merlinlocations | pondering policy... (Reply)

The question has been raised of whether we will allow 'commercial' content in posts to the community. And after some pondering we thought it appropriate within certain reasonable limits.

If we're about helping fans actually visit these wonderful places, then inevitably questions of travel, accommodation and money arise. Posts by fans whose genuine intent it is to assist other fans in making travel plans seem fair to me. Just like a post in a general Merlin fannish community might point you towards Jethro standees or Kangaroo Poo t-shirts. A heads-up about a discount or an opportunity that we might otherwise miss also seems fair.

Anything beyond that would be questionable. This isn't a place for commercial advertising. Obviously.

So the following has just been added to the Rules on our profile page. All (polite!) discussion is welcome. I'd rather deal with any identifiable problems now rather than later. On the other hand, if you're willing to run with it and see whether it ever does actually become a problem, I'd be very happy with that, too.

Given that this community exists to help fans visit filming locations in the real world as well as virtually, some 'commercial' content is permissible within reason. It must be posted with the genuine intent of assisting our fellow fans in making their own travel plans. It might include, for example, hotel recommendations or a heads-up about a relevant discount or opportunity. It must be brief and subtle; if a longer post is required, post it on your own journal, and link to it from a brief post to the community. Such posts must never overwhelm other fannish posts in style, content or number. The intersection of fandom and the commercial world can create difficulties, so the mods reserve the right to apply, amend or withdraw this policy without notice at any time. Thank you for your understanding!

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XD {sorry couldn't help myself}