Given the new TER posting guidelines, I don't see how this can truly be a discussion board. If I post something nice about a provider it gets taken down as a "shill" post. Mini reviews are only allowed if you follow up with a "real" review. Unfortunately, I can't create a real review from my mobile and the review approval process is still a mystery.

A recent example was the post regarding Jamie (formerly of Flawless). The post was helpful in that it pointed out that a provider was in the area. The post was deleted later in the day (for being a shill, I guess).

We are now left with only provider advertisements. While these are helpful, they usually aren't worthy of much "discussion". I have certainly replied to these in the past, not as a shill, but to help others in trying to separate the good from the bad. But, it looks like we will soon be left with a board where only providers are posting.

Straight from the TER guidlines, here is the definition of shill *threads*:
"A Shill Thread is a thread that is started with a post that is praise, thanks, or a recommendation for a certain provider for reasons of self-interest, personal benefit, or out of friendship or loyalty. Starting a new thread with a Shill Post is not allowed by TER because such threads are considered extra "advertising" above and beyond what each provider is allowed each week."

The key point here is that the thread is *started* with a shill. To use your example - the poster started a thread extolling the virtues of a provider. Had the provider started that thread saying she was coming to town or in town and then there was a post extolling her virtues, that is not a shill thread. It could be construed as a shill post but the poster didn't start the thread with it, so no problem.

So that's my take on it based on the guidelines.

With all due respect, you have 50 reviews. I see the same complaints about getting reviews approved now as I did a year or two ago. It may be perceived as being harder now because since only VIPs get to see rating numbers, there may be more attempts for miscreants to write reviews of those they had not seen so they can get VIP. So perhaps there is a tightening up to an extent.  There's no pat answer, it seems to me. Personally, I have not had a problem getting a review posted not even once.

As far as discussions are concerned, well you just started one so that's a good thing. Some of our local members only like to post on the General Board rather than generate the same discussions here or in both places. Some will add to discussions, some will criticize others, some only care about themselves and don't add anything of value. Just like the "real" world, it takes all kinds.

So that's my two cents. Thanks for starting the thread.

and participated on the board for the weeks leading up to my visit last year, I have to say when I first looked at the board again, my first thought was, "Where are all the guys?"...

Not really sure what has happened since last year, but hey I love Philly!

Maybe your post will lead to more participation in discussions in the future...

And I really miss the posts from the guys

So thanks for posting...

xoxo,

Steph

I have to say that having come from DC it does appear this board is at lot less visited by hobbyists in comparison to what I saw in DC.

I like the rules. It keeps the integrity of the board.  I would not want to see a bunch of bias post OR reviews. I like this site better than the other boards.  Its more legit here at TER.

As for the post in question, it was pushing the boundaries when it went up. When the same person answered his own post with a picture of said provider, it went over the top.

As was posted elsewhere on this thread, there are proper ways to do a mini review - and there are rules for doing so. We do our best to apply the rules fairly and uniformly, and I appreciate everyone's support - and criticism. We really do take it to heart.

Here is everything you need to know about posting on TER: http://tinyurl.com/GeneralPosting

For provider ad posting guidelines: http://tinyurl.com/AdPosting

Good luck, and happy posting!

I understand the need for rules, but also think it is pretty easy to spot a true shill as compared to a fellow hobbyist that is just trying to help.

Some of the give and take is what makes a discussion board interesting.

I have noticed that boards change quite a bit over time and then sometimes change back.  There are many many boards that are full of discussions from hobbyists and providers with some advertising.

There are other boards that are full of advertising with just a bit of discussion mixed in, my own regional board in San Francisco is very much like this.  It isn't always like this it just happens to be that way right now.

I would recommend that you get creative with your writing.

I am always moderated, ask any board moderator, I am seriously calendar challenged and they know it.  I don't get upset because we know its just part of who I am.

As for shilling, perhaps it's just a simple case of wording.  I would suggest you try again you may be surprised.

Posts that are pushing the boundaries.
On a dead board it would seem that deleting posts will do nothing to resurrect the board.
Theme threads are probably not going to do the trick in Philly.  
Eventually the climate will return but a helping hand from the moderator can help.
This is not meant as a criticism to you Puck. The board was in decline before you took over.

With all the fake and B&S ads on EROS , BP and CL you would think that a post from a respected hobbyist reminding the gents who is real and who is not would be welcomed.

I have all but stopped posting my findings on this board good or bad because in the current climate the only postings that would be approved would be the bad. I personally don't want to come off as a negative, doom and gloom poster .

I  research daily, ads on several boards and sometimes my findings are good(the provider in question has reviews) and sometimes they are bad(bait and switch or horrible reviews)


Rainman's post would have been positive and helpful post especially since right now Jamie's reviews are not linked to her Eros ad(she has a new phone number) Jamie has several pages of excellent reviews and I as a hobbyist would have wanted to know that she was in town.





The current climate of the board does not support sharing of information. This IMHO is why we have nothing but providers advertising.


I contribute daily to other boards but TER IMHO is missing out.   You have to take the good with the bad. I think in general we need to loosen up on this board and  let the hobbyist post.

I am glad this thread started and have to agree with christophtrac 100%.  He has helped all of us many, many times with his advice and research and it is sorely missed here.  Moreover, he approaches this "hobby" with a lot of honesty, reason, and integrity.  Many of us have had "incidents" with the moderator here that I felt were taking the rules to to the extreme.  As someone mentioned, rules are necessary, especially in this business, but extreme enforcement is another.  I don't even bother with reviews on TER anymore (in spite of being asked by providers) because of all the hassles later.  Either they are shills or bashing.  Puck, I am sure you are doing your job but you might want to pay attention to this thread. We all want TER to succeed.