Purchasing power | Arthritis Information

How many of us purchase products that are advertised in the RA section of this forum, or in any other section of the forum for that matter?

One recent advertiser intimated that many of 'us' had contacted his site and supported his selling effort.

Although I do use the internet to purchase products, I do not purchase vitamins, supplements, or cures based on recommendations found within? Does anyone? If so, what have been your experiences with the products, the pricing of the products, and how well do the products match the hyperbole?
My eyes never even venture to the left.Gosh, I don't even look at the advertising on AI. I'm looking at it now for probably the first time ever. I'm not persueded to click on anything though.And what about those folks who use the RA section for "free" ad of their products, telling us how their friends and families have benefited from the product they are selling? I don't even open those threads- I can smell them

To me, those "free" ads are highly suspect. Not just suspect, really I just plain don't believe them.

edited to add: I always look at them though, but only because someone always has some funny response. Like Jas' snickers comment. :)

Linncn2009-08-20 10:33:59I guess I am a mixed bag, honestly. I am annoyed by the spammers who come here selling "miracle cures" which not only will not work, but could possibly be harmful to someone with a chronic illness. Secret proprietary blends with jacked up prices make me very angry. There is no respect for the illness or the people who are suffering.

However, I don't mind looking a products that might be useful or provide a function. Somehow that doesn't bother me, if it is a straightforward product that I might not be aware of on the market.

I do value very much when members post about their experiences with supplements (i.e. Jasmine and fish oil) or others with probiotics, etc. Their personal knowledge is a value and will give me reason to consider trying something. And of course that is an instance where they will have no monetary gain by sharing their experience.

I guess I would be more concerned about people "stealing" free advertising if I Ernest were more concerned about this board. His lack of interest and concern do not promote much loyalty from me. And I figured if he cared about the spammers, he would be here doing something about it himself.

I never look at the ads on the left nor do I respond to any attempts to sell within the forums themselves. I don't mind hearing information about new products when it is clear that the poster has no financial interest however the posters such as Erik who use the forum as a sales opportunity I have issues with..similar to the ones I have about telemarketersI never look at the ads to the left, and I absolutely hate the ads disguised as posts. I sometimes will check their website to challenge a comment they've made or something like that, but I've never contacted anyone about any product I've seen on this website.There are some ads to the left that I look at - for instance, an Office Depot ad showed up just now and I'm hopelessly addicted to office supplies and stationery. i detest the spammers who come here looking to make a fast buck on desperate and ill persons...

I sometimes get a giggle about the side ads when the correspond to what is being discussed and it's funny........

I do not click on post that sell products. Usually i can tell before clicking into one. I do find it to be offensive. I just think it is dangerous to take things when you do not know what is in it. I do not have false hopes that some miricle juice or what ever is going to help.

The adds to the side do pay for the forum so i will not knock those. At least they are paying for there advertising.

People have been selling magic cures and quick fixes forever. From wrinkle creams to fat melters to the fountain of youth and a million more. I think it's to the consumer to use good sense in how he/she spends their money and what they spend it on. I wouldn't want to see anyone be tricked into buying something that might jeopardize their health. But if you're of a mind to buy a magic bullet, someone somewhere will find you and have one for sale.

I'm not for stealing advertising though.

[QUOTE=JasmineRain]I am not opposed to "alternative" treatments just because they're not mainstream - after all, I've found enormous relief from high-dose omega-3's from fish body oils.
[/QUOTE]
Neither am I: fish oil, Dr. Budwig's sulphenated protein, milk thistle, and several others. It is the, as you say, drive-by spammers who irritate me. The hyperbole and, again quoting JR, relentless BS might be occasionally entertaining, but are always BS!

Those ads to the left have been contracted for, whatever the content.
It appears that there is not "much" of a monetary incentive for the "drive-by" spammers if those who have responded are a true sampling (and I have no reason to suspect other wise) of responding to and ultimately purchasing the products offered by MLM salespeople in the RA section of this discussion forum.

Thanks everyone for responding. Cheers, Shug

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