The Boards "Brand", Community and Boards Deals

--amadeus--

First things first I think that Boards Deals is a genius idea. Mainly because it generates revenue meaning we get a free forum but in a way that helps the community rather than in a manner that is perceived as exploitative. And it works partly because there is a level of trust in the Boards brand. Posters trust Mods to keep order. Mods trust CMods to look after the DRP. Everyone trusts Admins to maintain and manage the site. And we trust the owners to act as custodians of the community.

But then we get offers like this:

Boards Deals: Niamh wrote: »

This is the time of year you really need to start boosting your immune system. Ionic Balance wrist bands have amazing and unique healing proporties and they come in a range of stylish colours to choose from!

Pay just €11 instead of €25 for Ionic Balance Band in your choice of colour plus delivery included with today's Boards Deal.

Buy this Deal now!

Ionic Balance wristbands emit a high concentration of negative ions. The astounding degree to which negative ions can contribute to good health is becoming increasingly apparent. Negative ions increase the flow of oxygen to the brain, resulting in higher alertness, decreased drowsiness and increased mental energy. This Christmas give the gift that keeps on giving! Check out the stylishly designed range of colours available here.

Healing Properties of Negative Ions:

• Recovery from physical exhaustion or fatigue
• Stabilizing brain function
• Blood purification
• Increasing metabolism
• Strengthening the immune system
• Balancing the autonomic nervous system
• Promoting better digestion
• Cell rejuvenation
• For overall health

Testimonials:
"I'm loving my band and had the best nights sleep last night that I've had in ages!" ~ Laura Grant (09/09/2011).

"I've only had mine on for two days and my tennis elbow is already markedly less painful." ~ David Latham (26/07/2011).

Visit the Ionic Balance website here for more information. Click here to read testimonials on Ionic Balance wrist bands.

How to use this voucher:

Your Boardsdeal voucher code will be activated on http://www.ionic-balance.com/buy-now.html within 72 hours.

Step One: Select the wristband that you want and add to cart.

Step Two: Coupon code field will be on this page. Enter your Boardsdeals security code (bottom left hand corner of voucher) and do not allow any extra spaces in the box.

Step Three: Place your order, and enjoy!

Ionic Balance
Click here for more information

There is not a single shred of credible scientific evidence to back the incredible claims made in this post up. And another peddler of pseudo-scientific bracelets has just had to admit that they have no grounding in reality and issue an apology and offers of refunds (here).

Now as a user here I have to abide by guidelines, one of which is that I cannot either give or request medical advice (here). The post above has no disclaimer, no qualifiers just a blunt statement of "fact"; Ionic Balance wrist bands have amazing and unique healing proporties. In my opinion this is as clear a breach of the medical policy as you are going to get.

Now 600+ people have signed up already (the old saying about a fool and his money springs to mind). So there is clearly a market for this kind of thing. But there is equally a market for black market viagra, penile enhancement pills and Nigerian Princes needing to shift a few billion around the banks. So the fact that there is a market isn't really a defence. These sort of products make grandiose claims that are backed up by testimonials (carefully selected, rarely independently verified and all with the placebo effect firmly in place) and impressive sounding scientific evidence that seems (in this case in particular) tangential to the product. These kind of new age high tech miracle healing products are a new kind of snake oil that often target the vulnerable or the desperate. Failed by modern medicine? Nothing left to lose? Try Product X, just €25, who knows it might just work?!

External voucher deal companies lack the credibility of Boards Deals because they are not linked to a community, there isn't that same level of trust. By offering deals like these I feel that trust is being abused. When I was a Mod I remember seeing threads discussing objectionable ads and commitments being made by the powers that be to investigate and remove them from the Ad stream if they were inappropriate. Which was an ethical response. Now it seems as if there is a cash first, questions later approach with offers like these. It reeks of a "we'll flog them any old tat, who cares!" attitude. That damages the credibility of the Boards Deals concept and by extension of the Boards brand itself. It undermines Moderators enforcing unpopular policies based on the ban on medical discussion. And it makes you wonder about the longer term direction of the site - is it drifting towards a Facebook style invasion of privacy to better generate revenue?

As I said I think Boards Deals is a great concept as it really is a win / win. But deals like this have the potential to really damage the golden goose.

Tallon

lol, is this a joke?

Is that really a deal?

Spear

Tallon wrote: »

lol, is this a joke?

Is that really a deal?

Appallingly, yes, it is :

https://www.boardsdeals.ie/deal/11-instead-of-25-for-Ionic-Balance-Band-in-your-choice-of-colour-plus-delivery-included/607/

seamus

Yeah, I broadly agree with amadeus.

It's a quality control issue for boardsdeals. Some people are interested in the deal, clearly, but there's a risk of cheapening the entire brand by offering deals on nonsense products.
As amadeus quite rightly points out, this kind of thing is just barely a step above selling deals on penile enlargement pills and human pheremones, and gives the impression that boardsdeals will promote any deal on any old crap.

Tallon

I'm truely shocked... Seriously..

El Weirdo

Healing Properties of Negative Ions:

• Recovery from physical exhaustion or fatigue
• Stabilizing brain function
• Blood purification
• Increasing metabolism
• Strengthening the immune system
• Balancing the autonomic nervous system
• Promoting better digestion
• Cell rejuvenation
• For overall health

Bollocks of the highest order.

Can we request a link to scientific studies to back these claims up? If a regular user made these claims they'd be rightly called out on them.

Tallon

El Weirdo wrote: »

Bollocks of the highest order.

Can we request a link to scientific studies to back these claims up? If a regular user made these claims they'd be rightly called out on them.

just ask Laura Grant!

"I'm loving my band and had the best nights sleep last night that I've had in ages!" ~ Laura Grant (09/09/2011).

El Weirdo

Tallon wrote: »

just ask Laura Grant!

From the website:

"My boyfriend told me that they were a heap of rubbish when I got mine and didn't believe that I was getting the best nights sleep I had had in years. When he started complaining of back ache I told him to wear it for a few weeks he did to shut me up but will not give it back to me now as it has helped him no end. So the good thing about Ionic is that they proved me right (again he he) but now I am bandless witless ("
Vicki Rennie - 07/11/2011

FYP for you there, love.

themadchef

Deals have to appeal to a wide spectrum though. I bet if there was a Lego offer some of yee would flood yeer Y fronts :P:pac:

Not my cuppa, but it's pretty harmless crap imo. Not site threatening.

Tallon

themadchef wrote: »

Deals have to appeal to a wide spectrum though. I bet if there was a Lego offer some of yee would flood yeer Y fronts :P:pac:

Not my cuppa, but it's pretty harmless crap imo. Not site threatening.

Lego doesn't claim to cure cancer

El Weirdo

A warning from the website:

Unfortunately there are many unscrupulous companies out there that sell either counterfeit items or products that have no health benefits whatsoever. Many have bogus claims, and usually lack any sort of scientifc evidence to back up these claims.

Quite.

Cookie_Monster

themadchef wrote: »

. I bet if there was a Lego offer some of yee would flood yeer Y fronts :P:pac:

damn right, but that's cos Lego is awesome and amazing and has some actual science in it, not just hippy nonsense.

Penn

themadchef wrote: »

Deals have to appeal to a wide spectrum though. I bet if there was a Lego offer some of yee would flood yeer Y fronts :P:pac:

Not my cuppa, but it's pretty harmless crap imo. Not site threatening.

Difference between catering to other tastes, and a Boards Deals Rep having this in one of their posts:

Boards Deals: Niamh wrote: »

This is the time of year you really need to start boosting your immune system. Ionic Balance wrist bands have amazing and unique healing proporties

To me, this implies that Boards Deals is representing this product as having some scientific and medical basis, when it just doesn't. Nobody is supposed to give medical advice on Boards, no matter how minor. This post is basically implying that if you use this band it will boost your immune system and has healing properties.

themadchef

All im saying is, Boards is just a just that, a boards offering a company a slot to sell its wares. At what point is it to draw the line?

Is it to go and test the beds in hotels?3£ star not good enough for Boardsies? 4 star? then 5 star maybe

Allow nothing that is not scentifically certified by the medical boarsd of Ireland?

Restaurants only the ones with georgina Campbell (who's she) or some similar certified star rating guide to be posted.

I mean how exactly are Boards to choose who is and who is not a "great, honest, proper, holistic, medically certified, etc etc" deal.

They are just offering the service. I wasiint aware they were certifying the actual goods?

I hear what people are saying about those bands. They are a pile of shoite, and clearly seem to be so. If people still choose to buy them though who are we to stop them? Isint that how life goes? Not everyone is going to think they are a pile of shoite. Some poeple will believe they work simply because someone on the internet told them they did :rolleyes:

minidazzler

themadchef wrote: »

I hear what people are saying about those bands. They are a pile of shoite, and clearly seem to be so. If people still choose to buy them though who are we to stop them? Isint that how life goes? Not everyone is going to think they are a pile of shoite. Some poeple will believe they work simply because someone on the internet told them they did :rolleyes:

That problem isn't about people buying them, it's about the boards brand being used to make medical claims when if boardsies make specific medical claims they can be warned, infracted or in some forums banned.

Technically though, I don't think boards deals is under the boards brand it's more under distilled media...but if that argument is made by the boards deals people I think we are all in the right to call BS on it given boards is in the name and we are the community was created because of.

Is Boards Deals, Boards and Distilled Media really prepared to put their name behind this product as actually being a viable healing device?

TouchingVirus

minidazzler wrote: »

Is Boards Deals, Boards and Distilled Media really prepared to put their name behind this product as actually being a viable healing device?

Do they have to?

If the promo-post didn't appear on Boards, would you still be here?

themadchef

Penn wrote: »

Difference between catering to other tastes, and a Boards Deals Rep having this in one of their posts:


To me, this implies that Boards Deals is representing this product as having some scientific and medical basis, when it just doesn't. Nobody is supposed to give medical advice on Boards, no matter how minor. This post is basically implying that if you use this band it will boost your immune system and has healing properties.

Ya know what, that minute the Boatds rep starts posting like that. I completly agree with you.

I totally missed that

Apologies. I didint realise the Mod was plugging the the product! I though they were just posting in the traditional "Deal here off yee go and buy it if yee want it" fashion. WTf is up it plugging it In for a world of trouble when the shít dont work

\Puts tail between legs and leaves :P (try not to boot me up the hole !)

Penn

themadchef wrote: »

Ya know what, that minute the Boatds rep starts posting like that. I completly agree with you.

I totally missed that http://omg.wthax.org/sad_puppy.jpg

Apologies. I didint realise the Mod was plugging the the product! I though they were just posting in the traditional "Deal here off yee go and buy it if yee want it" fashion. WTf is up it plugging it In for a world of trouble when the shít dont work

\Puts tail between legs and leaves :P (try not to boot me up the hole !)

To be fair, I would think (and hope) that the Boards Deal rep didn't type that, and instead it may have been part of the information supplied by the company offering the deal. But it should have been checked and removed, as it's posted under the name of the BD rep, so looks like a claim they are making.

jor el

I think a product like this does cheapen the Boards Deals brand, because I believe the claims being made are unsubstantiated, and have no medical backing at all. Associating Boards Deals with these false claims cannot be a good thing, and when a rep goes on to promote the product by saying; This is the time of year you really need to start boosting your immune system. Ionic Balance wrist bands have amazing and unique healing properties, it goes beyond just promoting a deal and goes into full association with the product. That's of course if this wasn't just part of the blurb from the retailing company, though it does look like a personal endorsement from Boards Deals.

The deal is there, people don't have to buy it, and they can check up on the claims for themselves and make their own minds up. I would be concerned for the brand name though, as association with this product may turn people away from future deals.

--amadeus--

Penn wrote: »

To be fair, I would think (and hope) that the Boards Deal rep didn't type that, and instead it may have been part of the information supplied by the company offering the deal. But it should have been checked and removed, as it's posted under the name of the BD rep, so looks like a claim they are making.

I'm not so sure. If you Google "Ionic Balance wrist bands have amazing and unique healing proporties" the only results you get are Boards / Boards Deals related. Correct the typo and there are no matches so I would assume that line was made up and typed by the rep.

I get the argument that we are all adults and if people are dumb enough to buy worthless crap then Meh, let them knock themselves out. My point is that by promoting and endorsing it there is a perception that Boards will flog any old crap to it's members to turn a quick buck. Now I don't believe that to be true of the Admins or the likes of Dev or Dav. But there is a new hierarchy and structure that is tasked with monetising the site. My point is just that the value in the site is the community and things like this devalue your credibility with the community. You'll get away with a certain amount but not forever.

Zaph

For those who haven't seen Emma's post in the Boards Deals forum, the deal has been pulled and a full refund will be offered to anyone who wants one.

Tallon

Is that based on this thread may I ask?

If so, that is very fair and amicable that opinions were listened to

My name is URL

It's not the only deal on the site which uses dubious claims to sell itself.

There was another deal for aromatherapy running at the same time which claims the following -

The oils are particularly good for the lymphatic system, digestive system, the skin and for ailments such as fibromyalgia, depression, anxiety and stress

https://www.boardsdeals.ie/deal/30-instead-of-60-for-1-hour-Aromatherapy-Massage-OR-1-hour-Stress-Buster-Massage-at-Irish-Holistic-Healing-D/608/

I'm certain other deals for aromatherapy treatments have been advertised and made similar claims. I also remember seeing one for salt therapy which claimed to be a treatment for asthma and bronchitis. Why all the fuss about the Ionic Band deal and none of the others?

Some of the many benefits you'll receive from treatment at Salt Therapy Spa or Wellness Centre include:

• Clearence of bronchial inflammation
• Removal of airborne pollen particles from airways
• Strengthening of immune system that decreases allergic reaction to pollens
• Cleansing and sanitation of the airways
• Prevention and treatment of common colds and flu
• Improvement of dermatological disorders such as acne, dermatitis and psoriasis
• Reduction of snoring
• Better sleep

themadchef

My name is URL wrote: »

It's not the only deal on the site which uses dubious claims to sell itself.

There was another deal for aromatherapy running at the same time which claims the following -

Who's going to deem them selves to be judge and jury on a deal?
The mod? The posters? The forum?

"Dubious" to you, but some people swear by aromatherapy, some people swear by acupuncture, some people think it's a load of crap.

Some people love sushi and some people think it's just raw fish, "yuck".

I totally agree that the mods shouldint get involved in the promotion of the deal. I dont think as posters we should have a say in what should and should not be offered though.

Zaph

Tallon wrote: »

Is that based on this thread may I ask?

If so, that is very fair and amicable that opinions were listened to

You'd need to ask Emma that. It's a matter outside of the scope of the admins so I'm afraid I have no insight into the decision that was taken.

DeVore

We always take fair and reasoned responses into consideration, we are far from perfect but we're willing to learn.

I think its a complex question about constraining what can and cant be sold. I guess ultimately it will be a decision for Boards HQ as to what things it wants to associate the "brand" with. It honestly never occured to us that something like this would be an issue but now we will consider such things in future.

Thanks for all the feedback guys and gals, its genuinely appreciated and I hope its clear we take it to heart.

DeV.

DeVore

Ok... Gave this 5 seconds thought and it occurs to me that people probably wouldnt have an issue with a banner ad for this Ionic whatsit... but have an issue when it appears that Boards is actively promoting its "healing properties".

So its the promotion which is an issue?
Would that be fair to say?

DeV.

My name is URL

themadchef wrote: »

Who's going to deem them selves to be judge and jury on a deal?
The mod? The posters? The forum?

"Dubious" to you, but some people swear by aromatherapy, some people swear by acupuncture, some people think it's a load of crap.

Some people love sushi and some people think it's just raw fish, "yuck".

I totally agree that the mods shouldint get involved in the promotion of the deal. I dont think as posters we should have a say in what should and should not be offered though.

That's kind of the point I was failing to make. =p

It's pointless and a little unfair to demand that certain claims not be made on the site if it's only going to extend to certain products or services.

seamus

DeVore wrote: »

So its the promotion which is an issue?
Would that be fair to say?

My name is URL wrote: »

It's pointless and a little unfair to demand that certain claims not be made on the site if it's only going to extend to certain products or services.

I think it would be fair to say that it needs to be made clear that "This is a deal we are offering, and here's what the supplier/manufacturer/hotel say about their product".

At least in that regard, there's a certain separation and there's a certain amount of, "Boardsdeals provide this deal without making any claims as to the quality or efficiacy of the product being sold". But then you don't want that either necessarily, if people think your deals are tat & bunkum, they'll unsubscribe.

In relation to "alternative therapies" though, I think MNiU, you're missing a layer from the equation. Although these therapies often claim all sorts of pseudo-scientific nonsense, people know what they're buying when they go to an aromatherapy session, and many people will enjoy it purely for the relaxation element. They go because the experience is pleasureable, they don't all believe that there are healing properties in the aromas.

These bands appear to be trying to cut out that middleman layer, so all you have is pseudoscience but without the mental relaxation and pleasureable experience aspect.

Ironically though as pointed out on the other thread, the manufacturer has every right to claim that these bands work. Because they do. It's just the fact that they decide to make up some nonsense about why they work that's landed them in trouble. I guess they don't want to say, "You can buy this off us or just buy your own elastic band and wrap it around your wrist. Either will work".

ecoli

My name is URL wrote: »

That's kind of the point I was failing to make. =p

It's pointless and a little unfair to demand that certain claims not be made on the site if it's only going to extend to certain products or services.

The reason issues are arising on the ART forum is the fact that there is a direct contrast between whats allowed in terms if the forums (medical advice) and what is being allowed under Boardsdeals.

I know that Boards deals is outside the usual parameters of the forum however when there is a forum for the Boards deals (usually Linked from here to the actual deal) it becomes an issue for moderators to actually enforce this site wide policy

Penn

DeVore wrote: »

Ok... Gave this 5 seconds thought and it occurs to me that people probably wouldnt have an issue with a banner ad for this Ionic whatsit... but have an issue when it appears that Boards is actively promoting its "healing properties".

So its the promotion which is an issue?
Would that be fair to say?

DeV.

I'd have no issue with any of these types of products being promoted or advertised on the site. For me, this issue was that these claims of the medicinal qualities of this product was in a post made by a Boards Deals employee. If the Boards Deals rep had maybe done something like:

Boards Deals wrote:

Here's a new offer from Ionic Bracelet company:

Ionic Bracelet Company wrote:

Company's ad here

To avail of this offer....etc

to make it clear that those claims are part of the ad by the company, and not a claim made by Boards Deals.