I wanted to write a short entry about Videotron’s new “flagship” store downtown today, as I was at Tuesday’s press event, but quickly realized I couldn’t. After what happened over the weekend, I was in a lose-lose situation: Heap praise on the concept and appear like I’ve bent over for the company, or criticize and look like I’m holding a grudge. So for that reason, I’m writing this.
I was interviewed on CBC’s daybreak on Tuesday morning to discuss what happened and had the pleasure during that interview of hearing a clip of Marc Labelle, Videotron’s Senior Director of Corporate Communications. The clip features Mr. Labelle saying that “according to what they hear” I took a lot of pictures from the entrance of the store of the inside of the store with a flash. Patently absurd stuff.
Of course, no mention of the actions of their employees.
On Monday evening, however, I did have the chance to speak with Mr. Labelle personally. After sending an email to Videotron’s PR about attending their press event the next day, I was asked to call the company’s offices. They were concerned I’d pull a stunt the next day. Apparently, getting threatened by Videotron employees somehow gets you confused with Alan Funt, Ashton Kutcher, or Jamie Kennedy. Everyone who knows me is aware I’m about as controversial as 2% milk.
I won’t delve into much detail about the call, but I will say that’s it’s disheartening that they seem to be accepting the bald-face lies their employees have said following what happened. They went so far as to question whether the guy who threatened to punch me in the face even worked for Videotron. I’ve offered repeatedly to ID the culprits, but they are not interested. Mr. Labelle did express regrets that the incident happened, but there was no real apology.
Years back, I was watching a CNN interview with the Reverend Al Sharpton, who was ranting about some controversy and subsequent apology, and how offended he was by the apology. I’ve since forgotten what the controversy was, but I’ve never forgotten the analogy he used to describe an unapology-apology:
When you step on someone’s toe, you don’t say “I’m sorry your foot can feel pain.” You say “I’m sorry I stepped on your toe.”
So while I can’t say I expected much – it’s clear legalities on their end make having an honest conversation difficult, to say the least, I can say that the incident is entirely separate from what I think about Videotron’s products and services.
I don’t think two twenty-something thugs represent Videotron (although many of the people who’ve emailed, commented, tweeted, and talk to me do!) and my only real interest in the company is what they offer consumers, and its continuous battle for market share in Quebec. The actions of those employees was wrong, and as a lot of you have pointed out, assault under the Criminal Code, and they should be disciplined by their employer for their actions.
And that’s what I’ve got to say about that. Cool? Cool. Comments? Comment away.
Elias Makos 
5 replies on “A note about Videotron (So that I can continue my unbiased blogging about Videotron)”
I like your observation in the previous blog: that Quebecor has six employees per customer at the Videotron store, but apparently can’t afford its journalists.
Do you think Videotron, in dealing with you, took advatange of the fact that it is a large company with lots of people/talking heads to throw in your path? Does this all stop here? are you expecting a “sorry” Starbucks gift receipt in the mail?
[…] UPDATE: I’ve added my final thoughts about this debacle here. […]
Hey – I have to say good job!! – First off there is NO CLEAR SIGN of not being able to take pictures in ANY MALL. What if you were a tourist from Europe and we’re taking pics to remember the time you had here? You were in the right by far. I am very tempted to not only take pics but have a friend with me while I take a quick vid clip. I would implore them to try and do the same to me because not only will I call the cops on them but file a class action lawsuit against the mall and Videotron for not allowing me to exercise my freedoms; I will post it to my site and let everyone know… 5-10 years ago this wasn’t a problem.
Let’s not forget that every mall today and almost every store you enter has their own cameras pointed on you, in the name of ‘security’…. !
The guys look like they were standing around doing nothing. That’s likely why they were paranoid about someone snapping their photo. They don’t want that getting back to head office!
Contrary to what they believe, it’s not illegal to take pictures of strangers or stores unless you are suspected of stalking. If you are not stalking anyone and are just taking photos of the scenery, store, etc. – it’s 100% legal. If this was a crime, I’d be in prison right now, and so would reporters from CBC, CTV, Global, CityTV, etc. It’s ridiculous that the young punk working there decided to threaten you. He was actually stalking you too where he followed you into Best Buy. He will find himself in prison if he doesn’t get a grip on his temper and learn what is and is not legal.
Good for you to stand up to them!