[Talisman]

Originally Posted by MPDev

Based on the poll, it would seem that a majority of people would like the resource. So, at least we can dispense with the arguement that the majority do not want it.

Oh please... you need to go back and read the points raised if you think such a slight lead justifies a change like this. This is exactly what I said on the first page about overlooking the concern members have about this and reading too much into straight-number polling. Our commercial hackers are this quick to declare victory? Give me a break.

Regardless of how an apparent "majority" might vote, it's plain to see this is an extremely contentious issue... with very strong feelings on both sides and significant opposition to this suggestion that shouldn't be drowned out. There's no overwhelming majority that we mostly agree to allow commercial advertising at the vb.org site. If you listen to what members have been saying, you find the opposite is true. There's alot at risk here and alot of concern.

Most people do support commercial hacks and most of us are going to pay for them. But if .org starts letting everyone start advertising and promoting their own self-interests here -- and I do mean EVERYONE (not only reputable and competent hackers) -- then that will interfere with the open exchange of free support among ourselves that the rest of us want to have.

Why can't people who want to turn this into a business on the side for themselves do that on their own.. or go in together and attract their own customers without inserting that commercial element here? In addition to all those commercial hacks we might wish to purchase, we also need and we *should have* one single centralized community as a free resource, too, that doesn't get caught up in all the hype, all the personal agendas, all the problems resulting from shoddy work/disreputable people, and the conflict of interest this raises for THIS community.