Honestly, the membership levels need to be more clearly defined with rules listed someplace other than the exchange. I don't go to the exchange as I don't use it. It also makes it sound like the exchange is the area these rules apply. I searched for a long time trying to figure out what rules I violated. Also, this needs to be mentioned in the area where you buy membership levels, as there is no clear definition as to what you are actually buying beyond "knife makers can sell in the exchange" or something to that extent. I've never seen the "rules" for membership levels, even when I bought the memberships in question (and I have had a knife maker membership in the past which I clearly did not need).
I've been a member here 11 years and this has never been an issue until a super mod whom I've never heard of or interacted with sends me a polite, but accusatory pm. I'll admit that I was a bit steamed by it all, and I really didn't appreciate the patronizing response I received back. "Surely you realize.... Surely you realize.... Surely you realize...." The implication that I was trying to skirt the rules to promote my "business" burns me up as well. I pay my hard-earned money to support this site in a small way, even though I get absolutely NO financial return. If I WAS getting business/sales/promotion from BF's, I'd be glad to pony up extra cash. I got the impression that my smaller monetary support wasn't very appreciated. A signature (that you can't use for any purpose other than BS comments??) and FIVE whopping pm's isn't much in the way of thanks. As a clarification, this all was NOT from Stacy, who's communications with me were very reasoned.
In my opinion, the benefit gained for a knife maker level should be as it is described in the area you purchase it. Simply stated, that membership level should allow you a personal maker's forum, more pm's/photo hosting, and access to sell in the exchange. The regulation of the signature I can understand when it comes to posting a website that sells knives. It's a shame I cannot link to a site I built, not for the purpose of selling knives, but for the purpose of documenting my work and storing information/tutorials to help others. The very mention of your real-life status as a knife maker in your on-line signature being prohibited is, frankly, silly (in my redneck opinion, of course). However, as demonstrated by our leaders in DC, I guess there are many stupid rules by which we must live, and many of those rules do not work towards the benefit of the community or the individual.
--nathan
