TeaChat

MEversbergII wrote:Isn't it a little weird that Adagio would be for letting what are essentially competitors promote themselves on their forum?

M.

This has always been the case. TeaChat was created to discuss all things related to tea without censorship, however no spam and a certain degree of decorum. Michael, one of the owners has oft paraphrased the famous quote, "While I may disagree with what you are saying, I will defend your right to the death to say it." He is all for freedom of speech. Could be his Russian roots?

MEversbergII wrote:Isn't it a little weird that Adagio would be for letting what are essentially competitors promote themselves on their forum?

M.

Well depends would you consider Wal Mart and the local farmers market competitors? Or even McDonalds, and Mortons Steak house? Just because two vendors sell something in the same category does not mean they compete for the same customers on specific orders.

... true.

Members may promote vendors with whom they do not have an affiliation. However vendor members may not self promote ... over the years however I created forums on TeaChat where even self promotion is permitted. Adagio has never objected.

They really keep a hands off approach. It is interesting, it is their forum, but they allowed members to nominate and elect 2 moderators (one ... retired). This allowed them to have a virtual laissez faire relationship with the very forum they own.

And TBH, Adagio has always been more liberal in regards to tolerance of spam and even decorum issues than I have been. But they are not in the trenches every day.

AdamMY wrote:

MEversbergII wrote:Isn't it a little weird that Adagio would be for letting what are essentially competitors promote themselves on their forum?

M.

Well depends would you consider Wal Mart and the local farmers market competitors? Or even McDonalds, and Mortons Steak house? Just because two vendors sell something in the same category does not mean they compete for the same customers on specific orders.

This is a good point. Thank you for taking me one step closer to enlightenment.

M.

I have created a "forum rank" of "Vendor Member." This is just for members to view and comment. Strictly as an example (as we are not signaling out this particular member), I have placed this in Tead Off's profile. Thus each of his posts currently show the rank under his name. This is the most simple measure. This also shows up under his avatar under his profile. http://www.teachat.com/memberlist.php?m ... le&u=31546

Tead Off is under our TeaMerchant forum and sells Korean teaware from select Korean artisans.

The ranking is temporary, just for the benefit of concerned members ... and vendors during a comment and discussion period of around a week.

The rank may become a fixture on the forum ... or not. We will see how this goes.

Also the actual rank title may change, or perhaps there will be multiple rank titles, more specific titles.

I have no objection to any of this. It makes it easier for someone who doesn't know me to click directly to my listing and browse what I have to offer. I have often been told by someone newer that I didn't know you were selling teaware until I browsed the TeaMerchant area. It's not like being labeled a vendor is something to be afraid of. Go for it, Chip.

Chip wrote:I have created a "forum rank" of "Vendor Member."

....

Also the actual rank title may change, or perhaps there will be multiple rank titles, more specific titles.

'Industry Expert'
'Tea Merchant'
'Tea Industry Member'

Should be an interesting experiment. I really am thankful for every vendor who is on here and participating and I hope this makes it easier for everyone to benefit from their unique insight and experience.

Chip wrote:I have created a "forum rank" of "Vendor Member." This is just for members to view and comment. Strictly as an example (as we are not signaling out this particular member), I have placed this in Tead Off's profile. Thus each of his posts currently show the rank under his name. This is the most simple measure. This also shows up under his avatar under his profile. http://www.teachat.com/memberlist.php?m ... le&u=31546

Tead Off is under our TeaMerchant forum and sells Korean teaware from select Korean artisans.

The ranking is temporary, just for the benefit of concerned members ... and vendors during a comment and discussion period of around a week.

The rank may become a fixture on the forum ... or not. We will see how this goes.

Also the actual rank title may change, or perhaps there will be multiple rank titles, more specific titles.

This is a good alternative to having one's vendor status given in a signature, Chip (which is my preferred option).

I like the fact that every time a vendor posts something, I can tell that he/she is in fact a vendor by looking just below his/her avatar to the right of the post itself. I can then click through to the profile to get the relevant link.

One quibble is that one needs to be logged in to see the vendor status. This means that those who are not members (and those who are but haven't logged in) will not be able to see the vendor status. I suggest that you make vendor status visible at all times below his/her avatar.

Thanks for the good work on this, Chip!

Best wishes,
sherubtse

tenuki wrote:

Chip wrote:I have created a "forum rank" of "Vendor Member."

....

Also the actual rank title may change, or perhaps there will be multiple rank titles, more specific titles.

'Industry Expert'
'Tea Merchant'
'Tea Industry Member'

Should be an interesting experiment. I really am thankful for every vendor who is on here and participating and I hope this makes it easier for everyone to benefit from their unique insight and experience.

I would add to that list, "I am just a country teaman."

sherubtse wrote:This is a good alternative to having one's vendor status given in a signature, Chip (which is my preferred option).

I like the fact that every time a vendor posts something, I can tell that he/she is in fact a vendor by looking just below his/her avatar to the right of the post itself. I can then click through to the profile to get the relevant link.

One quibble is that one needs to be logged in to see the vendor status. This means that those who are not members (and those who are but haven't logged in) will not be able to see the vendor status. I suggest that you make vendor status visible at all times below his/her avatar.

Thanks for the good work on this, Chip!

Best wishes,
sherubtse

I just double checked. Anyone not signed in (including non members) can (or at least should be able to) see the "Vendor Member" right under TO's name at each post. One must be signed in to see TO's profile which also includes the rank.

Chip wrote:I just double checked. Anyone not signed in (including non members) can (or at least should be able to) see the "Vendor Member" right under TO's name at each post. One must be signed in to see TO's profile which also includes the rank.

So now I have no quibbles with the new set-up, Chip. I look forward to having all of the TeaChat vendors listed as vendors next to their avatars.

Many thanks for your work on this, Chip!

Best wishes,
sherubtse

Sounds good to me.

So far, looks like I'm the only vendor member on TeaChat! What's happening, Chip?

Tead Off wrote:So far, looks like I'm the only vendor member on TeaChat! What's happening, Chip?

cough cough..designated cough vendor cough... *gives teadoff a friendly nudge.. haha