"A Dose of Reality II" Topic

Editor Gwen forwarded another of these choice emails to me, from a disgruntled now-former member who posted one of the 'Kenny' topics mocking our policy:

The post was a commentary on your taking down an Related topic which had the name Kenneth in the title.

I am disgusted that ordinary members who bear no connection what so ever to the author or publisher of this set of rules are not allowed to post about them.

If people hadn't been acting badly – including yourself – this policy wouldn't have been enacted. Take some responsibility.

None of the posts regarding this rule set have been adverts or indeed in anyway naked for by the TFL team.

Thanks for no nudity, all of us appreciate that. Now, open your mind slightly, and admit that mentioning a new product is in itself a free plug, right? And that company has no right to benefit from this forum, it is unfair to the companies which PAY for advertising.

This is meant to be a wargames forum to talk about gaming subjects and yet it subject to heavy sensorship.

You presume to tell me what to do with MY OWN WEBSITE? Who are you, the wargaming pope? Yes, we will censor out advertisements which have not been paid for. That's our right. We pay for the server.

The actions taken are petty and vindictive.

So if we won't give free advertising to a company that you're a fanboy for, we're "petty and vindictive"? Really?

Bill says that only firms who pay can advertise. These are not adverts.

Now you're playing word games. Would you feel better if we said that "free plugs" were prohibited?

Also his actions are arbitrary – I don't see you taking the same action against Games Workshop.

As of today, ONE – count 'em, ONE – complaint has been filed about a GW topic on TMP that mentioned a new product. (OK, it was making fun of a new product.) It has been removed, out of an abundance of fairness.

I am fed up with the Editors dictatorial attitude.

If I come to your house, can I make up the rules too? Have you ever run a forum in your life? I've been doing this for decades now, and most people (see the polls) think I'm doing an OK job.

The site has also become alarmingly right wing and bigoted.

You can't have it both ways. You earlier complained about "heavy sensorship". Now you're complaining because there's not enough censorship? Did you ever hit the Complaint Button on any of these posts you object to? Do you realize that just because you disagree with someone, doesn't mean they've broken forum rules?

I no longer wish to be associated with this dreadful forum – there are many other better and friendlier forums. Please terminate my membership immediately.

You mean, your free unpaid Basic Membership? It's already Locked, you said you're not coming back, so nothing more needs to be done. Have a nice day!

Just to be clear, I don't want to run afoul of any rules, if I purchase a set of rules or a range of figures I am not permitted to provide a review or make comments here unless they are a paid advertiser? Is that correct?

Cheers
Kent

if I purchase a set of rules or a range of figures I am not permitted to provide a review or make comments here unless they are a paid advertiser? Is that correct?

No. You can post reviews or comments on any products, with the sole exception of TFL's recent release. We are just asking you not to promote new releases on our forum.

Sorry the last comment isn't totally clear. You're saying you can post on any products with the sole exception of TooFatLardies new rulebook. But then go on to say not to promote new releases which makes it sound like that is a general rule for new products and not just the TFL rules. Is it just the TFL rules? Will this also be the case with all new TFL products? This is still confusingly worded! What is the timescale for them not to be considered new?

Geez, guys. The intent is pretty clear. If you're going to tout a new product, pay for advertising! If you are a fanboy and post a message saying what a great new game/rules/figures Company X is selling, that's advertising. If you buy a new product and write a review, that's OK.

Bill's House, Bill's Rules.

PS---I laughed at the former member demanding his free membership be terminated. Oh, the humanity…

If you buy a new product and write a review, that's OK.

Apparently not, if it's a "new release".

We are just asking you not to promote new releases on our forum.

So, just to clarify, when does a "new release" cease to be new?

So, just to clarify, when does a "new release" cease to be new?

Use your common sense.

So, just to clarify, when does a "new release" cease to be new?

Use your common sense.

That's no good, you need to specify the parameters. When the product is released? 2 weeks after? 2 months or 2 years after? There is clearly a line but where is it?

I note that the Editor has not answered my question.

Your common sense may not be the same as my common sense.

Bill,
What if someone wants to give away a new set of rules for free but it qualifies as a "new release"? What would be the proper way to post it?

Wolfhag

So, just to clarify, when does a "new release" cease to be new?
Use your common sense.

Unfortunately common sense isn't always common

That's what's confusing me – there's a very useful and informative thread on the Ancients Product Review Page ‘unboxing' the new "Morati & Gloria" (sp?) rules from PSC, which is almost identical to one of those about the new TFL rules.

My understanding is that all such posts should be on the Hobby News Page rather than the forums, whether or not the company is an advertiser or not.

So I can see how all the confusion and kerfuffle started!