Cobra & other commercial posts

[Zip-Lock]

If you were not all ready aware Cobra has now gone commercial (Carplayer) at the expense of this forum and the donating members of this forum who generously contributed to the Cobra media player effort. I see no reason to continue to support their commercial efforts and I have removed the Cobra forum.

I would like to remind everyone that this is a hobby not a commercial operation. I don’t like how some members are using this forum for free advertising. I understand that some members are making specialty products (shutdown controllers, power supplies, etc.) I don’t have a problem with that as long as it serves in the best interest of this community.

I few things have seen around recently which I don't like:
1. Those who register with a username that is a commercial website
2. Putting a phone number in the custom user text (which displays under usernames) for sales purposes
3. Putting commercial contact information and/or pricing information in the signature of posts

I wish to maintain hobby culture of this forum. Please don’t abuse it.

[mprover]

Even though I havent done **** with mp3car stuff latlety as I have purchased a new vehicle , Id like to take this time to thank ABCD for his work on the project. Best of luck !!!!!!

[magnetik]

zip-lock I fully agree with your statements..... this forum is all about helping each other out.... and enjoing the hobby...

lets keep it happening that way... yay!!

[felix99]

I agree 2 with you Ziplock

[ddt]

I don't have a problem with (and this is just my .02) people like Armen selling their stuff here. I've seen the exact same products he sells on his site for 70-100% MORE on other sites. That's a benifit to the community for sure as a lot of us are working with limited budgets.

EDIT - Oh and as far as the Cobra forum goes... good riddance.

[outragis]

Originally posted by ddt
I don't have a problem with (and this is just my .02) people like Armen selling their stuff here. I've seen the exact same products he sells on his site for 70-100% MORE on other sites. That's a benifit to the community for sure as a lot of us are working with limited budgets.

EDIT - Oh and as far as the Cobra forum goes... good riddance.

Amen Brother!!!

[Dex4now]

While I agree somewhat here, that there's no need for this forum to host a commercial product, I don't see any harm in people who represent commercial interests to post here, and to make it known in there post, or signature their affiliation.

There are several magazines I subscribe to, where the ads are worth more than the content, to some degree. What is important, however, is that anyone posting who does represent a commercial venture, make that association known upfront, so folks can decide for themselves the bias one might bring to a recommendation or suggestion.

[Stavros]

Personally, it should be done on a case by case basis. This forum is not a democracy, and that is why we have admins. If they feel that someone is exploiting the forum, then so be it. If they don't, its their call. Thanks for all the help in the past mp3car.com'ers!

[albysure]

i do agree that this forum shouldn't be used for commercial profit. there should be some sort of line to stay behind before you are considered a retailer. people like mastero are fair enough in their pricing that they are really helping the "hobbyist" here. and thats what its all about!

[CrazyLittle]

I remember a certain backlash when I jumped at digitalww for his commercial dealings here in the LCD and for sale forums. Once Digital established that he would be an active part of the community, that's when he became accepted.

Zip-Lock is right on this call. People don't come here to get spammed by dealers looking to make a buck here. We came here to share what we know about building computers in specials setups, and to recieve info on anything that we need to finish our projects.