Is it OK to Plug a Friend's Product on TDPRI?

[gionnio]

My guitar teacher has a website selling a product that may be of interest to some TDPRI members and I thought it might be nice to pass it along, but wouldn't want to do so if doing so would be breaking the rules.

Does anyone know what the TDPRI policy is on something like that?

Thanks,

Geo

[cc9cii]

What happens if you plug something then end up becoming friends later?

[TDPRI]

There are always shades of gray to these things.

It matters what kind of relationship you have with your "friend."

And it matters what you do in your "plug."

Everyone is permitted to post a simple, I bought a guitar from X Guitar Co and they were great or I loved their products type of plugs.

But, if it's your best friend or brother in law and you've never used the product and you are only making the post to promote "a friends" business then it's not really a recommendation, it's just a promo post. Not our favorite thing.

If you get reduced prices / free products / services in return for the "plug" then the answer is NO NEVER.

Also, a simple "this is great -- here's the website link" post is one thing but repeated and constant mentions not so much. Signature Links to some company's website also not so much. We've had members that ONLY post to promote a product. And, I mean 100% of the time, every post. When this is called to our attention we always take action to stop this, including removing posts, if necessary.

There are ALWAYS people here that stretch the rules, the spirit of the rules and even the edge of morality to promote products. So, unfortunately, there's not a simple Yes and No answer to your question.

I hope this answer does let you know what we think is cool and what is not.

[ADinNYC]

We have to know what it is now! :-) So do the quick "this is great...here's the website" thing as the admin recommends. And then never show your face again. (kidding)