Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith
ilmarinen - MODERATOR
Moderator
Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
- Joined
- Aug 20, 2004
- Messages
- 38,498
There is some discussion in the mods arena about the number of people posting photos of their knives. We aren't referring to whether the photo is hosted on this or another server, but if the person has the membership level to post ANY photo of a knife he made.
The rules state that only those paying members with Manufacturer, Knifemaker, or Service Provider memberships can post photos of their knives.
"The only members who may promote or display their personally built knives, services and/or products in the discussion threads or via their signature or home page listing in their user profile are "Manufacturers", "Dealers" and "Knifemaker/Craftsman/Service Providers".
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/announcement.php?f=746&a=98
This is a bit strange sounding on Shop Talk, so I want to try and defuse any screams of "But it's my right!" before they go up.
If you post a photo of a knife you made, and you sell the knives you make, then you are a knifemaker. That requires a paid membership if you want to post those photos.
By posting photos of knives you make, you are using Bladeforums to promote your knife sales, and distribute your photos. This is a form of commerce, and a privilege of paid membership.
Photos of hot gals in your forge, or the shop dog are fine, but knives you made are not....without the proper membership level.
How should we deal with this?????
1) - If you make knives ( or materials, etc.) and sell them, even part time or as a hobby supplement, then you are a knifemaker/service provider/dealer. Be a real citizen of this great community, and buy a membership. That will end the problem for you. This also gives you the right to sell your knives and materials in the exchange.
2) - Don't post those photos if you don't want to buy a membership. No one is going to send you a bill. It is voluntary, but there are rules. Follow the rules, and no one cares if you don't pay........just don't post photos of knives you make.
3) - I will try and send a PM or email to those who post photos without membership, but those people are usually not accessible by PM or email, so I will try to be tactful and just delete the photos and post a note to email or PM me about the problem. I am not going on a witch hunt and search every thread, but will try and spot the offenders as i see them. You all can help by making a comment on any thread that seems to be in violation of this rule. Something like:
" Did you know that only paying knifemaker members can post knife photos?"
Now I know the line between a knifemaker who sells his wares to make money ( even just to pay for supplies) , and a maker who sells a few knives to friends and family is hard to define, but if you watch that maker for a while, the line isn't hard to see.
Newer members who are just getting into knifemaking will be excited to show what they have done...and we encourage that. They will sell a knife or two and feel like "One of the big guys". That is good,too. By the time they are selling the bulk of the knives they make, it is time to pony up or quit posting photos. Anyone who has a knife making website, attends a show as a table holder, sells on ebay, etc. won't be given any doubt - Get a membership or get a stern warning. It has been recommended that points be given for habitual offenders, but you all know that isn't my style. In my mod term, I haven't given a point yet. I think we can all be reasonable without being punitive. That said, the super mods will strike anyone who isn't following the rules and is flagrant about it.
Lets see if we can clean up this on Shop Talk, and be an example of how and why Bladeforums is the #1 knifemaking spot on the INTERNET.
The rules state that only those paying members with Manufacturer, Knifemaker, or Service Provider memberships can post photos of their knives.
"The only members who may promote or display their personally built knives, services and/or products in the discussion threads or via their signature or home page listing in their user profile are "Manufacturers", "Dealers" and "Knifemaker/Craftsman/Service Providers".
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/announcement.php?f=746&a=98
This is a bit strange sounding on Shop Talk, so I want to try and defuse any screams of "But it's my right!" before they go up.
If you post a photo of a knife you made, and you sell the knives you make, then you are a knifemaker. That requires a paid membership if you want to post those photos.
By posting photos of knives you make, you are using Bladeforums to promote your knife sales, and distribute your photos. This is a form of commerce, and a privilege of paid membership.
Photos of hot gals in your forge, or the shop dog are fine, but knives you made are not....without the proper membership level.
How should we deal with this?????
1) - If you make knives ( or materials, etc.) and sell them, even part time or as a hobby supplement, then you are a knifemaker/service provider/dealer. Be a real citizen of this great community, and buy a membership. That will end the problem for you. This also gives you the right to sell your knives and materials in the exchange.
2) - Don't post those photos if you don't want to buy a membership. No one is going to send you a bill. It is voluntary, but there are rules. Follow the rules, and no one cares if you don't pay........just don't post photos of knives you make.
3) - I will try and send a PM or email to those who post photos without membership, but those people are usually not accessible by PM or email, so I will try to be tactful and just delete the photos and post a note to email or PM me about the problem. I am not going on a witch hunt and search every thread, but will try and spot the offenders as i see them. You all can help by making a comment on any thread that seems to be in violation of this rule. Something like:
" Did you know that only paying knifemaker members can post knife photos?"
Now I know the line between a knifemaker who sells his wares to make money ( even just to pay for supplies) , and a maker who sells a few knives to friends and family is hard to define, but if you watch that maker for a while, the line isn't hard to see.
Newer members who are just getting into knifemaking will be excited to show what they have done...and we encourage that. They will sell a knife or two and feel like "One of the big guys". That is good,too. By the time they are selling the bulk of the knives they make, it is time to pony up or quit posting photos. Anyone who has a knife making website, attends a show as a table holder, sells on ebay, etc. won't be given any doubt - Get a membership or get a stern warning. It has been recommended that points be given for habitual offenders, but you all know that isn't my style. In my mod term, I haven't given a point yet. I think we can all be reasonable without being punitive. That said, the super mods will strike anyone who isn't following the rules and is flagrant about it.
Lets see if we can clean up this on Shop Talk, and be an example of how and why Bladeforums is the #1 knifemaking spot on the INTERNET.
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) but that was only part of the reason why I paid for a membership.
