The following post is not an attempt to make anyone upset or angry; but as a newer member in the scheme of things around here, here is my take on this subject.....
People provide BOC sponsorship because it is as mutually beneficial for them as it is for the BOC membership. In my case, I do my best to say thank you when a new sponsor is announced and also when they provide a prize for a contest. At one or both of these instances, I generally click on their website link to see what they have to offer. That way I have an idea of what's available if needed for future reference. Yes, some of them are daily participating members and I for one appreciate THAT as well. IMO, it lets us know that they are interested in the everyday activities on Catfish1.com and aren't here just to make money.
I would hate for any of our sponsors feelings to be hurt because they think their posts are not appreciated or that we aren't proud to have them. Perhaps you know Julie personally Pete, and have spoken with her concerning this matter. I've been known to post something on behalf of another person myself on occasion. However, I would venture to say that her thread concerning Tite-Lok's current website sale wasn't intended to drum up thanks. She is a business woman, and her thanks come when folks click over to the Tite-Lok website and order merchandise. :wink:
If I see a sale post from one of our sponsors about a product I am in the market for or may be interested in, then I will read it and perhaps make a comment (i.e. the Tite-Lok dog restraints that have been discounted - I did not post on the thread, but I sent Julie rep and a comment because that looks like a neat item that may suit my purpose). I don't look at newspaper flyers I am mailed or advertising websites unless I am specifically searching for something. I wouldn't if the company belonged to my IMMEDIATE family. Maybe some folks can afford to buy stuff whenever they please, but speaking for myself that isn't feasible; so I choose not to be tempted by looking at cool items that I don't NEED at present.
That being said, whenever I AM in the market for products a BOC sponsor manufactures/supplies, I will most certainly check with them FIRST. I enjoy this board tremendously, and what I've gained (friends and information) FROM it; but I've never been "all about" what it can do for me. I try to give back in various ways whenever possible, imo as most of the good folks around here do. Each person is unique and participates in his/her own way.
Since I wasn't around for the old board, I have no idea how many sponsors there were then; I'd assume less? I DO know (from reading posts some of the first BOC members have made) how small the community was in the past. Seems it was possible to read and post on pretty much every thread/topic back then.
As far as contests go, those are another great business tactic. Again, this draws attention to the sponsor's merchandise. It's reciprocal, we get the chance our names will be drawn, they get the chance to sell something. I don't think they do this for thank you posts either, but I must admit it irritates me sometimes when people don't even say thanks for an item they're getting an opportunity to WIN - no cost to them whatsoever (maybe shipping sometimes). But, it's only human nature to readily sign up for a prize, everyone wants to be a lucky winner. :big_smile:
Personally, I think the BOC membership AND the sponsors would be better served by a written testimonial with detailed info about the product/products you've purchased, and why you like them.....with an added link to their website or sale post (similar to another thread you posted Pete); rather than a dressing down directed towards the entire BOC membership, some of whom may have no reason to view a certain sale at any given time. But maybe that's just me.....
So, I don't think anything has "happened to the BOC". We're still moving onward and upward, memberships AND sponsorships; getting bigger and better.
Hope all you BOC supportive sponsors and wonderful BOC sisters and brothers have a great evening, THANK YOU ALL! You are :0a31: