Advertising The Goods by Dierk Neugebauer Every so often a good idea crosses my desk, and I do my best to react to it ... eventually. The latest good idea started several months ago with Reiner Goebel while we were analysing the fledgling TBS web site and its content. Reiner wondered about the possibility of having a space where members could advertise their trees "for sale". It seemed like a good idea at the time, but there were many other things that needed revision, and so this thought, like many others, was put on the back burner for a while. Recently our web site has generated a fair bit of email for me, not from TBS members, but from the public at large. People wanted to know where they could buy bonsai trees in the Toronto area - even a video producer called about getting a tree for a production. I tried to help, but soon got tired of responding to emails of this sort when I really didn't have a whole lot of information at my fingertips. It was then that I recalled my earlier conversation with Reiner, and I decided to solve two problems with one response. I created a new section on the TBS web site - the VENDORS area was born. "Vendors" are commercial interests out there in the greater Toronto area that wish to promote their services by rent advertising space on our site, ...and "Vendors" are people like you and I who wish to sell a tree or pot to other bonsai enthusiasts, and want a way of communicating that information. Thus, for each of us, a space has been provided. Now you think that this is a good idea, and you already have a number of trees and other items in mind that you wouldn't mind trading in for some cash. Here's what you need to do to advertise "free of charge" on our web site. What follows is what you'll find on the site. If you are interested in advertising and selling some of your trees or supplies, this space is available for your use. Postings will remain on the web site for a 2 month period, and will then be automatically removed. If you sell your item(s) before the posting runs out, please alert me so that I can remove your ad. Your advertisement should be sent via email to me, your editor in the format suggested below. Use the headings from below to organize your information: 1. Pictures of your sales item(s) ought to be included and should be in ".jpg" format; if you are unable to create this kind of file, send good quality colour photographs via mail or give them to me at the next meeting, and I will convert them to the appropriate format. 2. Your name and phone number. 3. A detailed description of the item(s) for sale. 4. Your price. All other arrangements (when and where to view; cheque or cash; pickup or delivery) should be made by you via telephone with the potential purchaser. Your ad will appear in this section in the following format: George TBS, (416) 000-0000 DESCRIPTION: This 15 year old tree was originally purchased ... PRICE: C$125 And there you have it. You don't even have to be able to get on the internet yourself! Once your ad has been posted, visitors to the web site need only click on the "Items For Sale" button in the "TBS Members" sales area, ...and they will see your offerings. Best of luck, and happy selling.