It seems I'm having to continually point out to vendors (especially new member vendors) that commercial content in posts is not permitted. This subject is well covered in section 2.1 of our
Code Of Conduct
This post serves as a reminder that we are a community support site and that our
only purpose is help members be able to successfully set up and operate a Media Center PC based on the Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 operating system. I built this site specifically because there was no Australian information about MCE when it was first released here and I wanted to change that.
Please remember that we are not here to be used as a vehicle for vendors or OEMs to promote their businesses. In the site's early days I allowed this to happen and we quickly became a never ending string of advertisements with many posts containing nothing more than than links to commercial websites or people saying "I can sell you the latest and greatest widget" and then others replying they can sell it cheaper etc. etc.
I for one am exposed to more than enough advertising every day and I have no wish to see it splashed around everywhere on this site, so controls have been put in place which are fair to everyone and consistent with similar rules applied at most other support forums across the internet.
Other points to consider are that this site is supported by a small group of very hard working and caring volunteers (Moderators), a growing number of Sponsors and an increasing number of dedicated members. Also, let's not forget that through the hard work and community spirit of several members, we supply a few pieces of really outstanding software which is provided completely free to our community - non of these people seek a financial return for their contributions.
Our website is not cost free to operate and whilst we do not seek to make a profit, we must however try to cover our costs if possible. If we allow advertising in post content, there would be no incentive for any company to purchase banner advertising, which is currently our main source of revenue. We are quite happy to continue to raise additional funds through donations, with any shortfall being made up out of private funds.
We do not see it as reasonable when people involved in or associated with a commercial enterprise believe they have the right to use our "non profit" community to further their own business goals at our expense - sorry, but from my point of view, that is ureasonable and simply not on!
If you are a vendor you should be aware that amongst our membership we have hundreds if not thousands of other vendors and system builders who in addition to providing their support and expertise to our community, have no trouble accepting our rules on commercial advertising and avoiding constant references to their own businesses.
As a result I have a clear expectation that vendors who find us useful for their own learning will avoid at all costs attempting to exploit our community for their own ends. If on the other hand you have skill and experience with MCE, we could all use your help as often as you can provide it . . .
but we really DO NOT want you trying to sell or promote your products to us.
Mike
