Hi all,
With literally hundreds of Threads and Post on the Forum I think generally the site is well controlled.
As mentioned, I also believe the Forum offers like any business the opportunity to share ideas, comments and sometimes constructive criticism of a person, organisation, club, product etc etc.
The Forum guidelines are vey clear and there for all to read.
From a moderators viewpoint - or someone who brings to the attention of moderators - I feel topics and Threads are allowed to run their course with all parties contributing.
If moderators jumped in every time an advertiser, kit builder or individual was questioned or criticized, I think we/they would be all criticized for over re acting or over Policing -
As we have seen recently, there has been an unnecessary focus on/by one or even more individuals whom have a perceived, or real grievance with another. It has been aired ongoing here for sometime and I think it has run its course.
It is now up to those parties to resolve or agree "off the Forum". Both/all have been advised to do that via a PM from me.
In response to the PM and emails regarding advertisers, I do not know why advertisers do not respond positively to questions or criticism on site here. An advertiser has every opportunity to keep us updated on products, sales and R and D etc.
They have the ability to Post updates, photos of products, customer cars and their progressive in any new developments...
Every business regardless of their being a paid advertiser or not, has an opportunity to Post on their product, progress and expansion etc. for all to see.
Moderators may approach them to advertise, if there is an avantage to all parties and the Thread or Post is seen as marketing or promotion ongoing.
Advertisers are encouraged to update us here with information on their product, encouraged to regularly Post and keep the Forum members abreast of products for sale and any current news or sales.
The moderators role- I feel - is not to tell advertisers what to do or when they should be responding with updates or positive news on their products. I make this comment as I think there is so much happening in the Cobra community and in businesses that we just don't hear about.
Instead, any lack of updates or product releases maybe seen as an indicator that a business may be extremely busy, in hibernation, in trouble, or even closed.
So come on advertisers tell us what you are up tooo... If you are criticized or questioned it is paramount that you respond in a positive way to bring existing and potential customers up to date and back into the fold...
Put simply, it is up to the individual advertiser to keep us updated. If that advertiser has a sale, new product, new R + D progress to share then its their job to share.
I know from time to time customers will share photos of purchases, progress and even build threads and this is encouraged and helps the sale of products. But inevitably it is the business and seller who needs to positively promote their product. It is up to sellers and advertisers to promote and no one can force them.
I feel the forum has a huge audience and provides a really tangible vehicle for a business to promote products but only the marketing savvy realise that the positioning of their Product, Pricing, Position and Promotion is all available to them here.
The Forum I feel will continue to be a vehicle for our hobby, businesses and sharing, but should not deteriorate to the level we have experienced.
Both individuals and businesses should continue to keep members updated on all topics as the forum did previously.
I am certain we all enjoy reading about Cobra builds, seeing photos, sharing road trips, asking questions and general chat.
I certainly do. Lets get back on track and get Forum member back to basics.
We don't want to loose any member as we value your contributions, advice, discussions and importantly friendship.
So back on track....