Advertising on the Forum

[Jonathan]

Just a quick reminder, in the friendliest possible way of course, about our policy regarding commercial advertising on the forums. A few contributors own or run businesses that could be of service to other Maestro/Montego owners. I've been a bit relaxed on this in the past but recently there have been a lot of signatures promoting commercial interests, perhaps because not everyone was fully aware of the position. I should clarify that repetitive commercial advertising in this way isn't permitted under the terms, picky as that might sound. These were revised when the system was upgraded last month although they're now a generic set of forum terms that essentially say the same as before but worded properly (or more confusingly :) )

If you have a signature that you think might not be 'legal' I'd be grateful if you could revise it. HOWEVER that's not to say you can't advertise - there are acceptable means of commercial advertising including contact details in your profile, ONE post on the recommended links & traders forum, posting details on a thread *where appropriate* (eg. a poster specifically asks for recommendations) or let me know and I'll put details on the suppliers page free of charge. I hope I'm not being too unreasonable considering the usual costs associated with commercial advertising.

[MGTurbo]

Would that be directly refering to me, or proper trade user's? I am not trade, i operate a very small sideline business that suppliments my main job, and i don't feel my sig is pushing this to excess in anyway, IMO.

Gareth

[E_T_V]

I don't think the comments are directed at anyone in particular, just a notice to all people to refrain from advertising their businesses in every post they make, i.e. their signature. A friendly notice/request now is far better than seeming draconian further down the line when the problem escalates and sigs have to be removed.

As said we'll happliy link in services/suppliers where appropriate or allow people to post if the info is requested.

As an aside forum users can also remove all signatures from being displayed on the user options menu.

[Dave]

I dont think it was aimed specifically at anyone... im sure if it was this would have been communicated via PM. There are several users with adverts in there sigs at the moment.

I think its just annoying having to trawl through cluttered threads, we dont have any 'pop ups' for the same reason...

We do have a links page - if people want there sites linked from this site, that would be the better way to do it.

Dave.

[Andy]

on rovertech thers a part on the forum for private and traders. This would have solved all problems for advertising on the forum. The signatures could by placed on the traders part of the forum any how.

[Jonathan]

No, not picking on anyone in particular. I think it's great that so many of us are able to make a bit of money out of our hobby and put our skills to use in helping other enthusiasts, and I'd like to think that this website can help promote this further. As such, any suggestions gratefully received - could you be a bit clearer Andy? Your idea sounds a bit like the recommended links and traders forum.

The clause I'm referring to is worded:

[you may not] advertise or offer to buy or sell goods or services for any commercial purpose, unless such communication facility specifically allows such messages

Strictly this would prohibit any mention of one's own business at all full stop, but I don't see this as a problem provided it's not repetitive (ie. in every post). Or, of course, if you're offering services for no commercial purpose or financial gain. Please consider signatures with the above in mind and edit as appropriate.

Thanks :)