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In this thread, some members have began discussing how to handle promoting other magazines on the Forum.
Unfortunately, it's really a grey area.
When I wrote the Bill of Rights for the message board, I really tried to allow for some flexibility. The parts of the BOR that apply in this case, I feel, are shown below.
Looking at that, I see it's really not cut and dry, which is what I intended. As the board grows and evolves, strict guidelines would either be enforced to the level of oppression (and stupidity), or ignored totally when they become unrealistic or stupid.
Here's my current interpretation of the rules: Don't try to sell subscriptions (or even issues) to other magazines.
I know members of the board write for other magazines. I think that's great, and it fosters a sense of open and free discussion. I want this forum to be a place where we can discuss ideas. Why stifle those discussions with rules about what we can or can't talk about.
So, in practice, it's fine to say "Hey, check it out...I got published!!!" or "Wow...did you see the great project in the Spring Issue of XX magazine?"
Even with this thread, I'm not sure I would have deleted the photo, because Catlyn brings up an interesting topic: "Should covers be realistic?" Our sister magazine, Woodcarving Illustrated, was dinged by a few readers because of a birdhouse cover a few years ago that showed a Forstner bit in a cordless drill. The readers felt that was dangerous and we shouldn't show something like that on the cover.
What I don't want to see would be something like "XX magazine has better projects than Scroll Saw Woodworking & Crafts" or "I think everyone should subscribe to XX magazine."
That said, we're open to criticism, and a well explained post, even if it started with one of those statements, will probably be open to debate.
A post that says "Check out the great deal to subscribe to XX Magazine" really doesn't belong here, though.
I started to write write this response in that thread and realized that I needed to start this thread so the idea doesn't get lost. I welcome all other interpretations and opinions.
Best Regards,
Bob Duncan
Technical Editor
Unfortunately, it's really a grey area.
When I wrote the Bill of Rights for the message board, I really tried to allow for some flexibility. The parts of the BOR that apply in this case, I feel, are shown below.
Looking at that, I see it's really not cut and dry, which is what I intended. As the board grows and evolves, strict guidelines would either be enforced to the level of oppression (and stupidity), or ignored totally when they become unrealistic or stupid.
Here's my current interpretation of the rules: Don't try to sell subscriptions (or even issues) to other magazines.
I know members of the board write for other magazines. I think that's great, and it fosters a sense of open and free discussion. I want this forum to be a place where we can discuss ideas. Why stifle those discussions with rules about what we can or can't talk about.
So, in practice, it's fine to say "Hey, check it out...I got published!!!" or "Wow...did you see the great project in the Spring Issue of XX magazine?"
Even with this thread, I'm not sure I would have deleted the photo, because Catlyn brings up an interesting topic: "Should covers be realistic?" Our sister magazine, Woodcarving Illustrated, was dinged by a few readers because of a birdhouse cover a few years ago that showed a Forstner bit in a cordless drill. The readers felt that was dangerous and we shouldn't show something like that on the cover.
What I don't want to see would be something like "XX magazine has better projects than Scroll Saw Woodworking & Crafts" or "I think everyone should subscribe to XX magazine."
That said, we're open to criticism, and a well explained post, even if it started with one of those statements, will probably be open to debate.
A post that says "Check out the great deal to subscribe to XX Magazine" really doesn't belong here, though.
I started to write write this response in that thread and realized that I needed to start this thread so the idea doesn't get lost. I welcome all other interpretations and opinions.
Best Regards,
Bob Duncan
Technical Editor
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