Glad we are discussing this in a rational manner....if we can discuss things intelligently, then we all benefit. Even if we disagree with the other person's viewpoint.
I do disagree that for a post to be advertising compensation must be received. The post itself is what must be evaluated, not the meaning or what the poster did or did not receive.
Now we are getting into schemantics....this is good because we are working towards a defintion of acceptable and unacceptable behaviour, (in this case).
According to
Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary
Advertise:
1 : to make something known to : NOTIFY
2 a : to make publicly and generally known <advertising their readiness to make concessions> b : to announce publicly especially by a printed notice or a broadcast c : to call public attention to especially by emphasizing desirable qualities so as to arouse a desire to buy or patronize : PROMOTE
intransitive senses : to issue or sponsor advertising
Advertising:
1 : the action of calling something to the attention of the public especially by paid announcements
2 : ADVERTISEMENTS <the magazine contains much advertising>
3 : the business of preparing advertisements for publication or broadcast
So we are both right regarding whether or not compensation is required in order to be considered advertising or to advertise.
The only problem with evaluating the post only is that it leaves too much to the reader to decide for themselves what the intent of the message is....and like I said earlier, this mode of communication leaves out non verbals which are (depending on which communications guru you follow or were stuck in class with) anywhere from 50-90% of communication. I know that personally, I rely on a person's non verbal communication ALOT on a daily basis...but thats part of my job.
I would suggest that the board members here and Mods, (such as Nanook since he's a local Mod...this is an example only, I just typed the first name that came to mind) review these things and make decisions as to what constitutes a commercial post or not. I say this for a few reasons:
Mods have alot to do already, and I'm not wild about contributing to the workload of someone who volunteers their time and energy for free. BUT, they have an intimate knowledge of RC's user agreement, and RC provides the bandwidth we use to post these messages.
The board members/creators of the club, (SLASH), have stated publicly that the internet will be a large part of this club's existence. They also volunteered for this position and worked hard at building this club. With all this in mind, its their sandbox and they are generously allowing us to play in it. You can argue that its a public club or a private club all you want, but I'd be amazed if they wouldnt be willing to ban/disallow someone to participate if they were a constant nuisance or a problem child. With that in mind, lets let them handle these type of issues as they see fit, in accordance with RC's rules.
We can influence, and give our thoughts and opinions in matters at meetings, gatherings, BBQ's, etc...
It sounds kinda funny coming from a cop, but I'm in favor of a less rigid structure in this sense. I feel that organization of the club is necessary as are bylaws and rules regarding selection/election of board members/ administrators/ Czar/ El Presendente'/ whatever, (choose any and all applicable terms), and what should be done with finances.....but for the most part I think we should try and keep things flexible and adaptable to deal with situations as they develop and unfold.
Remember, we got into this hobby becuase it was fun. Some of us had so much fun we decided to turn our hobby into a business. But let's try and keep things fun whenever possible...if this means poking fun at Trottman, or Steve's facial hair, or even making donut jokes when I come to Pizza night or whatever, I'm all for it. Life gets all too serious on its own, and I do this to relax. Lets try and keep it that way.
For the most part we're all intelligent reasonable people...I'm pretty sure we can figure out whats a commercial/offensive post. If we come across one that is questionable or crosses the line, we can contact the mods et al and have them make a judgement call on it.
This is just my take on this, and should be treated as an opinion, nothing more....
BTW, feel free to make all the jokes you want in any meeting, SEASL or SLASH about cops and donuts....I dont eat em.
Nick