i think that it is ok to post your work information and such but cnet says no so its up to them.
you dont have to post here, its up to you, not cnet, to reply to others.
"To be quite honest, I think the policies are rediculous that specify you cannot advertise your business while providing solid help and info. After all, ALL OF OUR TIME is worth something. And as long as we are actually PROVIDING solid information to those who request it, (FOR FREE) there should be nothing wrong with this. In my opinion."
they dont force you to come here. most people that post here come for help and help others, so if you dont like their policies, you can leave any time you want. another forum you might like is anandtech, see if they will let you post your work information there. put it in your sig as its under each message you reply to. that way it can be "legal".
konny
Hello,
As I said in my other posts which were wiped out, I am new to these forums. I have honestly been helping members on these forums with the most accurate information as I could possibly contribute.
I included my contact information (without reading the forums policies), company name (because I feel people who read this information may feel comfortable with knowing you do this as a living) and my ebook information because I fealt I was providing solid enough help and info that someone may feel I had good information and might like the book (which is not ready for purchase now anyway) in the future.
I understand everyones view on SPAM. I hate it as much as anyone else. I sincerely felt that as long as I was providing solid info to anyone I responded to, there was no harm in letting them or anyone else know what I do for a living. However, posting BS to everyone for the sole purpose for advertising "my own forum" (Which Mr.Proffitt so quickly squashed yesterday, good job.) or product/service is SPAM.
To be quite honest, I think the policies are rediculous that specify you cannot advertise your business while providing solid help and info. After all, ALL OF OUR TIME is worth something. And as long as we are actually PROVIDING solid information to those who request it, (FOR FREE) there should be nothing wrong with this. In my opinion.
Otherwise, we are basically working for CNET for free while they sell their services on our hard work and research to help these individuals. Whether they are selling services/products/affiliate links/advertisements they are making money off of our hard work. Sorry, but it is true.
Why do I respond and help people on these forums. Two reasons, one to help people and two it keeps me sharp and constantly researching new topics that are issues for the common people out there that DO NOT DO THIS FOR A LIVING.
As I said in the other posts that were wiped out, I will do what is in the best interest of the forum. Now that I am fully aware of the POLICIES.
That said, I did email a moderator on Friday for clarification of what I was doing. I still have not heard back from him (he lives in Canada). I also read the Policies on Friday. Point: I was proactive in finding out if what I was doing was wrong. I still have not gotten a response from a moderator, all I get, is to read a post from someone who is appears to be "greater than all" who says, "As such, toss them out and move on."
Quite frankly, if I was not actually helping people, I would have an ill feeling about these forums. John and Ray have been very helpful and I respect them.
Now I must contemplate whether I to continue to participate in a forum where moderators won't even address one, or "move on" to another forum and help them build their forum.
Take Care,
Shawn Mosqueda
WireSmart LLC (oops!)

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