Requesting opinions on business announcements

[Guest guest]

Recently list members expressed concern when a list member listed

a notice about her business, which she considered to be celiac-related;

however, others did not feel there was a clear connection. Generally, if

a local business serves celiacs in a specific or special way, we have welcomed

news of this on the list. In finding out where to draw the line, as a

moderator I would like to solicit your opinions. I am considering the

following as a “test case” for you all to let me know what you

think.

One of our list members is a psychotherapist in SF who was

diagnosed with celiac disease at a young age and wishes to let celiacs know

about her practice. Sensitive to past issues, she has asked me to check

with members before she announces her practice. This is how she describes

her practice with regard to celiacs:

“I understand the issues that come up for people as

they adjust to new lifestyles (diets, habits, etc) and am interested in being

available to folks who want therapy for their health issues -- or any other

issues that they are dealing with in their lives.”

If I don’t hear back from people, I will assume this type

of announcement isn’t a problem. If you have thoughts or concerns

or feel this kind if information is particularly valuable, let me know what

they are. One specific question I would have is if this should be a

one-time post or an occasional post (once a month? once a year?) specifically

mentioning the practice. What about reference to her practice in response

to another’s post, perhaps saying to ask for more info off the list?

Also know that I do not vet such businesses or verify any claims.

I appreciate hearing what you all think. This is your list

and my goal is to make it what you want and need.

Pam Newbury

Moderator

[Guest guest]

Once per year should be no problem.  There is a relationship to Celiac, although somewhat tenuous, here.

[Guest guest]

Pam,

I think something like those could be valuable. Especially for people

who have just been diagnosed. I know when I was first diagnosed

depression was one thing that I had problems with because it was so

overwhelming of a life style change. Counseling would have been very

helpful at that time. I know with other health issues I have had

counseling played an important roll in getting me through it.

I am wondering if this is something that can be posted as a link on the

main page of the group. Like an advertisement on the main page nut

endorsed by the group. I think it would be a good thing for new members

to be sent the announcement as they join. As a follow up to the welcome

letter.

Mark

[Guest guest]

I don't think this group should be either endorsing or advertising mental health

services, especially with no check on the qualifications or experience of the

provider. How do we know that the person is actually licensed, let alone

qualified to assist with celiac issues? Just because they said so? Uh, anybody

read about the Wellshire Farms products labeled " gluten-free " even though the

manufacturer knew they weren't? Should we start trusting everybody who suddenly

claims celiac expertise?

I personally don't want to be caught in the backlash if there is a problem with

the provider, so I would opt out any group that started making endorsements or

accepting professional advertising.

Maureen

> From: Mark Morley <1grnthmb@...>

> Subject: [ ] Re:Requesting opinions on business announcements

>

> Date: Wednesday, April 22, 2009, 10:29 AM

> Pam,

>

> I think something like those could be valuable. Especially for people

> who have just been diagnosed. I know when I was first diagnosed

> depression was one thing that I had problems with because it was so

> overwhelming of a life style change. Counseling would have been very

> helpful at that time. I know with other health issues I have had

> counseling played an important roll in getting me through it.

>

> I am wondering if this is something that can be posted as a link on the

> main page of the group. Like an advertisement on the main page nut

> endorsed by the group. I think it would be a good thing for new members

> to be sent the announcement as they join. As a follow up to the welcome

> letter.

>

> Mark

[Guest guest]

I completely disagree. Who said anything about endorsements? It is the buyer's

job to check out the qualifications of the provider. It is very easy to find out

if someone is licensed, those are public records. I would absolutely welcome any

information on the local community and it would be up to me to decide whether or

not to do business with them.

Lynn

>

>

> I don't think this group should be either endorsing or advertising mental

health services, especially with no check on the qualifications or experience of

the provider. How do we know that the person is actually licensed, let alone

qualified to assist with celiac issues? Just because they said so? Uh, anybody

read about the Wellshire Farms products labeled " gluten-free " even though the

manufacturer knew they weren't? Should we start trusting everybody who suddenly

claims celiac expertise?

>

> I personally don't want to be caught in the backlash if there is a problem

with the provider, so I would opt out any group that started making endorsements

or accepting professional advertising.

>

>

> Maureen

>

>

[Guest guest]

I am with you Lynn. It’s not about endorsements.

It’s a once a year opportunity for a business (this way no weekly Spam

coming thru). If I see an ad or info come in for something that is not of

interest for me, I’d just delete it…no harm to me and could be

helpful to a fellow Celiac who is dealing with multiple auto-immune diseases or

is in need of help controlling them. Heck, I probably will read it, b/c

there’s always a possibility of me needing to know this info in the

future. If it somehow becomes out of control, the moderators can put the

whole thing to a end. I don’t see any harm in testing it out.

-

From:

[mailto: ] On Behalf Of galliano.gang@...

Sent: Wednesday, April 22, 2009 12:01 PM

Subject: [ ] Re:Requesting opinions on business announcements

I completely disagree. Who said anything about

endorsements? It is the buyer's job to check out the qualifications of the

provider. It is very easy to find out if someone is licensed, those are public

records. I would absolutely welcome any information on the local community and

it would be up to me to decide whether or not to do business with them.

Lynn

..

[Guest guest]

THE PERSON WHOSE POST I WAS REPLYING TO MENTIONED ENDORSEMENTS.

Endorsements by a group can involve liability by the group; I don't want to be

part of that. I would prefer a celiac group stick on target to issues directly

involving the core of the diet and lifestyle, and while some may feel mental

health services fall in that category, I do not. I also do not want unlimited

ads and junk coming to my mailbox because the list " sold out " and allows

advertisers to post direct to the group.

Maureen

--- On Wed, 4/22/09, galliano.gang@... <galliano.gang@...>

wrote:

> I completely disagree. Who said anything about endorsements?

(snip).

>

> Lynn

>

>

> >

> >

> > I don't think this group should be either

> endorsing or advertising mental health services, especially

> with no check on the qualifications or experience of the

> provider. How do we know that the person is actually

> licensed, let alone qualified to assist with celiac issues?

> Just because they said so? Uh, anybody read about the

> Wellshire Farms products labeled " gluten-free "

> even though the manufacturer knew they weren't? Should

> we start trusting everybody who suddenly claims celiac

> expertise?

> >

> > I personally don't want to be caught in the

> backlash if there is a problem with the provider, so I would

> opt out any group that started making endorsements or

> accepting professional advertising.

> >

> >

> > Maureen

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

I agree with and Lynn that business announcements could be helpful to some of us. I am always interested in possible resources. Those who aren't interested could just delete the announcements. I would limit them to once or twice a year.-CarynOn Apr 22, 2009, at 12:10 PM, Wallace wrote: I am with you Lynn. It’s not about endorsements. It’s a once a year opportunity for a business (this way no weekly Spam coming thru). If I see an ad or info come in for something that is not of interest for me, I’d just delete it…no harm to me and could be helpful to a fellow Celiac who is dealing with multiple auto-immune diseases or is in need of help controlling them. Heck, I probably will read it, b/c there’s always a possibility of me needing to know this info in the future. If it somehow becomes out of control, the moderators can put the whole thing to a end. I don’t see any harm in testing it out. - From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of galliano.gangsbcglobal (DOT) net Sent: Wednesday, April 22, 2009 12:01 PM Subject: [ ] Re:Requesting opinions on business announcements I completely disagree. Who said anything about endorsements? It is the buyer's job to check out the qualifications of the provider. It is very easy to find out if someone is licensed, those are public records. I would absolutely welcome any information on the local community and it would be up to me to decide whether or not to do business with them. Lynn .

[Guest guest]

If it were me, being the moderator, I would create a file in the files section, eliminating email, where anyone could post their business and simply call it "local resources, pursue at own risk."Seems simple.

Lynn

I am with you Lynn. It’s not about endorsements. It’s a once a year opportunity for a business (this way no weekly Spam coming thru). If I see an ad or info come in for something that is not of interest for me, I’d just delete it…no harm to me and could be helpful to a fellow Celiac who is dealing with multiple auto-immune diseases or is in need of help controlling them. Heck, I probably will read it, b/c there’s always a possibility of me needing to know this info in the future. If it somehow becomes out of control, the moderators can put the whole thing to a end. I don’t see any harm in testing it out.

-

From: [mailto:celiacbayar eagroups (DOT) com] On Behalf Of galliano.gang@ sbcglobal. netSent: Wednesday, April 22, 2009 12:01 PM Subject: [ ] Re:Requesting opinions on business announcements

I completely disagree. Who said anything about endorsements? It is the buyer's job to check out the qualifications of the provider. It is very easy to find out if someone is licensed, those are public records. I would absolutely welcome any information on the local community and it would be up to me to decide whether or not to do business with them.Lynn

..

[Guest guest]

But you don't have the choice to opt outif you don't know about the service at all. I think food isn't the only thing we couldnetwork about, and people for the most partare making recommendations with goodintentions. But just like the Starbucks drink, we shouldfollow up on leads on our own. I wouldwelcome and appreciate leads to anythinghaving to do with celiac/gf. I can opt not todo anything with that info, but only if I knowabout it!On Apr 22, 2009, at 11:54 AM, Marciana R <marcianar@...> wrote:

I don't think this group should be either endorsing or advertising mental health services, especially with no check on the qualifications or experience of the provider. How do we know that the person is actually licensed, let alone qualified to assist with celiac issues? Just because they said so? Uh, anybody read about the Wellshire Farms products labeled "gluten-free" even though the manufacturer knew they weren't? Should we start trusting everybody who suddenly claims celiac expertise?

I personally don't want to be caught in the backlash if there is a problem with the provider, so I would opt out any group that started making endorsements or accepting professional advertising.

Maureen

> From: Mark Morley <1grnthmbsbcglobal (DOT) net>

> Subject: [ ] Re:Requesting opinions on business announcements

>

> Date: Wednesday, April 22, 2009, 10:29 AM

> Pam,

>

> I think something like those could be valuable. Especially for people

> who have just been diagnosed. I know when I was first diagnosed

> depression was one thing that I had problems with because it was so

> overwhelming of a life style change. Counseling would have been very

> helpful at that time. I know with other health issues I have had

> counseling played an important roll in getting me through it.

>

> I am wondering if this is something that can be posted as a link on the

> main page of the group. Like an advertisement on the main page nut

> endorsed by the group. I think it would be a good thing for new members

> to be sent the announcement as they join. As a follow up to the welcome

> letter.

>

> Mark