Can I Advertize at PHPBB and Other Issues

[Stenrique]

I have seen online stores that incorporate forum and discovered that some of these forums develop a life of their own, they became something entirely separate from the online stores. That is, none of the topics discussed are pertaining to the hosting online store.

I believe that most, if not all online store owners aim to utilize their forum as an advertizing and publicity tool. Having their forum develop into a separate entity just wouldn't do.

My questions are:
1) Is it possible to "advertize" in phpBB, perhaps something like displaying random products' images, special offer items, promotion etc.?

2) What are the ways to prevent the forum from developing into a separate entity for the online store?

Thanks very much for any kind advice.

[stagebrace]

1) Is it possible to "advertise" in phpBB

Your answer will be located at the rules page of each forum. Most will say no. Think of it this way. Would you go to Krogers or Ralphs and post a big picture of your business on there window without asking first? Though there are many stores that let you post your business card. Just like this forum allows a small message at the bottom of the post. Its like the business card posted at the exit of a brick and mortar store.

2) What are the ways to prevent the forum from developing into a separate entity for the online store?

Thats the moderators job. The moderators job comes with a big load of wet noodles (light notice of a no no) and a few whips (your out of here).

That's my opinion and i'm sticking to it. (Dennis Miller?)

[Stenrique]

Your answer will be located at the rules page of each forum. Most will say no. Think of it this way. Would you go to Krogers or Ralphs and post a big picture of your business on there window without asking first?

Pardon me if I wasn't more explicit with my previous posting. I own an e-commerce site and I am considering the pros and cons of setting up a forum. What I am looking to do when I mentioned about "advertizing" on phpBB is if I am the owner of the forum, would phpBB has some features where I can showcase my products/promo/special offer etc. so that users of my site's forum would get to know their existence. I don't mean to "advertize" at someone else's forum.

Thanks.

[stagebrace]

Oh my did I miss read that one. Sorry, Im not familiar with phpBB. Good idea though. Thinking of the early years of radio. They were owned by companies that sold products. It was there way to advertise at lower cost.

[Stenrique]

No worries. Have a wonderful X'mas & a great New Year.

[samad64]

now that i think about it.. i'm sure you could do something like this in phpBB - however as far as I know it isn't built in.. it would be completely custom. When I read your post i started picturing a forum that looked *exactly* like the store, except where the product info pages are it would have forum boards, posts, etc . May not be the *best* way to advertise, however its a start

Another way you could do it is just develop some banner ads and stick them on the forum.. thats the easiest/fastest route to the advertising part

as far as keeping your forum a part of the store and not separate, like stagebrace said its mainly a moderator thing.. if the mods can control people's topics from going offtopic.. that would be the best way to combat that