The subject of charities and the request for sponsorship for charity events in relationship to X Marks the Scot policy on Donations and Solicitations has come up. We are aware that our forum membership includes many outstanding individuals who proudly donate their time and efforts to a multitude of worthy causes. In no way do we wish to seem that we are not supportive of these individuals, endeavors, and worthy charitable organizations.

Our current policy is:

Donations/Solicitations For Individuals is Prohibited
We all have problems folks and most of them are financial. HOWEVER, this forum is not to be used to collect money for members or non-members for ANY reason. There are too many reason to name why this is not a good idea. Any thread that solicits funds for individuals for any reason will be deleted without notice.
This was put into place for two reasons.

First, to prevent unscrupulous individuals from using our forum to take money from our members under false pretenses.

Second, to prevent the forum from becoming awash with requests for donations and undue pressure on our members for sponsorship.

The Mod Squad have recently reviewed this situation and tried to find a solution that benefits all.

Therefore, members of X Marks the Scot are most welcome to post about their participation in charitable events. They may include one link to the charitable organization in the post. But they may not openly request or solicit sponsorship or donations. If individuals wish to contact the poster by PM and offer to sponsor them, that is their own business.

For Example:

Panache may not post: “I’m participating in a Zeppelin race for charity. Everyone please sponsor my team as we are raising money for Gin and Tonic Awareness Week”

Panache may post: I’ll be captaining an entirely kilted crew for in a charity Zeppelin race. We are raising money for Gin and Tonic Awareness Week. Wish me luck!”

We hope this clarification allows for both the desires of the individual members and the needs of the forum membership as a whole.

The Mod Squad