Deal-spotting, referrals, etc.

[GLDNDomer]

I would like some clarification on this for future use. I'm confused on how this deal-spotting stuff works. The rules are probably intentionally ambiguously worded, but I do feel like referring to a brick and mortar store rather than an online site is very different.

Here is an example. I posted in this thread asking the OP if he could disclose the actual retail store where he had found the sale. This is against the rules, I was told.

Now here several years ago there are many threads stating "blah blah blah... I just got my Spyderco Native at Walmart for $40," like this thread, and this one. I've read these because I'm mad that I missed out on a sweet deal like that...dang it.

Now I'm not trying to bust anyone's chops here, I just don't really feel like breakin the rules here, and need some clarification. Can we refer to brick and mortar retail stores?? If not, how is this different from the Spyderco Native at Walmart, where the price is even included? I understand that we can't refer to online sites that aren't supporters of the forum. Thank you.

 

[Blues]

Several years ago there weren't a variety of membership subscription levels which help defray the cost of running this site. In other words, Spark footed the bill on his own.

Now, in order to help reduce his out of pocket costs and expenditures we have those various subscriptions. The site is always evolving and guidelines change as necessary.

In a nutshell, you should not post links to, nor advertise non-bladeforums dealers (only subscribed dealer members earn that privilege).
If you wish to share that info privately via email, PM etc that's your business.

You may still provide evaluations of dealers/sellers etc in the "feedback" section of the site.

I hope that gives you a good feel for how to proceed from here.

 

[:IV:]

I'm still trying to determine the reason for the rule considering Bladeforums isn't immediately connected or sponsored by any main retailer. From forums I've seen, the only reason to enforce that rule is to keep competition down,... but Bladeforums isn't competing with anyone.

Or is it that, if dealers and members want to use the links, it's more economically beneficial to the forum if they pay the fee to do so, therein giving a reason for the rule's existence? Pay to play, etc.

In theory, it would be in the forum's better interests to cash in on whoever wants to deal out knives rather than let them post freely without recourse as the site doesn't want to be used as a form of massive advertisement and to keep the riff-raff out from flooding the forums considering they would have to pay to do so in the first place, which would make sense.

Spammers are less likely to spam up the place if they know they have to pay beforehand. It doesn't rule out people who get in before the mods catch up with them on disposable accounts but it does keep the people down who actually run stores who want a free ad on the largest knife forum on the internet.

 

[Blues]

Dealers that pay for membership here via subscription have the right to sell on this site (via the exchange) and also enjoy the benefit of our members being able to refer other members to them.

They also pay for the privilege (via their subscription) of not competing on this website with other purveyors who have not paid for a dealer membership.

So the bottom line is if the website, dealer, store etc is not a paid dealer member here, don't post about 'em in the threads (except for "feedback"). Simple enough, really.

 

[GLDNDomer]

Thank you, it did help answer my question. I was thinking that it was probably due to a change in the TOS over the years. So deals at non-supporting retailers (both online and B&M) can't be referred to or deal-spotted in any place except in the Feedback section. That's all I needed to know. Thank you, Blues.

 

[Blues]

Thank you, it did help answer my question. I was thinking that it was probably due to a change in the TOS over the years. So deals at non-supporting retailers (both online and B&M) can't be referred to or deal-spotted in any place except in the Feedback section. That's all I needed to know. Thank you, Blues.

Well, not quite...

"Feedback" is only for grading the experience with the vendor...not for alerting members to deals at those sites (whether brick & mortar or online). Deal spotting is not okay in "Feedback" either.

You're quite welcome.

 

[GLDNDomer]

Ok, thanks Blues for the heads up. Haha I did read this earlier, and was wondering if I should reply to show you I had read it. I decided not to, but that's ok because I ended up getting a great Visitor Message!