Please explain the "no advertising" rules on CD forums

[jecc]

Originally Posted by jeannie216

http://www.city-data.com/forum/about...ons-not-5.html

That link is already posted above. My response to it was can't you add that info to the TOS so it's easy to find. It does no good to have a policy posted at the end of a long thread like that.

This thread is starting to go in circles. I think I'll just stop worrying about this and continue posing info that I think is helpful. If it crosses the line, I trust a moderator will fix it.

[ElkHunter]

Originally Posted by the painter

I too am abit confussed, yesturday a guy was tooting his horn and gave out his website, now today it has disappeared, at least I can't locate it... lol But what about todays post about I have a house for you and then the contact info??? It's very simply to me-it says no advertising. No means No not yes

I would venture a guess that the mod for that area hasn't had time to log on yet today. Most of the Mods hold down regular jobs and don't get a chance to check in until after supper. But if you report a post like that, either one of the other mods will respond to it, or there will be a message waiting for the normal mod when they log on.

We try, but with 10,000 posts a day, sometimes it takes a bit to catch up.

[poconoproud]

So, it is against the tos to advertise your business in your blog as well as in posts, correct? I have seen a few blog advertisers, but wasn't sure if the blogs were allowed this privilage.

[markablue]

Originally Posted by poconoproud

So, it is against the tos to advertise your business in your blog as well as in posts, correct? I have seen a few blog advertisers, but wasn't sure if the blogs were allowed this privilage.

Currently, we are not against advertising in blogs. That is, if you mean the blogs here, on city-data. Those interested will find a way to your profile so this is not much different from what had always been the rule here - that you're allowed to have your website or business contacts posted in your profile info. Naturally, you should not direct people there in every post you write on the forums.

This is for now, since the blogs are still a fairly new feature. It may be subject to change in the future if we notice this is being overused. Let's hope it doesn't happen though.

Happy posting.

[poconoproud]

thanks, markablue. I am a happy poster I love city-data.

[tomocox]

Originally Posted by sunrico90

From our TOS, this applies to all: Real Estate Agents and other businesses will not advertise their services nor solicit business in their posts.

I have been absolutely within my understanding of the TOS. I have not solicitied business, but I am identified as a Real Estate member, and people have asked me to represent them. The moderator is saying that it does not matter who asks, that if a member of this forum askes me to represent them and I say yes, then I am in violation of TOS. Please note that CD even identifies us with the "house" logo next to our names.



Is the moderator correct?

[markablue]

Originally Posted by tomocox

I have been absolutely within my understanding of the TOS. I have not solicitied business, but I am identified as a Real Estate member, and people have asked me to represent them. The moderator is saying that it does not matter who asks, that if a member of this forum askes me to represent them and I say yes, then I am in violation of TOS.

Is the moderator correct?

They are if you do it in public. Any correspondence with your potential or current clients can and should be conducted privately, via DM messages or email - outside the forum.