This isn't to pick on anybody in particular, but it's happening more and lately. Unsolicited posts from forum members saying something like "Product X is available now but the seller isn't a sponsor so I can't mention their name, but if you will email me I'll provide it to you" is the exact same thing as an unsolicited advertisement from the actual seller or dealer. This really hurts the forum and often has me being read the riot act by sponsors who want to know exactly what it is they're paying for by being a sponsor here.

I doubt many know the cost of maintaining this forum, photo page, and the other related pages, along with the hosting fee for the amount of bandwidth we use. I wish I could do it for a few thousand per year, but that's not even close. When dealers and manufacturers get free unsolicited "back door" advertising, there's no reason for them to become a sponsor and help offset the costs of what I think is a fairly valuable resource for a lot of rod builders.

So, not a big deal, I'm not mad at anybody, but just want to point out, that unsolicited advertisements and email referrals are against the rules and don't help the forum. Considering that the cost of a sponsorship here is an extremely paltry sum (runs about $32 per month) it's just good business for companies wanting to connect with a very large group of active builders to become a sponsor here. It's fine if they choose not to do it, but if they don't, I would prefer they not be given free advertising on my and all the other sponsors' backs. Thanks for your consideration.

............

Tom, well said and overdue. The site sponsors and a great group and deserve our whole hearted support.

Very well said. To all the sponsors that do pay here, the left side of this forum is where I have always looked for reliable places to shop. I'm surely not the only one to do that either so it's well worth the $32 a month.

As a long time sponsor i appreciate all that Tom does, and value this site and all the other sponsors.
I tend to agree with Tom's statement, fair is fair.
However, sometimes there is a post that is meant to help others find something that sponsors,
nor others in the general rod building supply business do not handle.
I mean special equipment or products that can be used by rodbuilders, but not targeted at them.
i would consider those rare times a help and good information.
If it was being offered by a competitor that is not a sponsor,
I would consider that unfair to us that do support this site and fellow rod builders.

Best wishes,
Ron Schneider
Schneider's Rod Shop
Mountain Home, Arkansas
[www.schneidersrods.com]
mtnron40@yahoo.com
870-424-3381