#: 19213 S12/OS9/68000 (OSK)
    27-Oct-93  23:16:55
Sb: #19178-LLOYD I/O, INC.
Fm: Wayne Day 76703,376
To: James Truesdale [JBM] 71174,3442 (X)

James,

 (Sorry about not jumping in here earlier - I was away at a conference down in
Houston, then caught a viral infection when I got back, so I've been "down" for
over a week, now)

I've got no objections to opening up the "Vendors" section for public access
===  the original intent of the section was to let vendors have a private area
where they could talk amongst themselves, away from the maddening crowds.
Vendor-to-customer dialog would continue as always in the public sections.  So,
if you guys don't think you need a private section (and to be honest, it's not
getting much traffic, that's for sure) then I've got no problem opening it up.

Also - Steve did a good job of explaining our attitudes towards vendors, and
what we expect out of them.  Lemme just add two points that should be
considered:

First - the BEST use a vendor can get out of CompuServe is by being active,
helpful, and friendly, and making a good impression UPON THE POTENTIAL CUSTOMER
THAT IS LURKING and not necessarily by trying to "sell" to someone.  Time and
Time again we have seen those companies that come in and decide that this is
virgin territory that can be exploited fall flat on their face when the folks
here just plain ignore, or worse, get upset with their tactics.  The way a
vendor treats everyone is definitely noticed, and talked about, too.  So,
kicking back, and becomming part of the forum community, is the way to a
positive image around here, and that translates into more sales (if you've got
something that's worth buying in the first place!).

Secondly, If you have to ask whether something is allowed or whether you think
there's some problem with something you want to do, then there's a good reason
for not doing it.  We do not allow blatant commercialism. We discourage using
the forum as your answering machine. We frown upon slamming someone else's
products (put yours in a positive light, yes - but don't go around with a
negative campaign about the competitors -- we get enough of that from the
politicians).   In short, think of it as a question: Would I be upset if  did this?  If the answer is "yes", then don't do it.

I know you didn't ask about those last two parts, specifically, but I thought
I'd answer both your and Bob VdP's questions at one time (since my memory is
getting so bad! ).

Wayne