I've been reading many posts over the years on this forum, and it seems there has been an increasing number of people with a business interest participating/posting. In principle, I have no problem with that at all, but I've read a couple of posts tonight in different threads which don't sit well with me.
I think:
1. Any unsolicited threads commenced to simply promote boards or other products should be pulled off. I think it's fine if someone with a commercial interest wants to clarify issues, put forward a point of view or discuss the pros and cons of anything, but not to blatantly get you into their shop. That is what advertising is for.
2. If you have a commercial interest, you should declare it. Failing to do so gives the appearance of manipulation of the audience and just isn't fair play.
There are a few posters who lead by example (Piros springs to mind, as does Carter the physio), and I'd encourage others to follow their lead.
cheers
Every post by a sponsored rider or ambassador should make it clear....but you can sniff them out usually lol! Stand up Zone outs them now and again....fun!
Do what STC does....upfront and clear.
Select to expand quoteTang said..
I've been reading many posts over the years on this forum, and it seems there has been an increasing number of people with a business interest participating/posting. In principle, I have no problem with that at all, but I've read a couple of posts tonight in different threads which don't sit well with me.
I think:
1. Any unsolicited threads commenced to simply promote boards or other products should be pulled off. I think it's fine if someone with a commercial interest wants to clarify issues, put forward a point of view or discuss the pros and cons of anything, but not to blatantly get you into their shop. That is what advertising is for.
2. If you have a commercial interest, you should declare it. Failing to do so gives the appearance of manipulation of the audience and just isn't fair play.
There are a few posters who lead by example (Piros springs to mind, as does Carter the physio), and I'd encourage others to follow their lead.
cheers
+ 1
This is not only in the forums...
When the 2016 Starboards came out - specially the AllStar - with the new retail prices attached to them of $5K for the carbon, several unofficially "sponsored" paddlers made a great show of telling how good these boards were.
When I pointed out that they might be great at $2.5K or $3K for a sponsored rider but not necessarily at $5K for an average Joe like me, I got some flacks from some of them and explanations from a marketing pamphlet of why they should be worth $5K to me and I should be happy and grateful. Others quietly acknowledged. Then of course we started to see many 2016 for sale in preparation for the next season and yes at the $2.5K mark.....
I really do wish I had a commercial interest....somewhere....by someone :)
That aside I agree, if you are sponsored and you are following the company line then it should be declared.
A good point.
But what if it's blatently obvious?
Is it necessary to declare?
I have seen a couple of people on this forum who have suddenly started Sup surfing a completely different brand, and then piled all their old boards on to buy and sell.
You'd have to be blind Freddy to miss it.
Might be good for the newcomers though, to know who has a vested interest in a brand.
I wish I'd have known about this forum when I started, and honest people had been able to tell me that a board that surfed really well didn't necessarily mean it wasn't going to fall apart around my ears.
Would have saved me thousands.
Select to expand quoteBrenno said..
I have seen a couple of people on this forum who have suddenly started Sup surfing a completely different brand,
Good point. I guess then that it is not ideal to make this info available in something (like the profile) that could change also in the old post, such as:
- guy praise brand X while saying he is related to Brand X in post A
- guy switches brand to brand Y, and update profile
- the post A then says he is related to Brand Y but it is not true anymore.
But I dunno if this is a real problem.
Anyways, I have put this info in the "About me" in my profile. I didnt see a way to have a signature ?
Note that commercial interest is not the only issue. When you buy a brand X board, very often you will defend your choice quite subjectively, leading to as much as a pimp fest as if you were sponsored.
Select to expand quotecolas said..Brenno said..
I have seen a couple of people on this forum who have suddenly started Sup surfing a completely different brand,
Good point. I guess then that it is not ideal to make this info available in something (like the profile) that could change also in the old post, such as:
- guy praise brand X while saying he is related to Brand X in post A
- guy switches brand to brand Y, and update profile
- the post A then says he is related to Brand Y but it is not true anymore.
But I dunno if this is a real problem.
Anyways, I have put this info in the "About me" in my profile. I didnt see a way to have a signature ?
Note that commercial interest is not the only issue. When you buy a brand X board, very often you will defend your choice quite subjectively, leading to as much as a pimp fest as if you were sponsored.
True Colas. If you're stoked with a board, and have recently felt like one of the greats surfing it (even if you are a numpty like me), then you'll tell people about it. Hard not to share the stoke, and even harder to predict the future and know how a board will last.
But it should be our duty to our fellow Supaholics to let them know if they're blowing their hard earned on a piece of poop, as soon as we realise it's a lemon.
Harder to rely on people to simply tell us that their interest runs a little deeper.
I posted before on here saying the same thing, I take the review section with a pinch of salt.... Hard to get an honest review but that's expected when half the guys have some deal going on and the other half are wanting to justify their board purchase
Problem is that most people are reluctant to write a review. I have met a few people who read the forums but don't feel comfortable posting let alone writing a review. Some people may not feel qualified, but that never stopped me 
I agree that there are a few posts that are suspicious (and others that are obviously commercial), but I say we need more vids of people using their boards, and more reviews.
I think if everything is glowing reports ... thats a bit suspicious ... if you also point out any flaws / negatives / things to tweak (like I did in my post on maddog) ... then that is useful information and lends some balance to a review ... there are negatives to every design & shaping element ...
Its pretty obvious as when someone has a commercial avatar , that they are in the business ! ... but also these traders see and sup alot of designs ... so 'comparative' feedback is highly useful ... and they're in an enviable position to provide it ...
Im just glad to read stuff other than a certain brand on this forum ...
I agree any interest/bias should be declared loud and clear..... the fact that someone doesn't feel like they need to do this is a bit mind blowing.
In addition, any glowing reports should always be looked upon as suspicious. Every bit of kit has strengths and weaknesses...... even if it's the most epic board you've ever had it won't do everything for everyone, so a decent review will point this out. Don't believe the hype 
PS - I'M A RETAILER AND RIDER OF BRANDS
if someone is willing to give me a board or two i would more than happily declare commercial interests and then pimp the **** out of them 
Jarryd
I guess enforcing some simple etiquette, or self discipline, may be a good first step. Many of us already try to do it, but for instance, when people ask for what board to get, instead of replying:
Get a XXX, model YYY, dimensions ZZZ
Try to always by more general, such as:
- Get a XXX, model YYY, dimensions ZZZ, or a similar model in other brands
- I was like you, and love my XXX+YYY+ZZZ, but I only demoed these brands: ...
- Get a XXX, model YYY, dimensions ZZZ, because of such-and-such characteristics, or other models with the same design
And we should all consider OK if we see a post with a simple "Get a XXX" to add a gentle (not a flame) reply like "a XXX, or any other brand with a similar model, that is dimensions ZZZ"
You get the idea. It is easy to do, and it is objectively enforceable: everybody can judge if a post obey these "wikipedia-balanced-opinion" rules, whereas commercial interests can be hidden and hard to enforce, and are not always black & white.And it does not "castrate" the debate by removing all brand names in an overly politically correct approach, which can confuse a lot newcomers.
Yer its pretty easy too feel the hype and just go buy a board ..... The get out there and hate it ... Done that a few times ....
Good Call.....
Select to expand quotecolas said..
I guess enforcing some simple etiquette, or self discipline, may be a good first step. Many of us already try to do it, but for instance, when people ask for what board to get, instead of replying:
Get a XXX, model YYY, dimensions ZZZ
Try to always by more general, such as:
- Get a XXX, model YYY, dimensions ZZZ, or a similar model in other brands
- I was like you, and love my XXX+YYY+ZZZ, but I only demoed these brands: ...
- Get a XXX, model YYY, dimensions ZZZ, because of such-and-such characteristics, or other models with the same design
And we should all consider OK if we see a post with a simple "Get a XXX" to add a gentle (not a flame) reply like "a XXX, or any other brand with a similar model, that is dimensions ZZZ"
You get the idea. It is easy to do, and it is objectively enforceable: everybody can judge if a post obey these "wikipedia-balanced-opinion" rules, whereas commercial interests can be hidden and hard to enforce, and are not always black & white.And it does not "castrate" the debate by removing all brand names in an overly politically correct approach, which can confuse a lot newcomers.
+1
It's a fair argument..to me being loyal and supporting those who support you shouldn't be punished as well if your riding one brand of board u can hardly give opinion on other brands..if your pushing the point yeah it's pretty obvious on here and there is way to many other media platforms to please/promote your supporters...
Select to expand quoteAshmullet said..
It's a fair argument..to me being loyal and supporting those who support you shouldn't be punished as well if your riding one brand of board u can hardly give opinion on other brands..if your pushing the point yeah it's pretty obvious on here and there is way to many other media platforms to please/promote your supporters...
It's not about being punished or restricted, more about being open about possible motivations
Select to expand quoteTang said..
I've been reading many posts over the years on this forum, and it seems there has been an increasing number of people with a business interest participating/posting. In principle, I have no problem with that at all, but I've read a couple of posts tonight in different threads which don't sit well with me.
I think:
1. Any unsolicited threads commenced to simply promote boards or other products should be pulled off. I think it's fine if someone with a commercial interest wants to clarify issues, put forward a point of view or discuss the pros and cons of anything, but not to blatantly get you into their shop. That is what advertising is for.
2. If you have a commercial interest, you should declare it. Failing to do so gives the appearance of manipulation of the audience and just isn't fair play.
There are a few posters who lead by example (Piros springs to mind, as does Carter the physio), and I'd encourage others to follow their lead.
cheers
cheers mate!!!!
Seabreeze seems to have stepped up its website and also educates us as "site sponsors" with what to do and what not to do when posting. Regulating these rules would be a positive step forward for everyone.
Happy to throw myself under the bus and say that in the distant past I was guilty of using this channel to post our own informative content but mainly videos and photos of boards in action.
Looks like a few brands are currently laying it on a bit thick and really diluting the informative content on this site with their transparent advertorials though. Call in the ref.
Tim - The Surfboard Warehouse
I think if it is a cool video, a good story or some photos of guys ripping etc.... and the person posting is not using an alias then there should be no problem.
This forum is about sharing knowledge, so share away I reckon.
If I ever get anyone to film one of my sessions and I think it is worthy of an edit, I will be posting for sure.
The reason I try to post a video, with any pimping of a board, is because it shows how a board surfs in the hands of an average hack... not a pro.... in normal conditions.
Talk is easy and helpful, but lacks context unless you know the size, age, ability of rider and conditions ridden.... video does that. You can adjust what you see, to your specific requirements.
There's no place to hide, in a video of full length rides, from paddling in... to kick out.
Short clips of a big slash, air or rad turn can all be edited just before the crash.... show nothing IMO
uncut edits show how it all plays together.
I know when I am looking for boards, the full length ride is how I determine the value of a board.
My 1st Sunova came, sight unseen from Thailand.... after I did a frame by frame break down a vid of Jonny Maya on the Speeed.
I could see the tight carve and how it carried speed from turn to turn, even on a mushy shoulder.
That vid was put up by a Sunova dealer.... but it was the honest, full ride video that sold me.... not any hype.
Select to expand quoteTimBurleigh said..
Seabreeze seems to have stepped up its website and also educates us as "site sponsors" with what to do and what not to do when posting. Regulating these rules would be a positive step forward for everyone.
Happy to throw myself under the bus and say that in the distant past I was guilty of using this channel to post our own informative content but mainly videos and photos of boards in action.
Looks like a few brands are currently laying it on a bit thick and really diluting the informative content on this site with their transparent advertorials though. Call in the ref.
Tim - The Surfboard Warehouse
Well said Tim.. I think what we all have to remember is that these are public threads. Whether shop, dealer or general public it is all about education and awareness. Everybody should be given a fair go and a appreciative ear for there time... Bring on the learning...
Stay Stoked
I am interested in Aldi commercials.....they always crack me up especially the one with the cave man cooking the mammoth....piss myself everytime
Select to expand quotesupthecreek said..
The reason I try to post a video, with any pimping of a board, is because it shows how a board surfs in the hands of an average hack... not a pro.... in normal conditions.
Talk is easy and helpful, but lacks context unless you know the size, age, ability of rider and conditions ridden.... video does that. You can adjust what you see, to your specific requirements.
There's no place to hide, in a video of full length rides, from paddling in... to kick out.
Short clips of a big slash, air or rad turn can all be edited just before the crash.... show nothing IMO
uncut edits show how it all plays together.
I know when I am looking for boards, the full length ride is how I determine the value of a board.
My 1st Sunova came, sight unseen from Thailand.... after I did a frame by frame break down a vid of Jonny Maya on the Speeed.
I could see the tight carve and how it carried speed from turn to turn, even on a mushy shoulder.
That vid was put up by a Sunova dealer.... but it was the honest, full ride video that sold me.... not any hype.
Spot on again creek was def the main factor in buying my speeds.I could see exactly what to expect from youre vids which has now led directly to another 9 speeds of various lengths arriving on our shores.Would that be enuf for me to be an apprentice pimp dya think?
Coming from a well supported windsurf background my experience is that the fans of brands are often way more pushing and promotional as riders...Personally I only take people serious who can a proper description where a product is about and what its NOT about and is able to give at least 2 minus points about the stuff.
This is why i think signatures should be enabled in the forum. Many other forums allow them. Seabreeze had them back in 2003 for a little while.
It means u can list who ur sponsors are on the bottom of every post so you don't need to try and explain every post u make.
Great topic - as folks say, if you are a business/commerical, you should really be declaring that in your profile, or in the post.
The Board Talk forum welcomes shops/brands/riders who have something to offer other than "buy now". Shops are in the priviledged position of being able to try every single size across many brands, and that knowledge that is worth hearing & knowing about.
i.e. Knowledge, help & insights welcome by. Pimping, spamming, flooding are not welcome.
Some will enthuse that their board is the one for you, and it's not always easy to tell if that movitation is drawn from staying in business, or the simple fact that the board rips!! My belief & experience is that most shop crew got into it because they love the sport.
We aim to keep these forums as spam free (both of pimps, and fake passport sellers). You can help by letting us know via the report flag, as we can't read every single post.
Enjoy .. Laurie
#1 hate the word pimp, as i know a girl who got fouled up with dope and a nasty, real pimp--she has been permanently damaged
but here on SB, there are good pimps and bad pimps---good pimps often show video, and express reasonable expalnations about why they like the boards they pimp--and they discuss the logic behind shape, etc, for the boards they like--and they disclose that they are pimping--- got no prob with pimping of this sort
blind allegiance to brand or board makes this reader bored! skip that thread! bad pimp!
blind bitching after trashing a board is lame too
