[DavidB]

In this week's meeting with the Moderators I proposed the following question:

"Should we provide a forum area specifically for commercial posts?"

The Mods were hesitant to say yes, so we agreed to put it out to the community.

This is an important issue. In the past we allowed company representatives to participate and answer questions about their products. When the heavy marketing and selling started (some people just can't control themselves), we put an end to it. Enough was enough.

The spam continues. Shills are coming out of the woodwork.

One possible way to control this issue is to simply make it okay to make commercial posts in a specific "free-for-all" forum area. What would this area be for:

- Public announcements of new products, services and web sites.
- Public announcements of specials, sales and coupons.
- Member posting of trades, items for sale and items wanted.
- Member questions to business representatives who participate on the forum.

I'd like a simple thumbs up or thumbs down vote. If the community wants this we will give it a try.

Our rules will be modified as follows:

- Anyone directly related (evidence or appearance that monetary benefit exists) to a product, service or business who is caught selling, marketing or recommending their product outside of the "Trading Post" area will be immediately banned with no questions asked.

- Anyone caught shilling (multiple accounts for fraudulent purposes) will be immediately banned and reported to anti-shill lists.

Thanks for your feedback!

db