Print

[Howzat]

This Trident Sports guy has made 1 post on the forum and the topic gets instantly locked up and he's asked to be become a sponsor!? The forum would be rubbish if there were no brands on it that we can talk to.

I could understand if he had made a few posts solely related to selling his stuff, but he's made one post introducing himself!

http://custombats.co.uk/cbforum/index.php?topic=25738.0;topicseen

[Kieron_BT]

Unless there is more reasoning to shutting it down it does seem slightly harsh as long as he isn't trying to sell his equipment without becoming a sponsor.

Can't see him taking to the forum very well if his first ever post is locked because he's not coughed up the money straight away!

Ill say it again though, there might be more to it that the mods have seen.

[petehosk]

Not sure why the topic was locked up but I'm sure that there was a reason for it.

[Number4]

I'm all for new companies on the forum and opening our eyes to new products but free advertising on the very first post probably isn't the best way to start

[Manormanic]

got to say that didn;t even seem like advertising, just a newbie introducing himself!

[joeylough]

I can see why, as sponsors pay for the privilege to express their brand, but then there is the bat makers shed not sure how that works fee wise.

But then I do understand the general user, if I say posted about the company im sure it wouldn't be locked. There was no promotions, just I am here have a nice day.

[petehosk]

If he had of introduced himself only then I would agree.
But when his first post is, "this is me, and this is my company" I tend to think that he was fishing!

I was quite happy to welcome him and hint at the sponsorship route, but if someone wanted to lock the topic, then I wouldn't disapprove!

[Buzz]

just to be clear, I locked the thread.

Trident had introduced themselves, might have been a bit harsh. but what else was needed?

threads can always be unlocked!

[petehosk]

But thanks for your input Leo....as appreciated as always!

[PM7]

In fairness its his first post , how would he know the sponsors rules about subscription?
Its all about engaging the new members and getting them involved so lets be a bit more welcoming. Any serious brand wont have an isssue with the monthly contribution, why not let him have a break for a day?

[petehosk]

Was that aimed at me PM7?
I feel I did welcome him to the forum! I also gently pointed him to the Sponsorship route.
Could you let me know if there is something further I should have done?

[PM7]

Not at all Pete, you welcomed him well.
Just felt it would have been nice to have a few more posts from the newbie before it got locked.

[Ciaran]

It's been handled the right way. The admin team need to protect the sponsors as much as the members! It is clearly a fishing attempt! I happen to think that a lot of people are given slack with their brands, but there's right ways to do it.

[petehosk]

Fair enough PM7 - point taken.

[Kulli]

Not at all Pete, you welcomed him well.
Just felt it would have been nice to have a few more posts from the newbie before it got locked.

I agree, I think current sponsors can't be too unhappy with any perspective new sponsors being allowed 10 posts or so before they are asked to stump up, so long as their not actively pushing sales in that time.

The more sponsors the forum gets the better, and being asked to pay up before they have a real feel for the place might drive a few away.