Hi everyone, Steve,
My last post on this.
How about one for the group stuff and another for biz:
A Separate Business Forum:
As there appears to be some consensus, could we entertain a separate forum for something like "Lab Pro Services."
This would be a place where we could do business with one another, as well as the outside world. And do it for profit. Real profit. With no ethical hang-ups.
But you must be an active contributing member to the Lab proper to post there.
Fees:
A fee would separate the "real deals" from the nonsense, keeping that forum always worth checking out because it's always professional. No BS.
The fee can be minimal, anything just to make it more official. $10 a shot?
A fee would also deter advertisers from out-posting one another every minute.
Or no Fees:
If you can advertise there for free, a potential downside is that it could end up saturated with posts that are not really professional - and they could detract from the ones that are. The very ones it's intended to highlight.
At this point I'll even agree to zero fee and we can add one later on!
Exit Strategy:
If no one uses the forum, then delete it after a trial period of a month or so.
Leverage:
Why not leverage the visibility of this site by giving the members an opportunity to advertise their various services to the guests as well as fellow members? There are some terrific services here that go unannounced.
Clarification:
No more issues about trolling, business, profit, motive, etc. Let's take the confusion out of this.
Check it out:
The Lab - DIY Forum
Lab Pro Services - Kits, Boutique Pro-Gear, Design, Work for Hire, etc.
Group Orders - Group Order Center
Black Market - Buy/Sell/Trade Marketplace
I think some of the heavyweights here would appreciate such a forum - Jakob and John Hinson come to mind. I don't want to speak for them of course.
Ron