The Batavian

You wouldn't be the first person that has expressed a rather large dislike for Mike Ognibene.

The last time several people from this site discussed just how much Mike Ognibene wasn't liked, the article was deleted in the same manner you say that your comment was deleted. With this in mind, I find it more that just a little sketchy that Howard threatened to ban you for expressing your opinion on Mr. Ognibene.

However, I trust Howard has a good explanation behind his actions. This business he's created would quickly fall if there was something sketchy happening.

Dan, I'm not taking down your post, even though I could, since it does include name calling. Your previous posts also included name calling. You say you're telling the truth, but name calling, personal attacks are not telling the truth.

I'm not going to get in a back and forth with you about the validity of your complaints, but there are two sides to every story.

Yes, Mike is an advertiser, but there are two other things that go into my thinking on taking down your comments the other day.

First, when we first started my rule on "no personal attacks" applied more on members attacking members, but as time went on, I found that a lot of readers did not like the ugliness thrown around at anybody, so I try to keep a tap-down on it for people not participating in the site either. I do take a different approach now than in the early days on comments in doing my best (and I admit I'm not always right) in trying to keep the conversation as civil and productive as possible. So, yes, you've noticed a difference in how I handle things, and yes there is a difference.

Second, in the past several months I've gotten to know Mike a bit. He's struck me as a pretty honest and ethical guy. I take people as I find them and judge them on my own terms, not how others tell me I should judge them. I'll tell you a little story -- one day Mike and I were talking about a small change in the terms of his agreement with The Batavian and I offered to send over some documentation. He said, essentially, that wasn't necessary because he knew I was going to be honest with him. He said he could tell I operated my business ethically. That told me a lot about Mike Ognibene. People who recognize and value honesty and ethics in other people are honest and ethical people themselves. People who don't recognize and value those things are the ones you should look out for. If Mike says he can trust me, then I know I can trust him.

Finally, Dan, I'm letting this post go, but it's the last time, absolutely, that you attack Mike, me or anybody else. I really appreciate the contributions you make to The Batavian, but I'm not going to allow the kind of vitriol you throw out some times. This is your final warning. That goes for any response you might leave to this comment.

Dan- the world is out to get you. Be careful.

Speaking as one that had an incredibly bad first-hand experience in dealing with Ognibene Ford, he may be treating you okay Howard but honest and ethical aren't the adjectives I'd use to describe Mike Ognibene. Having a current BBB rating of C+ at his present dealership, it appears that nothing has changed but his address. I am far more inclined to believe their view of his business methods than yours. For comparison purposes, another advertiser here, Ken Barrett Chevy, has an A+ rating.