First, I have to state that I am not part of the executive team, and have no insights in the process that led to the closure of the said forum. However, I feel a bit disconcerned to read posts with a rather aggressive tone, demanding clarification about any financial aspect. I am neither competent nor authorized to disclose the site's economic policy, but one thing should be clear to any of you: Running this site, offering the most comfortable software platform with free picture hosting, mailing service, everything specifically tailored to the needs of this community, keeping a staff of moderators constantly writing not only bs me-too acclamation posts, but substantial articles with in-depth research, letting them travel around the world to report from events and fairs, costs money. This is a straight and simple fact. You don't pay the bill, nor does any other reader. Thus it is only logic to ask those who profit most from what the site does, the manufacturers.
For the manufacturers, sites like ours are invaluable assets: public relations, market research, product testing, even essential assistance to the brand's own after sales service, since many questions are answered here, instead of forcing a service watchmaker to spend his time on the phone, rather than repairing a watch. For a half-page advertising in a magazine that is forgotten and thrown away after a few hours, brands spend thousands of Euros, Dollars, Franks, Yen and so on, but for a highly sustainable resource and support there is nothing but lame comments about "independence"? Unlike other online platforms similar to ours, we are not backed by a print magazine that collects advertising money from the brands and transfers part of the money to the online segement, nor are we owned by a big auction house. We have but ourselves, so the direct approach to the manufacturers is the only way to go for us.
Regarding independence: Yes, this is one of PuristSPro's key principles, and this will by no means be sacrificed to the commercial interests of a manufacturer, even if he decides to sponsor the site and/or "his" forum. This means he will have no influence on neither the tone nor the conclusions of our posts. I am moderator on this site since more than eight years now, and, believe me, I have had my fair share of manufacturer's efforts to influence my writing. But always I did hold my position, and the owners of the site always stood behind me, even if this CEO or brand owner was unhappy, and clearly phrased his unhappiness. However, in the long run, our principles paid off.
But there is some time when it is a matter of respect to at least seriously talk about a support these manufacturers could give the site, in return to the many years of persisting assistance. Denying even serious consideration and communication is a proof of disrespect not only towards the site and its owners and staff, but also to the readers and fans of the brand.
Enough said, I have to cool down a bit.
Regards,
Marcus
This message has been edited by Marcus Hanke on 2010-06-04 05:42:15 This message has been edited by Marcus Hanke on 2010-06-04 05:44:23