[Lara's mom]

Rant aware!!! There are many contributing members in this forum who I assume also have their own businesses and advertise here. I have absolutely no problem with that. In fact, I have benefited from their knowledge and advice.

However, there are those who join this forum strictly for the purpose of "advertising their wares and advancing their business." In my opinion, this is an abuse of this forum. I joined the forum to meet other dog lovers and to learn and share. I love it here!!!

I would very much like to hear what other members think. Personally, these opportunists make me sick! In this forum, I have found a wonderful community of dog lovers and have found a few really good friends. I would hate to see this wonderful place turned into an advertising spot for every nutbar with an idea that they think is worth a few bucks.

I'm not a computer genius so I have no idea how to create a poll. I'd just like to hear what the other members think about this.

[CorkyMax]

Right on! I agree 100%!!

[Lara's mom]

Thanks!!! Nice to know that I'm not alone!!!

[MrAndrew]

Being both a dog owner/lover and someone who wants to 'hawk their wares' I too agree. There is a difference between blatant 'spamming' and contributing useful advise without specifically trying to promote a product or affiliate sale.

When I recommend products it is because the product is good, be it a doggy toothbrush or a specific type of food. I really don't care if an individual buys the product from my store(s), it's more about promoting a product that is useful to the consumer that the consumer would actually benefit from.

I assume that the users of this forum, like other shoppers, will do their research and then find a place (physical or online) to buy the product from, but going back to the main discussion, I agree, there are some dos and don'ts when advertising in a public forum like this one and it would be nice if everyone played by the rules.. Perhaps the admins need to promote some of the more active users into Moderators.. I nominate Laura's Mom!

[cherylmartin]

I joined this forum to help me deal with the loss of my beloved Jasmine. I joined also to see if other furbabies have died from ProIn, a deadly killer drug and I found them here. I can 'surf' the internet if I need to purchase something but a forum is not a place for joining and selling and advertising your products.
It should not be allowed here just like those joining asking to vote for 'their cutest dog' contest people.

[pinsnpugs]

I agree with lara's mom.

[Yogi]

As I noted in the forum post "To all new members, Please read". Established members are permitted to post links or sales information so long as you have at least 75 posts of which are actually contributing posts to OP threads. Some here have not yet met this and have gone about with promoting their own agenda. As this is a new rule we have let them slide as they have shown a willingness to contribute while advertising.
Violating this rule will find post deleted and possible ban if anyone continues until they have met the post requirement. If after that time they fail to contribute and only post with links to promotional or seek to advertise without an actual contribution to the site. They will be banned and their posts removed.

[DoggieVogue]

Originally Posted by MrAndrew

Being both a dog owner/lover and someone who wants to 'hawk their wares' I too agree. There is a difference between blatant 'spamming' and contributing useful advise without specifically trying to promote a product or affiliate sale.

When I recommend products it is because the product is good, be it a doggy toothbrush or a specific type of food. I really don't care if an individual buys the product from my store(s), it's more about promoting a product that is useful to the consumer that the consumer would actually benefit from.

I assume that the users of this forum, like other shoppers, will do their research and then find a place (physical or online) to buy the product from, but going back to the main discussion, I agree, there are some dos and don'ts when advertising in a public forum like this one and it would be nice if everyone played by the rules.. Perhaps the admins need to promote some of the more active users into Moderators.. I nominate Laura's Mom!

Well said. My sentiments exactly. I have my link in my signature. I rarely suggest products and if I do, it is because I think that it is a good product and that my opinion is asked for. Or I'm suggesting a general type of product and using it for an example. I'm not here to sell stuff. If I do, great. If not, no biggie. I'm here because I love my dog and want to converse with other pet owners.

And might I add that blatantly hawking stuff is rude and offensive, and will only make us NOT buy their product.