give it a rest
It's difficult to know what the "fine line" is in the forum.
The guideline given by the forum owners is that- if something is blatant advertising (or spam), but has a useful educational content, then it's OK.
On that criteria, Michael's post is OK.
The interview was based on a Somersoft post- but probably added something. And, if that IS a picture of Lizzie, it did add a small human touch to the story already given.
However, the people who promote a business most successfully in this forum are people who show the value of what they do by contributing. It's the people who give their knowledge freely and prolifically, without specifically mentioning their services, who have probably had the best boost to their businesses. A few accountants and mortgage brokers spring to mind.
I have been to Michael's seminars, and I have been extremely interested in his products. I would have proceeded with using Metropole's services myself if Subway had not intervened.
I had attended one of Michael's seminars. As a result, I had, put a good faith deposit towards a property finding service. I had to withdraw from that property purchase, as my own business purchase made it impossible for me to proceed. I had regarded the $1000 good faith deposit as dead money. But Michael contacted me, and offered me a place in another seminar, using my good faith deposit as the entire payment for my seminar attendance. (Naturally enough, I was not entitled to the CDs of the event). The offer was unexpected, and welcome. I did receive a lot of value as a result of having attended.
Having said that, I do agree that posts promoting his business are more weighted towards his company promotion than towards the spirit of the forum- which is providing solid help to other forumites, without explicit promotion.
(Yes, I promote a product in my sig. But I don't think that many people in an Australia wide forum have bought a product from me as a result. However, I hope that my website has provided some smiles and laughs to forumites).
I would be suggesting that if Michael wishes to represent his product well, he (or a trusted junior) provide much more in the way of solid content. It will probably return much more business than company promotions.
