Hi,

I am not posting this to stop the current discussion on the subject of
what is advertising - however I would like to point out the current list
rules for commercial posts (the list rules can be found at:
http://www.arches.uga.edu/~amylyne/CONCH-L/CONCH-Lrules.html):

Rule No. 1: NO Advertising:

Commercial Advertising is not allowed; not even by non-profit
organizations. UGA, as a community service, "grants the use of its
facilities to organizations whose activities contribute to its mission."
CONCH-L is considered to be an "educational resource," and
therefore falls within UGA's mission. However, UGA and the State of
Georgia have strict rules that do not allow use of these
resources for personal gain, thus no free advertising or commercial
messages. In particular:

  a. Offering to sell or recommending your own products or services is NOT
     allowed (this includes lists of shells, book catalogues,
     equipment and trips). CONCH-L is not to be used as an inexpensive
     substitute for commercial advertising. However, this list
     was set up to encourage discussions and therefore this rule can be
     bent a little (please remember the qualifier 'a little'.)
       * If you are responding to a request for information about your
         product please limit your reply to a brief answer and
         address (home, email or web) where the requester can find more
         information.
       * If you wish to send a large document (image, article or catalog)
         please send it directly to the person who requested the
         information and not to the list.
  b. Requesting information on, or recommending products or services or
     sources where they may be obtained IS allowed. One of
     the goals of this list is to help people make connections and learn
     more about Malacology and Conchology. People wishing to
     exchange shells and publications may announce that their trading
     lists are available, but should not post lists to CONCH-L.
  c. Public-service announcements of new publications (books and
     journals), shell clubs, and web sites (including commercial
     websites) ARE allowed, as are posting of general information on shell
     shows and conventions. Of course this includes posting
     about an updated internet site or reprinted publication. Book reviews
     by non-interested individuals are encouraged as an
     educational resource. If the announcement concerns a commercial site
     please use discretion.

If you have doubt about whether your message is advertising or not, send
it to the List Manager at [log in to unmask] who will look it
over and let you know if it's postable.


Amy (list owner)
--
Amy Lyn Edwards     --     [log in to unmask]
Enterprise Information Technology Services
University of Georgia
-------------------------------------------
  "There is nothing so powerful as truth,
     - and often nothing so strange."
------------- Daniel Webster --------------