spare anchor

[jameswilson29]

I appreciate the fact that he has actually disclosed his identity and commercial interests.

The really annoying posters are the undisclosed commercial participants - the social media marketing reps whose mission is to create a commercial for their product or service by starting an asinine thread to generate market interest.

The posters are initially difficult to distinguish from the alter ego/sock puppet members in the sense that they both have no verifiable information about their identity - they use a stock photo for their avatar, no real photos of boats, family, sailing, etc., no identifiable boat name or location. Whereas the alter ego/sock puppet members exist to allow someone to post anonymously what they do not want associated with themselves, the undisclosed social media marketing reps are revealed by their stupid posts that foster a commercial for whatever they are selling.

Not that there is anything that can be done about except to frustrate their purpose.

By the way "What three things do you need to take sailing?"

"What is the best way to connect to the internet while offshore?"

"Does anyone recommend a charter company in St. John's, U.S.V.I?"

"Is anyone offering sailing lessons in Puerto Rico?"

[chef2sail]

James,

I agree to some extent. So what you are saying is that as long as they identify themselves it is ok.

So whenever we have discussions concerning sails, it would be ok if the reps and sales lofts from North, Quantum, Rolly Tasker, Ullman etc. Post their options and alt the same time let us know of their sales promotions. Like the mantus post has 25% off for sailneters.

We could all potentially better informed with this kind of information.

[Geoff54]

To me personally, it devalues a brand to keep plugging it in a forum. But I don't have an issue as long as it's overt and reasonable - I am just cognizant of the source and, unless there is some true value in the post, I regard it like a sales brochure.

The posts that I find irritating are the covert (sometimes difficult to tell) and the irrelevant ("what cruiser should I buy" - "well our daysailer would suit you fine" - I exaggerate but not by much).

It's the internet and you have to look at the source. I'd like less commercialism but I'm not holding my breath.

As for the anchor question - There a lot of opinions out there. Read the anchor threads and comparison articles and go one size bigger than you think you want. Anybody want to talk about guns?

Edit: looks like James said much of the same while I was typing.

[Geoff54]

Originally Posted by chef2sail

J
So whenever we have discussions concerning sails, it would be ok if the reps and sales lofts from North, Quantum, Rolly Tasker, Ullman etc. Post their options and alt the same time let us know of their sales promotions.

BTW, what happened to that "independent" guy who kept pushing the Quantum loft in California? Some of these types think that we are stupid.

[bratzcpa]

I'm "fine" if various manufacturers and or representatives chime in here with their opinions and thoughts, as long as 1) they identify themselves as such, and 2) keep their "salesmanship" brief, polite, honest, and respectful of the competitors. In fact, I think its kind of nice to know that there are real people behind some of these products . . . not just an offshore mega-company in a foreign speaking land.

Heck if one of these guys is offering a 'real' bargain/sale to us sailnet members, I want to know about it!

[DRFerron]

Mantus is a paid advertiser on Sailnet.

[RNDROB]

Without sponsors we wouldn’t have free access to this wealth of information. I for one am thankful that they are willing to pick up the tab and do think that entitles them to a certain amount of direct interaction on the board. Remember that by putting themselves out there they also open themselves up to a lot of scrutiny. If sponsor X doesn’t conduct business in a straightforward and ethical manor or puts out an inferior product or service it won’t’ take long before the rest of us know about it. Some of them even know a thing or two about the types of products they are selling.
No regarding the original posting: I also live in the PNW and while I haven’t done much sailing I have done a reasonable amount of fishing in the rivers and ocean. There are places in the mid-Columbia river which have a rocky bottom. The guys who frequent those areas have lost enough anchors that they developed what I have heard referred to as the Columbia River anchor which is used very extensively by those fishing below Bonneville dam. They are heavier than those mentioned above so may not be applicable but just though I would mention it. I can't attach any links but you could google columbia river anchor system if your so inclined.

BR,

Rob

[Minnewaska]

As long as a poster fully discloses their affiliation, I'm okay hearing their point of view. I just take it in context.

I would prefer not to see repeated discount sales offers within the threads, although, Sailnet's bills must be paid. If they are okay with it, I don't feel I have much say. They would not be the only posts I skip by. If it became so rampant that I found it hard to get to entertaining content, I would be less inclined to come here. Hopefully SN considers that in developing their policy.

[Jeff_H]

Mantus Anchors not only is a SailNet Advertiser but they have also offered a series of discounts for SailNet members which we also see as benefitting SailNet as a whole. Greg has also been providing useful and seemingly fair minded commentary. While Greg has clearly been advocating for the Mantus Product he has provided information on other issues, and also seems to treat his competition fairly, for example acknowleging having a fortress as a back up mud anchor.

[chef2sail]

Thank you for clarifying. No need to keep repeating to me that Mantus is in fact a PAID contributed to SailNet. That was obvious from my first posting that I knew this. Any comments about Mantus treating the competition fairly is very subjective, and possibly self serving as I doubt any person who is the administration of SailNet will go against one of the corportate sponsors who pays the bills. You guys know where your bread is buttered.



So the rules are that if you contribute financially to SailNet you get a clear advantage in your postings a nd are permitted to advertise within them.

If you are not a financial donor to SailNet, but identify yourself as merchant or have a financial interest In the topic you are speaking on are you still allowed to comment without restrictive censorship?

So who are merchants who contribute to SailNet? For complete transparency is there a directory of contributors a reader can go to find who here actually HAS the competitive advantage and therefore access to readers? As some have stated it isn't always obvious by their names or disclaimers. Lastly and also importantly, how much of our prsonal as well as demograpgic information, demographics etc is shared with these/ which manufacturers.

Dave