Re: link request

[Erik Olson <erik@thekrib.com>]

I'd prefer to take this on-list for other opinions, especially if I'm
off-base.

I feel very strongly in keeping a clear line between our hobbyist
organization and any particular businesses.  That was one reason I was a
little leary of the commercial section to begin with.

I think it's great to have a very specific page that says "these people
donated prizes", because it's very clear.  We appreciate that these folks
donated, thanks, give them some business, but aside from that no other
connection.

On the other hand, I wonder what people think when they go to the
commercial links page... Why were those businesses selected?  Is it
because they are good businesses?  Sure, we say we don't endorse them, but
still, there must have been some reason why we put the link in.  Some of
them are very clear such as Dupla or ADA.  Others, such as LaMotte or The
Aquatic Book Shop, less so. 

The other issue then becomes, if we start adding new listings for one
business, the rest are all going to want one.  I don't know how relevant
Mail Order Pets is to Aquatic Gardening, but other businesses are going to
be REALLY inappropriate but may still want to be listed.

How about this for a possible compromise:  As soon as we get a donation
confirmed from a donor, we put a link on the special "prize page".  Then
there is a link from the commercial page to the prize page noting that
it's a listing of donors.

  - Erik

On Tue, 16 May 2000, James Purchase wrote:

> Erik,
> 
> I just received the following from Dan Cole, owner of Mail Order Pet
> Supplies (it's a Canadian company, not MOPS). Dan is a member of the local
> plant group and a really nice guy - he runs his business from his garage and
> basement. I've been buying from him from a number of years.
> 
> He wants to donate a prize and would like to help with a link to our site on
> his. But he is also asking to be listed in our "Resources" section (I almost
> did list him when I compiled the list initially but didn't because his is a
> relatively small business). I'm inclined to agree, regardless of the trouble
> it might be to put another name into the Resource section.
> 
> What are your thoughts (before I contact him)?
> 
> James
> 
> ____________-
> 
> James I had a look at the site and I like what you're doing....we need to
> promote this hobby and I think this is the sort of initiative that is
> needed.  You might even consider some "junior" contests in the future.
> 
> Having say that,  I'm certainly prepare to donate something but before
> deciding what or the extent of my support could you tell me if you've
> approached any of the manufacturers, ie Seachem, Red Sea, Marineland, Tetra
> and some of the others?
> 
> The other though that came to mind is whether I can drive some traffic to
> the site for you?  I get lots of hits and maybe a banner or something on my
> site might be of help to you.
> 
> My final thought...I promise....is how do I go about getting listed in the
> "Commercial" section?
> 
> Get back to me and we'll work something out....
> 
> Dan
> 
> 

-- 
Erik Olson
erik at thekrib dot com

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