READ THIS

[Larry]

For what it's worth, I have edited the typical "USER REGISTRATION AGREEMENT".  You know, the one everyone skips past and doesn't read.  Yeah now it says I will be included in your will and inherit all your guitars if you die.  It also says you will send me money.  Just kidding, but here is what it does say at the very beginning.

I KNOW YOU WANT TO SKIP THIS.  PLEASE DON'T.

IF YOUR FIRST POST CONTAINS A LINK TO ANOTHER WEBSITE IT WILL BE DELETED.  IF THE PATTERN CONTINUES...YOU WILL BE DELETED.

IF YOUR FIRST POST SAYS, "HEY CHECK OUT MY PLAYING" AND POSTS A LINK, YOU WILL BE BANNED.

IF YOUR FIRST POST HAS SOMETHING FOR SALE, YOU WILL BE BANNED.

DO NOT MAKE UP A RANDOM, JIBBERISH NAME.  IF YOU DO, I WILL ASSUME YOU ARE A SPAM BOT AND YOU WON'T BE APPROVED.
 
So when you post SPAM, don't be surprised when your account is deleted.

[Larry]

And when I say FIRST POST, I mean first few posts.  So don't think posting 2 or 3 generic posts before hand will be a loop hole to this rule.

[Larry]

What is SPAM?

SPAM is unsolicited posts that are made to self serve the poster.  They can be links to other websites that sell products or services.  They can even be just links to other online communities in an attempt to solicit new members to sign up.  Basically it's someone trying to use their posts to promote or advertise themselves, their products or their website without being solicited to do so.  Many people sign up and do this in their first posts.  It is pretty obvious the only reason they signed up is to promote the linked sites.

BANNER ADS IN SIG LINES.

Large images in sig lines are popular, and for now they are allowed only if it's a personal thing.  Do not make a banner ad to promote a website or product.

What is NOT SPAM?

If a long time, active member of the forum occasionally posts a link to a cool site they found, this is not SPAM.  They are just sharing a cool link.  The key words are long time, active member. Their active participation in the forum allows them some wiggle room in this area.

If a long time, active member of the forum occasionally posts a link for a piece of gear they are selling.  While this is technically SPAM we will allow it on a limited basis for long time members as long as they don't abuse it.

If a person links a website in response to another poster's need.  Let's say someone is looking for online guitar lessons.  If another member knows of a site that offers guitar lessons, he could post a link. 

HOW CAN I PROMOTE MY OWN SITE?

We allow you to put your own website link on your profile.  You can also put that link in your sig line.   Please do NOT put banner ads in your sig line.  If someone asks you about your website, then you can respond to them, just don't go overboard.

[Larry]

Welcome.  If you are thinking about joining we do encourage it.  But let me give you a couple of words of caution.  

First: Please read the USER AGREEMENT.  It is NOT a typical user agreement.  

Secondly: Don't pick a random,jibberish name or use a random, jibberish freemail account.  If you do, you probably won't get approved.  I will think you are a spammer.

Thirdly:  If I don't approve you right away, don't try to sign up for a second or third time.  I will think you are a SPAMMER.  I can see your IP address.

Hopefully the fact that you took time to read this means you want to participate and are not just interested in SPAMMING us with your links.  

[Larry]