I see your point, Liese, on the stompiness. However, wouldn't the thread be pretty self-policing, and then a stompy would only have to step in if someone was WAY out of line and continued despite suggestions that their actions were de trop?

And that's an interesting point you make about businesses and non-profits. I'll have to mull that over for a bit.

Amy, I suppose we could limit it to watercooler talk, but if someone should come in and say "I need X; Bueller? Bueller?" then peeps could respomd via profile addy.

I mean, that's how it's gone down in the past and AFAIK, there's been no tension. I know I've emailed peeps and offered services after a plea and not been right for the job, and bear no one any animosity or resentment.

I didn't think of the thread as promoting anything, except for someone saying "Look at my new website" or "I've put up an Etsy store."

I would think actual business wouldn't be done in-thread, but in the course of conversation, of course the specific kinds of work people do could come up. So then if I'm looking for a dress designer, I might wonder who among us does that.

We find our way to the Buffista author books pretty easily without having to link to Powells' half price sales.

But we do have an affiliate link to a list of Buffista authors. So maybe somewhere between those two is where the line is? Metaphorically.

I didn't think of the thread as promoting anything, except for someone saying "Look at my new website" or "I've put up an Etsy store."

I'd been fine with someone just mentioning this once, but I am not seeing a consensus that this would be ok unless it specifically fit into a conversation.

Okay, here is a case study question, following on Erin's point. (thanks for the compliment, Hon, but I think that camera lens needs to be cleaned...ijs.)

In the near future, I am going to be launching a project that will incorporate selling stuff on ebay with a book I've been meaning to write for years.

I am also going to be doing a series of teleclasses focused on financial psychology.

My biggest, hairiest, most self-defeating problem with my business has been marketing language. Seriously. I suck. Ginger, Erin, Deena and others have prevented me from making some big mistakes over the years.

If I were to go into the business thread and solicit advice on the above two projects, would that seem like I was saying 'buy my stuff and come to my class?'

Honestly, that would be furthest from my intention, so I don't want to trip over that wire.

Here is an example I can imagine: Hey guys, people are generally freaked out about talking through money issues with their partners and I'm trying to promote this workshop to help them get past that block and improve their relationships. What kind of things might I say to assuage their fears? I'm thinking this______.

Folks pop up: Oh, no. Don't say that. How about _________.

Me: Thanks so much! You guys are geniuses. Here is the finished promo piece, based on your help.

Is any part of that out of line?

But we do have an affiliate link to a list of Buffista authors. So maybe somewhere between those two is where the line is?

Good thought. I am thinking of the thread as mostly being watercooler/helping, but I would rather support a Buffista than a stranger, if said Buffista could provide what I needed, you know?

I mean, B.org authors/authors will mention/link to a new book or article they have out, and anyone who's interested is all "Cool" CLICK, and anyone who isn't...no click.

If a Buffista is doing some charity stuff and they link, if I'm interested/able, I'll click and donate.

I don't think people who have done either of the above things have spammed; I WANT to know what Buffistas are up to, and support them, if possible. This is what I envision -- occasional mentions of "I need" or "Looky! I'm all available!"

YMMV, o' course.

That seems like what I was thinking the thread would be, bonny. Discussing what to do if a client doesn't pay on time, or asking questions about taxes when you're self-employed, or brainstorming creative ways to promote yourself, or asking for a check on marketing language.

I mean, B.org authors/authors will mention/link to a new book or article they have out, and anyone who's interested is all "Cool" CLICK, and anyone who isn't...no click.

Erin's milage is my mileage.

I love hearing what everyone else is doing. And I've never felt pressured to participate in anything...mostly because I'm grown, but more importantly because of the self-policing and positive intention aspects of the community that others have already mentioned.