Tom,
Seems like I have to start every message to you with, "Thanks!", and here it is again. I do have a small suggestion that you might already have considered, but which I think is worth bringing up:
I wore my last computer out devouring old threads on several rodbuilding boards. I think this board is a dynamite idea because of the updates from sponsors - saves me a lot of time looking around for deals - but do you want the sale notices/board specials in the archives forever? I don't mind seeing threads letting me know that a retailer/wholesaler has a deal going, but if I search archives for comments on, for instance, "rainshadow blanks", I'd be disappointed to get a page of threads about sales someone had last year. Have you planned to put an expiration date on the dealer sale notices?

LonnieD

Actually, your suggestion is something I'll have to consider. I had not thought about the problems of having all these ads in the archives. We'll see how it goes for a while and then fine tune some things if need be. Thanks for your suggestion.

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Tom, are non-vendors allowed to post "for sale" items on occasion, as long as we keep pricing and negotiations and what not off the board?

Bob

Within reason, yes. The bottom line is that this is really the sponsors' board - they are the ones paying for it.

I suppose if you have an oddball from time to time, something like an odd handle, or a blank you want to sell or swap, you can likely get by with a casual mention that you'd like interested parties to contact you. Most of that is innocent enough, but you know there are also people who will take advantage of a situation and before you know it we've got people in the business using this as their ad medium without contributing to the upkeep of the board. Such things will be monitored closely.

If I could have done this site and let all the mgfs. and vendors in for free I certainly would have. But these things do cost. That's the only reason for the sponsor fees. I can assure you it extremely reasonable and is figured on a "cost" basis. I make no money on this. But those sponsors who have shelled out their fee are entitled to promotion and advertising that those who haven't, are not entitled to. I hope this sounds fair.

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Very fair, Tom. It's always good to get these issues out of the way up front, as much as possible. There are plenty of other outlets to sell stuff other than this board. Just wanted to clarify some of the intent, is all.

Bob