Another rules sign-off - 1 June 2007

[Mike1]

This is advance notice that we will be forcing members to 'sign off' on the rules page again tomorrow (Friday, 1 June), as we will be making an addition and some clarifications to the current rules structure at that time.

You read it here first...

[Mike1]

We have forced another rules sign-off this morning. We have added the following -

Concerning personal forum member Advertisements on X Marks the Scot


Statement of Intent

X Marks the Scot prides itself on the diversity of the skilled craftsmen and artists who make up the membership of our forum. These individuals contribute much in the wealth of experience they freely share with the forum. We hold these individuals in high esteem. Our valued forum sponsors pay to advertise their businesses here and by so doing allow this forum to exist. We hold in equally high regard those that have invested in us and it is our desire to see that this investment is one worthy of their commitment.

Therefore it is the intent of the owner and moderating staff of X Marks the Scot to present guidelines that allow for the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of the forum members as well as protect the interests of our sponsors.

Those individuals interested in advertising with X Marks the Scot are encouraged to contact any of the moderating staff by personal message (PM) and current advertising rates will be provided.

Those craftsmen and artists wishing to include a link to their wares and services are welcome to do so.

Individuals attempting to bypass the intent of these guidelines for the purpose of using X Marks the Scot for advertising without permission or payment will be subject to user infraction, restriction, or being banned as deemed appropriate by the moderating staff.


1. Avatars and User Names

1.a. Avatar images may not be, or include a direct advertisement for a product or company unless the member is a paying X Marks the Scot Advertiser. “Direct advertisements” may include product names, company names, company logos, pictures or other items that the Moderating staff shall determine represent competition to our sponsors. Images may allude to a member’s business or profession (for example: a sporran for a sporran maker, a sgian dubh for a knife maker, bagpipe or piper images for a piper). The moderating staff shall determine whether or not an avatar represents a direct advertisement.

1.b. A member's user name may not be in itself a web address or company name, unless the member is a paying X Marks the Scot advertiser.

1.c. The owner and moderators may at their discretion allow senior members of the forum to retain their established user names and/or avatars.


2. Links

2.a. Members may have 1 link in their signature line to a company or product. Members may include other links that are non-commercial in nature or non competitive with X Marks the Scot.

2.b. Regardless of member status all links still must conform to stated forum rules pertaining to appropriate content for X Marks the Scot.


3. Clarifications concerning the "DYI Forum", the "For Sale" forum, and reviews of products

3. a. The DYI Section is intended as a place to share ideas and accomplishments for items designed for personal use. It is not intended to be a "show room" for new products being offered for sale by members.

3.b. The For Sale Section is for offering personal items for sale (for example: a sporran no longer used, a kilt that doesn't fit, etc.). It is not intended for showing off examples of custom work, a distribution point for one's product, or a place to test market new products.

3.c. Reviews of Products are interesting and useful to the membership of X marks the Scot. Members are welcome to review products from any source. If the Moderators feel that reviews are being used as de facto advertising by a member, then that member will be contacted about purchasing advertising. Should de facto advertising continue the moderating staff will decide appropriate measures to the offender on a case by case basis.


In Conclusion

It is our hope that this provides clarity on our position regarding those who wish to offer their wares or services on the forum who are not paid advertisers of X Marks the Scot. Those who do not feel that their needs are accommodated within these guidelines are again encouraged to contact the moderating staff by personal message (PM) for advertising rates.