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Author
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Topic: Survey says.....
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Gwen
Member
Member # 126
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posted 01-22-2002 06:56 PM
    
I'm noticing an increasing trend for folks to "hawk their wares" on these boards, and wondered what the general reaction to that trend is. One guy posts every time he publishes a new book, others when they develop new buckles, brooches and clothing lines, etc. I will post something occasionally (like our shoe shipment, or the utility kits), but have tried to stay away from too many posts of this nature because it seems like exploiting free advertising on a non-commercial site. As a participant on these forums, how do you feel about this? How do the people who pay the bills on these sites feel about this type of advertising? Do you like hearing about new items that businesses like us are developing, or do you feel advertising in the threads detracts from the purpose of the forums? Does it bug you like junk mail, or does it help you in planning your kit? I've been repeatedly urged to post advertisements, yet I hesitate because it seems unfair and in bad taste. What do you think? Gwen
Registered: Feb 2001 | IP: Logged
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chef de chambre
Admin & Advocatus Diaboli
Member # 4
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posted 01-22-2002 11:14 PM
Hi Gwen,I am kind of torn. I like to learn about new products, but frankly I'm interested in good ones. Some of the rash of "adds" on forums recently are for quality historical products, which I am glad to learn about. Some are for items which aren't realy documentable, or are less than highest quality, or what have you. To me, something like that is akin to spam in the mailbox. I always take it better when someone says "look at the cool items I found here" and points out a website, but shameless self promotion sits badly with me, especially when people are giving in essence a free advertisement to themselves without consulting the website owners. I don't have a problem with what you and Jeff do - you let us know when new shipments are in, you already pay for the "privilige" of your advertisment, which helps to support this forum, and most importantly, you asked about how we felt about it. Market research on the other hand is thoroughly legit, since this board is about supporting late Medieval LH/reenactment, and helping the hobby grow. Something like the utility kits is market research, and it directly benefits the people composing the audience of these boards. We get to tell you what we would like to see, and you run your ideas past us. A small business does not need to invest time and money into a product that does not sell because the market is not interested in the product. That sort of problem can be avoided by questions like the utility kit question. I don't think it would be fair if someone not helping to support the site, or who didn't ask first would start a advertisement campaign. -------------------- Bob R.
Registered: May 2000 | IP: Logged
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Gwen
Member
Member # 126
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posted 01-23-2002 01:06 AM
Thanks for all the comments so far, and I hope others will add their comments as well.Would it be out of line to suggest a "Marketplace" forum devoted to these types of promotional advertisements and R&D threads? At least one could avoid them if not interested. Conversely, it would be a place to store these type of threads for future reference. I wouldn't be adverse to a "pay to play" scenario, where only those who pay for advertising have the right to post new products and whatnot in the Marketplace forum. After all, *someone* has to pay the bills to maintain the site. I pay for other advertising, and I'd willingly pay for more here. Gwen
Registered: Feb 2001 | IP: Logged
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Gobae
Member
Member # 112
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posted 01-23-2002 09:19 AM
I usually don't mind "ads". But this is because many of them are on topic, short and sweet, and not offensive.Personally, when I post about new products I've made, my goals are more along the lines of: showing pride that I "discovered/created" something new, want others to see it and adapt it to their own needs, be able to give source and construction information to those interested. I've also discovered that having my URL in my tagline is a nice "low-key" way yo advertise. Nothing fancy or pushy just the link, and if people are interested it's their choice. I really do like the idea of a "comercial" and R&D section though. Being aware of what is out there and who is making what, is hard. Daniel Crowther http://www.oakandacorn.com [ 01-23-2002: Message edited by: Swordsmith ] -------------------- Gobae - The Blacksmith
Historic Strides Blog
Ancient Celtic Clans
Registered: Jan 2001 | IP: Logged
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jcesarelli
Member
Member # 146
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posted 01-23-2002 12:15 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Ginevra:
Would it be out of line to suggest a "Marketplace" forum devoted to these types of promotional advertisements and R&D threads? At least one could avoid them if not interested. Conversely, it would be a place to store these type of threads for future reference. I wouldn't be adverse to a "pay to play" scenario, where only those who pay for advertising have the right to post new products and whatnot in the Marketplace forum. After all, *someone* has to pay the bills to maintain the site. I pay for other advertising, and I'd willingly pay for more here. Gwen
Gwen,
I believe that you are right on the mark. Having a marketplace forum would seem to be the solution to this issue. If I ever have a product to market, I would be willing to pay for the privilege. -------------------- Joseph It is the very difficult horses that have the most to give you. Lendon Gray
Registered: Mar 2001 | IP: Logged
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posted 01-22-2002 08:22 PM
