Classifieds / Forum Ownership / "Commercial"

[Steve D]

admin said:

(...) That is why we decided to suggest that ICPS Forum members also join a local forum which encourages trading listed at
icps.proboards.com/thread/1156/carnivorous-plant-forums

Thank you for that list. I have been checking those of the listed forums that are in English and have a pertinence to CP enthusiasts in the U.S. (where I live), to see whether a member may list plants for trade or sale:

• CPUK Forum -- UK-centric, but does have a "Sales & Wants USA" section.
  
• TerraForums -- I wrote to Andrew (the new owner) a few weeks ago, and trades are permitted but sales aren't. He is developing a commercial site, so any such advertisement would be understandably disadvantageous to that endeavor.
  
• Carnivorous Plants in the Tropics -- seems to pertain more to tropical CP like Nepenthes than to temperate CP such as Dionaea and Sarracenia, but does have a USA nurseries and other resources section.
  
• GardenWeb -- "No advertising is allowed in any of the forums."
  
• World of Carnivores -- a forum attached to a commercial entity which forbids advertising except for a few specific plants or reasons and only with the pre-approval of the site owner.
  

Those are the forums that are listed here at the ICPS Forum that seem to pertain specifically or partially to those of us who live in the U.S. It seems so far like the CPUK Forum is the best forum for anyone who wishes to announce, mention or list some of their plants for sale.

In addition to the forums mentioned on the list here at the ICPS Forum, DavesGarden.com (which has a carnivorous plant forum) expressly forbids advertising in the forum. They do offer "sponsorship" of a particular category of the forum for $250 per month, which is a price that is probably a bit steep for many CP enthusiasts who in addition to simply enjoying growing CP for various reasons, also offer some of their divisions for sale.

Best wishes,

Steve

[John Brittnacher]

xscd said:

while the ICPS Forum is now "financially supported exclusively by the ICPS," that statement implies that it is supported at least in part by the members of the ICPS through our membership dues and donations, right? However, I know it could be argued that member dues and contributions support the many and varied worthy activities and goals of the ICPS--which may not include a means to mention or list plants one may have for trade or sale.

Your ICPS membership ONLY pays for CPN and membership management. Our public web sites are supported by donations (preferably) and other income (if necessary).

We do this to keep membership rates as low as possible. We have many generous members who make everything else we do possible. If you want to think of your membership as $35 with $10 going for conservation grants and our web sites, next time your renew give $5 to each. We are very grateful to the members who give $50 and more. If you give $25 or more and don't receive an ICPS lapel pin, please ask me or Cindy to send you one.

[Steve D]

I see. In that case, I hope that more people feel inclined to add at least a little extra to their membership dues as a donation. Thank you for the explanation.

[taz6122]

I just wanted to add that GardenWeb does have an Exchange forum and each member page has a section for a trade list.