On the IAP site, they have members who routinely sell blanks etc they make/find/bought, and periodically specialty items like the pendant mandrel that one of their members came up with. Several of their members are listed in their preferred vendors. That is a bit of a specialty site but similar in some aspects.
There is often controversy over vendors with ties to the site "borrowing" ideas that members of the site developed, posted, tried to sell etc.
One member asked for and was given by several members blanks kits etc. A week later he was trying to sell some of those same things he was just given to buy things he specifically wanted.
That led to some interesting reading!
A hobby for some may be bread and butter to another, and feelings on common issues are always not seen the same way.
what does all that mean here?
People need to know that it they put it out there for sale or display, someone else may 'borrow' your idea for their profit.
The site may lose money from paid advertisers if SOME sales are free and/or not regulated the same way. When money is involved things just are different.
Members could pay to level the field.
Fine lines are everywhere. We don't want to over restrict members and what they can do, but we can't afford to lose paying vendors either.
Dennis we may need some definitions. I don't think we need a site dictionary but unless we as a board share definitions how can we answer to others? I'm agreeing with your wording, but how would someone else interpret the same thing?
As a board we need to be as consistent and fair as possible. We can't make everyone happy, but we have to determine what is best for the site.
It is difficult at best.
