Differences in Forums and Sites

I became a member of a homesteading forum a couple years before I discovered Permies.  I hadn't visited it for a couple weeks so I went on today to catch up.  I found it interesting that Paul posted a few things on that forum in the past week or so, and when I looked at past posts saw references to him being banned on occasion due to what seemed to be improper posts.  I've seen others banned or disciplined on the same site, and I was warned once that I shouldn't repeat my "mistake" or I would end up being punished with a ban.  It also seemed that a couple posts from long time forum members responded to Paul's post with remarks that took the tone of "oh, he's back and up to his old tricks again."

My "crime"?  I have a blog and posted a link to an article.  There are Amazon links in the article.  I recently started a Youtube channel and linked a video.  It was in the Construction forum and showed how I was building piers for our house.  Apparently my offense has something to do with me not being allowed to link to something that I might possibly make money from.  I could see that if I'm spamming the site, but I thought homesteaders were supposed to find ways to make money from their homestead so they can make the homestead as self sufficient as possible.

The funny thing is that if Paul placed links to my blog or my Youtube channel in one of his posts it would be fine because he isn't personally benefiting from it.  If I place links to Paul's blog or Youtube channel in one of my posts it is ok because I'm not personally benefiting from it.  So, I'm seeing a nefarious work around to their rules.

Seems to me Permies is more practical in its approach.

I could see that if I'm spamming the site, but I thought homesteaders were supposed to find ways to make money from their homestead so they can make the homestead as self sufficient as possible.

Yep. We all gotta live! And, I think we'd all rather be able to make a living (and keep this forum going) with things that are permaculture related and fit with our ethics.

Generally, if someone is posting a link to their blog or site or product, we have no problem with it. It does become a problem if they're like spamming a bunch of threads to tell people about their product. But, a nice thread about their blog is great. A link to their stuff in their signature is great. Mentioning their stuff in appropriate threads in a helpful--non spamming way--is great. Having a giveaway/promo of their stuff is fantastic, too. Selling their stuff in the digital market (which also can sell physical goods), is also awesome.

We also have "thread boost" which is a way for people who are selling stuff to get more view on their thread. People pay for thread boost, and that helps keep permies running. I don't know the particulars, but I know Paul runs permies in the red, out of his own pocket book. Us moderators are paid, either. We believe in permaculture and want to build a better world. And, to do that, everyone needs to put food on their table and a roof over their heads. What better way than by supporting each other? If a permie is selling a tool or gift or book or whatever that I need/want, I'd much rather buy from them, than from someone else. And, I'm bummed when I find out too late that someone sells something that I needed, but already bought elsewhere because I didn't know they sold it.

Permies is all about supporting one another. It's a place for people to learn about permaculture and to share their triumphs and failures. It's a place where we can ask questions and give answers. It's a place where we can find out about cool events and books and products that fellow permies have to offer. In other words, it's a place where we can all be nice!

To me advertising wrongly on a Forum is stating a link for a product in the original post.

Let's say I had an farm equipment company and I started a topic about a new potato digger, and then make a link to my website and I tell the virtues of my machine. To me that is blatant advertising.

But if someone brings up the topic of how hard it is to harvest potatoes, I have no problem at all of someone saying, "well I use this product", or "I build this product which I sell." To me, giving a REPLY with a specific product is helpful, because there is no wiggling around the name. No; just come on out and say it, and the person might find the product to be what they need, or, maybe it is not, but at least the know something exists out there. To me that is being helpful.

It is the same way with blogs. I have found a few people's blogs on here very interesting.

But overall I like this forum because there is so little competition from people. Everyone is in a different walk in their Permie Life and that is just fine. Most of the other homesteader sites seem to have this "holier than thou" attitude, where 90% of the people get jealous if someone buys a new tractor, or has more land, or happened to make some money on pigs that year. Whatever. But that is seldom on here.

But I hold Permie Member's in high regard, because it seems people on here would rather use their brains to work through a problem then work their guts out earning money to pay their way out of a problem. That is very rare in society today.

Incidentally, it is why I have 4400 posts on here...I only go to one other forum, a tractor forum, and not even that often.