New Rule March 4, 2012 - Solicitation via Private Message

[admin]

This is actually a pretty common rule on most forums.
Solicitation via Private Message
The Private Message system may not be used for solicitation of any kind. Even if you have a legitimate "Buy / Sell / Trade" forum communication, you cannot place that info, or links to it in a PM. This is considered spam and is prohibited.
You can see it in the full rules, as 1a, just above #2.
http://pipesmagazine.com/forums/topic/forum-rules-read-before-posting-please-1

 

[mluyckx]

Was I soliciting when I sent you the link to the best Belgian chocolates ? ;-)
All kidding aside, good reminder
Maybe add: "unless specifically asked for by the member in question" ? I've asked for links to a posting, but not to a general store kind of thing.

 

[brewshooter]

If we do have a legitimate Buy/Sell/Trade posting, may we do further discussions via PM? Or ask the respondent for email address and continue the conversation that way? There is some information I might not like to give in a totally open forum.

I would imagine that once someone responds to the thread post it is fine to use PM to close the deal. I think Kevin is just trying to avoid unwanted PMs sent out trying to solicit business. Once a transaction is in place, I think PM is probably the place to close the deal and handle the details. Kevin can correct me if I'm thinking wrong on this.

 

[havanarick]

wow!!!

 

[danno]

Gotta love a No Soliciting rule. I have a "No Soliciting" sign on my door which is frequently ignored. So, I answer the Door with a Giant Dog frothing at the mouth. It is always interesting. The folks who do not take off running sometimes want to debate what constitutes solicitation. I tell them to look it up in the dictionary, and to never step foot on my property again.

 

[nsfisher]

Yup, have to admit, I too am all for that rule. However, I also agree, just a wee bit more clarification would be good. One does need to PM and recieve PM's to finalize details privately

 

[admin]

Spam is an unsolicited offer to buy (or trade) something whereby the seller has initiated the contact without the potential buyer having previously expressed an interest.
Someone could post a thread in Buy / Sell / Trade. If I respond in the public thread that I am interested, then a PM is ok.
If we had a previous specific private discussion, such as; "Hey man, if you hear of anyone getting SG Commonwealth in stock, please let me know in private so I have a chance to snag some before it is sold out". Then it is ok.
If you happen to have the general knowledge that a lot of people get frustrated by the face that Penzance is hard to get and you find out a retailer has some (or YOU have some) to sell, then sending a PM to all of your "buddies" may be questionable.
If they are just guys you happen to like or think are cool from their postings, but you don't really have a personal relationship with them, then you probably shouldn't send an unsolicited PM even of you think you are doing a favor.
If you really, truly have a personal relationship with them, and they told you to hit them up if you get this news, then that's different.
Otherwise, post a thread.

 

[mluyckx]

Good summary :worship:

 

[nsfisher]

Yup. Perfectly clear. Nothing wrong with that rule.