The questionable ethics of key people in the newsagency channel has been on show over the last couple of days as they have spread far and wide reports of winding up action which has been commenced against my software company, Tower Systems.
Rather than ask me if the report is true, they have been quick to send emails or make calls to spread their spin on the story.
Thankfully, some in the channel have called me. These are the ethical people, people who are want to know the facts of an issue before spreading gossip.
Yes, we have had a tax dispute with the State Revenue Office. We are not the first business to have this nor will we be the last. The issue is resolved. We’re busy installing systems and helping newsagents.
I am happy to take a call from anyone with concerns on 0418 321 338.
I am also happy to receive evidence of those spreading this story along with their spin.
UPDATE: (3:50pm) Someone calling themselves “concerned retailer” has mass emailed newsagents today trying to fan this story. It says something about their character that they would do this anonymously. I know who is behind the emails today as I have the email trail from Saturday night to selected newsagents.
Tower Systems is in a competitive marketplace and has caused some pain for others. It is to not a new experience that a misstep by the company is leveraged by others no matter whether their spin is inaccurate, slanderous or defamatory.
UPDATE: (9PM) POS Solutions has put a post on their blog asking for people to send them this email. From the evidence provided to me, they had the email on Saturday and forwarded it on. So, I am not sure why they are making a public show about asking to see a copy of the email they had two days ago.
UPDATE (Tuesday 7PM) POS Solutions is continuing spin on their website which is contrary to the evidence. As one industry association discovered today, the facts I have published here are true, the issue is over.
Mark, although I have not heard any rumours of the sort, I thank you for your open honesty. It is good to see a person with ethics which is often a unique attribute in this world whether in business or not.
Mark, Thank you for your time on the phone earlier today. It was appreciated being able to talk directly with you.
Mark – Are we able to ‘finger’ the culprit
Ross I know who is behind this but I will not be publishing that information here as it is best used in another forum.
I have asked the author of the email to advise why they do not announce themself, & no response, surprise
Joanne, Two different email addresses have been used for the broadcast emails from what I can see. They have taken cosniderable steps to covert their tracks. Not so much however the people who appear to have started this on Saturday evening.
Whoever you are behind this, let me assure you that you’re a “Bloody Idiot”
Defaming and defacing a great Aussie company like Tower Systems, that is out there helping newsagents make money and be successful, is appalling.
What are you doing? Nothing!
I am absolutely disgusted that the “Bloody Idiot” is in our industry.
Lets say we have a “Bloody Idiot” for Sale, How much? nothing, zero, zip,
You’re “Bloody” worthless.
Warrick Hosking
Gympie
Hi Mark,
I’m not a newsagent, but a fan of this blog for its honest no BS take on small business.
While I’ve never met you, it’s apparent that you’re a straight and honest operator. You’re obviously succesful too, and have revealed the weaknesses of the bitter.
Stick to your guns. There is a thing called karma. The good guys really do win, but only the very strong.
Hey Mark have you seen what pos solutions has published on their blog. They are making out that they have not seen this yet I know they have. Do you know who is behind this?
Thanks for the comments everyone. I know who had this information on Saturday night and what they did with it without checking the facts. I also know of some of the people in the channel who have happily spread gossip.
These actions speak more about them than they do me.
Can’t win honestly so they take cheap shots wherever they can.
I really hope karma moves in quicker – it’s taking its sweet time kicking these guys’ butts… but it will – you know who you are.
More importantly, I hope people can see through the rumours by weighing the credibility of these people against what Mark Fletcher and Tower Systems has done for the industry.
Wow
What goes around, comes around.
Not nice at all 🙁
Well said everybody!!!
I have two sales people in my newsagency a few days and and they were spewing all sorts of stuff about this and newsxpress. They were ranting and raving about you. I told them that if they have to sell their cumputer system by selling this way then they are the ones with the problem.
I heard that an association was also involved mark – can you shed light on this? was it the anf?
interesting sycophnatic threads not too many answers though
Helen that is because this is a storm in a tea cup. The matter was resolved last week before several parties decided to use this as an opportunity to publish their spin.
While I embrace competition, I do not support the unethical and slanderous actions of others these past few days.
Helen,
A fair comment.
Ignore them mark. You have been more open than most would be about their business. This industry is full of people who complain from the sidelines, often without justification and because it suits their politics or personal likes and dislikes.