Should eBid allow discussions about other sites?

[bykimbo]

Can of worms, this one, but I thought it could prove interesting... and might even come up with a consensus that makes eBid think about their current policy.

As we all know, eBid currently discourages, and often removes, discussions about and references to other selling sites. Do you think that's the best way for them to react?

What are the "cons" (as in negative aspects, not scams!)

Any discussion of other sites can make folks aware of options and may lead to people moving to other sites instead of staying here. Mentioning other names here could be said to be increasing their visibility, and even be considered advertising.

Discussion of other sites could be negative, or heated, and might bring bad feeling into the forums - that could be bad for the atmosphere here, and for ebid's reputation if they were tainted by association.

Anything else?

What are the "pros" (as in positive aspects, not...er... perhaps I'd better not finish that thought!)

Everything ends up on Google, so searches for other sites or comparison discussions could bring people in here. The fact that people using other sites prefer to come here for help and advice speaks well of this location and its users. Fewer threads would be removed, which would please those who shout "forum police" so often. A current bone of contention between forum users would be negated by there being a positive policy in favour of freer discussion; this would be good for the atmosphere, and thus could enhance eBid's reputation.

Other issues: if mixed in amongst all discussion, it could get confusing; it could open up the forums for anti-eBid types who only joined to post about elsewhere. No doubt lots of other things I haven't thought of yet.

So what do you think? Should we ask eBid to allow discussion about other venues? Of course, we can only ask, they could and probably would still say get lost. If we did, should that be a free-for-all, or would a special location help? What other rules should apply?

There's a poll, but you can probably add more to the discussion than I've thought of.

[bykimbo]

Will give this one some thought.

Interesting.

Thanks. I haven't even voted myself yet, I really don't know what the answer is and hope to get some ideas to help me decide.

[raindropsies]

I've voted

[CarnoustieCats]

Gone for 'don't mind' - I can choose whether or not to read any particular Thread

[raindropsies]

Gone for 'don't mind' - I can choose whether or not to read any particular Thread

Ditto

[victorfrank]

This should be a really interesting discussion, Kimbo. At the moment, I think that eBid should be mature enough to allow any discussions, but I think it may be very difficult to 'police' and the KT can be very good at raising a lynch mob at a moment's notice, so, at this very moment, I am unsure. I will vote when I have considered more and read other arguments.

[ejean9]

im thinking..can have positive and negative it being picked up in google..mmm will keep thinking..

[photopheline34]

I think if people are happy to mention other sites then it doesn't bother me at all. I also don't think that ebid would lose sales over it.

With regards to ebay ... it is so well known that any discussion of this site really isnt going to make a difference.

[FairMaiden]

I voted no because it would cause aurguments. I come to Ebid forums for the refreshingly calm and helpful atmosphere. If I want to read pages of bickering I know where to look

I also think that newbies visiting the KT are struck by our "different" mature, but sometime hilarious, posts. We manage to have a good laugh, discuss serious things and help each other out with a suprisingly smooth balance. With the influx of new members I think it best we stay as we are and lead the way on the boards retaining our unique very friendly community

There is a reason our boards continue to be pleasant. And I believe that not "discussing" other venues is part of that.

[victorfrank]

I voted no because it would cause aurguments. I come to Ebid forums for the refreshingly calm and helpful atmosphere. If I want to read pages of bickering I know where to look

I also think that newbies visiting the KT are struck by our "different" mature, but sometime hilarious, posts. We manage to have a good laugh, discuss serious things and help each other out with a suprisingly smooth balance. With the influx of new members I think it best we stay as we are and lead the way on the boards retaining our unique very friendly community

Sweet of voice as well as sweet of nature.