Discussion regarding vendors.....

Just curious and asking for something official from Sam's and also input from anyone else who cares to comment on it...

There's a comment here that was removed about a window frame vendor, with the instructions being left to PM the poster.

I understand the reticence in allowing people to get into a "blastfest" about vendors - BUT - if vendors of various products are allowed to post here that they make various things for the boats, and essentially solicit business by doing so, then there HAS TO BE a way to provide feedback - otherwise you end up with a completely on-sided presentation and, honestly, the liability issue cuts both ways (that is, a customer who perceives being jilted yet could not obtain prior user's reviews of the work done by someone might come after Sam's too, arguing that the solicitation here, in public, amounts to an endorsement!)

So - how to handle this?

I'm not quite sure what Sam's wants here. As a mod I of course will do whatever I'm directed to do, but how can this be handled?

The way this has been handled with brokers and such is that in the parts and boats for sale areas commercial posts are simply banned, and I've removed a couple of those posts. But - they appear to be more-or-less "ok" from vendors in the general area, at least based on history - if not explicit approval.

IMHO this is one of those "a little bit pregnant" deals. Perhaps the best way to deal with it is to bar posts (or followups) by vendors entirely; that is, you can post a recommendation, but a vendor, if they want to contact someone looking for something, has to use PMs - thus avoiding the "advertisement" issue.

What say Sam's? Guidance (and consensus, if we can get it?) please! :D

I almost commented on this subject a couple of times. My personal opinion is that all commercial posts should be banned. If I want to see the advertisement of the product or service that they provide, I can go to their website. In fact, many of us tend to provide the links to these venders when we post about them. I know that Jimmy and some others have very close ties to Sams and they may not want to handle it this way, but that is just my 2 cents. I would rather just have the actual end users comments.

I respectfully disagree.

If a commercial entity has something special, something uniquely Hatteras that they'd like to offer - such as a removed tower that a customer did not want - I'd like to see it offered here.

I do not surf eBay or Slane Marine's site very much but I do try to visit this forum daily. Tom Slane sometimes has special items available which I for one would really like to know about. I would hate to see Tom - just because he's commercial - banned from advertising.

I can appreciate the fine line here. We do not want every broker, charter company and outfitter offering a "Special of the Week" on our site. I'm at a loss on how to differentiate between the two.

My problem is balance.

If vendors can offer things here, the its only fair that people who have dealt with them be able to offer feedback - positive or otherwise.

Otherwise, they are getting what amounts to free advertising in the worst sense - I call it "advertising" because it is - its the right to make a pitch without any feedback, just like you get on the radio or TV.

But - Sam's pays for this site, and so do we all, in one form or another, by contributing to it.

Just trying to figure out how Sam's wants to handle the balance issue; I was a bit disturbed by that thread, so I decided to ask for opinions (and ultimately, guidance)

You are correct - there does need to be some balance and a formal policy. I knew this issue would surface again.

I am out of town this week but I will communicate with the moderators ASAP and one will be forthcoming.

Thanks,

Doug

This thread is what makes this forum so different from many (most) others. Everyone and every issue is handled with respect. It goes beyond being treated fairly. We are mostly all "A" type personalities or we would not be where we are today (even if we have calmed down as we got older). In spite of that, the participants in this forum know just how far to push an issue or a "dispute". I do not think the admin gets involved all that much, which only serves to prove the point.

Once again, this forum shows it's spirit desire to impart helpful info!

Thanks, to Sam's and all of us.

Capt K ;)

The other thing that makes be happy to be here about this sort of issue is that we can have a conversation about it, rather than what feels more like a cabal playing games.

There are many other forums out there where this sort of thing is a real problem. One of the reasons I like this place so much is that that sort of BS isn't on the agenda - given the "Type A" thing that is pretty much a given in this sort of boat ownership that its not become an issue is testament not only to everyone here - but also to Sam's in general and Doug in particular.

Looking forward to chatting Doug...