Talk Host
10-05-2010, 02:35 PM
Advertising of any sort on Talk of The Villages, including the Private Message service is allowed only by those who are paying sponsors. Recently several of our members have forwarded information to us about individuals who consistently use our services to drum up business without paying for the privilege. In fact, it's reported that there are a few people who are making their entire retirement income from unauthorized use of our forum to solicit business. This activity is unfair to us and our paying advertisers. It amounts to theft of services. We have lost thousands of dollars in much needed revenue.
We have no access to the content of private messages sent between people, but frequently, infractions are reported to us by concerned members . Additionally, from time to time, we receive the content of a private message when it is inadvertently sent by email rather than inside the message service. We are then the unintended recipient of a private message that contains a pitch for goods and services and other, sometimes, embarrassing stuff.
The only way Talk of The Villages can stay a viable free service to our members is through paid sponsorship by our advertisers. The theft of our advertising services in any fashion, makes it difficult for the administrators to meet the ever increasing cost of operation. Effective immediately, any member who is determined to be in violation of this policy will receive one warning. Further action, including the loss of membership privileges will follow if the activity continues.
Another phenomenon that occurs occasionally is a service professional joins TOTV and begins dispensing "free" advice about their particular service. Their hope, of course, is that when it comes time for you to need that service, they will get the business. That kind of free advertising is also not permitted.
Your administrative team
Jan, Tony and Darrel
We have no access to the content of private messages sent between people, but frequently, infractions are reported to us by concerned members . Additionally, from time to time, we receive the content of a private message when it is inadvertently sent by email rather than inside the message service. We are then the unintended recipient of a private message that contains a pitch for goods and services and other, sometimes, embarrassing stuff.
The only way Talk of The Villages can stay a viable free service to our members is through paid sponsorship by our advertisers. The theft of our advertising services in any fashion, makes it difficult for the administrators to meet the ever increasing cost of operation. Effective immediately, any member who is determined to be in violation of this policy will receive one warning. Further action, including the loss of membership privileges will follow if the activity continues.
Another phenomenon that occurs occasionally is a service professional joins TOTV and begins dispensing "free" advice about their particular service. Their hope, of course, is that when it comes time for you to need that service, they will get the business. That kind of free advertising is also not permitted.
Your administrative team
Jan, Tony and Darrel