Commercial Posts

[Travis]

I should probably clarify... this wasn't meant to discourage anyone, just to protect us from ugliness. Stoning will only be considered after repeated PM's.

Travis

[Maxx]

Stoning will only be considered after repeated PM's.

Sweet! Lemme know if ya need some stones. I got a coupla left overs from a agro-crete mess that were too ugly to go anywhere near the tank...also got some leftover stuffing from Mom's Thanksgiving dinner too...that gets right ugly quick!
Nick

[wooddood]

rolflmao.

[sorcerer]

I might suggest as alternatives to stoning to be used at the admins discretion.....The stocks, iron maiden, rack, dunking, keel hauling, the lash, pressing, and as a last resort, draw and quarter the offender.....JK....Can you tell I oversee systems administrators and security for a network?

[ReefLady]

IMO, this is all good.

In my idealistic mind (subject to change at any given moment, of course) ... I'd like this board to 'transcend' some of the "rules" we run up against at other boards.

I'd like to encourage everyone here to "think past" some of the things they have always feared repercussions for.

Links and references to other sites are fine, and are encouraged. Remember, the reason we are here is to make sure that reefers have the most accurate and complete information available to them.

Why shouldn't sponsors be able to speak to what they know best? IMO, that is silly. I'd be willing to bet that many (most?) sponsors/commercial entities started out as hobbyists - and probably still are. So, we silence them because they are profiting off what they love to do? Why?

I can't speak for Teri, but I know her well enough to assume, that we can open up our forums a bit more to commercial entities who want to have a place to share their knowledge in a non-commercial fashion. If this leeway becomes abused, we will first take it on a case-by-case basis, and only if the abuse becomes widespread would we have to become more strict in policy.

Agreed. We all know what the "line" is, and how not to cross it. If you sell a specific calcium additive, do not jump on every *additive* post to tell everyone how bad every other product on the market is, and how yours is far superior. It will not be tolerated.

However, if someone asks you a question about your product, what the benefits of it are, why you feel it works well, etc., by all means, feel free to answer the question freely. One thing I do ask is that you do not hide the fact that you are a commercial vendor. IMO, honesty and straightforwardness "sells" much better than deceptive advertising and mudslinging - any day.

Please, always feel free to contribute your knowledge, and share your thoughts and opinions. Commerical entities should not have to "watch" what they say any more than any other member.

If you ever have a question, PM Travis or I, or one of the mods. We'd be happy to answer any questions.

Thanks,

[Maxx]

'Nuff said....

[Travis]

Man, me and Teri, we just jive baby!

[Witfull]

Those who have already proven their tendency to abuse such a privelege on other boards (you know who you are)

Raising hand,,,I know i know....UUUH UHHH Mr, Kotter,,,I know....

[reefrunner]

LOL, as with everything else, I have definite opinions on this subject...

1) I am much more likely to spend my money with someone that has helped me (or others on this board) than with a commercial vendor or sponsor that hasn't, so I think sponsor activity is important and have employed this philosiphy on my board. Looks like it will be employed here as well.

2) If everytime someone posts on a general topic, the commercial vendors are all over them with "I got this skimmer for XX dollars" with little or no reason why I should buy that type of skimmer etc...I think that would be bad. It is all gonna be subjective and I don't want to be spammed with advertising everytime I post on an item that is commercially available.

In a nutshell...if the commercial vendors and/or sponsors post as hobbiests with the hobbiests best interest at heart, then it will be an awesome experience and an awesome addition to the board.

[wooddood]

very well said kevin thanks all. dave.

[Icebox]

I agree, I think there are many venders out there, which have a ton of useful information. I would love to have their input, even if it means referencing their product occasionally.

That is the line, continuous adds in thread after thread are what I do not want. If a vender wanted a separate forum to post adds in, that would be different.

If a particular vender is helpful, friendly, and honest dealing with prior problems (Mine or others), I am very likely to look there for a purchase when I am in the market. Help is the keyword, not bashing.

There is a difference between referencing your product in helping someone and selling your product while taking over their thread. Everyone knows the difference.

I welcome you to post as often as you have the time, either asking questions or posting the best information you can.

If you know that a certain product really is garbage, please post it; just back it up with credible evidence.

Edited: I forgot to welcome you aboard Pete. Glad to have you around.

Mike

[UnderWaterParadise]

Well Teri and Kevin could not have said it better. Like I said in a post on RAG I feel it is a service to the hobby and to the wonderful people on this board to have owners of companies on the boards. I am more likely to buy from these type of people.

A LFS of mine used to get all of my money. Well now that I am sooooooooo deep into this hobby I rarely pay him a visit. The reason is I can tell he is in it STRICTLY for the $$$$ and does not give a damn about the animals he sells.

To me if you are taking time from your busy schedule to go on line and help people you have never seen or met then that shows you care about your business as well as the animals and Hobbiest.

BTW what company is Patrick with?

Rob

[Maxx]

www.stoneyreef.com

[StoneyReef]

Just read the new user agreement and well a bit of this kinda scares me. Makes me feel like we are at RC or something!

Reef Sanctuary exists for the non-commercial exchange of information. Sponsors of the club are given a forum to promote their business in accordance with the sponsor agreement. All other posts or signatures that are deemed to be commercial in nature are a violation of this user agreement and will be removed. As it pertains to the User Agreement, Reef Sanctuary defines “commercial post” as knowing and willful posts made by private individuals or businesses, directly or indirectly seeking commerce. Additionally, posts made by individuals or businesses in regard to other commercial activities, in anticipation of direct or indirect economic benefit or relief from the subject activity, will generally be regarded as “commercial”.Recognizing that it is impossible to construct a definition which will satisfy every situation or circumstance, Reef Sanctuary reserves the right to determine whether or not a post violates the “intent” of the “commercial post” policy or definition. Violation of this policy will be grounds for removal from our community.



Just by using this username I hope to light a lightbulb with someone going oh yeah, I have heard that name before!

[Witfull]

its legalese that is there to CYA, and i believe there from a past experience with an individual. i do not think that it is directed at anyone currently on this board, but there to fall back on in case of neccesity.