EM Posted October 9, 2009 Report Share Posted October 9, 2009 From the Tesco Direct thread: I thought one, or more of the Mods, got a bit ratty recently about advertising for Loooovely Foords Chocolates.So why to hell are they allowing so much advertising for Tesco on Shetlink? As he says, the Foords chocolates thread was recently locked due to supposedly breaching T&C through being commercial. I can't quote the explanation because the entire thread has now been completely deleted. Now I don't have an opinion either way with respect to the relative merits of either firm, but this really does open a can of worms. Strictly, the T&C can be applied to Foords, but where does it stop? As noted by others there are loads of other threads which are in the same boat. Butcher shop on the street, band promotions, even the latest interesting Sideways radio info. I personally find such threads particularly interesting, but only when they include wider info and varied views. Some time ago in the thread: Foords Chocolates Open "The Chocolate Experience" It was stated that posts which mention an event are OK, but otherwise not. It seems to me that some clarification needs to be made concerning just what is OK and what is not. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fjool Posted October 9, 2009 Report Share Posted October 9, 2009 Interesting point. Personally I'd be happy if it were forbidden to say anything about Tesco, anywhere, ever. Horrible place. But here's the thing, we are allowed to say negative things about Tesco and they don't come here demanding that we remove negative posts. A business owner recently shot themselves in the foot a bit by doing exactly this and incurring the wrath of a mod. So, here's the thing: talking about businesses, local or otherwise, is fine. Share your experiences from a customer's point of view and everyone benefits from your experience. What is not ok, however, is to generate work for moderators by asking that we remove anything vaguely negative to protect a business. If a business wants a channel through which they and only they can send nothing but positive messages about their business, then the forum threads are not it. (Remember that we don't get paid for this; it's a service for the people of Shetland, not a free advertising opportunity). So, as you have pointed out, we've let lots of local business threads persist and will probably continue to do so. Just so long as they come from genuine customers sharing their experiences. Simple. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ghostrider Posted October 9, 2009 Report Share Posted October 9, 2009 ^^ How do you justify threads on the music board then that are nothing more than effectively an advertisement for a regular or semi-regular commercial event? Shouldn't those at least be kept on the events calendar? Rarely does any discussion ensue on such threads, and as such come off looking exactly like free advertising, regardless of their intent. Not taking a pop at anyone or anything in particular here, as I'm not too bothered how it is, but while I can see the sense in bending the rules when a new promoter or venue puts on a gig, and for a "one of" thing, as they can use all the help they can get. Its always seemed to me a bit cheeky that established promoters and venues effectively use the music board for, as far a regular site user is aware, free advertising. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fjool Posted October 9, 2009 Report Share Posted October 9, 2009 Another interesting point. I hadn't really considered that, but I see what you're saying. Will have to muse that further but I'm sure that certain other mods will have a more worthwhile opinion on this than I. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MuckleJoannie Posted October 9, 2009 Report Share Posted October 9, 2009 In America the Federal Trade Commission is to crack down on bloggers who fail to disclose fees or freebies they get from companies for reviewing products. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/8291825.stm From Techcrunch In the eyes of imaginative and opportunistic advertisers and marketers, bloggers and online influencers are the new celebrities and athletes. Brands are showering them with endorsement deals rich with products, cash, trips, exclusive access to information, and VIP treatment each and every day, creating a new genre of star spokespersons. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shetlandpeat Posted October 9, 2009 Report Share Posted October 9, 2009 If you are commenting from personal experiences, I think that is fine.. It is when the post is an advert me thinx I bought "River Crossing" Products cos as a Shetland based company they offer brilliant service. (Not yet just an idea for a phrase) Should the promos be Just for companies based in Shetland, or we could use our common sense and say that the "River Crossing" thread was a wee bit of an out let for the folks at "River Crossing", but it was not really their fault, they reacted to the posts... On the other hand, TESsa COen could ruin local producers, with their ways... See we dont get TESsa COen on here talking about TESsa COen.... Perhaps no direct promotional stuff except for Shetland based stuff..but even then, pehaps suppliers need not apply, they can react via PM and mail, but it is complecated, common ground will have to be found... Another opportunity arises to promote the Isles... Perhaps a Category for such stuff, could bring in a wee bit of revenue... This is a Shetland orientated site, but there has to be boundaries.... Direct advertising should be paid for.... Tis not a gift from a web server, tis paid for by folk... This post is without bias or malice intended.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Njugle Posted October 9, 2009 Report Share Posted October 9, 2009 ^ Many good answers above, and to add to them ( though we shouldn't have to justify every mod decision to members, who don't have to pay a subscription or anything mind!) a decision was made on one particular thread because one particular business was in the situation that Fjool discusses above and then add to that another business had come into the thread to discuss a private transaction between them on the forum in a defamatory manner. The removal was a matter of discretion, not a statement of policy or a profound gesture toward the exponents of free speech or anything else complicated or philosophical. It was one thread, going nowhere good, that had fulfilled its original purpose. Shetlink is not here to serve as a public conduit for two private businesses to sort out their private affairs. There are alternatives available, like email, telephone, mail, or verbal communication. In fact there is even a Private Message function here on Shetlink and if anyone seeks to discuss their private business dealings, or Shetlink mod decisions, that is the best avenue to pursue. Thanks. And, I'm happy to say, all involved discussed their private affairs privately and everything got sorted. Not that it is anybody's business but their own, don't you think? .....and they all live happily ever after. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2lb_saucermeat Posted October 13, 2009 Report Share Posted October 13, 2009 I don't have much o an opinion either way but I didn't think there was much wrong with that forum. Are these not advertising events for their own profits also? And perhaps answering questions on other forums for their own benefits and profits. http://www.shetlink.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=8748 http://www.shetlink.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=8783 http://www.shetlink.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=8107 http://www.shetlink.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=8798 http://www.shetlink.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=8705 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fjool Posted October 13, 2009 Report Share Posted October 13, 2009 ^ First two: complaint upheld. A bit late to do anything about them now though.Others: not so much. Not sure where you're coming from here but, as far as I can tell, these were started in good faith by customers and include legitimate and useful information about those businesses. (If I've missed something here then please drop me a PM and I can review) In the case of those sporting events, good to have a thread which allows people who attended to come back and say things such as "I went and it was a steaming pile", or "It was great!", etc. Really though, I'd like for us to be able to support local events and businesses wherever possible, so long as they're not taking the proverbial or generating extra mod work by making unreasonable demands of our time and patience. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2lb_saucermeat Posted October 13, 2009 Report Share Posted October 13, 2009 ^ First two: complaint upheld. A bit late to do anything about them now though. A complaint wasn't my objective with the post, it was mearly trying to point out the consistancy of either local companies advertising, or being discussed. I don't have any objections to Shetland Pool, Darts, or any other company advertising here, maybe my post wasn't descriptive enough with the point I was trying to put forward. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Njugle Posted October 13, 2009 Report Share Posted October 13, 2009 As stated above, the decision to remove the thread was not a statement of policy, it was a decision on one particular thread. Though, we may be forgiven for assuming you were raising the matter as a complaint as you quoted five threads as evidence against a moderation decision and as such it does read as if you have an opinion on the matter. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2lb_saucermeat Posted October 13, 2009 Report Share Posted October 13, 2009 As stated above, the decision to remove the thread was not a statement of policy, it was a decision on one particular thread. Though, we may be forgiven for assuming you were raising the matter as a complaint as you quoted five threads as evidence against a moderation decision and as such it does read as if you have an opinion on the matter. As stated above Njugle, and in the reply to the PM you sent, it wasn't a complaint. If you would like to describe my 'five threads as evidence against a moderation decision', carry you on. It was mearly showing that local compaines discuss and sometimes promote themselves on the website. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twerto Posted October 13, 2009 Report Share Posted October 13, 2009 http://www.myhairstylingtools.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/chem_damaged_hair.jpg Comes to mind Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Njugle Posted October 13, 2009 Report Share Posted October 13, 2009 VG Twerto. Took me a moment. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2lb_saucermeat Posted October 13, 2009 Report Share Posted October 13, 2009 Must note; Do not post anything that may cause this particular Mod offence. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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