Mugs????

[Andrew]

It is never about not being allowed to mention suppliers as far as I am aware. More about promoting offers through the back door. Suppliers now and then have posted certain offers on discussions whilst the one's who pay and ultimately prop up the forum pay for any promotion. Unless Justin can differentiate between what visibility is given to suppliers then why would any pay and subsidise the running costs.

There is a lot of history relating to past forums and direct supplier links with many discussions taking place on here years ago. Not aware of older members leaving for reasons like suggesting though. I rarely post as same questions are posted and and it gets tedious in the end, whilst newer members take the place and tend to be keen to learn and pass on info themselves.

[Justin]

You seem to be picking and choosing the facts from private messages you were sent Mr. UK Mugs. As you were informed, your particular post was removed as you were advertising in behalf of a particular supplier that wants nothing to do with the forum, as us their choice andxw respect this. Other suppliers have supported us for several years and continue to offer you regular, excellent discounts without having to contact them first.
Again, as you were told, this is an open forum but ultimately if the powers that be (I.e. me for anyone unsure) don't agree that your posts are helpful or fair they will be removed. You received an apology because the forum didn't send you the reason for removal along with a full explanation which I believed you understood and were satisfied with. It would appear not.

As for older members leaving for this reason you are completely wrong. Please ensure before you say these things that you have your facts straight. The main reason for older members leaving (of which you're talking a couple) was that they were not happy with the influx of new members on the forum repeatedly asking the same basic questions.

I hope this clarifies matters a little for some of you that haven't been here long but do please feel free to discuss further as we have nothing to hide.

[Justin]

Thank you Andrew, yes, as you have stated offers like this get removed. When you spend as many hours on here every day as I do you see why certain discounts are cleverly offered. I have no problem in suppliers using their marketing skills to identify a great opportunity to offer, say, a printer at a discounted price because several recent threads recommend said printer. All I ask is that those suppliers play fair. As they say, you can't have your cake and eat it. Advertising rates and membership on this forum are very cheap in comparison to costs to advertise anywhere else and we offer the biggest UK exposure for any such company. Thus is why existing suppliers continue to support us because they know they're on to a great thing

[Justin]

For the record, my intention was to always stay independent from any one supplier, which we continue to do. I have had offers to 'sell out' over recent years. Believe me, this would have been a fanastic source of financial income but isn't the right direction for members imo.

I would still be happy to remove all advertising completely to allow full and open discussions but what many people won't understand is the commitment in terms of costs but more importantly time that go into keeping this forum running smoothly.

Playing devil's advocate, all members pay the £10 membership, receive excellent discounts and full forum access ad free. Nobody ever complains about paying because they get the money back over and over, its a no brainer.

So what happens then? Easy, I get criticised for earning so much money from the forum! Damned if you do......

[Quinsfan]

I view the forum a lot through tap talk and have noticed sometimes that there is an advert placed as the last post. I am guessing that is something that tap talk allow and that you don't have any control over.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Justin]

I don't personally use the Tapatalk so haven't seen this. I certainly wasn't aware they put ads in.

[Quinsfan]

Just the odd one or two. I will grab a screen shot for you next time if I remember


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[bigj2552]

Who knows! Apparently this is happening quite a bit and a lot of older members have given up on this forum I've been told. Shame that members cannot talk openly and share information. We can all certainly make our minds up about suppliers so it's not like our arm is forced to buy from a particular dealer.

wonder who told you that ? i,m still here, just been to busy with business to come on.
and yes, i have had my wrist slapped a couple of times from the admin for various little things, so what ?.....either one takes the hump and leaves, or you go "ok, fair do's"

same with any forum...you play by there rules, or you dont post - SIMPLES ( squeak )

[James990]

I'm still here as well! Still ticking people of with my diplomatic replies!

[bigj2552]

I'm still here as well! Still ticking people of with my diplomatic replies!

NEVER BEEN KNOWN....has it ?