Greetings:
You may not all be aware that the ATC has a URL for reporting incidents on or neat the trail. http://www.appalachiantrail.org/hiki...rt-an-incident
This is the best place to post first hand reports concerning issues with hikers or trail providers that you feel need others to be made aware of.
I recently shuttled some southbounders back to the trail near Hiawassee, GA and was questioned about a shuttler they had dealt with previously. This particular shuttler tends to "farm" Dicks Creek Gap since there is no cell phone service there and has become somewhat notorious locally for dishonesty and intimidation. The hikers asked me why nothing had been done about him to which I could only respond that it was not against the law to be a jerk. Not my precise words, but you get the idea. If you have first hand issues with any trail provider the ATC is the best place to file your report unless it is of a law enforcement matter or requires immediate action.
I believe that you can also find an incident report form in the back of your trail guide. While we who live along the trail may be aware of issues that have been brought to our attention, anything we say is second hand and unverifiable. If you have specific first hand knowledge of problems, take advantage of the ATC incident report program and help us all make the trail a more pleasurable experience for all.