stickstones said:
2nd that. Show me a forum that's run as a democracy.
Please move on to more productive banter.
2nd that too, but since I wasn't here yesterday for the 'event', I'm gonna put in my
Posting here at FC, for a vape maker who's trying to get a new business moving, can be a real boost. But rules for manufacturers and retailers have been set, and it's important that they follow those rules, to prevent problems on the forum and to level the playing field as much as possible for all, including the vape makers and retailers who choose not to post much, or at all.
Having commercial entities post here is also a benefit to the members, both for getting new info first, maybe getting some inside info, and in some cases getting a discount and/or a chance to beta test a new product. But the rules aren't going to be bent or broken because of someone's status. As has been stated, the evidence in this case has been evaluated, and it's clear that the forum rules have been abused. Hipi has shown that he can't be satisfied to promote his products on their own merit, and has insisted on criticizing some of the competition to boost his models. A post he made back at the end of March of this year was removed shortly after it was posted, due to quite a few statements of opinion, posted as fact (referred to in Hipi's post, #138 in the Incognito thread). In addition, the post contained derogatory statements about 7th Floor products and Vriptech, which were not supported in any way with facts. And even if the facts had been there, vape makers are required to stick to their own products, and leave opinions as to which product is better, to the public.
This banning of a manufacturer was not done without careful consideration and discussion, and we regret that it had to be done. But we hope it will serve as an example that we mean business when it comes to rules for commercial posters. They have to obey member rules as well as the commercial ones. They have a responsibility to post in a professional manner, and our standards have evolved, over time, to the point where we have to demand that they adhere to the rules or face the consequences.
Hipi has good products and they merit consideration if the vape type and price fit your needs and your wallet. The threads for them will remain open, with business as usual. If he'd chosen to be more professional, with no attempts to portray his vapes as the best, at the expense of other brands, he'd still be here to contribute, and benefit.