PR Hell: Multichoice's Clinton van der Berg

I actually work in the publishing/media industry but not for any magazines that would be interested in this kind of story.
 
Hey, what do you know .... bmxdude, your post on the forum about the fact that they'd blocked my account has subsequently been removed.
They're going all out to ensure that I'm kept quiet and all references to me are removed.
 
Oooh, look ...... the latest response from Multichoice:

Multichoice said:
Hello Kheiron,

Please be assured that SuperSport values its customers. The response regarding the SABC was honest – the feed was provided by them – and the invitation to sit down with SuperSport’s technicians was meant with all sincerity.

SuperSport does have an open-door policy whereby technically-minded customers are welcomed to watch our operations and give advice where necessary. Please keep in mind that the SuperSport HD channel is still in a test phase. The kinks will be sorted out before the official launch later this year.

We apologies for this misunderstanding, but please feel free to contact Clinton directly on the e-mail address previously provided by him.

Regards

Dumisa
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What the hell? It seems that there really is nothing you can do. They are more than ready to do and say whatever it takes to protect their own.
 
There is a way to deal with corporate first line human shields. Google the names and email addresses of the MC CEO, MD and GM (or the Board members if you can find that) - if they are not online call their H/O and ask their PA's to give you the email addys.

Submit same emails to all three explaining your frustration in factual detail. Although they will not be dealt with at executive level it will plant a seed, they will have an escalation process to senior management who will have to address it.

If the response is unsatisfactory resubmit new mail with developments. The Execs do not like unresolved business and frown internally at repeat complaints as this means their resolution process is not working.

If you have a valid issue making a noise at the right level is the key. It has worked for me many many times with astounding results.
 
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This is BS! Not only did they delete my post, but now they also gave this BS. Protectionism and Censorship in action!
 
Kheiron said:
You obviously make the assumption that I have not. As yet, I've had NO feedback from Multichoice, despite escalating it as requested by them.
That's why I figured that since I'm getting no response there, maybe a little public noise will move things along.

@Mephisto: Bwah haha hahahahahaha. Thanks, my man. I needed that.
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I escalated it... I got a positive response and have been assured that Multichoice Corporate Affairs are aware and handling it. As the recipient of Clinton's rude post I accept this. If he chooses to apologise then great, if not then I won't lose any sleep over it.
 
What don't they get. It wasn't about the feed coming from the SABC, it was about Supersport's Clinton saying we should go crap on the SABC for providing the poor quality feed. We are the subscribers, why should we go and talk to THEIR provider. Geez are they thick or what?

Unbelievable.

Now another employee basically spins this, all I want is a apology and we will do everything in our power to not have this happen again.

What is the use of having a forum if they delete your posts?!?! Seems like they don't want bad publicity. But more likely is a handful of forum moderators that love playing god.

I don't like wot they are saying about our wonderful monopoly. MC is the best company for ever and ever. DELETE
 
I am Penguin said:
I say he is tired of coach potato idiots lodging stupid questions and arguments at a fledgling industry trying to produce a new service in this country. He must be feeling he is married, not to one, but many whining bitches!
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That is probably true, but if you read my original post on the site, I supplied detailed evidence (picture) and asked a fair question.

At any point Clinton could have respectfully explained that it was once-off bad feed broadcast by the SABC, he did not have to respond rudely.

Apart from his lack of communication skills I'm quite happy with SuperSport HD
 
Tag11 said:
That is probably true, but if you read my original post on the site, I supplied detailed evidence (picture) and asked a fair question.

At any point Clinton could have respectfully explained that it was once-off bad feed broadcast by the SABC, he did not have to respond rudely.

Apart from his lack of communication skills I'm quite happy with SuperSport HD
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Many subsribers are happy, it's better than nothing. Specially while it's free.

There was an invite to join their technical team for a visit. I would have grabbed the opportunity and fed back the experience to the guys.

All I could find with a quick scan was some guys like Mclaren with an attitude. Movado on the other hand does a great job. It's not what you do it's how you do it.

Anyway all I tried to say is it seems Clinton possibly got frustrated. Yet there still is an sincere invite and people should take the opportunity.
 
Kheiron said:
That was a response to my posting on HelloPeter:

http://www.hellopeter.com/multichoice-complaint-[362408]

They're lucky I have to wait 48 hours before being allowed to submit a response.
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Note that these posts are being mass processed by some sort of complaint hub. Their objective is not to appease the client or improve his/her quality standard - its simply to process the stat.

So be prepared for some arbitary cut/paste response if not deletion.
 
Stop bitching like a little girl and accept this Clinton guys invitation.
I have been to the MC Broadcast centre, met most the MC guys from the forum, awesome people.
 
Kheiron said:
I don't know how many of you have been following this story on the DSTV forums but the Communications Manager for Supersport, Clinton van der Berg has been causing quite an uproar lately with his dismissive attitude and more recent sarcastic commentary regarding flaws in the Supersport HD format.
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Yes, his commentary seems very out of line. Perhaps he feels he can get away with it. I suggest you guys get together, club in and get a lawyer and file a class action law suit against MC and this guy. You know you'll need to chime in a few thousand bucks each but it will be worth it.

MultiChoice is punting High Def all over their network. It's also not a fledgling technology. HD broadcasts have been around for almost 10-20 years depending on if you count 1035i as HD. If MC can't get it right, it means their engineers and resources are worthless and they shouldn't be punting HD to everyone when they're so incompetent and the quality is so low.
 
NoChoice sucks. Their decoder freezes if you change channels too quickly and every day it needs you to remove and reinstert the card because it loses signal for no reason. NoChoice is only good for BBC/CNN.
 
PeterCH said:
NoChoice sucks. Their decoder freezes if you change channels too quickly and every day it needs you to remove and reinstert the card because it loses signal for no reason. NoChoice is only good for BBC/CNN.
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I would have thought the same problems would exist for BBC/CNN too on the decoder. Yet of all those available channels you cannot find one suitable for your liking? Hmm must be because there is no Japanese Anime channels? :D
 
I am Penguin said:
I would have thought the same problems would exist for BBC/CNN too on the decoder. Yet of all those available channels you cannot find one suitable for your liking? Hmm must be because there is no Japanese Anime channels? :D
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No, I told you that BBC and CNN were on.

Well, I'm sure you're happy because Ruda Landman is on Sundays and the Boereorkes Kompetiesie channel is to your liking too. Then again you're so easily pleased, their logo in HD must make you excited.

County bumpkins in 3rd world countries are so happy about NoChoice, only because they've never been to Europe or US to see what real Pay TV should be like.
 
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