: "No commercial advertising"

: I believe that requires that I do NOT post my affiliation.

: In any case it is Nick's decision to allow people to post here or not.

: As far as a comment further done this thread. You get to see the good boats
: when you have paid for a boat or are invited by an owner into his
: "boat room". Since I only do work for people I have a long term
: relationship with, that leaves all of you out.

Having read Nick's guidelines, I see it as a matter of being honest about one's affiliation. Disclosing that one is a professional builder/designer is not the same as advertising.... rather, that disclosure enables others to either embrace one's words ("aha! an expert who knows what he/she is talking about!) or discount them ("ah... a professional designer/builder.. no wonder he/she said that." It's about being ethical -- which means laying one's cards on the table.

Nick's guidelines are pretty clear about where the boundaries are.

It's the same deal when I engage in discussions about religion with people. I feely disclose that I am an ordained clergy person -- not because I'm out to convert everybody, but so they will know where I'm coming from...and either believe me or write me off, accordingly. To hide that, out of fear that I'd be perceived as advertising, is dishonest.

(The Rev.) Julie Kanarr