Sponsored Forum

[mammel]

What is up with the Sponsored forum?

As much as I love rum, I don't like seeing sponsorships ruin a nice free forum such as this. I could be persuaded to buy in though...if a company was willing to provide everyone with adequate reference materials to compare their products with their competition!

What does everyone think about this?

[Count Silvio]

Where is this sponsored forum?

[mammel]

Hey Ed,

I know that I am not drunk...I was on here and saw a whole set of 3 sponsored rum forums "Sponsored Forum" .... as soon as I refreshed it was gone.

Ed, what is going on!

[Edward Hamilton]

I'm doing some testing on some new options which have been proposed by members and distillers called Sponsored Forums.

Each of these forums will be used to communicate reliable information from the distilleries to this forum. I will be archiving such things as Meet the Distiller and other Q&A's in this area. This will also be a place where rum producing companies can introduce new products to our members, post press releases and keep you ahead of the curve as the rum industry evolves.

Events and promotions will also be posted here. Sponsored Forums will be a place for interaction between our registered members and distillery representatives and moderated by the rum companies and the Ministry of Rum Forum administration team.

What is up with the Sponsored forum?

As much as I love rum, I don't like seeing sponsorships ruin a nice free forum such as this.
I'm not going to let anything ruin this forum.

I could be persuaded to buy in though...if a company was willing to provide everyone with adequate reference materials to compare their products with their competition!

What does everyone think about this?

I appreciate your concerns while I ask you to put some of your hard-earned trust in the Ministry. Just as I have trusted forum members to act in a responsible manner, my trust in you has allowed this forum to grow. I will only allow responsible Sponsors to participate with these pages. I also trust that this membership will act in a responsible manner and hold sponsors to very high standards.

Sponsored forums will be moderated and I expect a few contributing members to leave the Ministry of Rum. But for those who endorse the opportunity to learn more about our favorite spirit directly from the people who make them, you will be rewarded.

[Count Silvio]

Thank you for keeping us up to date. It had occurred to me that you were testing something when I could not find the sponsored forums Mammel was talking about. I think this is a good idea Ed.

[Rum Runner]

I like the idea very much also. It gives me a chance to interact with a producer in a way I would not be able to do so otherwise. And it gives the producer a chance to have a higly motivated "focus" group to present ideas as well as information to. Just my opinion.

[Tiare]

I also like the idea and i find this very interesting! its a great opportunity for us.

[Dood]

I think this is a FANTASTIC idea. Bravo!

[JMac]

Its a great idea. Instead of relying on information from marketers, members can go straight to the source for any rums news, events, or products. A bonus feature would be if members could buy rum straight from the distillers.

[Edward Hamilton]

Its a great idea. Instead of relying on information from marketers, members can go straight to the source for any rums news, events, or products. A bonus feature would be if members could buy rum straight from the distillers.

Unfortunately the web of laws on shipping alcohol in and out of almost every country prohibit direct sales to consumers or I would have opened a shipping warehouse or two. But you will be able to find out about new products and promotions so you stay informed about what is available in your city and in cities where you, or friends, may be traveling, or planning to travel.

[JMac]

Information about what products will be where and when is just as good.

Any idea as to the time frame that this will be up and running?

[Edward Hamilton]

The protocol, moderation and responsibilities of the Ministry of Rum and the sponsoring companies is being worked out now. I don't want to promise a date but expect some new features on this forum next month.

RUM wasn't built in a day, or was that Rome?

[mac]

I also belive this is an excellent idea and a good opporunity to learn more about the Noble spirit. Keep up the innovation!!!!!