Quote Originally Posted by meanmoe View Post
So besides hardware and occasional free trip to vegas, you're just a poor (but talented) case modder being screwed by the system

Actually, the reason I asked is because it would be a completely different scenario if you were. You understand this I'm sure. Have you asked to be compensated? I've bought a couple of things after having seen you use them. e.g. reservoirs, torture rack... (mine is not quite as bright though )

I still have to say that I think it's completely up to the forum owner, and although it sucks, there are so many other venues along with your own website. If it hurts the forum owners more then helps, they'll change their policy I'm sure. Although, I doubt it'll hurt them.

Having run a business myself, I have to say that I'm surprised that it's just now happening, that forums are just now turning that commercial in this way and closing hole for 'free' advertising (from their perspective). Nils has the logic right.
I also run a couple businesses and have been formally trained in business. You need to step back and look at the entire business model. As stated, if they earn money off of banner ads and click-through, they are taking a huge chance by possibly reducing traffic. As I also stated, their rule has nothing to do with people placing banner ads in their posts. Their rule, as written, will not prevent people from promoting or shilling their preferred companies so long as they do not disclose why they are promoting said company. At least in my work logs I disclose what I get from whom so you can take my recommendations with a grain of salt if you wish.

Not sure where you get the Vegas question. The only time I get my travel paid for by companies is when I actually work for them (Nvidia at PAX and also the last trip of NY, Boston, SF, DC, and Miami for example). This means I work shifts in the booth or at the kiosk or whatever the event dictates. This is as a contractor and on a project-by-project basis. When I went to CES for Crucial I paid out of my pocket. I have paid 30k-40k or more in the last couple years out of my pocket to do my projects. Funny you ask about my asking to be compensated. I still have to ask for products and justify what I want to use them for, even from Danger Den (not that they are not good to me - but this shows I am dealing with business people who have to watch their bottom line as well).