Commercialisation in the Equipment forum

[neilmny]

tasadam,
An idea ........
Maybe a slight change to the rules that would allow a review in the Equipment\Reviews section tagged "Vendor review" perhaps (VR) for short, so that it is clear it has been done by someone with a financial interest in the product. This way readers would be aware and I would suggest based on the language used in those reviews and the accuracy of them, the credibility of the reviewer would grow over time.

[GPSGuided]

At the end of the day, if one both critiques and enlightens their products in good balance, then it'll be accepted. One sided reviews tend to raise the commercial red flag.

[Chris-Toms Outdoors]

I think the area that it gets hard is when it's say something like the following: (I'll use tents as an example because it's easy)
Someone posts up string that they're interested in a lightweight tent. They list some brands but are untested in people's opinions.
Franco posts up saying have you considered Traptent
I post up saying what about Helsport.
Snowy's says what about x or y.
Are we all guilty of advertising or are we just being helpfull? We all have our passions and in many cases what may seem like advertising to some is helpful to others.
I think that the forum is very lucky that there is some manufacturers/retailers that want to take time to participate. Outdoor retail amongst the chains has lost its authenticity and expertise. It's a good thing that there's still a passionate few around.
Cheers
Chris

[warnesy]

I think the area that it gets hard is when it's say something like the following: (I'll use tents as an example because it's easy)
Someone posts up string that they're interested in a lightweight tent. They list some brands but are untested in people's opinions.
Franco posts up saying have you considered Traptent
I post up saying what about Helsport.
Snowy's says what about x or y.
Are we all guilty of advertising or are we just being helpfull? We all have our passions and in many cases what may seem like advertising to some is helpful to others.
I think that the forum is very lucky that there is some manufacturers/retailers that want to take time to participate. Outdoor retail amongst the chains has lost its authenticity and expertise. It's a good thing that there's still a passionate few around.
Cheers
Chris

I'm assuming "traptent' was just a hilarious typo!

I have to say it has never bothered me in the few threads I've started and I want to hear from those who use and sell the gear. But I do like it to be clear that they sell the gear they are posting about.

I think the forum would be poorer for it if these people didn't post.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Chris-Toms Outdoors]

Auto correct on the phone strikes again
Thanks
Chris

[GPSGuided]

I'd say it will depend on how object the promotion is. If it's a straight call for brand X when there's a personal interest, then it's bad. But if it's a case of asking the poster their detailed requirements and then go onto analyse the pros and cons of a particular model, then it would be a worthwhile contribution.

[paul_gee]

Great discussion guys. Anyone would think I worked for Macpac or retailed One Planet with some of the posts I have written.

[Franco]

Interesting thread, I wish I had read this before.
This was funny :
"I'm assuming "traptent' was just a hilarious typo!"
I typed that myself a few days ago but caught it just before I posted it on a thread that can't be edited .

Years ago I was invited to be a moderator on a different forum , glad that I did not take it ....

[South_Aussie_Hiker]

I for one think Franco walks the line perfectly.

I certainly think he's not in it for the money! He's just really passionate about the gear and getting people out there with great tents.

I also tend to think a bias is more forgiveable in Franco's case because:
a) he brings so much to the forum, and places like YouTube with video reviews etc
b) the money he gets would be pocket change, I'm sure his main motivation for working with Tarptent is not financial
c) he is supporting a small cottage manufacturer, not a large store or chain of stores

For the same reason, I think UnderclingMike's quilts are well supported on the forum. He's a guy with a huge passion to hand produce small volume but high quality gear for the niche ultralight market. He did not join the forum seeking to sell quilts, he took the forum on his journey of discovery and improvement as he built up the idea. He also never engaged in direct salesmanship - nearly all the referrals and advertising of his quilts came not from him, but from others referring questions to his product.

I guess what I'm trying to say is if the motivation doesn't come financially, and lots of other value is being brought to the forum, I don't mind a bit. But if someone is full time employed in a marketing type role for a large store or chain, joining the forum for that purpose and constantly referring to that retailer's products should be strongly discouraged.

[Franco]

Thanks for that.
for one I was very happy to see BlackSheep commenting here and although Macpac is not exactly small or cottage it was great to get the info he posted, I wish more would feel confident to come here and do that.

[simonm]

Personally I have found the transition to being a commercial vendor a difficult one and it has impacted considerably upon my participation on a number of forums, which I used to enjoy. As a result I have minimised my commercial posts, and try now to keep them to the allotted forum only, unless we are specifically mentioned elsewhere. My goal this year is to get back to talking about and doing more walking, and less about equipment, mostly for my own sanity.

[Neo]

+1
"doing more walking...mostly for my own sanity"