Can you advertise on the forum?

[lionelsoni]

It seems that you're not supposed to. But, aside from the inferences I have made from Bob Keller's postings, I can't find a clear policy statement on the site. Is there one, Bob? If not, would you consider posting one?

This outburst was inspired by seeing a topic today by a manufacturer, registered in the company's name. The profile indicates that this is not the first time.

[Bob Keller]

I have summoned Erik, the Grand Wizard DeLuxe of Trains.com and all its lesser domains to carve the policy in cyber-granite in this very thread.

[Anonymous]

I wi***here were another venue by which we "train" folks could bid on stuff other than ebay and overstock.com. Maybe there is and I'm not aware of it.

[Bob Keller]

Charles Siegel from traincity.com runs a toy train auction on his website.

[tmcc man]

Also, just to add, Ted Mauer has auctions as well. I might be heading to his next one.
Here is the site: http://www.maurerail.com . Hope you find something you want, baberuth73!!

[winrose46]

OGR has a buy and sell on its forum. Many people are on both forums, CTT and OGR.

[Buckeye Riveter]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Ogaugeoverlord

Charles Siegel from traincity.com runs a toy train auction on his website.

And usually not as high priced as the items on Ebay.

[Anonymous]

I would hope that the policy--stated or unstated--of not selling items on the discussion forums remains in effect. There are a number of separate forum sites devoted to buy/sell, including the one on the OGR forum, as well as others, such as the SVC site, eBay, and others mentioned above. Personally, I tend to prefer the OGR and SVC sites, since I do not use eBay for either buying or selling (far too much hassle).

I'm sure the folks at CTT, and Kalmbach in general and most participants here, recognize that allowing buy'sell activity on a discussion forum opens a large can of worms.

[Anonymous]

If you're referring to SMR Trains, I personally don't see a problem since they're basically directing you to their website.

[tschmidt]

Siegel's site is www.choochooauctions.com

All you have to do is register. I have bought things from him and have been happy. He tells it like it is and is honest. Quick shipping also.

Tom S

[lionelsoni]

"Accurate – Prototyical – Detailed. Designed and approved by real historians and museum staff. Crafted by the best makers in brass. In 2- and 3-rail designs. Reasonably Priced."

And much more in the same vein in the postings, "basically directing you to their website"?

[Anonymous]

So what's wrong with that? I still fail to see the problem.

[lionelsoni]

Blatant advertising:
"Accurate – Prototyical – Detailed. Designed and approved by real historians and museum staff. Crafted by the best makers in brass. In 2- and 3-rail designs. Reasonably Priced."

Basic direction to web site:
"Our web site is htpp://ww.whatever.com"

It would be a nice touch to give directions to a paid ad in CTT also.

[dbaker48]

Just to login on the subject. I would prefer NOT to see advertising in the threads of the forum. How many times, are people asking about experience regarding a product, or experience in dealing with a firm? And if the responses are biased by the manufacturer or dealer a little tainted, huh?
Also, the experiences and opinions conatined seem to be from PERSONAL involvement how much better can than get.? Keep the Forum non-comercial. I would love to promote my company here but I don't think it is appropriate. MY [2c][2c]

[FJ and G]

This particular section of the forum's traffic has increased exponentially as of late (or should I say logrythmically, linearly, or geometrically?).

To dump for sale stuff in here would really add clutter.

Adding a separate section in the forum would be OK with me.

[gvdobler]

There should be no sales activity on this forum.

The idea is that you cannot advertise your product on this forum. Some people post links in response to questions asked by other members. Even that walks a fine line because my alter ego (me under a different user name) can ask where to buy X and I respond with a link I am connected with. Tough call.

[Frank53]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Allan Miller

There are a number of separate forum sites devoted to buy/sell, including the one on the OGR forum, as well as others, such as the SVC site, eBay, and others mentioned above.

gee Allan, you left out teh Buy/Sell/Trade Forum at www.modeltrainjournal.com

must've been an oversight [:D]

[dbaker48]

Sure, that can always happen. Hopefully someone might indicate that they are involved with the business. They are providing a source of information as to where something is available at, that may be difficult for the person inquiring to find. But, at least they are not announcing a new product. Or, HOPEFULLY, not advertising their services unsolicited..

[Bergie]

Hello,

Here's the official Trains.com stance:

- No selling products, regardless of whether you're a retailer or an individual trying to sell an individual item.

- No promoting your auctions (either in-person or via eBay).

Basically, we offer classified advertising, banner advertising on ClassicToyTrains.com, and advertising within our Classic Toy Trains e-mail newsletter. If you need to promote either what you have for sale, or your business, please use one of those means.

The forums are provided for an exchange of information between enthusiasts. The second we start allowing promotional posts in this forum, it will quickly become cluttered with posts of little interest.

I hope this helps clear things up.

Erik

[nitroboy]

Thats a good idea, not to let advertisers use this forum as thier personal ad.

[lionelsoni]

Can this topic, or, better, just Erik's posting, be made "sticky"?

[ChiefEagles]

It should be. Maybe the CTT will have a Buy and Sale one day. Might be viewed as competition for OGR's. That is a great tool as I have bought lots of engines and rolling stock from that site and at good prices. Made some good friends doing it too.

[Bob Keller]

I think we want to avoid the issues revolving around personal transactions like the ones in the recent dishonest sale thread. Someone with a brick and mortar store, or as with the case of SMR, a manufacturer, is something else. But there are plenty of other spots to sell things than this forum.

SMR is, by the way, an advertiser in CTT.