHertzman@xxxxxxx]

On Monday Dec 21 (AD 7-340) Frank Anigbo posted his very terrible experience
with an unnamed mechanic, eliciting replies from Roger F. LaFerriere, Peter
Krause, Jay Mackro, Steve An and Alan Lambert ranging from "expose the
bastard" and "take the bum to court" to "post your experience, stick to the
documented facts and stay away from personal attacks". A week earlier (Mon, 14
Dec, in AD 7-322) Frank had posted the experience as of that date, receiving
what I thought was some very good calm advice from Paul Rollins, which I
seconded as strongly as I could off-digest.

In the December 14 post Frank characterized the mechanic as "a well-known Alfa
Romeo mechanic", and in the December 21 posting as "a very well-known Alfa
Romeo specialist mechanic". After telling the horrendous tale, which he
characterized as "the financial and emotional rape I suffered in his hands" he
said "this mechanic, as I have learned in the past few months, is legendary
for this sort of thing.  Mine is not an isolated case."

Apart from sympathy for Frank, the thing that troubles me is that in Frank's
previous bad experience with a foreign car mechanic who was not an Alfa
specialist ("The Cape Cod Saga", July 31 1997, AD 4-573 and following) Frank
had been advised by Fred Di Matteo, Susan Dixon, Brian Shorey and undoubtedly
others off-digest to take his car to Dennis Black, Paul Glynn, Chuck Ellis, or
Accel Automotive. Unless there are other "very well-known Alfa Romeo
specialist mechanics" that I haven't heard of in south-eastern New England
there is an inference that Frank is talking about one of these few who have
been recommended by people I know and whose opinions I respect.

So, the cloud is hanging there. Is Frank the legendary Joe Bfsplk, doomed to
wander under a perpetual curse? Is it something about him, or about the
chemistry between him and professional mechanics? Dast I risk driving MY Alfa
into such perilous territories? 

Steve An's advice- "I'd post your experience, stick to the documented facts
and stay away from personal attacks, folks will form their own opinions. Maybe
the mechanic will have a chance to rebut. In any case, I would not want to be
sued for defamation of character" seems like very good advice. Short of that,
I might be concerned about a class-action suit on behalf of the "well-known
Alfa Romeo specialist mechanics" of the area for an undifferentiated
defamation. Perhaps some third party could step up and, if not mediate, at
least give an outside view. The tale, as it stands, needs (excuse the cliche-
) closure.

Sincerely, 

John H. 

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