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RML Petitions the PM to introduce anti-steering legislation

Retail Motor Law (RML), has had a petition on anti-steering legislation approved by the Number 10 web team.

Qualified barrister and solicitor Mr Moody, director of RML, comments: “The practice of vehicle insurers and fleet management companies 'steering' customers is widespread and it is bad for both the repair industry and consumers. I strongly urge those in the bodyshop trade and members of the public to pressure the PM to introduce anti-steering legislation by signing the petition on the Downing Street website.”

Anyone interested in signing the petition to the Prime Minister should visit http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/Anti-Steering/

Alternatively click the following link to download a paper petition for your customers to sign.

RML Anti Steering Petition

Set up your profile

When you find a community and forum that you like and plan on staying with for a while it is a good idea to set up and complete your profile. You access your profile by clicking 'My Profile' located at the top of the forum. This area is not much different than any other form you have filled out online or in real life except that much of the information in here is optional.

Personal Info

Summary - All your settings from other tabs summarized.
Edit Your Details - Edit your login name, email address and password.
My Avatar - Select an avatar from those available or upload your own image. If you upload your own image, you can upload an image up to 250 x 250 pixels and 50 kilobytes. The forum will automatically scale the image for use in various locations.

Forum Settings

Look and Layout - Tweak a few forum appearance settings.
My Profile Info - Fill in personal information that you don't mind sharing publicly. This is also where you fill out your forum signature.
My Posts - List of your posts ordered by most recent. Handy for finding a post that you don't recall which board you posted it in.
My Subscribes - List of topics that you have subscribed to send you an email notification for all new responses.
My Favorites - List of topics that you have ticked as a favourite of yours so they are more easily identifiable in the forum list.
Remember to press the 'Save' button any time you make changes in your profile.

Reply to an existing post

So, you have been lurking around the forum for a while reading every post and getting to know everyone. You have just read someone's post and you have finally decided you are going to reply and contribute some information of your own. Great! This is done by pressing one of the 'reply' buttons.

Quick Reply - this brings up a small text area (without reloading the webpage) where you can quickly type a short reply. Press 'Submit' when you are done typing your response. If you have a change of heart you can press cancel and nothing gets posted regardless if you typed anything or not.

Reply - This is the standard method in which you should reply when you want to reply primarily to the most recent post. The reason for this is because the subject line of your reply will autofill with the subject of the post from which you are replying. In case you were wondering, yes, you can change the subject. OK, now you are looking at what is called a text editor. Think of it as a slimmed down version of a word processor (such as Microsoft Word) in which you can format your text, add links, images, smilies, etc. More on how to format your post later. For now, type your response and press the 'Preview' button at the bottom of the page if you wish to view your post prior to submitting it. When you are done editing and are satisfied your post is ready to contribute to the forum then press the 'Submit' button.

Quote - If you wish to quote someone's post whether in whole or in part you simple press the 'Quote' button located beside the 'Reply' button underneath each post. The is very useful if you wish to make light of or expand upon a prior post. Once you press the Quote button you are brought into the same editing environment that you use to edit or create any other post. At this point, you type your response directly to that quote. When you are done replying, press the 'Submit' button.

Reply Topic - This button functions the same as the 'Reply' button with the exception that your subject line will autofill with the subject of the original post (OP). This may come in handy if you replying to a long post whose subjects may have changed over time but you want to reply to the OP. When you are done replying, press the 'Submit' button.

Create a new post of your own

Now that you have responded to a few other posts, and feel like an accepted member of the community, you want to tell us a little bit about yourself. To do this, you should start your very own topic so we can properly respond and greet you. Navigate to our General board and click on it so that you can see the list of all of the existing posts. At the top of the list is a button labelled 'New Thread'. Click that button to start your very own topic. You are placed at the same text editor that you used earlier when replying to posts. Simply type your message telling us all about yourself and press 'Submit'. Now you have your own post topic in the list.

Format your post

Remember we said earlier that the text editor is very similar to a word processor? Well, as in any word processor you can format and arrange your text for emphasis here in the forum.

The first, basic thing you should know is that the forum uses what's called BBcode or Bulletin Board Code. BBcode uses 'tags' to 'mark up' your text. Each 'tag' has an opening and closing 'tag' denoted within brackets. An opening tag will look like [ ] and a closing tag looks like [/ ]. Notice the slash in the closing bracket is the only thing that is different. If you forget the slash, the forum will interpret your closing bracket as an opening bracket.

The easiest way to 'mark up' your text is usually to type it out first, then select it, and press the appropriate button at the top of the editor. For example, if you wanted to make 'some text' bold you would type it out 'some text', then select 'some text' with your mouse, and then press the 'B' icon in the toolbar located just above the Message area (where you are composing your message). You will now see: [b]some text[/b]. When you preview or submit your message it will be displayed as 'some text'. Alternatively, if you know them, you can type the tags manually right along with the rest of your text or you can use the buttons at the top of the editor to insert the tags the fill in your text.

The BBcode Wiki covers the basic mark up tags so let's move on to what the Wiki doesn't cover.

Lists

There are two types of lists: ordered and unordered. An ordered list is a numerical list like you might use to list the finishing order of a race. An unordered list is a list you might use to list groceries. There are two different tags needed to create a list.

First, you use a tag that creates the kind of list you want.

[ul] [/ul] = unordered list [ol] [/ol] = ordered list

Second, you use a list tag for each item in the list

[li] [/li] = each list item.

So, the code for an ordered list would look like this:

[ol] [li] 1st place[/li] [li] 2nd place[/li] [li] 3rd place[/li] [/ol]

Videos

Embedding a video in your post is a more recent addition to the forum and makes use of many video sharing websites on the web. This gives us the ability to show the video in our forum without having to host it ourselves or making you follow a link over some other website to see the video. Once you have a video that you want to post you need to find the unique identifier in the URL to that video.

It's difficult to provide detailed instructions or examples here, so we'll only cover the basics. Understand that each video sharing website uses a unique identifier for each video. For example, this video from YouTube whose URL is http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bqJE5TH5jhc. You need to know the video's unique identifier (which differs depending on what site you visit); in our example, the unique identifier is bqJE5TH5jhc. Once you know what that unique identifier is you can embed that video in our forum by selecting the video hosting website from the 'video' drop down list at the top of the WYSIWIG editor pr typing the following:

[video type=] [/video]

If you were embedding a video from YouTube, for example, the bbcode would end up looking like this:

[video type=youtube] insert_unique_identifier_here [/video]

for example

[video type=youtube] bqJE5TH5jhc [/video]

It's a good idea to preview your post to make sure the video is visible before submitting your completed post.

Edit your own post

There will be times when you make a post and you don't catch a misspelled word, fix a broken link or something that will require you to edit you post. It happens to us all so the edit button is easily accessible. When you are looking at one of your own posts that you need to edit you will find the 'Edit' button at the bottom of your post. Simply press the edit button and you use the same editor you used to create your post populated with the actual post. Edit your post as you see fit and, when you are satisfied, press the 'Submit' button at the bottom of the page. All done!

Visibility and notification of your favorite posts

Now that you have settled into your new community and everyone has met you, you want to be able to keep up with your favorite posts without checking in every five minutes to see if something new has posted. There a couple of ways that you can do that.

At the top and the bottom of every thread you will find the 'Subscribe' button. Pressing this button subscribes you to that topic so that any responses to that topic will generate an email notification to your email address stating that a new post has been made along with a link directly to said post for your convenience. You will notice the button now reads 'Unsubscribe' indicating that you are subscribed and pressing the button again will remove your subscription to that thread. Remember that you can also manage your subscriptions in your profile.

Favourite

Another way of gaining visibility of threads that wish to keep an eye on is set them as your 'Favorite'. This will place an obvious indicator, such as a star, beside the topic name of the thread so that it will stand out in the forum list of topics. You will notice the button now reads 'Unfavorite' indicating that the post is already one of your favourites and pressing the button again will remove it from your favourites. This is a great way to get visibility on multiple topics that you wish to watch without getting spammed by email subscriptions. Remember that you can also manage your favourites in your profile.

The Karma System

The karma system is one of those neat little things that contributes to the community aspect of a website by empowering you to give feedback to those who deserve it. It is a tool you can use to show appreciation or disapproval for anything that another member has done.

Maybe you posted for help on how to do something and got such a swift and helpful response from another member that you want to show appreciation in more than just words. You can applaud them by giving them Karma. Perhaps another member responded to that same post negatively offering no help and unnecessarily making you look foolish when you genuinely needed help. You can smite them by take away Karma. However, should you smite someone, you should follow that up with a message to an admin or moderator and let them know just in case there is a larger issue.

Please use the karma system responsibly. Don't abuse it by artificially inflating someone's karma or waging a personal war against someone by reducing their karma unnecessarily. If abuse is detected the karma system will be shut off as it is not a necessity.

The karma controls are located in the top, right of each post we make in the forum. The '+' sign adds karma and the '-' takes it away. You cannot adjust your own karma.

Conclusion

Now that you know how to create your own posts, edit them, set notifications, etc, you are ready to explore the rest of the forum. Don't be afraid. Go click things and see what they do. If something 'breaks' or you don't understand how to use something make a post in the forum and ask for help.

Terms of Subscription

Retail Motor Law Limited (“RML”)
Legal Advice Subscription Service

RML Legal Service
1.   The RML Legal Service is an annual subscription based service designed specifically to assist business, which operate within the Retail motor industry whether in vehicle sales, body repair or mechanical service and repair.
2.   During the course of the subscription, you, or someone nominated by you, are entitled to use the Service for the period of your subscription for your own business use only. You agree not to permit any other external party access to the Service.
3.   You represent and warrant to RML that you will only use the Service in the ordinary course of your business, and will not in any circumstances resell the Service or any part thereof. Further you agree not to use the Service on behalf of any third party, nor use the Service for commercial gain. You may not modify, copy, distribute, transmit, display, perform, reproduce, publish, license, create derivative works from, transfer, or sell any information, products or services obtained from the Service. No pages shall be reproduced on or transmitted to or stored in or on any web site or other form of electronic retrieval system.
Use of the Helpline
4.   The Helpline is provided in house by RML’s specialist advisors. The Helpline shall be provided during normal office hours. You may contact the Helpline on the numbers provided from time to time. You may also email of fax a document to RML who will then contact you to discuss your requirements. When discussing a Document with an RML adviser, you must ensure that you have all relevant documentation and information readily available.
The Subscription Fee
5.   The Member shall make an agreed payment to RML (‘The Subscription Fee’), in return to access and use the services and the provisions by RML including telephone advice and assistance.
6.   The Subscription Fee shall be payable annually in advance, unless paid in accordance with clause 7. The First subscription Fee shall be payable on or before the Subscription Date and each subsequent Subscription Fee shall be invoiced by RML prior to each anniversary of the Subscription date.
7.   Subscriptions must be paid annually in full, except were RML expressly agrees in writing to accept the Subscription Fee by Standing Order. In consideration of RML agreeing to accept payments by instalments, the Member agrees that the initial subscription shall be for a minimum of 12 months and thereafter will be renewed annually unless cancelled in accordance with clause 9.
a.   Failure, by the Client, to pay any part of the Subscription Fee as and when due shall give RML, without prejudice to its other rights and remedies, the right to demand immediate payment of the whole Subscription Fee.
b.   RML agrees, on the expiry of the initial 12-month period, to confirm, by statement, the Standing Order amounts received for the preceding subscription.
8.   Subscriptions run for a full year and credit will not be given for cancellations during the year.
Termination
9.   RML shall grant to the Client non-exclusive rights to access and to use the Services upon the terms of the Agreement, which shall commence upon the date you first subscribe to the Services (‘the Subscription Date’) and shall continue unless and until terminated by either Party pursuant to this Clause.
a.   RML may, without prejudice to its other rights or remedies, terminate the Agreement without notice by writing to its member in the event of:
i.   The dissolution or liquidation of the member’s corporate identity, any declaration of insolvency by a competent court, or the appointment of a receiver or administrator in respect of the member, or
ii.   Monies owing to RML by the member being in arrears and unpaid 28 days after the same shall have become due (whether legally demanded or not), or
iii.   Member being in serious or persistent breach of any of its obligations under the Agreement, or
iv.   The sale of all or substantially all of the member’s assets, or the transfer of a controlling interest in the member to an unaffiliated third party.
b.   The rights and duties created by clause 10 shall survive the Termination of the agreement.
c.   The Agreement may be terminated by the Member giving RML:
i.   Not less than 30 days written notice to expire on any anniversary of the Subscription Date. Failure to give notice by such deadline shall mean that the Agreement shall continue and the Customer shall be liable to pay the Subscription Fee up until the following anniversary. RML may at its sole discretion allow an earlier termination upon payment by the Customer of a cancellation charge, or
ii.   If the Subscription Fee is paid by Standing Order, by the Customer giving RML not less than 90 days written notice to expire on any anniversary of the Subscription Date. Failure to give notice by such deadline shall mean that the Agreement shall continue and the Customer shall be liable to pay the Subscription Fee up until the following anniversary, provided that RML may at its sole discretion allow earlier termination upon payment by the Customer of a cancellation charge, or
d.   RML may, at it’s sole discretion, terminate the subscription by giving Member not less than 30 days written notice, if the Member refuses to implement or follow RML’s advice, or if the actions of the member are likely to cause harm to RML‘s reputation within the Retail Motor Industry. In such circumstance no credit will be given for any remaining subscription period.
Confidentiality
10.   Each party undertakes to keep confidential all information whether written or oral, which is obtained, in respect of the other party’s business affairs, whether said information is obtained directly as a result of the Subscription Service or not.
11.   Prior to the commencement of the subscription service RML will request, and the Member agrees to supply, the names of persons within their organisation who are authorised to obtain advice from RML.
12.   RML agrees to take all reasonable precautions to ensure that any advice given, especially with respect to employment, is only given to persons authorised by the member within the member’s organisation.
Insurance
13.   Whilst RML employs Solicitors they are not covered by the Law Society Solicitors’ Indemnity Fund, however, throughout the contract period, RML agrees to maintain professional indemnity insurance in respect of the services provided to members.
Liability
14.   To the extent permitted by law, you agree that RML shall not be liable for any consequential or incidental damages (including but not limited to any financial loss and loss of business or profits) or for failure to meet any duties even if Retail Motor Law or its representatives have been advised of the possibility of such damages arising.
15.   Notwithstanding any other provisions of the Terms, nothing shall limit RML's liability in respect of death or personal injury caused by RML's negligence.
16.   Further the member also agrees to limit RML’s liability in respect to any losses incurred by the Member, save for those indicated in clause 15 above, as a result of any advice or assistance obtained through its legal service, to twice the Subscription Fee or, the amount that the member paid to RML annually to receive the Subscription Service.
Severability
17.   If any provision of these Terms is held to be invalid or unenforceable, then the remaining provisions of the Terms and of the paragraph in question shall remain in full force and effect.

Notices
18.   Any notice which RML or you are required to give pursuant to these Terms shall be made by e-mail or first class post, in the case of you, to the address provided below, in the case of us, to the address below.
19.   RML employs barristers who have re-qualified as solicitors who hold current practising certificates issued by the Law Society. They do not have a practising certificate from, and are not fully regulated by, the Bar Council. Although the Bar Council can consider complaints against RML barristers, it cannot require them to pay compensation for inadequate professional service or pay compensation itself for any wrongdoing on the part of RML barristers. The primary rules governing RML lawyers are those of the Law Society. (See term 13 above)
Waiver
20.   No delay or omission on the part of Retail Motor Law in exercising any right, power or remedy under these Terms shall impair or detract from such right, power or remedy or operate as a waiver thereof.
Governing Law
21.   These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with English law, and by entering into this agreement you agree to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English Courts.

Andrew Moody - Barrister

Few people make dramatic life changes to improve their opportunities and deliver a real difference to the industry sector they love. Andrew Moody is just such an individual!

From Panel-beater to Barrister - read how 'The Independent' interpreted Andrew's change in career!

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