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| | Quote: | |  | | | As far as I know it is still fair game to criticize companies who advertise on EF, paid or unpaid. (As always, please stick to facts or personal experience, avoid libel, etc.)
Like I said, I haven't seen the text of the actual advertising contract, so I can't be 100% sure what was promised - that's why I couldn't give an authoritative answer earlier (and still can't.) I thoroughly expect that's still the case though.
If and when it becomes an issue*, we will have to get clarification from The Local... until then, I will mod by the rules I know.
Is that satisfactory? It's the best I can do right now.
*To be honest, the vast majority of advertisements in this section never attract any feedback, positive or negative. (Inquiries yes, feedback rarely ever.) In fact when I do see feedback from a 'satisfied customer', my first impulse as a mod is to check the IP address! | | | | | ....Breaking News....
I can confirm that this policy hasn't changed a bit.
In particular, negative feedback about an EF advertiser - including feedback on the same thread as a paid advertisement - is definitely allowed, provided as always that it is genuine, reasonable and on-topic.
So there you have it. Sensible criticism allowed, no matter who it is; daft, dodgy and demented railings liable to be deleted at the mods' discretion. (There, don't say I didn't warn you. ) | |
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Just an update: this is wrong. The Local's policy hasn't changed but my understanding of it (on which the above assurances were based) has been corrected.
I was assured that members are welcome to post "genuine, reasonable, on-topic criticism" of EF advertisers "on their own thread". I took that to mean "on the advertiser's own thread". Apparently it doesn't and never did, it meant "on the complainant's own thread."
Sorry for the confusion.
Mea culpa, mea maxima culpa...
On the bright side I see it as a testament to the general quality of both advertisers and members round here that this has taken nine months to even
need clarifying.
To summarize the current situation (the situation as it has been for the last nine months, unbeknownst to all of us):
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Criticism
on the same thread as a paid advertisement is
not allowed, and may be deleted at the mods' or admins' discretion.
If you want to criticize an EF advertiser, it has been suggested that you
create a thread in Forum Support for the purpose. These will not be locked or deleted provided they meet the "genuine, reasonable, on-topic" standard.
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A personal plea: can we have as little drama round this as possible, please?

Thanks. I felt it my duty to inform but promised I'd let people down gently
(especially as it is half my fault for misunderstanding anyway). We've all had enough drama over the last few weeks, I don't want to stir the pot all over again just when things are finally starting to get back to normal.