For our list (ballroom, unmoderated), we haven't really had a problem
with any disparities between the level of commercialism that people
consider appropriate and the postings.  But if I had to make a set of
guidelines on the subject (which I think would be consistent with the
feelings of most of the membership), here's what they would look like:
 
A. OK
-----
1. Announcements of dance events and the like (even if the event may
   generate revenue) by non-commercial/non-profit entities (typically,
   this consists of university Ballroom clubs).
2. Commercial information passed along by a list member who is not related
   (by blood, friendship, etc.) to the profit-maker.  Presumably, this is
   done with the interests of the list members at heart, and a
   recommendation from someone else who has used the services in question
   is often useful.  This also serves as a defence against someone who
   argues for direct commercial postings: "But is really *is* for the
   benefit of the whole community, and so what if it happens to profit
   me?" If it really is so wonderful, someone else in the community will
   surely find out about it through other means and be compelled to
   spread the word via the list (which would be fine).
 
B. NOT OK
---------
1. Advertising by "obviously" commercial entities.
2. Blatantly hyped-up direct-marketing style advertising.  (Even for
   non-profit entities, hyperbole-filled advertising is annoying.)
3. Any advertising whatsoever that is unrelated to the purpose of the
   list (this covers almost all "spams," of course, but sometimes one
   sees some well-intentioned but mis-directed mail too).
 
C. TOLERATED
------------
[This would not be an official category, since that would be asking for
abuse, but more a gray area on whether a "complaint" would be
warranted.  If an article fit into this category, I would not expect
it to generate complaints from list members (including myself).]
 
1. Informative postings from someone who may have a commercial stake,
   but where there is a clear intent to inform and serve the list
   members, rather than simply taking advantage of the forum.
 
 
Shahrukh Merchant
[log in to unmask]
 
P.S. I didn't want to create more noise by sending a separate posting on
the "Where is Everybody?" subject, but I'll piggy-back this PS:  I, too,
cherish the "moments of silence" on lists, especially fairly active
lists like this one.  There is absolutely nothing wrong, IMHO, with a
period of inactivity.  Forcing the creation of a discussion topic just
to have something to talk about ends up creating more noise than
anything else.