Jim McDougall
15th January 2012, 12:54 PM
I hope everyone will please forgive the somewhat deceptive headline, but as we know from Journalism 101, that is the sometimes the hook that brings people to read a certain item. For example, the thread containing forum rules is clearly an unintriguing title, and it has become quite apparant that its content is entirely unknown, or complacently overlooked at an alarming rate.
I wanted to just note that personally I have very much enjoyed the priviledge of membership in our forums, and the friendships and fantastic learning experiences shared here in our common interests in arms and armour.
I think the key word here is 'priviledge', and that we are fortunate to have these forums for open and friendly discussions on our favorite subjects on arms as well as working together to advance our knowledge on these.
One of the leading threats to this harmony is that of abuse of our discussion forums with regard to commercial activity, and I would implore everyone to take a moment to glance at the thread containing rules......particularly #1 and #3...discussion of items currently in the process of being offered for sale, especially active auctions, is strictly prohibited.
Obviously, in the world of collecting arms, it becomes necessary to also sell items and we are all aware of that. Many collectors actually advance to a professionally commercial level in which they become formal dealers. It is important to understand that the rules concerning items for sale within the discussion forums is that there is potential for legal problems with open comments toward the items, and those issues threaten the general well being of these forums we enjoy as a privilege.
The swap forums are provided as a courtesy, and most will note that the option for commentary is notably excluded.
We do encourage those collectors wishing to sell, or buy items to use these, and of course invite members who are in fact commercial level dealers to place notices there as well, in all instances of course abiding by provisions established.
It seems there are quite a few instances where individuals are using our services to discuss and promote items bound for ebay, which is also a problem. In these cases, I would encourage those members to rethink posting these items without consulting privately with intentions clearly stated.
I think most will find that being straightforward in these matters is not only courteous, but most of us here are glad to help when afforded that courtesy.
My main concern here is that oversight and deliberate abuse of priviledges often has the unfortunate result of consequences. For those who think that these things will go unnoticed, please be aware, while the arms collecting world is global...it is a small world, and many are watching constantly. I value each and everyone here not only as members and staff, but as friends and colleagues. I do not want any of us to be placed in compromising positions by either inadvertant or complacent actions, nor especially deliberate disregard for rules intended to protect all of us.
Lets keep this place the friendly and fun place to learn about arms, and keep the commercial stuff in the places provided for it OK :)
Thanks for listening guys!!!
As always,
Jim
I wanted to just note that personally I have very much enjoyed the priviledge of membership in our forums, and the friendships and fantastic learning experiences shared here in our common interests in arms and armour.
I think the key word here is 'priviledge', and that we are fortunate to have these forums for open and friendly discussions on our favorite subjects on arms as well as working together to advance our knowledge on these.
One of the leading threats to this harmony is that of abuse of our discussion forums with regard to commercial activity, and I would implore everyone to take a moment to glance at the thread containing rules......particularly #1 and #3...discussion of items currently in the process of being offered for sale, especially active auctions, is strictly prohibited.
Obviously, in the world of collecting arms, it becomes necessary to also sell items and we are all aware of that. Many collectors actually advance to a professionally commercial level in which they become formal dealers. It is important to understand that the rules concerning items for sale within the discussion forums is that there is potential for legal problems with open comments toward the items, and those issues threaten the general well being of these forums we enjoy as a privilege.
The swap forums are provided as a courtesy, and most will note that the option for commentary is notably excluded.
We do encourage those collectors wishing to sell, or buy items to use these, and of course invite members who are in fact commercial level dealers to place notices there as well, in all instances of course abiding by provisions established.
It seems there are quite a few instances where individuals are using our services to discuss and promote items bound for ebay, which is also a problem. In these cases, I would encourage those members to rethink posting these items without consulting privately with intentions clearly stated.
I think most will find that being straightforward in these matters is not only courteous, but most of us here are glad to help when afforded that courtesy.
My main concern here is that oversight and deliberate abuse of priviledges often has the unfortunate result of consequences. For those who think that these things will go unnoticed, please be aware, while the arms collecting world is global...it is a small world, and many are watching constantly. I value each and everyone here not only as members and staff, but as friends and colleagues. I do not want any of us to be placed in compromising positions by either inadvertant or complacent actions, nor especially deliberate disregard for rules intended to protect all of us.
Lets keep this place the friendly and fun place to learn about arms, and keep the commercial stuff in the places provided for it OK :)
Thanks for listening guys!!!
As always,
Jim