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8 years ago

I spent quite a bit of time here prior to 2004 when it was the original Garden Web and I know Spike (really, that was his name) didn't tolerate any businesses promoting their wares. But now that Houzz has taken over, the whole landscape has changed. It's kind of cheapened the place in my opinion.

Thoughts?

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User

8 years ago

I've sent private messages encouraging folks to keep sharing the knowledge but to cut down on the hard sell. I think I got an actual polite response once. I mostly got ignored or rude responses. So now I flag them and let the Houzz folks slap them down.

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Comments (10)

sammy zone 7 Tulsa
8 years ago
In the TOS I believe businesses must register, and follow certain guidelines. But the owners of nurseries seemed to offer many good tips about gardening even when Spike was in control. I don't think they advertised, but they did participate.

Sammy
millworkman
8 years ago
Yes but in the home forums they tend to lead with advice followed by their unabashed peddling of their weirs, and a link to their website as the signature.
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gregmills_gw
8 years ago
Yeah i agree. When i first started posting to the Garden Web, I was more than happy to lend my advice on issues i felt i could contribute to, never had the intention or desire to solicit my services. There was a real need for good solid advice, as many people seemed to have real issues and getting bad information and/or a shoddy finished product. I hope those who seeked the truth on the Garden Web appreciated when all of us gave unbiased advice without trying to sling services for hire.

Now i come here, and someone has an issue, and while the majority of us are doing the same as we did in GW, the peddlers response is "Are you anywhere near 'anytown usa'? Give me a call tomorrow and i'll fix your problem for $xxxxx" (exaggeration i know) and seems like thats ok.

I've done my best to refrain from specifically sharing my location, mostly to avoid having someone in my area reach out to me here. Not that i wouldnt want to help, but because i come here to volunteer my time because i want to, not to cushion my bank account.
gregmills_gw
8 years ago
But when GW switched to Houzz, i did appreciate their nifty 6 ft measuring tape they sent me...Does the fact that i kept it, make me a sellout :) ?
User
8 years ago
Participants are their own moderators. Look in the upper right hand of the post for the Flag and Flag the SPAM. It will get yanked if several people report it.
millworkman
8 years ago
I prefer to call out the worst and most obvious but do flag quite a few.
User
8 years ago
ive been doing my best to moderate mis information. tell u what it could be a full time w/overtime gig.
User
8 years ago
Just flag the spam and it goes away.
PRO
Carpet One Columbia
8 years ago
I think it's funny when they post. I can't imagine anyone with an IQ over 75 being influenced by anything they say or do. Just relax and keep giving people the solid, measured advice you always do and let them keep "plugging" themselves to their hearts content.

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sammy zone 7 Tulsa

millworkman

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