Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations Selling on the PondBoss site

My thoughts; this has come up over the years and has again over the last few days. If the pros who regularly post on this site can at appropriate times respond to a thread with information on their business or products I think it is great. Posters have asked about feeders before and Greg has given his opinion and stated that he sells feeders. Whats the problem?

I would guess none of the pros posting(Greg, Todd, Deb ect.) come even close to picking up the business to make up the the time they spend on this site.

If I post I need a new feeder and Greg posts with the advantages of Strens and reminds me he sells them, no problem. If Greg starts a thread about the big sell he is having on feeders this month, problem.(Just using you as an example Greg, not suggesting you would do that)

My two cents worth

Bill

There's some gray area there, Bill. From a business standpoint, Pond Boss is for profit. Because of that, I protect our advertisers. The website was designed for information, not to solicit sales for those who post information. I recognize the value of people's knowledge. I also recognize the value of consumers who wish to purchase. I have never had a problem with someone contacting a supplier because of information, but I have a problem with people openly soliciting sales, unless they write a check to Pond Boss in the form of advertising. For example, Greg now has an ad. If he makes a post to answer a question about feeders and wants to let them know he sells feeders, I'm fine with it. I still don't want open, general solicitations. If someone posts a question, for example, about needing consulting help in Georgia, I'll refer Greg and any other advertisers we have, first and straight to the one looking for help. Trent Lewis just bought an ad. Same goes for him.
I do slightly disagree with you about the value of the business generated by this site for those who post. One of the most interesting things that no one knows about, or talks about, are the sales made from people who visit the site for info, never make a post, and contact someone direct. I don't have a problem with that, either.
Anyway, we'll keep trying to muddle our way through this thing and keep it in perspective. The site seems to be working and filling a valuable niche.

I have made it a point not to sell my wares on this forum page for two reasons,

1. I did not have an ad in the magazine
2. Since this was an information site, I did not think it was the time or place to do any sales pitch.

Since I started this post, I have called Kathy, renewed my subscription for (2) years and ordered a media kit to advertise.

I can say that yes, I do spend a lot of time on the page reading and sometimes posting when I feel my experiences can be of any help and yes I do get calls and hits on my web from my post.

For this reason alone, I feel I must give back and help support Bob and Pond Boss.

My 2-cents... :p

Thank you, Cary.

Bob I hope the ad works out for more business but basically did it b/c I have made a few sales on here. I do not know how many sales but not that many for my time. However all sales aside that is not at all why a post but an occasional side benefit. I do try to not openly sell anything but mention it in the way Duggan pointed out. I fell a few others have done the same and have not seen this abused. I do however compelety undrstand your point about advertiser dollars needed if selling anythign on here.

I appreciate the referrals and look forward to the ad generating business. However I have also had a good many clients get the mag and a few use the website that I have referred to here. I guess I'm saying it works both ways.

Good point.