I'll throw in my two cents here. Personally, I think this is a case of much ado about nothing. To the extent possible, communities work best when they can sort out the issues organically, and I tend to think that this is a self-correcting problem (if there is a problem here).
Just making it known that blatant self-promotion by non-Vendor members is bad taste means that self-promotion is done at one's own risk--sure, I may let people know I offer a service, but I also may alienate all of my potential customers. Still, I don't think that it works quite well to have--even on a social level--an absolute ban on any sort of self promotion. There are a number of companies on the list who, if I read them correctly, are WISPs who also dabble in some member to member services. If a topic of discussion comes up that coincides with their member to member offerings (in this case, Barracuda Spam Filtering), it is a little unfair to expect them to offer their expertise (which, they hopefully have in abundance, since it is their specialty) without mentioning "hey, btw, I offer this service". So, a strict reading of a Vendor-only self promotion policy would force them to choose between either promoting their competition or not providing their expertise. So, I personally think that signatures should be open and mentioning in response to a post that you offer services should be allowed. Does that sabatoge the value of Vendor memberships? Not in my mind--you still couldn't post an "Advertisement," it has to be a response. Most importantly, you aren't a vendor--self-promote at your own peril. Responses to posts stating "buy my service" does and will alienate your potential customer base, a risk vendors not shared by vendors. Social pressure works quite well, and is, in the end, more effective and easier on everyone than a heavy handed approach to moderation. Clint Ricker Kentnis Technologies -- WISPA Wireless List: [email protected] Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/
