Someone Jealous About Your Car ?

[SS 396]

This may seem like a different type of post, but I wonder how many of you have had jealousy directed at you because of your car?

I have a 138 VIN 1968 Chevelle SS 396 that I purchased last year.
I am restoring it as a combination stock / pro touring car.
I've received nothing but compliments on the car...except from one guy at work.

The guy...who by his own admission is not even a "car guy"...seems intent on trying to bring stuff up on the internet to prove to me, and even other people, that my Chevelle is not an SS.
What makes it so odd, is that the guy knows nothing about cars, nothing about Chevelles, and has never even seen my Chevelle in person.
My car has a 138 VIN number, which of course means it's an SS...it is what it is...regardless of any junk that a 3rd party tries to download from the internet.
The guy has gone so far as to post pictures on a wall at work that he downloaded off of eBay of a 396 engine for sale and an SS grill for sale, implying that the car is a "clone" or that I "cloned" the car.
He also has implied that I am selling a "clone," (my car isn't even for sale...I have no intentions of selling it).
I've even been told that he has a folder that contains several Chevelle pictures that he has downloaded.

Now guys, I know there's always "one in every crowd," always someone who is sour grapes and envious of what someone else has, but doesn't this guy's antics seem to be obsessive and petty to the umpteenth degree?
I mean, it seems that something about me having this car is just eating at this guy and he feels compelled to diss it and to diss it to other people.

I shouldn't have to prove my car, but since he posted some disingenuous and untrue garbage about my car on a wall at work, I am going to bring in and post some official documentation from the DMV to prove what my car is...and also to rub his nose in it.
I would also rub his nose in the 138 VIN tag...but i doubt he even understands anything about a 138 VIN.

Any comments?

[z4me69]

why even worry about the moron sounds like a keyboard cowboy to me .it's not worth you're time you know what you have so dont even give him the pleashure of bickering with him

[vanzuuk1]

Did you bang his girlfriend?


Dont even acknowledge him.

[1FstChevy]

Yea I wouldn't acknowledge his bickering or what have you, and I'd advise against posting the title or any info containing the entire VIN number...

Some people out there are always jelous of others toys or accomplishments since they are too lazy to go out and work to acquire them!

Too bad for him, probably wishes he was a GM muscle car owner... :p

Just curious but do you know what this fellow drives? A lame KIA or Toyota perhaps?

[David Pozzi]

It does sound like the guy is jealous. But PLEASE don't send him over HERE!!!
David

[Scatpack]

I wouldn't even worry about him. He can say whatever he wants to and there's nothing you can do about it. The definitive proof in the VIN wouldn't even register with him, but you know what you have there. Be confident in that and enjoy it. Even proving it to this guy probably wouldn't phase him, so save your energy for the car and then rip it when its done.

[Project69]

It does sound like the guy is jealous. But PLEASE don't send him over HERE!!!
David

+1 he would have a blast on this site haha

[Rolling_Thunder]

The only jealousy thing I have gotten was the fact I had bought my 68 Charger when i was 15 years old... The only complaints were of my age... It got worse recently when I purchased my 1969 Road Runner

Pay them no mind my friend...

[Jim Nilsen]

Bringing it to the workplace can get you both out of a job these days if you let it escalate and it becomes much more verbal and or physical. You need to show or remove the material that he posted and take it to the Human Resources manager and tell them that you just want it to stop or you will ask for them to file harrassment charges against him. He can go on line and do what he wants to a certain degree but when he brings it into the work environment he is costing the company time and money that they will have grounds to fire him over if it doesn't cease. A verbal / written warning must be given to him and after that he can drop the ball or keep rolling until it gets him out the door.

I had a guy who always told me my car would never be worth what I had in it and that the color ruined its value and all kinds of crap. This guy had horses that were his hobby, so one day I asked him how much his horses cost him a year? He told me $1,000. Then I asked him how long they live? he answered 15 to 25 years. So I told him that if it takes me 15 years and 15k to do it, at the end I would have a brand new 15k car and all he would have for his money would be a dead horse!!!:slap:
He stopped all of it and he started getting razzed by the other people at work for a few days and then it all went away. Then he apologized to me and agreed that we both had a hobby and it was better than the guys who just drank their hobby down the drain and everyone spends momey on something that is stupid in others eyes.

So the moral of the story is: Building a car is a lot better than riding a horse to death unless you really like losing your investment in the end :cheers:

[streetk14]

Wow, how old is this guy, 16?

[SS 396]

Just curious but do you know what this fellow drives? A lame KIA or Toyota perhaps?

About a 15 year old Saturn and a Japanese metric cruiser motorcycle.




Wow, how old is this guy, 16?

He's 40 years old.

[bigvegan]

It's pure jealousy. But don't get angry, just remember the old saying, which I've found to be extremely true, namely that "Living well is the best revenge."

Offer to take him for a ride to see how much fun a REAL big-block Chevelle SS can be.

Either he'll accept, and you guys can be buddies, or at least somewhat more civil to each other going forward, or he'll be embarrassed and decline and shut up about it, since you've been the bigger man in the situation. (And you get to drive home in a Chevelle while he rolls around in a Saturn.)

It's hard to fight the combination of honesty and generosity.

(If that doesn't work, we can all suggest more drastic measures, but give that a shot and see what happens.)

[trapin]

Bringing it to the workplace can get you both out of a job these days if you let it escalate and it becomes much more verbal and or physical. You need to show or remove the material that he posted and take it to the Human Resources manager and tell them that you just want it to stop or you will ask for them to file harrassment charges against him. He can go on line and do what he wants to a certain degree but when he brings it into the work environment he is costing the company time and money that they will have grounds to fire him over if it doesn't cease. A verbal / written warning must be given to him and after that he can drop the ball or keep rolling until it gets him out the door.
Jim, you beat me to it, I was thinking the exact same thing as I read his post. Take what Jim said to heart, SS 396, this is sage advice. In this day and age and with our sinking economy and looming recession it is best that you just steer clear of trouble. And this guy to me sounds like trouble. Cover your bases. Gather up what he's been posting and take it down to Human Resources FIRST THING MONDAY MORNING and also get your boss involved. This knucklehead is not worth losing your job over.

[Bob Johnson]

I have a company here in Georgia that I have tried to promote and help in every way I possibly can. They have blackballed my cars at every turn. It has really bothered me since i have gone way beyond the call of duty to help them. The head guy just doesn't like anyone tell him how my stuff is better than the stuff they do. I was upset even more when he just couldn't understand why i was upset when he ignored my car that I had my heart and soul in. He said it wasn't anything personal and that it shouldn't bother me. i have even kept a few of my cars out of his shows because I knew he wouldn't let it win and I didn't want it to bother me. I have seen his car lose at some big shows and talk about a fit being thrown. i always try to help and promote people that are my friends and neighbors. I feel we should try and stick together..Unfortunately some people guage their accomplishments upon how they do in relation to their contemporaries.

[streetk14]

You know, it's funny how people who aren't really into old cars have a fixation on whether it's a "real SS" or not. You almost see a look of disapointment in their eyes when you say it's not an original SS (my car is an original RS 6 cyl. car). What they don't realize is that they are just badges that really don't mean anything in terms of performance.

In my opinion, it should only be a factor if you are doing a complete resto that is going to be correct in every way. If you are going to improve the vehicle and modernize it, who cares? Yes, a Yenko camaro (one of the most respected musclecars ever) would be cool to have, but my blown LSx would eat a restored Yenko alive. I'd rather have fun with my cars than worry about what people think.

Either way, don't let this guy get under your skin and make the situation worse. You know what you have and why you are doing this, andf that is all that really matters. Welcome to the site and have fun with your project. Let us know if you need any help or advice at any time. There are a lot of experienced and telented guys over here that have been there before.

Andy

[Young Gun]

tell him to stop sippin on that HATERade and get over himself...ask him if he knows how to even turn a wrench...

[Mr.VENGEANCE]

really.......




.........dude has a man-crush.





..........projecting

[paul67]

I hope you don't work for the post office.:machine:

[dhutton]

If it were me I wouldn't be taking it to HR. That could get you both labelled as trouble makers. Just ignore him and move on. Surely you can ignore something as lame as all this.

My two cents worth,
Don

[buickfunnycar.com]

wood shed:box2:

or is that one word...?

[Restomod]

Maybe just me but ignoring him only would work to a point. If what Jim Nilsen posted above did not work the ribbing WILL get worse and the only thing left is a good azz kicking........

[cluxford]

so he's good with a keyboard.....lets see if he can figure this out.

Wait for him to go to lunch, go to his PC and change the "Theme" and "Appearance" (right mouse click on the desktop and select properties) to all black, that is black background, foreground, buttons, scroll bars etc etc etc....

I've had this done to me and it's a killer....you can't see what you are "clicking on"...thus you can't change it back (well you can but it ain't easy)....

If nothing else you'll get a laugh and it'll make you feel better.

:smashcomp

[406 Q-ship]

Do you know your car is an SS, and if it were not would it make a difference on how you feel about the work you are doing on it? Why are you worried what anyone but yourself feels about the project you are working on. There is the first person who builds a vehicle to their taste and it goes opposite the traditional path followed by the masses, most will say he/she is nuts, silly, foolish, stupid......fill in the blank, and then when done they have set the latest trend. Just look forward be the big person and don't think about him one little bit. I build my cars for myself, I have had triumphs and failures, but I had a great time doing both.

[WayneE]

Maybe just me but ignoring him only would work to a point. If what Jim Nilsen posted above did not work the ribbing WILL get worse and the only thing left is a good azz kicking........


Wow, great advice. Someone hassles this guy at work about his car and you suggest a physical confrontation? :screwy:

To the OP - it sounds like the guy is just an *******. Ignore him. If he continues to bug you about it, escalate the issue to his mgmt. My guess, just based on your description, is that you and this guy have some bad blood between you that is unrelated to the car. He's just using the car angle because he knows it will get you worked up.

Take the high road. Good luck.

[Jim Nilsen]

If it were me I wouldn't be taking it to HR. That could get you both labelled as trouble makers. Just ignore him and move on. Surely you can ignore something as lame as all this.

My two cents worth,
Don

Don't go into the HR dept. with the attitude that you want him in trouble, go in with the attitude that you just want it to stop before it gets any further out of hand and that you don't want any trouble to come from it all. When a coworker says things it is a different situation than posting things up for everyone to see. When it starts to get others involved because of the posting it affects everyone and starts to cost time and energy that is uneeded.

His actions are going beyond what is allowable for the employer to allow and not doing anything about the postings would be noncompliant with the responsibilty for you to come forward and let them know. Any good HR person will know how to handle it and thankyou for bringing it to their attention, especially if the guy is doing this to others that haven't come forward. It is a catch 22 and when it comes to workplace harrasment it is your responsibilty to report it after you have asked for it to stop. It sounds to me like you already have in more than one way but he still persist. So if you haven't told him to stop , do so ,along with letting him know that you will report it and let your supervisor know.

If you have a terminator for a HR person it is even more important to be positive and take it to them emphesizing that you are trying to stop trouble for him and you before it goes any further.

Good luck

[63SSRagtop]

This doesn't really sound like HR type stuff.. sounds like the dude is just being a bonehead, nothing really to worry about... I'd casually mention within earshot that you've been told it is really a Yenko that had all the graphics removed for insurance purposes, that should keep him busy for a couple of weeks..

[Neil B]

If you really want to hear people call your car a fake, try taking a pre-X code Norwood '69 Z28 to a Goodguys show.

[SS 396]

This doesn't really sound like HR type stuff.. sounds like the dude is just being a bonehead...I'd casually mention within earshot that you've been told it is really a Yenko that had all the graphics removed for insurance purposes, that should keep him busy for a couple of weeks...
For sure, it's not HR type of stuff.
And yeah, the Yenko stuff would probably give him a couple of days worth of internet research along with some additional downloads for his Chevelle folder. :screwy:




If you really want to hear people call your car a fake, try taking a pre-X code Norwood '69 Z28 to a Goodguys show.
Yeah, that would probably raise some eyebrows.
The problem with guys such as that is they know little or nothing about VIN codes, or they wouldn't put their foot in their mouth.

The ironic thing about this particular guy is that he himself really does own and ride a clone...a Harley clone. :rotfl:

[shortrack]

ignore him.....I worked at a place and this 19 yr old goof was jealous of my lowered IROC.......people would come up to me and say.."Paul said this" and "Paul said that!!"......I would say "Paul who?"....."I dont know that guy".....they'd go "you KNOW!!.....blah blah blah".....Id say....."nope.....sorry,dont know him".......I totally knew the guy.....It went away after awhile.....

[Restomod]

Wow, great advice. Someone hassles this guy at work about his car and you suggest a physical confrontation? :screwy:

To the OP - it sounds like the guy is just an *******. Ignore him. If he continues to bug you about it, escalate the issue to his mgmt. My guess, just based on your description, is that you and this guy have some bad blood between you that is unrelated to the car. He's just using the car angle because he knows it will get you worked up.

Take the high road. Good luck.

Ignoring only goes so far,if someone keeps pushing and keeps pushing. The right way (Management in this case) does not work and all that is left is to get a point accross that you are not going to take it anymore

[WayneE]

I'm sure you will learn this when you grow up, but you can't assault someone because they make fun of your car. :) On top of legal issues, the OP would lose his job.

[6'9"Witha69]

Ignore it for a week. THen go to your direct supervisor/manager. If there is no rememdy from there then it becomes an HR issue. For those that think it is not an HR issue after that then you aren't managers who go through annual training and certification regarding these types of things. Hostile work environments are nothing to disregard because the LAST thing you nweed is physical altercation, regardless of fault both parties will be punished if it occurs on company grounds.

[Texas 1972 Velle]

Samething happened to me! Just restored my 1968 Camaro SS #s matching. I drove the car to work and one of my co-workers decoded my vin number to see if it was a clone. It was not a clone! He then said I probably changed my VIN#. What an a$$! The next week I drove my dads unrestored 1966 Vette.he was in the parking lot and I yelled at him " hey I save you the trouble and bring you the Vin#!" He had no response!He was fired a day later from stealing from the our office.

[Restomod]

I'm sure you will learn this when you grow up, but you can't assault someone because they make fun of your car. :) On top of legal issues, the OP would lose his job.

You guys must like people poking at you...how long would you put up with a sig in all my posts saying "Wayne E is a thief and a liar" ?? NOT long I dont think. That is what this guy is calling him a thief and a liar, no one should have to put up with it day in and day out! I am going to edit last post because he is going to show the azzhole this thread to let him know what others think of him.

[WayneE]

You guys must like people poking at you...how long would you put up with a sig in all my posts saying "Wayne E is a thief and a liar" ?? NOT long I dont think. That is what this guy is calling him a thief and a liar, no one should have to put up with it day in and day out! I am going to edit last post because he is going to show the azzhole this thread to let him know what others think of him.


If you approached me at the track and harassed me about my car, I'd ignore you and walk away. If you pursued me, I'd have to rough you up a bit. :box2:

:rotfl:

But this isn't about what happens outside of the office. This guy's livelihood could be at stake, depending on how this childish argument plays out. His best bet is to ignore this guy and let mgmt/HR take care of the problem.

[wendell]

I think Dirk brought up a good point. I banged a guys girlfriend once and too this day the guy bad mouths my car.

[SS 396]

That is what this guy is calling him a thief and a liar.

Ditto. Restomod hits the proverbial nail on the head.
It's one thing to diss a car because of jealousy, but it's quite another thing to be so jealous as to make a couple of halfassed assumptions without knowing any facts of the car or the purchase of the car, and on the basis of those half assed assumptions, post a notice up in essence accusing me of being a liar...of misrepresenting and lying about my car.
Someone at work even told me that this guy is saying that I'm trying to advertise and sell a "clone" out on the internet.
Hell, I don't even have the car up for sale, I just bought it a couple of months ago. I don't even have any intentions of selling it. I'm actually currently restoring it.

[Scott Parkhurst]

No one is jealous of my wagon. It's nothing special - never was, and probably never will be.

But, I love it, and that's all that really matters.

If this guy has so much interest in your car, tell him to buy it at an incredibly inflated price or just STFU.

~SP~

[MarkM66]

I only talk about work at work. I'm not there to make freinds or bs the day away.

[trapin]

You guys must like people poking at you...how long would you put up with a sig in all my posts saying "Wayne E is a thief and a liar" ?? NOT long I dont think. That is what this guy is calling him a thief and a liar, no one should have to put up with it day in and day out! I am going to edit last post because he is going to show the azzhole this thread to let him know what others think of him.
In this day and age with jobs already scarce, he could tell me to my face that my mother is no good three dollar whore and then spit on my shoes. It would be hard, but for my family's sake I would just walk away.


Now........if I were to bump into him at the bar............THAAAAAAAT would be a different story.:smoke:

[Restomod]

......I NEVER said it had to be AT work............now did I?

[Damn True]

Ignore it for a week. THen go to your direct supervisor/manager. If there is no rememdy from there then it becomes an HR issue. For those that think it is not an HR issue after that then you aren't managers who go through annual training and certification regarding these types of things. Hostile work environments are nothing to disregard because the LAST thing you nweed is physical altercation, regardless of fault both parties will be punished if it occurs on company grounds.


Correct answer. End of story. This IS an HR issue.

[bigvegan]

http://break.com/index/how-to-get-rid-of-annoying-co-workers.html

Saw this earlier, and it seemed fitting somehow. (Mildly NSFW hand gestures.)

[LowBuckX]

People used to tell me what a waste it was for a 16 year old to be driving a classic car around and that they would do so much more for it. I wonder if they would have still had it 17 years later (like me) or would it be one of those cars rotting on a car port and owner claiming they will fix it one day....

[LowBuckX]

http://break.com/index/how-to-get-rid-of-annoying-co-workers.html

Saw this earlier, and it seemed fitting somehow. (Mildly NSFW hand gestures.)

I offically peed my self :bsjerk:

[go-fish]

I bet your other co-workers are thinking this fella is a serious TOOL by now. I would just lead him on, not in front of others, just to help him continue on his path of suicide by social skills.
The advice about going through management using them as a channel to HR sounds like an excellent idea as well. There is one thing that can really get someone in trouble good and that is documentation. Without paperwork and hard evidence it is all just heresay. Take pics of the stuff he is posting, take it as proof, if he sends you harrasing emails save them too. Document everything and make sure your management actually takes action also.
When it comes time for evaluations or a HR issue on this guy, it's all over but the cryin'. Buh-by jealous guy.

[BlindSideCustoms]

holy.....!!!! this is hillarious, your in nc too...winston-salem here. but yeah ive encountered several like that. ive experienced this crap too often. dont use this term much, but their just haters. i switched schools in the 11th grade "had 30k in vehicles already" and decided on that first week to drive a different one every day from wednesday to friday lmao. girls were like wow, guys were going around saying i was a coke dealer roflmao. quite hillarious. heard that one for a long time. jealousy is a ugly thing. post up wherever he says it a pic of your vin and a fact off the web. or you could just call me if your within a couple hours drive give me gas money and a case of beer and ill catch him after work soon as he comes out the doors:p

[BlindSideCustoms]

lol wendells reply is something that always happens. i took a guys gf he had been with 3 years...only talked to her for 2 days. dumped him on christmas eve, thought it was quite funny. he got a z06 after selling his maaco orange peel infested paint. job barely running, used junk 18" tt2's ,wanna be pro-touring 67 camaro. ran his mouth forever about my cars, constantly but anyways never heard anything out of him again after i kicked him in the face with my work boots on though his vettes d/s window. mwhahaha. haters are great inspecially when you pull into a parking lot he hangs out at with their girl that their obsessed with a year later and she proceeds to give you .... with you putting up the "nsfw hand gesture" towards them

[Nine Ball]

Curious, but what does this man-crush dude drive? Maybe turn the tables and poke fun at his vehicle :)

[TonyHuntimer]

No matter which way you slice it, this is a management/HR issue. I've been in a similar situation. If management is not made aware of this in some way...BY YOU...and any bad blood is exchanged, verbally or physically and he or somebody else mentions it to management...the both of you are out the door!

If this is enough of an issue for you to bring up in here, it's bothering you enough to bring up to managment. If it didn't bother you, you wouldn't have brought it up.

You don't know what this guys motivation is? Maybe he's waiting for you to get bent enough to retaliate and get you fired. This has nothing to do with your car...since he's not a car guy. This has everything to do with trying to get a rise out of you by attacking your character.

Ignore him for a week. If he keeps it up or escalates, go to management.

You don't know it but a couple of HR Professionals have given you sound advice and told you to talk to management before this gets out of hand. They know what they are talking about. This is their job. Do something or don't do something. You are now armed with knowledge. The ball is in your court. Your family here has spoken.

my $.02
Tony Huntimer

[Steve Firebird]

"Hey teacher Johnny is picking on me". What is wrong with you guys. Ask the guy what his problem is one on one and get to the bottom of it on your own. No threats just a man to man “what’s up with this". Maybe he thinks you have been going around bragging to everyone about how cool your car is and he is tired of hearing about it. Maybe he thinks you did some thing to him and he is trying to get back at you. Maybe some of your co workes are poking at both of you waiting to see what’s going to happen. Go right to him and find out. Who knows? Just ask and don't get management involved unless it really is hurting the company or you. I can't tell you how many times people let stuff like this get blown way out of shape and when you talk to each other it turns into nothing or just goes away. If you speak to him aand you can't work some thing out then maybe get managment involved. Whats next someone makes fun of your haircut or shoes and you run to HR? Some places its like blood in the water if find they can get you jacked up over stuff. Good luck and stay cool about it.

[bigvegan]

Has this been resolved yet?

[cheapthrillz]

If you don't want a confrontation or want ot deal with HR, I think you need to tell the guy what he wants to hear.... Just agree with everything he wants to say.

"Yea man, its a clone. You were right, you're so smart... want a cookie?"

Who gives a flip what he thinks about your car. That's why its your car! Build it the way you want it. Drive the piss out of it. He knows its a hotrod whether he thinks it is a real SS or not, so either way, he will be jealous.

If he goes to all of your co-workers and rags your car to them while wasting company time, then you get one of your close friend co-workers to go to HR and let them know whats going on, but don't let them see that it bothers you. That way you will stay out of everything, and he will look like a complete moron.

If one of your co-workers asks you if your car is a real SS then you tell them yes, and that you are just ****ting with the guy and leading him on.

Last but not least, If that doesn't work then, whoop his ass.... you shouldn't have to put up with **** like that. Especially at work! Life is too short to put up with morons. I am only 21 and I figured this out when I was in middle school. Who cares what someone else thinks or says about you as long as you are satisfied with you!

Good luck,

JC

[Damn True]

"Hey teacher Johnny is picking on me". What is wrong with you guys. Ask the guy what his problem is one on one and get to the bottom of it on your own. No threats just a man to man “what’s up with this". Maybe he thinks you have been going around bragging to everyone about how cool your car is and he is tired of hearing about it. Maybe he thinks you did some thing to him and he is trying to get back at you. Maybe some of your co workes are poking at both of you waiting to see what’s going to happen. Go right to him and find out. Who knows? Just ask and don't get management involved unless it really is hurting the company or you. I can't tell you how many times people let stuff like this get blown way out of shape and when you talk to each other it turns into nothing or just goes away. If you speak to him aand you can't work some thing out then maybe get managment involved. Whats next someone makes fun of your haircut or shoes and you run to HR? Some places its like blood in the water if find they can get you jacked up over stuff. Good luck and stay cool about it.


Wrong. Seriously bad idea. Very, very seriously bad.

You come to me and say you want to talk. We go into a conference room or "out behind the building" to chat. You speak your peace.

I then go to my boss or to HR and tell them that you tried to intimidate me, threatend me or otherwise created a hostile working environment.

Before you know what hit you, you would be out on your can.

NEVER EVER EVER put yourself alone with someone where there might be a personal conflict. You will never ever win.

I know the "man" in you wants to "not squeal" to HR and to handle it man to man. I understand that. I also understand enough about employment law to tell you that you might be right, but you'd be right AND unemployed.

[Steve Firebird]

Wrong. Seriously bad idea. Very, very seriously bad.

You come to me and say you want to talk. We go into a conference room or "out behind the building" to chat. You speak your peace.

I then go to my boss or to HR and tell them that you tried to intimidate me, threatend me or otherwise created a hostile working environment.

Before you know what hit you, you would be out on your can.

NEVER EVER EVER put yourself alone with someone where there might be a personal conflict. You will never ever win.

I know the "man" in you wants to "not squeal" to HR and to handle it man to man. I understand that. I also understand enough about employment law to tell you that you might be right, but you'd be right AND unemployed. I guess I just find it a little hard to believe you can't just talk to guy and find out what is going on with out fearing for your job. Some of the info is getting to this guy second hand and I think he needs to get the whole story. I take it back if that can be grounds getting fired. What a spineless society we have become. I would be looking for a new job it I worked for a place like that.

[Jim Nilsen]

Where I work and the training we all get about harrassment in the workplace, talking is one thing but if you post something on the bulletin board that is not appropriate you will get written up or fired for it depending on what it is. The rules for what can and cannot be posted are very clearly written by lawyers ,your company and the state you live in. Even if you have an employer that doesn't understand the rules ,the rules still apply.

Somneone brought up documentation and that is truly the best thing to do just in case managment is not very smart about what is going on and then want to cover up their mistakes and screw you out the door with the other guy. Not that this is happening but it can. Always talk with witnesses about issues and if you need to get the other parties to sign a paper that has the time and date on it and what was talked about. This is to pretect everyone especially you just in case they ask. If they don't want to sign ,you can't force them to and then document on the paper that they refused. it seems like a lot of crap to go through but it usually gets the other people to take it more seriously. When a shop gets bad and management and a union or just a battle between upper and lower management happens you need to document things because they can just say they forgot and get away with it. I have seen this happen to others and the path of least resistance for themselves pushed them right out the door. They had no proof and the wittnesses saw what was going on and they wouldn't come forward. This is what most people are scared of and why it is so important to start out the way they train you.

First tell the person they are making you uncomfortable about what they are saying and that you would like them to stop. If they do it again , tell them to stop and that you will go to management about the issue. Make sure you write down the time and date and if you have witnesses record that too. Get them to sign it if they will.

The next time you go to your supervisor and give them a copy of your complaint and let them do their job to clear it up. Their training should lead them to resolve the problem or clarify the rules and if the problem exist again action will be taken that is appropriate of the rules. If they mess up and make it worse your documentation is still with you and eventually the rules if followed right will prevail. Any good supervisor or HR person will understand why you want documentation and will be glad that you want it because it protects them too.

It really makes a big difference on the size of the shop and if there is even a person assigned to be in charge of these issues that has been trained how to do it. Any really good businessman always tries to understand as much about the laws as possible and always has a good source of references they can depend on. It is really hard to be in business today when employees get personal with the other personnel and the laws define the problem as you being responsible for the troublemakers. That's why it is legal to fire people for it and why their are lawsuits for getting fired over it. Documentation is what the lawyers will look for and the person with it holds power over the one that doesn't.

This is a good thread for all of us to learn from. Resolving differences without conflict takes people skills that are learned by understanding the rules a lot easier than all of the phsycological reasons that might work like intimidation of one kind or another or by trying to be nice and cooperative along with ignoring it. Some people will always push it to the limit of the rules and those who cross the line or forsake the rules and don't know it learn the hard way.

I too am interested to hear how it is all going just to hear how the rules are being played out by the management where he works if it isn't going well. I believe he probably has a halfway decent supervisor and HR person and they will nip it in the bud before he has to ever worry about whether he wants to get a new job.

I love my job and the people I work with but it took getting a new job and finding that better place along with a lot of luck.

:cheers:

[Steve Firebird]

I have to say thats some interesting comments and well put. I fear I might not fair to well in a large corperate setting if you have to cover your a$$ at every turn and watch your back all the time. I am just a old farm boy that tries to do the right thing and give everone a chance to do the same. Thanks for the insight from everyone this thread is becoming a real eye opener for me.

[Steve1968LS2]

I guess I just find it a little hard to believe you can't just talk to guy and find out what is going on with out fearing for your job. Some of the info is getting to this guy second hand and I think he needs to get the whole story. I take it back if that can be grounds getting fired. What a spineless society we have become. I would be looking for a new job it I worked for a place like that.

Welcome to our screwed up society of 2008 where you can get fired for telling a female coworker that "you look nice today" because it made her feel "uncomfortable".

And yes, it's becoming spineless..

[shortrack]

certainly some eye opening perspectives brought forth for sure.......
in my experiences in 20 yrs as a contractor dealing with the public in their own homes (I meet their "real" personality, not their "work " persona) Ive found if I get a "feeling" about a person be it their cheap, obnoxious, argumenitive, idealistic....whatever....Ive found time and time again that other people around this person feel the same way.

so in short, this guy sounds like a first class A hole.......the people that work around him probably think the same......trying to talk to this guy,showing documentation of the car, going to HR, trying to reason with him.......all this type of chit is only adding fuel to his fire......HE"S GETTING UNDER YOUR SKIN......thats what he wants!!!!......dont give him the satisfaction!!!!!.......the only thing I can think of to say to this guy is......"your not worth replying to....." walk away and IGNORE HIM!!.......when he finds out he cant get a rise out of you he'll move on to someone else.

[ho428]

Original post was "Someone jealous of your car?
Yep, my wife. I've had it for more years than I've known her, I spend more money on it than her. And spend evenings and weekends with it.
Plus I've had it since I was 16, myself and several girls lost, um, things in the back seat, :naughty: and she knows it.

She knows this car will be with me for many more years. But she's a good sport about it.

As far as you're co-worker? Dealing with people like that can be a lifelong battle, I still have one from HS that we cross paths every now and then. He still tries to stir the pot everytime I see him. He even tried to get a job at my work, luckily my boss asked me about him first. I told him the truth, good worker but loves to stir up trouble. They passed on him, thankfully.
Not sure why some people can't just let it go, whatever is chafing their butt.
Good luck.

[shortrack]

......and as far as going to HR, no disrespect to previous posters but I would advise that unless your 100% sure you can get this guy FIRED!.....dont do it!!......while good in theroy the reality of that action will probably play out something like this.....

Ok they take him in and give him a talking to......he tap dances around it and MAYBE gets some sort of slap on the wrist.......BUT......now he's really got you......you went to HR on him!!!.....your going to have to listen to his and his friends BS!!! for weeks over that.....if this guy is posting web chit about your car and such he will NO DOUBT blab the whole HR episode (his "juiced up" version of course) to anyone that will listen and it could quickly escalate to the "saga of the week/month" at your work.......you dont want to be any part of that......just ignore him

[6'9"Witha69]

......and as far as going to HR, no disrespect to previous posters but I would advise that unless your 100% sure you can get this guy FIRED!.....dont do it!!......while good in theroy the reality of that action will probably play out something like this.....

Ok they take him in and give him a talking to......he tap dances around it and MAYBE gets some sort of slap on the wrist.......BUT......now he's really got you......you went to HR on him!!!.....your going to have to listen to his and his friends BS!!! for weeks over that.....if this guy is posting web chit about your car and such he will NO DOUBT blab the whole HR episode (his "juiced up" version of course) to anyone that will listen and it could quickly escalate to the "saga of the week/month" at your work.......you dont want to be any part of that......just ignore himAnti-retaliation law. Sorry, but management and HR are the ONLY acceptable roads to take at this point.

[shortrack]

Anti-retaliation law. Sorry, but management and HR are the ONLY acceptable roads to take at this point.

Im sorry too but you cant legislate the entire shop/office or whatever from not talking about the whole episode and it and it becoming the saga of the week......and you'll always be known as "that guy" to his little pack of buddies........so whats the matter with just ignoring him???

and...... your also taking for granted that the people in the HR dept are competent, absolutly right up to speed and will be able to see clearly through all the hearsay and half truths that this guy will surely bring out if you bring it to the HR dept......when I think about the people in HR depts that Ive had experience with in the past I wouldnt count on any of them being the sharpest pencil in the pack (my opinion, sorry)........also.....is he more of a "favourite" than you???.......if so, you may be the one looking for a job in the end......
again......whats the matter with just ignoring him ???

[6'9"Witha69]

Ignoring it is always the first step. Read my first response. But it comes to a point where the comments continue and the blatent harrassment begins to cause friction in the department as well as loss of respect from peers (perceived or actual) and a hostile environment is ripe for the lawsuit. Any manager worth his weight $hi7 is taught top se ethis and is bound by law to resolve the issue. Failure to do so can actually cause liable on the manger for permissive indifference (not the actual termbut you get what I am talking about). Listen, I would rather take some a$$ behind the woodshed too, but those days are long gone and surviving the corporate takes a lot of biting your tongue and following the rules.

I am not disagreeing with you, just saying that from a manager's perspective, with laws in mind, his best course of action is to involve his manager if this pansy persists in his character attacks.

[fvike]

"Hey teacher Johnny is picking on me". What is wrong with you guys. Ask the guy what his problem is one on one and get to the bottom of it on your own. No threats just a man to man “what’s up with this". Maybe he thinks you have been going around bragging to everyone about how cool your car is and he is tired of hearing about it. Maybe he thinks you did some thing to him and he is trying to get back at you. Maybe some of your co workes are poking at both of you waiting to see what’s going to happen. Go right to him and find out. Who knows? Just ask and don't get management involved unless it really is hurting the company or you. I can't tell you how many times people let stuff like this get blown way out of shape and when you talk to each other it turns into nothing or just goes away. If you speak to him aand you can't work some thing out then maybe get managment involved. Whats next someone makes fun of your haircut or shoes and you run to HR? Some places its like blood in the water if find they can get you jacked up over stuff. Good luck and stay cool about it.

I agree. Running to HR like a sissy isn't the way to do it. It will get you no respect in the future. Just confront the guy, and do it with other people around. Just ask why he is spreading lies about your car when it simply isn't true, and you have the VIN to back it up. Try to get get him off-guard. When he then struggles to come up with a real answer, cut him off, and say you want no more of his bulls**t, and that it's frickin' childish. Say that you thought 40 yr old men had better things to do. Don't get hot-headed, just be cool about it, and stay in control.

This way, you can't loose, you had a problem (with him), and took action.