Re: An ethical conundrum... Opinions welcome!

[tourman <robercampbell@xxxxxxxxx>]

On Dec 4, 9:29=A0pm, Jim <alarmi...@xxxxxxx> wrote:
> On Dec 4, 7:11 pm, tourman <robercampb...@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
>
>
>
> > On Dec 4, 6:47 pm, Frank Olson
>
> > <use_the_email_li...@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
> > > JoeRaisin wrote:
> > > > Frank Olson wrote:
> > > >> tourman wrote:
> > > >>> On Nov 29, 10:23 am, mleuck <m.le...@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
> > > >>>> On Nov 29, 3:11 am, Effenpig1 <dirtyspicev...@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote=
:
>
> > > >>>>>>> I've noticed a lot of high volume companies don't use timer t=
ests
> > > >>>>>>> on residential systems, usually because they want to cut down=
 on
> > > >>>>>>> service since they don't have anyone local.
> > > >>>>>> Yea right
> > > >>>>> Ummm, Yea right, WHAT????
> > > >>>> Ummm Yea right it's nonsense someone does not use timer tests to
> > > >>>> prevent service calls.
>
> > > >>> RHC: More likely they don't use test signals to cut down the numb=
er of
> > > >>> signals going in to their massive stations. Millions of accounts
> > > >>> equals millions of test signals, which in turn equals a lot more
> > > >>> hardware to handle them. And if they can fall back on that
> > > >>> manufacturer published doctrine..."test systems weekly" as an exc=
use
> > > >>> not to do the right thing...why not ?
>
> > > >>> To their way of corporate thinking, this might well make sense...=
..
> > > >>> who knows what's in their minds !!! It would be interesting to kn=
ow if
> > > >>> the worst of the bunch...Alarmforce.... program in test
> > > >>> signals...anyone know ?
>
> > > >> I have no idea. I was talking to the manager of one of the better
> > > >> alarmco's in Vancouver and he told me that they lost a client to
> > > >> Alarmfarce. The guy had a full perimeter system installed.
> > > >> Glass-break detectors, etc. Sold the house and the new owner moved
> > > >> his Alarmfarce system in. One door, one PIR (made "pet proof" by
> > > >> mounting it upside down three feet from the floor). The alarmco's
> > > >> service dept was contacted to power down their equipment (includin=
g
> > > >> the monitored smoke and carbon monoxide detectors). This company
> > > >> charged $35.00 per month for monitoring ($25.00 per month for basi=
c
> > > >> service, $5.00 for fire, and $5.00 for CO). Alarmfarce charges $25=
.00
> > > >> for their voice service. I suppose the customer perceived "value" =
in
> > > >> one over the other. There's a lot of "hype" in the sales pitch use=
d
> > > >> by Alarmfarce. I hope Joel Matlin sleeps well at night secure in t=
he
> > > >> knowledge that the fire and CO detectors in this house have been
> > > >> neutralized because this customer chose "the best alarm system in
> > > >> North America".
>
> > > >> PS. Like any good reputable alarm dealer the customer was offered =
a
> > > >> degraded system (local only) rather than disconnect the thing
> > > >> entirely. He didn't want to pay for the service call so now, he ha=
s
> > > >> practically "nothing".
>
> > > > Good Freakin' God - I hope there are other smoke detectors in the h=
ouse.
>
> > > > What is the liability - even if asked to do so - in killing smoke
> > > > detectors in a house? Should the AHJ that granted occupancy way bac=
k
> > > > when be contacted?
>
> > > I have no idea (if there are 110VAC smokes on the premises). The AHJ
> > > isn't involved when system smoke alarms are added to a residential
> > > security system. There isn't even a requirement to have them properly
> > > supervised.
>
> > > I know where you're coming from. Unfortunately there are still people
> > > that don't properly research their options, and some people that are =
so
> > > "stuck" on one particular product (or the hype surrounding it), that =
it
> > > clearly affects their purchase decisions. God help all stupid people
> > > (stuck with Alarmfarce systems).
>
> > RHC: Gawd, the utter stupidity of that homeowner is almost
> > unbelievable. I know that people get well sold on the Alarmforce
> > "hype" but that is going TOTALLY backwards !!!!!!!
> > I guess Rube Goldstein had it right....there's a sucker born every
> > minute.
>
> I though that was PT Barnum
>
> > Who said that a fool and his money are soon parted....WAIT ! I
> > know...it was Joel Matlin....:))-
>
> Or every Freebee alarm company customer.
>
> But, if you think about it, both sayings basically say the same thing.

RHC: Yeah, my mistake...it was PT Barnum. However, being serious for a
moment, you will likely see these borderline scammers coming south
soon. Frank (and I) are not exaggerating when we call them a "farce".
Cheap, plug in all in one keypad made in Korea now I believe (they
used to use Linear), totally wireless door and a wireless motion, non
supervised wireless, for $25 a month, no contract, with little to no
service available. If you want a medical remote (called Alarmcare),
you pay $28 monthly. They spend millions on TV advertising peddling
their two way voice and the fact that all other alarms are totally
useless compared to their's. Their advertising agency is GOOD, and if
I didn't know different, they could almost sell me. Their clients are
absolutely sold on their systems, and will defend their choice to a
point that is not logical....amazing !! A quick check at the local BBB
tells a sad story for anyone investigating them; however, anyone
inclined to get sucked in to their pitch is not likely the kind of
person who checks things out in advance anyway.

Freebee alarm companies at least give the client something real for
the money in most cases. These people don't even do that.......