Moderator Notice - please read

[Ken Salisbury]

Some posters are including their web site link in their "signature" information. Please edit your signature information to remove the web site link.

Please read Keith's post regarding this subject:


http://www.sawmillcreek.org/announce...p?s=&forumid=7

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This will save me from having to edit your posts.

"YOUR FRIENDLY MODERATOR"

[Lee Schierer]

Does this mean that if some one asks me how to make raised panels on a table saw, that I can't post a link to my web site where I have the instructions and photos for doing that?

Lee

[Keith Outten]

Our forum software provides a button to link to your personal or professional web site. Everyone is free to use the www button to link to any woodworking site they choose, when people use their web site in tag lines and in the body of messages it starts looking too commercial and lots of people are getting concerned. When our messages start looking like advertisements "VISIT MY WEBSITE" too many people get upset as we have promised that there would not be any commercial content.

Lee,
You can certainly let people know that you have information on your web site that is applicable to a particular post or message, tell them to use the www button for more information or I've got that on my web site, in your message. The advertisement style taglines are the real problem.

We just want to keep SMC clean and enjoyable.

Every message has a WWW button at the bottom of the message. Use the UserCP button to enter the URL of your web site.

[Bob Janka]

Originally posted by Lee Schierer
Does this mean that if some one asks me how to make raised panels on a table saw, that I can't post a link to my web site where I have the instructions and photos for doing that?

Lee

I'm hoping that my fellow waders at SawMillCreek will NOT perceive "informative" links as "commercial".

Sounds to me like a link such as Lee describes would and should be acceptable in a message, whereas a link to someone's e-store should be placed in that person's user profile and referenced indirectly.

Such a policy helped me immensely in the last few months. I have recently started turning pens and hope to make it a break-even, if not profitable, hobby. Informational links to what specialized equipment is required for pen-turning was provided when I requested it. I am very grateful for that sharing.

On the other hand, I understand the concerns and will not directly reference any web-pages I have which provide a personal gain. Any such references will hide in my user profile and I will direct people who are interested to go through the "WWW" button to access those pages.

Is this a fair and accurate statement of the intent expressed in this policy? If not, please help me understand how to be a good "creek citizen".

Cheers,
Bob
pen-turner (hobby first, profits later?)

[Ron Meadows]

Keith,

I agree with the previous post. I see absolutely nothing wrong with a direct link if pertinent information is being presented. What gives? This is the first time I've smelled a hint of the Pond and King Wayne's multitude of rules and regulations.......too bad.....I was really enjoying this place.

Ron

[Glenn Clabo]

Do I hear a....

[Ron Meadows]

No....just the sound of disappointment. I may be in the minority, but I really never cared for all the rules and regulations about this and that on the pond. (The fact that they were selectively enforced is another conversation). That is the biggest reason that I rarely posted there. Granted it's their forum and they can choose the rule set....I'll just browse here too then.


Ron

[Dr. Zack Jennings]

I'm getting a little bored with where this is going..... I would certainly like to hear from those that were getting concerned of the "creeping commercialism".

My signature was linked to a message about how much I liked this forum but, while I'm here: "Does anyone here have crooked teeth and good insurance? Call Dr. Zack at BR549"

I personally don't see a problem. Obviously Keith and Ken are more perceptive than I. Of course, I always was a trouble maker...... I guess I can't help it.

An observation Most of the blatant ads were from honest woodworkers that, more than anything else, have worked hard on a little Mom & Pop website. 99.9% of us are not going to buy crafts, etc. from another woodworker and yes, we can click on the WWW button. But.... was this really a problem ? ? Sawmill Creek is obviously sucessful. Will it be more so with this new rule. I think not? Have any of these so called ads brought fame or fortune to any poster? I think not.

[Steve K]

There is a really fine line between ruining a forum with no rules and ruining one with too many rules. I always thought it was an assinine rule of the pond not to allow links to personal webistes, esspecially when asked for, pertinent information was available. Having the "www" button on this forum makes it a little easier to accept. Don't post a lot so I don't have a lot to say about this. it's unfortunate that some users are concerned that personal links are posted. I'm concerned that they're not allowed anymore.
Steve K

[Jim McFall]

Sorry Doc. !! Can't resist, I have crooked Insurance, Straight teeth.

[Jim Izat]

The folks who both support and moderate this board are doing so at no cost to those of us who use and benefit from it. As it is for all intents and purposes a free <b>and</b> very valuable resource, (how many others can you name?) I don't get why people take issue about what the "rules" may or may not be. If it were a subscription service for which certain benefits were promised for the fee charged, then it might make more sense to me.

Jim Izat

[Kevin Gerstenecker]

..........I appreciate the precious time that the originators and moderators dedicate to this board. I REALLY like it here, and there has to be SOME organization and regulation in order to maintain the integrity of Sawmill Creek. If someone has a Website or Online realm that they would like others to be aware of, just use the "WWW" button like Keith politely requested. If members or visitors are really into the information here at the Creek, they will eventually check out every feature, including the WWW button utilized by many of us. I have been going thru the member list when I get a chance, and I have been visiting the sites........and will eventually get to them all. I look at them as a tributary of Sawmill Creek! Anyway, I applaud the job those who make this board possible are doing, and I don't think a few rules to abide by is too much to ask.

[Paul Kunkel]

Originally posted by Kevin Gersty
..........I appreciate the precious time that the originators and moderators dedicate to this board. I REALLY like it here, and there has to be SOME organization and regulation in order to maintain the integrity of Sawmill Creek. If someone has a Website or Online realm that they would like others to be aware of, just use the "WWW" button like Keith politely requested. If members or visitors are really into the information here at the Creek, they will eventually check out every feature, including the WWW button utilized by many of us. I have been going thru the member list when I get a chance, and I have been visiting the sites........and will eventually get to them all. I look at them as a tributary of Sawmill Creek! Anyway, I applaud the job those who make this board possible are doing, and I don't think a few rules to abide by is too much to ask.

The rules should then be prominently posted or no one should be banned for a minor infraction. After I was banned from the Pond, I came here hoping for a democratic society. I thought I'd found it until yesterday. 'Nuf said for now!!!

[John Weber]

I think I was one of the rule breakers, I simply included my web site in the signature file so it showed up on every post. It's a "commerical" venture, however my real job is a stay at home Dad, so the woodworking related business is part time. On the site I try to provide help as well as make sales. Did I like being able include it with my post - yes, did it increase sales - hard to say, will I delete it - yes. In general I think including web sites make the site a bit more of a resource for woodworkers, but I understand the reason we are not allowed. So no biggie, I just though I would put my 2 cents in...

John

P.S. I had some graphics made for my web site on my new trailer (see trailer update post), maybe I should just include a photo with every post - just kidding...

[John Christiansen]

I guess I have to agree with all of those that have taken exception to this latest definement of the rule against posting a link to private sites in the message or signature. What brought that on? I'm thinking maybe you've got yourselves another King.

Although I don't post often, I was starting to like the open attitude that I believed this site was trying to exhibit. I'll have to reassess my opinion now.

Carefull folks! When the "Moderator" starts arbitrarily editing your post and daming up the creek, Your just gonna find yourselves with a stagnant pond.