First, let me inform you that I am not interested in an ego contest, so this is not the beginning of a back-and-forth.
Second, Unless you are a bona-fide representative of the company, it is not your concern to dictate policy or comment about how people use a product they paid for. You have no way of knowing how people’s systems are set up, therefore, your suggestions or, assumptions have no merit, in that regard. We all know about assumptions. Or, perhaps, in your rush to “punch down”, the idea of a hypothetical situation to illustrate a point escaped you, in this instance.
Third, a community is set up for mutual, civil assistance between users, something sponsors should ensure. People come to get solutions, not to be preached to. Company sponsored communities should benefit the company by relieving stress on their internal support; foster good CRM by providing a benefit to their customers; and provide feedback to improve their product. These things work well if customers feel comfortable using the service. If they need to worry about trolls, the system does not work.
Finally, this is a reflection on the company’s management, if they allow their reputation to be controlled by said trolls, or inattentive webmasters who allow or contribute to such browbeating of their customers. Unless the company doesn’t consider their customers an asset. What is a company without customers? Do not product reviews cover how one is treated, as well as the product?
You have no way of knowing what efforts were made by people before consulting the community. Even people who have made no attempt, have as much right to be here as you. Last I heard, Google is not a subsidiary of Western Digital. Therefore, though they may appreciate the traffic, I don’t think they consider themselves responsible for WD making clear, concise information available. Or, are you saying that once the customer pays, WD’s interest and responsibility to them ends? Let us know, so we’ll be better informed for our next purchase. Perhaps WD should put more effort into making sure their products are more user-friendly.
If you feel that you know so much, that other people’s questions are such an annoyance, why do you bother to haunt the community? One would think you were here because you wished to help those less fortunate than you. If so, where did it begin to become a chore? You have the power to educate. Teach people how you think the web should be, don’t beat them up. That way you shape the future of the web. If you don’t agree, why not seek a venue where the talents of people you interact with are on par with yours? You could even start a community for advanced users, “Idiots need not apply…” You are, obviously a talented individual, remember, with great power, comes great responsibility.
