Commercial members/advertising now allowed?

[PCustoms]

Have the rules changed in regards to commercial accounts?

Seems to be more and more normal "members" join and then within a few posts are linking their channels or just outright plugging products and services.

Some try to be subtle, but their post(s) history makes it clear why they're here.

I've reported a few and it seems to be hit or miss if they are still around.

 

[Etchase]

I don’t find the self promotion of commercial activity beneficial, including YouTube channels. Seems to be clogging up many threads, like new tool arrivals. Daily.

 

[Ryan]

I contact them first to tell them to cut it out... If they still do it, I typically close the account.

 

[PCustoms]

I contact them first to tell them to cut it out... If they still do it, I typically close the account.

Do you get all the reports, or is it like the others where the first mod to look deals with it?

I've seen one where the thread disappeared, but the thinly veiled posts continue. Another got banned almost immediately, and a third seems to have had no changes.

 

[PCustoms]

Do you get all the reports, or is it like the others where the first mod to look deals with it?

I've seen one where the thread disappeared, but the thinly veiled posts continue. Another got banned almost immediately, and a third seems to have had no changes.

@Ryan I tried to tag you yesterday in a report

This is one of the ones that seems to just be here to plug their videos and products:

VIDEO TEST

Hey everyone. Would like to know if this is a video that keeps your attention the whole way. It's not about the product, more about if you just enjoy watching tool videos like this. Your input would be greatly appreciated. It is not public on YouTube and I can still edit it if there is...

www.garagejournal.com

If I'm off base let me know...

 

[PCustoms]

Here's another:

Thread 'Enjoy 15% Off: NutUp Magnetic Lug Nut / Lug Bolt Holster' https://www.garagejournal.com/forum...tup-magnetic-lug-nut-lug-bolt-holster.549854/

 

[four.cycle]

@PCustoms -

We have several manufacturers and distributors on board here as members: Astro-Pneumatic, Harry J. Epstein, Vampire Tools, Lock-n-Lube, Montana (Rocky Mountain Twist), etc.
I have personally gotten several of them on board myself, and explained to them "Hey, if you've got some special promo going, by all means let the guys know. Even better: if you want to cook up a special deal for GJ members, have at it. But don't flood the site or the site admin will toss your *** out."
In those cases, I've steered them into the "Hot Deals" forum so their sales pitches aren't cluttering up "General Tool" or "Vintage Tool" forums.
I believe we've created some symbiotic relationships by doing this - they get to sell more product, and the members here can actually interact with a human (and in some cases take advantage of exclusive promotional offers.)

Only one who continues to resist my overtures is Tekton - they read the threads but won't engage.

I had not yet seen the ad you mentioned above, because I very rarely look at any "Hot Deal" threads. But if you're referring to the "Sticky RX" thing, that falls right in line with the others I mentioned just above.
I don't see any downside, unless they start flooding the site with ads. Thus far that hasn't been an issue that I'm aware of.


@Ryan - if I've gone out of my lane on this, please let me know. BK

 

[Ryan]

Sorry guys. Im on the road for another week.

@Richsgarage needs to chill and use the site like a member and not someone trying to push a product. I’ve talked to him about it. I think he gets it.

The NutUp guys are sponsors and support the site.

thanks for the help guys.

 

[PCustoms]

The NutUp guys are sponsors and support the site.

I guess I imagined it (I went and looked at all the flooring vendors as I know the names), for some reason I had it in my mind that the sponsors had a unique tag/badge. I questioned seeing members, not ID'd as sponsors, obviously promoting products.

Thanks!

 

[four.cycle]

@PCustoms -
An example of what I've been aiming for with this:
Yesterday I spoke on the phone with a vendor, who is offering GJ members free shipping on an item currently being discussed in one of the "bit" threads while his inventory lasts.
So... it's not ALL bad.

.... just sayin' ...

 

[mike93lx]

@PCustoms -
An example of what I've been aiming for with this:
Yesterday I spoke on the phone with a vendor, who is offering GJ members free shipping on an item currently being discussed in one of the "bit" threads while his inventory lasts.
So... it's not ALL bad.

.... just sayin' ...

I dont think offering a discount is what makes it OK.

People using the platform, which costs Ryan money, to advertise for free, is the problem.

 

[four.cycle]

^ I have no argument there, to a degree. The vendors I mentioned above pretty much stick to announcing special offers. Advertising just for the sake of advertising is a different animal, and as I pointed out, I've told those I've negotiated with in no uncertain terms that if they go overboard, @Ryan will show them the door.
You're going to have to point out for me exactly what you're referring to, because it didn't get my attention - I don't look at every thread. BK

 

[four.cycle]

I dont think offering a discount is what makes it OK.

huh?
that particular deal I finagled with Nelson yesterday just for GJ members.
how is that not okay?



is this my "no good deed goes unpunished" penalty?

 

[mike93lx]

huh?
that particular deal I finagled with Nelson yesterday just for GJ members.
how is that not okay?



is this my "no good deed goes unpunished" penalty?

Ryan pays for this site and has advertisers that pay for access to the group.

Why should a vendor get free access to this group when others have to pay for it? It's a business, not a free bulletin board at a coffee shop

 

[four.cycle]

^ Again, I'm not sure what "ads" you are referring to that have gotten your dander up, and as far as I know, neither @Ryan or any of the other moderators have indicated to me that this is a problem.

 

[mike93lx]

^ Again, I'm not sure what "ads" you are referring to that have gotten your dander up, and as far as I know, neither @Ryan or any of the other moderators have indicated to me that this is a problem.

I am not speaking about anything you have done and I have no dander up.

I'll leave this one alone and not try to speak for Ryan.

 

[tomas19]

I think it is a serious damage to the forum and a disregard for the administrators if new members directly advertise without disguising it. You should punish them. If it is a senior member who gives useful links under reasonable circumstances, it is completely acceptable.