I wasn’t intentionally misrepresenting the facts, so I apologize for appearing to do so.I don't like them being here either, but at least get the facts straight. They cannot advertise or sell clones here.
I wasn’t intentionally misrepresenting the facts, so I apologize for appearing to do so.I don't like them being here either, but at least get the facts straight. They cannot advertise or sell clones here.
This seems to be a step backwards for BF. I have seen several people flamed for defending clones, now this site is allowing them to be sold here.
Thread’s had enough drama, take it elsewhere.Said the pot to the kettle.
Someone made a remark about background checks. Is it possible to delay the dealer membership fees for a few days to give the staff a chance to determine if new or existing dealers fit in with the existing community of BFC ?
I’m just wondering why you feel compelled to respond to every comment on this thread?
Do you think the tone in which S&F was addressed was appropriate considering the tone he was using?
....
Good job Spark, remember; hatters gonna hate!....
....I really don't believe that 'hate' is what is going on here. I believe that many people are just hurt and upset about TM being a dealer here....
I have been a member here for going on 18 years and a mod for, I dunno, 10...maybe? I don't keep record of that simply because I value my membership and friendships here over a title my subform has no real need for.
So a couple of things to keep in mind: This is Spark's show.
He is the owner and the boss, and have no doubt that whatever he decides to do will be/has been weighed.
I'm going to guess that he's probably super busy with the holiday rush not only with his business but also with all the shipping headaches that COVID has caused. Also, keep in mind that there are a couple more days of Hanukkah left.
Wow. Just, wow. I'm closing this thread before I let my temper take control of me and start telling some of you how I actually feel about this.
I've spent 20+ years keeping this site open through thick & thin and the general shitty attitude that a couple of you are displaying over someone who joined, a couple weeks ago, using an automated subscription system is astounding. I stated it clearly: I CANNOT POLICE WHAT PEOPLE SELL ON THEIR OWN WEBSITES. Likewise, I have no control over keyword spam or anything else they similarly do to promote themselves in search engines. If you guys start using that standard, I have bad news for you - you are going to blacklist some of your favorite dealers. (No I won't do your homework for you either).
I'm going to go blow off some steam and circle back to this in a bit.
Ok, some thoughts in no particular order.
First, as always, I welcome useful feedback and constructive criticism. I'm a pretty laid back, live & let live individual. Please don't mistake a paid subscription, at any level, as a license to get away with unsavory behavior or being a pain in the ass. Some of you are quite close to being shown the door and would be wise to exercise a bit of self moderation.
Second, BladeForums.com is not the World IP police. We are a resource to the knife community, and provide a place for you to discuss issues in a community setting. I draw the line at what I can feasibly control: conduct & actions that take place on this website. We don't ban people for actions taken off site. We don't police Facebook, Google or eBay dealings, advertisers, etc. It's not my place, nor do I have any authority over them. If I came at Dealer members and said "sorry, you carry [x] brand who knocks off [y] brand, drop them or we're banning you" I'd expect to get laughed at; it's not like I can demand their hosting company turn their site off. Likewise, if you expect me to dictate to SHOT Show or BLADE Show who can exhibit there, you are in for a rude awakening. Weirdly, I don't see any of you demanding that people not support those organizations, or dealers who support them monetarily.
Third, I have not sold the forums, and retain 100% control over them. I view snide comments about me being bribed as a personal insult against my integrity and considering the amount of suffering & sacrifice I've done to provide this site, there is no faster way to earn yourself a spot on my to-do list. Considering the offers that have been made to sell this site, user data and other key metrics, I have to laugh if you think some knockoff dealer has pockets deep enough to come for me.
Fourth, having a paid subscription here doesn't mean we endorse or legitimize any member, from basic to pirate. We've banned more than a few paid subscribers, including a couple "high end" dealers who are in "good standing" on certain sites. I've banned people I had legit business relationships with, yet you still see their wares advertised on the forums including by certain Dealer members.
Fifth, I will do what I can to explain things as best as I can, including my point of view, however you are not "owed" an explanation about any action I take or transparency as to what we're doing behind the scenes. I've discussed with Boru13 my thoughts on this issue, and where I stand. I've explained to him expectations and what my plan is; he understands it and you can rest assured that we're both of a similar mindset here. You should take that as a sign that I'm monitoring this issue and it hasn't slipped off my radar.
So, you have two choices:
Some of you have expressed that your choice is option 2. I regret to see you go, but I support your choice.
- You can exercise a modicum of self control & patience and understand that I'm aware of topomart and your concerns, and I have my eye on them, or
- You can see yourself out.
That was a question I had, if the option can anyhow be considered : is it easier to check a dealer before granting BF dealer status rather than screening through what he displays once he has set foot in the house ? Of course, this raises a further question : the offering of an accepted dealer can vastly evolve and change over time. Who will monitor that and how ?As part of the staff, let me state that I have neither desire nor ability to fulfill this option. I work a 10-hour day 5 days a week in a mentally demanding position. During the work week I spend a few hours in the evening as a moderator as my donation to the community. I spend more time here on weekends, but still, I have a life outside the forum. I have neither the time nor the background knowledge to go out and identify clones on other web sites. Please count me out of any retail site verification duties.
That was a question I had, if the option can anyhow be considered : is it easier to check a dealer before granting BF dealer status rather than screening through what he displays once he has set foot in the house ? Of course, this raises a further question : the offering of an accepted dealer can vastly evolve and change over time. Who will monitor that and how ?
Maybe it’s just a count of like? After a certain threshold you’re considered “in” (insert vetted title)
Old timers probably already have the count. The members do the vetting.
Isn’t that how it works now?The more thought I give it, I would think it would be more efficient for someone to just ask a question in a TGBU thread as simple as "I'm wanting a spirit run Endura. Who's good to work with?" You'd most likely end up with various votes for the more well thought of dealers. As new dealers jump in, they'll have to do their best to work into the collective by offering excellent service and fair prices. No one is going to suggest Topomart is an legitimate place to get high quality/real deal stuff.
Not being able to sell clones is already how the dealer subscription operates.Don't have a clue how the dealer membership works currently. Maybe this is already in place.
Would it be possible to draft an agreement/guidelines form stating the do's and don't that a dealer would have to adhere to in order to sell their products here. Even though they might sell clones on their site, they couldn't post any ads for them here. Make it a zero tolerance understanding that there are no uh-oh's, sorry I won't do that again.
There are countless threads started asking about the value of a knife form members that don't have the membership level to ask. Most of the time it's someone that just signed up and hasn't read all the rules.