The forum already has rules for the management of suppliers but this does not express the only basis of potential member business interest in the e-cig market. Without behaving in a biased manner allegations of bias are made and the reputation of the member is damaged.
In the virtual world this isn't as serious a matter as it would be if real identities were involved but it's still harmful to the identities that form the community of this forum.
Can the forum set up a register that allows members declare the products, suppliers and/or manufacturers in which they have a financial concern? A link (including date of registration of interest) to the declaration can be included in that member's signature.
Doing this will leave members with valid defence to allegations of bias.
I've no problem with members here having financial interests with e-cigs - they often have informed comments to make. With an open declaration of interest their comments can be seen in context and they are less open to allegations of attempts to deliberately mislead.
Just a suggestion - what do others think? Personally, I'm fed up of reading unfounded allegations that expose the site to legal action.
In the virtual world this isn't as serious a matter as it would be if real identities were involved but it's still harmful to the identities that form the community of this forum.
Can the forum set up a register that allows members declare the products, suppliers and/or manufacturers in which they have a financial concern? A link (including date of registration of interest) to the declaration can be included in that member's signature.
Doing this will leave members with valid defence to allegations of bias.
I've no problem with members here having financial interests with e-cigs - they often have informed comments to make. With an open declaration of interest their comments can be seen in context and they are less open to allegations of attempts to deliberately mislead.
Just a suggestion - what do others think? Personally, I'm fed up of reading unfounded allegations that expose the site to legal action.