I should also point out that this is not a rule 13 situation as they are a sponsor. Your poll is skewed and I think anybody using the poll would answer that they wouldn't be pleased. You use this forum for free. You can select not to receive emails from administrators when you sign up. I don't have a bunch of ads all over the forum like the majority of other forums I read. They are on the top of the forum and that is it. I feel to keep the site alive and new employees hired, there may be a day when I open it up and send promotional emails though the system that you can opt in and opt out of. You will all be notified and you can change that feature accordingly if I ever decide to do that. It has nothing to do with rule 13. This site is free for a reason and I don't think many have any clue how expensive it is to keep up. I do make a profit off what we do here but, it's a business, and in business that is the goal. I don't feel that getting an email every now and then from a site that you pay nothing to enjoy is that big of deal. The main issue is, and I get what all are saying, is that it was unannounced and unsolicited. Again, if I change my stance on this again, you will be getting another email that states such and if you don't want to be a part of it, change a certain setting on your profile and you will be protected. Seem reasonable?
I also hired Chris to update Arboristsite and add new features that will make it more fun. We will soon be able to buy items with points you earn by posting. Sponsors will donate T shirts, hats, gear etc and you guys can earn it for free!!! I feel that is a value added feature that arboristsite has that nobody else does. This design wasn't free and hiring him isn't either. I am constantly trying to make this site better and it costs more and more daily. Hiring him is keeping the site break even but I feel that we will gain more sponsors with the features we will be adding. I also feel we will get bigger because of it. Get free gear guaranteed by posting? Yeah, it's a bit Dave and Busters like, but who doesn't like a prize.
Again, back to what we were talking about....I apologize for the misunderstanding I had with him. Will make sure that it won't happen again and if we change our policy I will let all know so you can change your profile to opt in or opt out.
I am not going to go any further in speaking of this matter. Thanks for hearing me out. I am closing the thread as it doesn't need to be discussed further. I think we all get the point from both sides.