There is a Mercato at the Forum

I am piloting a paradigm shift in the status quo of forums.  Although I've been members of a few and moderator, assistant moderator etc., I've often found them a mixed bag when it comes to an effective tool for my business. 

What I've liked about them: 

• Trouble Shooting-When something is amiss on my project, forums have been a great source of help.  I've always received very valuable information within hours of posting.
• Community-We are small contractors who spend many hours in relative solitude. A professional forum makes up for the lack of hanging around the water cooler.
• Gallery-Great place to view my colleagues work.

What I've disliked about them:

• Communication between vendors and forum members-If you are a vendor there is a fine line between acting as a useful resource and being considered annoying.  As I have an application business as well as a distribution business, I can speak for both sides.  I can remember a post where someone asked about tape.  A forum member suggested this fancy orange tape.  A vendor posted that one could get the fancy orange tape from his business.  Then all heck broke loose, his post was yanked and no one got the needed orange tape.   I've also seen where some vendors are allowed to market their wares in a post topic but others aren't.  After years of this, I no longer use a forum for product knowledge.  I think this is stupid.

The solution:

• The Mercato-I just took over as head of the one Venetian Plaster Forum.   With my unexpected new powerful role here, I'd thought I would try and evolve this into a more useful place.  If forum members don't have a place to talk amongst themselves without being bombarded from vendors, they won't use it.  They need their space.  But additionally, busy professionals need a place to search for materials.  I thought if we could combine the both a forum with a directory we might have something. So on the Venetian Plaster Forum is now a Mercato that gives all vendors their own category in which  hold conversations with members and market however they please.   If you are a plasterer, consider joining the forum as you will have the community of others and a convenience of a directory.  Vendors, let me know if you would like to be listed.  This is open to all.  Please contact me at info@metrowallworks.com