You know, there is nothing wrong with selling something as a sponsor on a message board or website, through ads and editorials.  Happens all the time in our culture, on TV, on the Radio, Billboards alongside the road, etc.,  Heck, in casinos in the restroom with advertisements as well as elsewhere throughout the casino property. 

Those people are buying advertisement space to reach other potential customers.  Simple, accepted all over without complaint, why here?  Like about Stephen Tabone.  My problem with him, was he came on the board and with a sheer commercial approach--started his dialogs and they all were based around his book and book sales.  Sponsor the board, pay your advertising money and carry on.  Don't slander others and sell your product. 

If you as a member, do not approve of it or you do not enjoy or like his style or info--skip it.  What's the big deal???  Same with a poster that you do not enjoy or like, skip their material.  When you go to a restaurant do you demand the owner of the restaurant remove all the things you do not happen to like on his menu??  Same thing.  It costs Vic money to run the board, are you donating or paying for your space or the privilege of reading, learning, enjoying or sparring with others??  Well? 

Personally, I don't care who sells what through a sponsorship.  In every industry/field there will be great products, mediocre products and junk/worthless products.  That is the pecking order.  I buy many things for the business I partner in.  Most of the time I buy the great products, however--once in awhile I purchase something that is clearly inferior in design, technology and/or 'real life field results' on a job as compared to another brand/product.  Hell, in my own kitchen I run into it all the time with various brands of food.  Everyone coming out with a service, product or something else for sale, might believe and think and market as that particular item is the best thing since slice bread--but in reality--their will always be like I said, great--mediocre--junk/worthless.

There is room on the board for all kinds of sales and marketing if they support the board.  The same as Amazon and other websites.  You give them a commission to be on their site, etc.  It is business. 

selling fine - claims wihtout support NG.