Puzzled Options

[meerkat]

Can someone clarify why we're not allowed to ask on the forum for references to good websites? I've just had a post deleted, for asking for links to sites that sell bows! Have I missed the rule that says such posts are banned?

(And yes, I know posting this is probably inappropriate, but I'm feeling more than a bit annoyed that my perfectly innocent post was deleted!)

[sbhoa]

Probably counts as 'For sale' and 'Wanted' ads. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/dry.gif)

[meerkat]

But it wasn't a wanted ad - I wasn't asking to buy one from anyone on here! I was just looking for information. I've seen loads of people make similar requests.

[barry-clari]

I think (and people are more than welcome to correct me (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) ) that your post was regarded as a post that promoted advertising, which isn't allowed.
If you put a link to a website that doesn't sell anything (ie information websites), then it's allowed.
Why not PM some of the experienced string players we've got here, to see if they can help, rather than leaving a message in forums? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

And good luck in finding your bow! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[meerkat]

Humph. I've been using the internet for a very long time, and have to say I think that that's really silly (not you, barry - just a very silly rule if it is a rule - a way way of preventing people from sharing useful information) . How is it anymore encouraging advertising than asking people to recommend a good brand of violin? I just don't get it. I've seen some blatant spamming and advertising going on here certainly - but generally in response to the 'good violin' type question.

How on earth are you supposed to get a range of information, if you're not allowed to ask for it? It's going to take a LOT of luck finding what I need under these kinds of circumstances!

[sbhoa]

Sorry to go off topic, but did you get my email Meerkat?

[meerkat]

Hi Shboa, no I didn't, I'm afraid. The email that's linked to this account is a bit dodgy - I'll pm you another addie.

J

[YetAnotherPianist]

Sorry, that was my fault, apparently....

meerkat asked for where she could get 'cello bows on approval. I suggested a well-known site which does this. A few hours later, I got a PM from abrown saying that my post was advertising and the thread had been deleted as it was inviting more advertising. I queried why this was no longer allowed and the rules are now to be interpreted to mean that one is not allowed to link to any commercial sites, even if they are not one's own.

[meerkat]

YAP, I don't think there's much 'fault' in answering a civil question for information, with a civil answer providing such information.

If this rule is going to be fairly enforced, it seems like half the posts on the site will have to be deleted!

If all such requests have to be conducted by pm, it's going to run up the ABRSM's forum bill more than just a bit, dealing with the extra traffic.

[barry-clari]

So I guess the solution in future is to do everything via PM. PM everyone on the forum to see if anyone knows a site (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

it wouldn't be any good PMing me about 'cello bows........ (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

I think you are allowed to put links to 'information' sites, but not to any site which sells anything.

I equally think you are still allowed to give opinion on the products of different manufacturers.

[YetAnotherPianist]

YAP, I don't think there's much 'fault' in answering a civil question for information, with a civil answer providing such information.

Thanks (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif).

If this rule is going to be fairly enforced, it seems like half the posts on the site will have to be deleted!

I did point that out (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif).

Anyhow, my suspicion is that the written rules are a little ambiguous in the advertising section; and it could just be that our new moderator has read them and followed them to the letter. I'm sure it's hard being in a new job, and once they settle in they'll get more use to the usual interpretation of the rules; or we'll get more use to their interpretation.