Suggestion/Question about non-ukfr advertisers

[Moonrunner]

Someone I chat to about pyro etc mentioned this, and it seems like a common query, but I wasn't sure what the answer was.

What's the policy regarding non-trade members mentioning business that are not UKFR suppliers. EG, is it acceptable for someone to start a thread about a shop that isn't a UKFR sponsor (good or bad.)

He assumed it simply wasn't allowed.

I can see both sides to this.

As a suggestion, it might be handy to have a sticky post mentioning the policy on the general page, if appropriate.

[Mixologist]

Originally Posted by whicker

Someone I chat to about pyro etc mentioned this, and it seems like a common query, but I wasn't sure what the answer was.

What's the policy regarding non-trade members mentioning business that are not UKFR suppliers. EG, is it acceptable for someone to start a thread about a shop that isn't a UKFR sponsor (good or bad.)

He assumed it simply wasn't allowed.

I can see both sides to this.

As a suggestion, it might be handy to have a sticky post mentioning the policy on the general page, if appropriate.

It should be open for any discussion good or bad really, the advertisers pay to advertise but if someone mentions another store for discussion and it is not for advertisement purposes i think that its fair.

[Pyro Pete]

I've not known this to be a common query. The rules on this are the same as they have always been. Posts from non-trade members about firework companies are, and always have been, welcome, whether the company supports UKFR or not. It's when a commercial company comes in and tries to use this forum for commercial gain that causes bad vibes. I thought the rules already explained the latter - I don't really want a sticky with a long list of things you CAN do because where would it end?

[Andy_P]

Very difficult to produce a hard and fast "policy" for this.

There is absolutely no rule against a member posting some wholesome praise for a particular shop - in fact it's positively welcomed.
But you can see how it could end up being abused (and has) when someone has an unofficial "relationship" with a shop. They could continually sing it's praises in return for better deals and extra pyro (or whatever!)

Common sense and trying to be fair to the companies who DO support the site is the line we're trying to tread.
In the end it has to be Pete's call whether something is OK or not, but a single post saying somewhere gave good service is very unlikely to upset anyone.

EDIT: beaten to it by the horse's mouth!

[Moonrunner]

Originally Posted by Pyro Pete

I've not known this to be a common query. The rules on this are the same as they have always been. Posts from non-trade members about firework companies are, and always have been, welcome, whether the company supports UKFR or not. It's when a commercial company comes in and tries to use this forum for commercial gain that causes bad vibes. I thought the rules already explained the latter - I don't really want a sticky with a long list of things you CAN do because where would it end?

Thank you- it's good that that is clear, then.

Not big issue , really, just good to check. I chat on MSN to someone , who mentioned he gets Sky Lanterns for under £1, I suggested he joined here, and he asked if he was allowed to mention the shop or not. I wasn't sure.

[Andy_P]

10% of profits to each of the mods should sort it.

But seriously, I think there is a subtle difference between you mentioning that you know someone followed by him subsequently joining and replying, and him coming on all guns blazing with a commercially-motivated first post.

If he were to drop Pete a line first, I'm sure something could be worked out.

[Moonrunner]

Originally Posted by Andy_P

10% of profits to each of the mods should sort it.

But seriously, I think there is a subtle difference between you mentioning that you know someone followed by him subsequently joining and replying, and him coming on all guns blazing with a commercially-motivated first post.

Yeah, I see exactly what you mean.

If people seem to be coming on just to mention shops, then that might raise a few eyebrows!

I think once a poster is known, and trusted, then it generally wouldn't be an issue.

[Pyro Pete]

who mentioned he gets Sky Lanterns for under £1, I suggested he joined here, and he asked if he was allowed to mention the shop or not. I wasn't sure.

I'm not really sure of the benefit of someone joining here just to say they buy Sky Lanterns for £1 each. Why don't you post the details yourself? You have already established yourself here as a non-commercial member so we would take your post in good faith. But someone joining just to plug a company (if that's all they did) might come across as a bit dodgy to other members.

[Moonrunner]

Originally Posted by Pyro Pete

I'm not really sure of the benefit of someone joining here just to say they buy Sky Lanterns for £1 each. Why don't you post the details yourself? You have already established yourself here as a non-commercial member so we would take your post in good faith. But someone joining just to plug a company (if that's all they did) might come across as a bit dodgy to other members.

Sorry, this is drifting slightly.

I chat to him about lots of things, including at various times what he buys, and where etc. Just as he shares the interest, I've also suggested he joins UKFR, PyroSociety etc. Amonst the things we discuss is mentioning where we buy our stuff, and thats where the topic of mentioning suppliers on websites (such as this one) cropped up. It wasn't as specific to this single point as I made it seem.

I simplified it somewhat for this post, more as a point of example, as I felt he was asking a valid question in general.

As for £1 sky Lanterns, its a shop called "the Works." Although I'm not sure if it's permenant.

[Pyro Pete]

Well hopefully the thread has answered your question. Genuine discussion about any retailer/supplier/shop whether they support UKFR or not, is welcome.