I’ve been using social media for a few years now. I started with Facebook and LinkedIn using them to connect with people I already knew or had a previous connection. At one point I had well over 1600 friends on Facebook. In December of 2008, I joined Twitter and over the past 20 months, I have cultivated new relationships through the service gaining just under 1100 followers in that time. I enjoy the interaction and the conversations on all three social mediums. I have tried to always be kind and respectful and I have used the services to promote and discuss important ideas and issues and to build relationships I value. I have learned a great deal both professionally and personally from these connections, and I have tried to be positive in all my interactions.I’m afraid that is all about to change, and I need your advice.

For the past eight weeks, my family has been without a refrigerator. In October 2008, we purchased a top-of-the-line, brand-name model from a reputable company, one we have had a loyal relationship with for several decades. We had to replace the ice maker about a year ago, but apart from that, we have been pleased with the product…until 8 weeks ago. Eight weeks ago, the fridge died. We contacted the company to repair it, they have since tried and failed multiple times. They have failed to communicate. They have canceled appointments. They have broken promises. We are now 8 weeks out, and our family of 6 still has no working refrigerator. We have spent hundreds of non-budgeted dollars eating out during this time. We have been loyal. We have been patient. We have been kind, and yet the company still doesn’t seem to care about our plight.

I’m done. All my patience has been exhausted. I have tried to keep this matter between my family and the company, but this has gone on long enough. I am ready to go public and I’m ready to get ugly. As a consumer in 2010, I have the power of the social web at my disposal, and I am ready to use it. I’m ready to start my social media ranting now. I’m ready to use my influence to embarrass the company and hopefully hurt their business. I’m ready to take the gloves off. Sure, I will also draft a letter to the BBB, but I don’t think that is as public or permanent as my use of social media will be, and I cannot allow my family to go through this any longer. After 8 weeks, my children deserve a home-cooked meal.

I’d like to know what you think. Should I go ahead and make this situation public? I’d really appreciate your feedback. What do you think? What would you do? You can post a reply here or feel free to contact me via my social networks (linked above).

I really wish it hadn’t come to this, but what’s a father and husband to do?