Question for Flying Solo: Conflict of interest?

[NathanB]

Originally Posted by Zava Design

The balance between profits v ethics. Mine is obviously not the same as yours or the forum owners, hence my question to them. Business is more than just about money to some people.

I think you misunderstand business as a concept if you believe this statement (Did you say it out loud before posting?). You have created a false dichotomy to seemingly bolster your position however it is based in an incorrect proposition. Profitability doesn't equate to a loss of ethics.


Your argument as it stands is:

Flying Solo is a content driven network of small business owners and entrepreneurs for small business owners and entrepreneurs and is flawed at the ethical/moral level due to the owners and publishers of the website product allowing businesses from the "large company/corporation" demographic (which is outside of the scope of the network) to advertise their products and services to said network.

Correct me if I am wrong.

If I am not wrong, your argument is invalid as I believe you have missed the point of this forum. This forum is a support network for small business owners and entrepreneurs where information and resources are the prize for participation. It is content drive by the contributors in a manner directed by the organisers. What you need to understand though is that Flying Solo is not the product. We are.

Flying Solo is a business that offers a product. We are that product. We are an enthusiastic group of business orientated individuals that share stories, advice and ideas. Flying Solo sell this network (us) that they have groomed as the target market to their advertising partners. It is as simple as that.

Second to this, their advertising partners are businesses that offer products and services of value to what we are doing. We are their target market. It's not like they are trying to sell hamburgers to vegetarians.

You are a willing participant in this transaction and the benefit you receive is access to this network. This is why your argument is invalid. You have taken it upon yourself to assume Flying Solo is the product when in fact, it is a simple is the catalyst.

Regards.

Nathan

[Zava Design]

We are the product you say, and yet you seem to take offense to my right to question how this product is used?

And I stand by my comment, that business is more about making money in my opinion. I realise not everyone shares that viewpoint, but it's certainly my right to hold it.

[NathanB]

Originally Posted by Zava Design

We are the product you say, and yet you seem to take offense to my right to question how this product is used?

And I stand by my comment, that business is more about making money in my opinion. I realise not everyone shares that viewpoint, but it's certainly my right to hold it.

I have taken no offence (nor offered any) regarding your comments or right to converse here (right is an interesting word to use). I enjoy complex discussions like this. Any offence you find with-in my posts is created on your part.

Your simplified argument - "that business is more about making money" is certainly closer to the mark in terms of accuracy however, I have to question once again, is this is based on a false dichotomy that claims profitability negates ethics.

If you profit - you receive more than you give back. And if you give less than you receive you are unethical? Is it is as simple as that?

I agree with you that ethics is an important part of business. If you are willing to disclose more specific information regarding how you create your conclusions, such as which principles you uphold and what information you have used to make judgments on this forum, this conversation could become very inthralling (and I look forward to it). As of up to this post, I have failed to see a foundation for your initial criticism and you arguments which have lacked weight due to the limited amount of information you have presented to support them.

Regards

[Zava Design]

Any offence you find with-in my posts is created on your part.

Oh, not possibly from a lack of clarity in your post? You seem to suggest I'm lacking clarity in my posts, but not open to you lacking clarity in yours?

Not saying that is the reason, but why would you cast blame like that rather than simply clarify??

And for the discussion you're seeking, maybe better to continue in this thread: Business & ethics

[NathanB]

Originally Posted by Zava Design

Oh, not possibly from a lack of clarity in your post? You seem to suggest I'm lacking clarity in my posts, but not open to you lacking clarity in yours?

Not saying that is the reason, but why would you cast blame like that rather than simply clarify??

And for the discussion you're seeking, maybe better to continue in this thread: Business & ethics

I am interested in only comments of substance and yes, you are lacking in clarity. You have made a bold criticism and failed to support it with good evidence or discussion. You have failed to respond to any of the arguments I have presented, and are now limiting your discussion to whether or not you think I am here trying to offend you, which I have tried to assure you, I am not.

I have read the other forum and believe it is better served to continue this conversation in this thread as the topic is more specific. I not discussing generalities with you, I am discussing Flying Solo as a business.

If you believe my arguments have lacked clarity, criticise them. It will make for better discussion.

I do not understand you reference to casting blame.

[Rico]

Lets go back on topic... Zava thinks that FS is unethical because they do business with XYZ Corp...

This is because XYZ Corp is a big evil corporation and they have a bad reputation when dealing with micro businesses? Is this your point Zava?

Ed note: Company name has been omitted.

[Zava Design]

If I was 5 years old, yes. But since I'm not, there's a little more to it than that.

Unfortunately in terms of specifics, you'll either need to read what is in this thread so far where I have already outlined one or two reasons, read the general business & ethics thread discussion that is happening elsewhere on this forum, or send me a private message, as it has been pointed out on the mentioned business & ethics discussion that this forum doesn't actually allow the naming of companies and discussion of specific issues about them that someone may have.

[King]

What ads - I have adblock manager so I don't see any anyway!!

Perhaps more pertinent is if people are on the forums are micro-business or from Australia. I see a few that are doubtful sneaking in every so often

[NathanB]

Originally Posted by King

What ads - I have adblock manager so I don't see any anyway!!

Perhaps it is unethical for us as willing participants in this community to block the FS ads and potentially inhibit their earning ability

[FS Concierge]

Originally Posted by King

Perhaps more pertinent is if people are on the forums are micro-business or from Australia. I see a few that are doubtful sneaking in every so often

Hi Matt,

As always, we are doing what we can to limit participation by people outside Australia or who are not abiding by the guidelines, so if any posts give you cause for concern, please continue to report them to us for review.

Thanks for your ongoing help with that
Jayne