Please know that 3D-PRO is intended to be a platform for the exchange of ideas and information. It is not to be used to simply mine data or recruit or attract people.
While using the list to compile information and stories for an article or book is acceptable, folks who do so should clearly announce their intentions (ie. “Hey, I’m writing an article/book — or doing a “TED talk” — and seeking information about…”).
And if such information is collected and used — WHETHER ON THE LIST OR PRIVATELY COLLECTED FROM MEMBERS — if you use the 3D-PRO as a resource, it is hoped that any data gained from members is “returned” to 3D-PRO in one form or another — be it with an announcement of the published article/book in which the information can be found, or a post back to the list that provides some kind of “summary”/sorted data.
Using the list to gain feedback is acceptable, but using the list in a manner to collect user information or build external “communities” (groups, chat servers, lists, forums, etc) is prohibited (even if such things are beyond the subject matter typically discussed on 3DPRO).
Please note, there can be exceptions and the benefit of such things to 3DPRO and the community at large are always taken into consideration, but it’s important to discuss these things with the Admin first.
If you feel you have a sufficient need or motivation for such a thing, or are uncertain about the policy of promoting external resources/communities, please discuss with me (Zero/Admin).