Jeff, use the IM's, that's what they're there for, jeez. ;) "Shippable merchants should not have access to the merchant forum and we will correct it this week." Whynot? The delivery method of someone's products has jack (Sorry, Jack) to do with their current or potential integrity as far as betraying site secrets or behaving themselves in the merchant's forum. Plus, it's obvious from experience that several people were not lacking in integrity or honesty- Lady Silver Mage, for one. To vaguely imply otherwise is irresponsible at best, and slanderous at worst. There was actually both sides of the coin happening...the discussion.." In the mod forum or with the actual merchants? "... was conduct and owning a store." Two seperate topics, right? "The decision was made that if you were an owner of a store, then you probably should not have access to this forum for all the reasons mentioned earlier...confidential information, competition, etc." Great. Just come right out and say you will tolerate no competiton on site and will do whatever it takes to elimenate competitors. Just be honest about it, for godssake. "It was implemented hastily without looking at all sides." Usually when people admit a mistake, it's because they are trying to correct it. "If you were removed from the forum, it was most likely because you were an owner/manager of an online store." Again, vague accusation with the potential to be interpreted as slander and charachter defamation. "I think more than anything we were reacting to fears. We had good intentions just the wrong actions." So did a lot of former business owners flipping burgers. If you want peopel to trust and believe in this place, do sometthong that proves you deserve it. I haven't seen anything lately. "When we really looked at the core of these issues, it was more about owners and their potential conduct...not admins or managers of other sites but owners of others sites and misusing our marketplace, tools, and communications for their own benefits." I'll remember that, and so will others. If you even think of touching admins or managers of other sites who are not owners, prepare to get hit. (This is assuming that all the merchants removed were site owners.) "Those merchants removed were removed for the wrong reasons. We made a mistake and trying to correct it." Prove it. If it's a mistake, undo it. Otherwise, quit blowing hot air. "We appreciate all members giving their input has made a difference." We'll see. I don't know why I post in this, other than the fact that I hate to see people get manipulated over and over. Besides, there's the fascination of a train wreck. Also, if you actually listen to what I and others are saying, you'd realise that i's the ones you call enemy who give teh best advice. If you want to have a successful business, do the following- 1. Be upfront 2. Be accountable 3. Say what you mean and mean what you say. ....it's a good start.