2 posts split from metal bender thread

[intjonmiller]

That design is great! Definitely a good reason (among many) to fix my welder (shielding gas leaks from a bad fitting).

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[intjonmiller]

I get that ebay links make more sense in the classifieds, but people actually asked in this thread about where to get bearings like this. Would it have been acceptable to post a link to a random seller's listing on eBay, just not my own? If so, why is that preferable to a listing from an actual member on this site?? If not, then why would it be preferable to not be able to answer the inquiry about where to get such a bearing with a link to one that is appropriate for the task and actually available for sale?

I don't get it. I sell a lot of stuff on eBay. I don't go around posting links to that stuff on here. I did so here because I'm selling bearings that are perfect for this application. I get that you have to watch out for spam, but when it's precisely what is needed for the featured project, and at a great price from a seller with stellar feedback? I am genuinely trying to understand the policy and practice, because it seems like the moderation is so aggressive as to make the site less useful by "censoring" helpful responses.

[Jon]

Your position on its face isn't absurd. However, eBay sellers could go into numerous tool threads, certainly including ones where people inquire about purchasing specific tools or parts, and post links to their products.

I don't know how to reply to the position that moderation on this forum is aggressive. I've never participated in a forum that requires less moderation than this one.