Pitching Products, Services or Properties in Forum

[Alex Hamilton]

I was told that, pitching products, services or properties in forum site violates BP Rules, and one could be suspended from use of the site in such manner.   However,  Just read Darren Sager's February 3rd forum annoucement of an event where properties, products, and services will be pitched.  This got 1,102 Post. anyone known, if this was a violation or oversight?

[Darren Sager]

@Alex Hamilton it seems that @Steve Babiak , @Ned Carey , and @Karen Margrave did a great job explaining what I had done and why it abided by the Forum rules.  

Outside of the Marketplace and the Real Estate Events and Happenings area of the forums you're not allowed to promote your events or mention sponsors, etc. 

In the events that I've run we really don't have anyone pitching the group or any hard sells like many REIA's have and hence why @Joshua Dorkin created the "Real Estate Events and Happenings" area of the Marketplace.  There were too many groups having meeting where they said one thing and it turned out to be a hard sell to use a service or a product.  

You have to answer specific questions when putting up an event.  I let people know ahead of time that if a sponsor spent money to get us the space to use, they have a right to address the group.   And because of that I say up front that they may hear a pitch for  a product or service.  But in my opinion it's more like an advertisement versus the pitching of products or services that happen at other events.   Still, I let everyone know so that no one is not aware that it will happen.

Finally yes I link to the sponsor because that area is part of the Marketplace and advertising is allowed in that area.   Again we're grateful for the sponsors who help make it happen.  It's the very least we can do by mentioning them ahead of time.