here on PuristSPro.
MTF wrote at the top of the this thread, so let me expand even further:
1) Products that are of horlogical merit or attractive to PuristS, in order to get a worthy and passionate moderator.
The PuristS community needs to show some type of interest in the watches from that brand. However, if the PPro exec team feels the community may like this brand and fulfills all 3 requirements, we will then open up the forum because we believe the brand will grow and prosper. Perfect example was FP Journe. Not many people knew about FPJ but look at what it's grown into.
2) Manufacturer, Watchmaker or Executive that are 'PuristS' in their heart; in the way they say AND do things to promote haute horlogerie and supply information.
To put the above simply, we must have a 2-way street. The brand must support us with material, staff access, etc. to help the brand moderator generate content and keep the forum pumping along w/ material. The brand must want to work with us and vice versa. If the brand doesn't want a forum on PPro, then it doesn't make sense to have a forum on PPro even if they offer to sponsor the forum. Why work with someone who really doesn't want to work with you? Would you? Money isn't everything...
3) "Sponsorship" that is not tied to editorial control or censorship.........
If the brand does not want to give PPro editorial independence, they are crossed off the list. No exceptions - no editorial independence means no forum on PPro.
Sponsorship also equates to financial support because PPro has high monthly overhead to pay for the growing global moderator team and moderator pay stipend, travelling costs - airfare, hotels, meals, etc., software platform development, etc. PPro is a commercial entity with legitimate overhead, so we definitely have to find a self-sustaining business model to keep this site running. We have no backing from magazines or auction houses. This is why financial support is one of the aspects in criteria #3. Money doesn't grow on trees. But let me stress that just because a brand sponsors a forum here on PPro, that doesn't mean everything posted by the mod team is controlled by the brand. That has never been the way and will never be the way.
So in summary, if the PPro exec team doesn't see all 3 above points met, in some form or fashion - then PPro will not open up a new brand forum or will close down an existing brand forum.
Best,
Anthony
This message has been edited by AnthonyTsai on 2010-06-04 07:28:43