Is it ok to have a second account for your business, and not play sock puppets? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: jadew
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 31, 2018, 06:37:37 am
content: Hey guys,I'm wondering what's the policy on a second account, to be used to talk about a product I'm selling. Any ideas? I remember there was some talk about this several years back, but I don't remember what the conclusions were.I don't intend to involve my main username in those discussions, I just want to keep things separate.Thanks.

author: Halcyon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 31, 2018, 07:34:37 am
content: I don't see it as an issue personally. Two separate entities, two separate profiles.Same goes for tax file numbers, bank accounts, websites, social media accounts, why not an internet forum?

author: Zero999
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 31, 2018, 08:55:50 am
content: Be transparent about it. Let people know you have two accounts: one for business and another personal. Make it clear in the profile or signature.

author: jadew
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 31, 2018, 09:02:20 am
content: How would that help if I don't disclose the account?Again, I'm not planning to use them both on the same discussions.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 31, 2018, 09:04:47 am
content: If you are just promoting the product you are selling then that is not ok.If you want to use the forum to support your product technically and answer questions etc, that is potentially ok.As long as you don't abuse it and are very clear that one is your personal account and one is your business account then I guess that is ok.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 31, 2018, 09:07:31 am
content: Quote from: jadew on July 31, 2018, 09:02:20 amWhilst it's ok to have an anonymous account here, once you start to use the forum for business and to support your product, it's kind of a bit shady to have an anonymous account as well.

author: jadew
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 31, 2018, 09:14:50 am
content: @EEVBlog, I do plan to support my products and answer questions.There are two reasons why I want this:1). So I can be as silly as I please on this account, without having it directly linked to my business.2). So I can be a jerk when I refuse various requests, like disclosing information on how it's made, without it having an effect on how I interact with people for social reasons.Basically, I just want to separate the social from the business and as such, I don't intend to mix them.Edit: I know the concern is that I could be using this account to uptalk my product, but I assume this can be detected. The reason I opened this topic was to make sure that honest activity, like the one I'm describing, doesn't fall outside of the forum rules as well.

author: Zero999
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 31, 2018, 09:32:45 am
content: I'm not a moderator, so don't have any part in the decision making process, but here's my point of view.I wouldn't be happy about someone having two accounts and not being upfront about the fact they're both the same person. This sort of behaviour tends to cause trouble, even if none was intended.Quote from: jadew on July 31, 2018, 09:14:50 am1) Don't be too silly then.2) Don't be a jerk.

author: jadew
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 31, 2018, 09:55:59 am
content: @Hero999, but I want to be silly and if the request is against what I deem to be a good business practice, then I am (literally) forced to be a jerk.Also, there wouldn't be anything to be upfront about, the two accounts wouldn't mix - what difference would it make to you?There wouldn't be any value (for a 3rd party) in admitting I have another account, without specifying which account it is. But if you do that, then it defeats the purpose of having it.For the record, I have already created that account, before starting this topic, but I wanted to see what the rules are before using it - wasn't planning to talk to myself anyway.Edit: Speaking of shady, would it not be shadier if I used my regular account to promote the product as a "happy customer"? From my point of view, using a dedicated account IS the transparent way of doing it.Edit 2: Fixed typo.

author: Zero999
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 31, 2018, 10:33:27 am
content: I still see no need for different accounts. If you do this and are found out (which is very likely), it will be worse, than being transparent about it.There's nothing wrong with silly, but don't say anything which would be bad for business and avoid political or controversial threads.There's still no need to be a jerk. Most people will understand if you can't tell them something because it's proprietary information, just be polite about it and if they still think you're a jerk, it's their problem.

author: jadew
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 31, 2018, 10:47:47 am
content: Quote from: Hero999 on July 31, 2018, 10:33:27 amI don't want to do this under the radar - I know Dave can see I have two accounts. I just wanted to know if it's allowed at all or what the constraints are.Quote from: Hero999 on July 31, 2018, 10:33:27 amBut I like doing that... that's the whole reason I want to do this, I want to still be able to be me.Edit: @Hero999 Why do you have an anonymous account?

author: Halcyon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 31, 2018, 11:12:39 am
content: Quote from: Hero999 on July 31, 2018, 09:32:45 amCan I offer a different perspective?If I make a comment on here which despite being my personal opinion, goes against the policies of my employer and there is a link made between who my employer is and who I am on this forum, I could get into trouble at work because it would be considered to no longer be a personal opinion. Whether you think that's fair or not is the world we live in.That's not to say I'm deliberately being a jerk, rather, my comments (however valid they may be) might beperceivedas going against certain values of my organisation.I think distinction between private and work life is important. I don't bring work home with me nor do I bring friends and family into my workplace. Provided you aren't being a jerk, troll etc... oneitheraccount, I think someone has the right to operate two mutually exclusive accounts as two distinct personalities and not identify the link in any way.I think if you're operating your own business, this becomes important too. You don't want potential clients misinterpreting your opinion and attributing that to your company.Everyone is entitled to a private life, away from the workplace and not subject to the scrutiny of their peers.

author: amyk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 31, 2018, 11:58:09 am
content: IMHO this is the type of thing you should just keep quiet about... and make sure to keep themreallyseparate. Now that you've mentioned it, it's just going to arouse more suspicion and closer monitoring.

author: Brumby
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 31, 2018, 12:19:16 pm
content: Quote from: amyk on July 31, 2018, 11:58:09 amThis.There are some that may see this as a challenge and start playing internet detective.Personally, I couldn't care less - as long as the two accounts never cross paths.

author: Terry01
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 31, 2018, 12:27:43 pm
content: Am I the only one who thinks this whole thread is "Paddy and Mick" stuff? Funny as hell!

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 31, 2018, 03:07:07 pm
content: The issue with multiple accounts is when people use them for nefereous reasons like using the individual account to praise the quality of stuff sold by the business account. If you are playing fair we won't have a problem.

author: Zero999
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 31, 2018, 04:28:27 pm
content: In light of the most recent responses, I can see the other side of the argument. I suppose my view is that one shouldn't say anything, here, they wouldn't say in public. I personally don't care if my true identity is found out. I do post under a pseudonym, but that's mostly by habit, than anything else.Quote from: Simon on July 31, 2018, 03:07:07 pmYes. I suppose you just need to watch out for two people who always agree and like/thank one another's posts, then you can ban them both.

author: jadew
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 31, 2018, 05:32:08 pm
content: Quote from: Simon on July 31, 2018, 03:07:07 pmThank you Simon, that's great.

author: SparkyFX
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 31, 2018, 06:23:30 pm
content: The difficult thing about business accounts is that larger forum communities do have plenty of people that might be employed by competitors and crossing the line of representing not only yourself but a whole business makes discussions over a subject go from facts and help for selfhelp to commercial agendas. That´s not always in line. Then there are legal issues with damaging interests of a company and too much room for interpretation if someone speaks for others than oneself.

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 31, 2018, 07:47:48 pm
content: There are already a number of "business" accounts on here, several equipment manufacturers and Altium that I know of. Essentially 2 things will get you banned:1) Blatant advertising.2) Using the account(s) as a sock puppet.If you are genuine then either of those are not a problem. I think Dave has always welcomed businesses helping customers.