Allow Commercial Posts?

[qballjr13]

Originally Posted by TortoiseAWD

No worries on that . . . certain forums can be excluded from the "new posts" processing, so advertising wouldn't clog the new posts list.

If this works as intended, Autopia members won't notice any change in their regular browsing other than the addition of a new forum. Spammers and shills will still be chased out of the main forums with pitchforks, torches, tar, feathers, cudgels, etc. As long as you steer clear of the commercial forum, your forum browsing should be unaffected.

Tort

Thanks Tort,
In that case can I change my vote?

[ZaneO]

Originally Posted by DavidB

Zane,

Today we manually search our IP database when we suspect a shill. If a Shill suspect is using a proxy to mask their true IP, we can detect that, too.

With the next upgrade of our software, we have a new tool that will do what we're doing now as a regular process and send me an email with the results (nightly). The shills will be busted, banned and the community will be better for it.

What this allows is a new level of interaction between sellers and consumers. I like that. It brings some excitement back to the community.

Personally speaking, I am the only "potential looser" in this change, as it directs people away from my stuff. I'm not stupid enough to believe that everyone wants my stuff or even wants to buy from me. That's the way it should be.

I can understand and appreciate that, but in my eyes, shills are such for a reason - secrecy. They want to appear unaffiliated for the purpose of persuasion. I'm not sure an "advertising" forum will isolate them to that area.

Just my thoughts

[94BlkStang]

Originally Posted by 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

Sounds like a great idea David as I found it very informative when someone like Mike Phillips would come in and offer his advice and opinion on things. It would be great to see representatives from any of the manufacturers get involved and help us understand their products better and to find out what's new and on the horizon.

[Cooter]

I like Patrick's idea for a application for advertising. Let the company or whoever submit an application to be reviewed by DavidB and the mods. I think some of it could be really nice. Maybe learning about existing products and products that are slated for future release or revised products already on the market. My $.02

[warlockid]

I say why not? I've learned a ton from Autopia and even though I hate the idea of mass marketing via this site, if somehow it can be restricted a bit, I'm always open to learning more. If all it will be is larger businesses hawking their wares and not contributing any actual product knowledge or tips/tricks/consumer info, then I say leave well enough alone. Thanks for letting me sound off on the subject

[Devious1]

I would say yes, then have it so they have to make a small contribution to the site for the advertisement, then just make sure they abide by the

If it was set up like that i would be all for it...

[James Thomas]

No. Sorry to say but call it what you like...... give an inch take a mile, it will get out of control & never stop, for profit / pro companies and products should "PAY OR SPONSER" for their advertising, product info will not be un-biased (what little there might be?).
We tried this on another auto related fourm I am on and it turned into a nightmare.

_______
James

[jetset4me]

No. Not. Or as General McAuliffe said to the Germans during the Battle of the Bulge-"Nuts."

[DFTowel]

Originally Posted by Cooter

I like Patrick's idea for a application for advertising. Let the company or whoever submit an application to be reviewed by DavidB and the mods. I think some of it could be really nice. Maybe learning about existing products and products that are slated for future release or revised products already on the market. My $.02

Reviving and old thread but This is a good idea that any self respecting vendor should have no problem going along with. Allowing only approved vendors to post helps everyone, especially the clients. I'm sure that any approved posting vendor who wants to remain approved and in the good public eye will bend over backwards in customer service. IMO it's a win/win.

[jsatek]

Commercial in a specified area where only paying commercial can post pictures.....

[Rainman]

But........

I would like for the commercial posts to be excluded from the New Posts button. I use it alot myself and on top of the 300+ that sometimes show up I just don't want to weed through ads.

Keep putting the screws to the shills and spammers. They deserve NO MERCY!

I enjoy Autopia and appreciate everything you and the moderators do to keep it going.

That's my .02
Ray

[POPPAJ]

I like the site the way it is now, but on a trial basis-uh,give it a trial.