When does a thread move from an "experience" with a LFS to advertising

stlouisguy · #1 03/20/2006, 03:47 PM

With the opening of the great new store Gateway aquatics there were many posts regarding this, which was very understandable. Chad has provided what could be the ultimate store for those in this crazy hobby. Most people not only know about this now though, many have visited it.

So I pose this question to the forum, when does a post jump from personal experience to advertising for a particular LFS. Lately it seems that a few posts regarding GA has been showing up that didnt pass on any personal experience or help anyone learn something new, just positive advertising for the store.

Since its established that no LFS bashing or flaming should take place, shouldnt we as a community look at the other side, which is no overt praising of a LFS on a regular basis either.

I remember MS used to have their weekly specials posted until it was stopped as it was deemed advertsing.

I could be way off and wrong (wouldn't be the first time) but think we should discuss this early on

Thanks all

Clark

Letmegrow · #2 03/20/2006, 03:49 PM

Seemingly when you say it is.

stlouisguy · #3 03/20/2006, 03:51 PM

Hmmm so if you bring up a subject to discuss it is met with sarcasm? nice.

Someone in the other post asked for me to post a thread about this to discuss, which I did.

Thanks for your well thought out input

Dert42 · #4 03/20/2006, 04:00 PM

i am ok with it.
i think i would like to know whats going on at the stores.
i would think it needs to be limited to say 1 post per store, per week or something? and no bumping the posts just to keep it on the top. if it dies, it dies.

ooooor
1 sticky post that has specials of the store for the week.
the store employees could email a moderator who would update the 1 sticky post. and perhaps make it a closed sticky as well.

stlouisguy · #5 03/20/2006, 04:02 PM

I like the sticky idea except you need to remember that would take away from the advertisors who pay a LOT of money to advertise on this site, so that probably wont happen. Great idea though. If we get a slash website that would be a thing for that.

trottman · #6 03/20/2006, 04:08 PM

the one problem is, the thread that this is about was an informative thread. some people dont even know chad has opend let alone if he can get you almost any fish or coral you want.

--this is not worth the energy it took to type, lets just all get along---

stlouisguy · #7 03/20/2006, 04:10 PM

This thread is NOT directed at any particular store, but as a point of discussion that needs to be addressed for the future of SLASH and what is acceptable or not.

Please take this post as it is meant

fade32 · #8 03/20/2006, 04:14 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by trottman
the one problem is, the thread that this is about was an informative thread. some people dont even know chad has opend let alone if he can get you almost any fish or coral you want.

--this is not worth the energy it took to type, lets just all get along---

I think if anyone has been on the boards long enough they know about GWA so it almost seems like beating a dead horse. I like GWA but I also like MS and I think GWA is getting what MS gets and people are getting MAD. The bigger Chad gets the more threads like this he will get just dont Post on them and they will go away. I never post on a MS bashing post and I am not bashing GWA. They will just have to get over post's like this.

beaker77 · #9 03/20/2006, 04:19 PM

I don't have a problem with the other post. It was just an informational post to let people know GWA can get things it doesn't have in the store.

As far as advertising personally I'd like to see a weekly mailing from SEASL.org with specials from the LFS's.

ramtheory · #10 03/20/2006, 04:26 PM

I had asked Clark to start this thread and we will discuss the views of others about LFS advertising on this forum. Discussion is good this will help decide what we do as a club once we get everything ironed out. This should not be a discussion about old and new Gateway Aquatic threads or MS. We are currently trying to establish a club website that will be updated with store specials. Give it time.

Shooter7 · #11 03/20/2006, 04:27 PM

Quote:

I'd like to see a weekly mailing from SEASL.org

pssssst.....from SLASH, dude! Remember which board you're on.

Shooter7 · #12 03/20/2006, 04:28 PM

Quote:

We are currently trying to establish a club website that will be updated with store specials.

Like this idea alot!

ramtheory · #13 03/20/2006, 04:29 PM

your opinions are welcome that is what this club is all about.

beaker77 · #14 03/20/2006, 04:36 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Shooter7
pssssst.....from SLASH, dude! Remember which board you're on.

LOL my bad.

The SLASH website with LFS specials sounds great too.

ramtheory · #15 03/20/2006, 04:56 PM

This is a good question that I would like to see others opinions on.

Since its established that no LFS bashing or flaming should take place, shouldnt we as a community look at the other side, which is no overt praising of a LFS on a regular basis either.

trottman · #16 03/20/2006, 05:02 PM

maby there should just be a St louis LFCS fourm that has updates and stuff about the local stores.

stlouisguy · #17 03/20/2006, 05:03 PM

I thought so but many on here dont share that opinion

Dert42 · #18 03/20/2006, 05:10 PM

i am against that. i don't want to have to check another forum...
just my 2 cents.

Mykayel · #19 03/20/2006, 05:20 PM

IMHO GWA has almost gotten a bad taste in my mouth just because I hear about it so much... that they are so wonderful... so great... Well, I've been to the store and his old basement and he's a nice guy but I don't understand all the hype. Maybe give him a few months/years and he'll have a great shop but right now I don't think so. Is he doing a good job, yes. Would I buy from him again, yes. But GWA is not the One, True, Only LFS. There are plenty of other good stores in the area that have treated me great too.

But opinions are opinions...

TooFar2Sea · #20 03/20/2006, 05:28 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by trottman
--this is not worth the energy it took to type, lets just all get along---

by "this" are you referring to his question?

Shooter7 · #21 03/20/2006, 05:51 PM

Quote:

But GWA is not the One, True, Only LFS. There are plenty of other good stores in the area that have treated me great too.

I don't think anyone but perhaps Trottie ever posted as such. His store recently opened and alot of people were very happy about it and happy for him that he has his own storefront now. I think this is exactly the kind of thing friends should do for one another. Nor do I think that you would find Chad trying to pass himself off as THE one and only true LFS. Just because one young poster goes a bit off the deep end on something shouldn't reflect poorly on Chad's store. I think he's a businessman just like lots of other guys and appreciates the support. I don't believe he deserves the negative tone that the post reflects on him or his store.

mhurley · #22 03/20/2006, 06:04 PM

Let me give RC's input on this, since our [ua] governs this site and similar topics.

We do not allow members with a vested interest in a store to promote that store. So employees, part-time employees, contractors, owners, co-owners..etc...Cannot post about "hey, we've got xyz on sale" or "xyz store can get you anything you want". However, other non-interested parties can post about their experiences.

Now, should things ever get out of hand...for example; we once had a kid getting paid in free frags to come on RC and promote a certain LFS...Then we will take issue with that.

I hope this helps a little from our perspective.

Thanks!

ramtheory · #23 03/20/2006, 06:15 PM

trottie will you explain to us what LFCS stands for? Thanks

Thanks Mike you saved me time from not having to look that up.

Mykayel · #24 03/20/2006, 06:16 PM

I didn't mean to put a negative tone to that post, but yes, every time I hear Trotty mention GWA:

Quote:

Originally posted by trottman
--this is not worth the energy it took to type, lets just all get along---

Its almost as if he's bashing all the other good honest stores. Nothing against the guy, I know he's a young'n, but ....

DrBDC · #25 03/20/2006, 06:46 PM

One thing we have to watch out for is the other stores feeling like SLASH is a GWA club. That will alienate the other LFS support as well. And that's not a good idea. I, as much as anyone likes the underdog and wants to help the new guy get rolling. And they do need that. Very much. There just needs to be a consensus on how to go about that. It might be better off to not have any posts about any LFS's until a decision is made about it and keep the questions to husbandry and club issues until then. And especially in the thread names. Just a thought.