# Let's say I wanted to share an auction with the SDMB populace... **URL:** \ **Category:** About This Message Board\ **Created:** [December 30, 2004, 4:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-say-i-wanted-to-share-an-auction-with-the-sdmb-populace/282256 "2004-12-30T16:01:10Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 5\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Chastain86](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/f9ae1b/32.png) [@Chastain86](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chastain86)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2004, 4:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-say-i-wanted-to-share-an-auction-with-the-sdmb-populace/282256/1 "2004-12-30T16:01:10Z")
…but I don’t want to get in trouble by violating content guidelines. Is there a way to do this? It’s an auction that I’m currently running, so I can understand if it’s in a bit of a gray area. I’m not suggesting a “call to action.” I just wanted people here to see it. Under the guidelines as they’re set, can this be done without inciting the ire of the mods? ---
**Author:** ![Lynn\_Bodoni](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e47c2d/32.png) [@Lynn\_Bodoni](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lynn_Bodoni)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2004, 4:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-say-i-wanted-to-share-an-auction-with-the-sdmb-populace/282256/2 "2004-12-30T16:24:31Z")
It’s not in a gray area. It’s specifically forbidden in the [User Agreement](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=287567): > [@](#): > > This message board is intended as a medium for public discussion. Do not post spam, including but not limited to advertisements, chain letters, pyramid schemes, solicitations, or other messages primarily intended to promote a cause, venture, organization, event (except Straight Dope-related events), website, or other entity or activity, whether or not money is involved. Lynn For the Straight Dope ---
**Author:** ![Chastain86](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/f9ae1b/32.png) [@Chastain86](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chastain86)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2004, 4:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-say-i-wanted-to-share-an-auction-with-the-sdmb-populace/282256/3 "2004-12-30T16:47:56Z")
> [@Lynn Bodoni](#): > > It’s not in a gray area. It’s specifically forbidden in the [User Agreement](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=287567): > > Lynn > For the Straight Dope Good enough for me. That’s why I asked. Didn’t want to get in dutch, and invite the bannination.\* \*which may disappoint some people ---
**Author:** ![Duderdude2](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/cdc98d/32.png) [@Duderdude2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Duderdude2)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2004, 8:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-say-i-wanted-to-share-an-auction-with-the-sdmb-populace/282256/4 "2004-12-31T08:56:56Z")
But what if it wasn’t posted “primarily intended to promote a cause”? I’ve seen plenty of other links to auctions on EBay that were seemingly permitted, such as the recent “ghost in a jar”. I’m just wondering where the line is drawn because I really couldn’t care less if the OP were able to post their link or not. But I do think there should be a specific protocol that’s clearly defined. ---
**Author:** ![TubaDiva](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tubadiva/32/507_2.png) [@TubaDiva](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TubaDiva)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2004, 3:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-say-i-wanted-to-share-an-auction-with-the-sdmb-populace/282256/5 "2004-12-31T15:14:56Z")
It’s one thing to link in reference to something on ebay as a cite or as a “hey, look at this” in discussion; it’s another thing altogether to flog your wares on the Straight Dope Message Board. THAT’s not allowed except in well-defined, asked-for-in-advance situations for good cause and most often for short-term charitable purposes. your humble TubaDiva Administrator