I read all of the comments. Some people didn't like the change in policy at all, of course, but continuing with the status quo isn't going to happen. Some people found the policy too vague/subjective. Some loopholes were identified. Some people found the original policy too constraining. Taking these comments into account, I adjusted the policy to this:
DRAFT - NOT CURRENT POLICY
Starting Jan 1, 2024:
- Forum accounts that are obviously run by mixers are not allowed. *
- Mixer announcement threads are not allowed. **
- Promoting mixers in signatures, avatars, and profile-bios are not allowed.
- It's not allowed for mixers to do giveaways, sponsorships, bounties, paid posts, or paid ads in posts. If a thread is for paying people to do something for a mixer, then that's also not allowed. **
- Mixer URLs will be automatically wordfiltered out, but you can still discuss mixers otherwise.
* Existing accounts will be banned from posting, but will be allowed to continue sending/receiving PMs for at least a few months so they can settle any business.
** Existing threads will be locked and archived.
This would
replace what's currently written in the OP, and my previous clarifications in this thread would become obsolete.
What do people think about this version of the policy? Does anyone think that it's worse than the original version, and if so, why? Are there any possible improvements (which wouldn't totally undermine the whole thing)?
I think the text is much better and clearer. This way people better understand what is involved here.
Basically what is restricted are direct advertisements and direct links to mixers.