JerseyBill, though you’ve been a member here since 6/09 you haven’t posted much, so let me welcome to the boards. If I may offer a couple of things:
You would do better if you post your sales offerings in the proper forum. There is a For Sale forum for just that purpose and that's where this belongs really.
First off, recent events have made one thing clear: there are many here that are tired of having to wade through sales pitches while cruising the main forum. This is likely the reason for some of the replies you have received. Do this enough and the person quickly develops a rep for being nothing more than a spammer. It seems as though some members have gotten the idea that as long as they are not pitching slate or lumber then they are entitled to clog up the main forum with endless solicitations. It also seems as though many members are beginning to voice their displeasure. You may have unwittingly gotten caught up in this to an extent.
Secondly, it is just simply unfair to other instructors who limit the offering of their instructional materials or lessons to the For Sale forum where they belong. This includes bending the rules by having cronies post "reviews" of their experiences with the product or service.
Also, the For Sale forum has additional rules that protect sellers from cross marketing and critical opinions or negative remarks about the product/service (or marketing methods) that do not apply in the main forum. Most of the other forums, especially the main forum, are for open discussion and sharing of ideas, thoughts, opinions, and viewpoints and these rules do not apply. In the main forum your pitch is fair game for a wider range of viewpoints.
Lastly, if you look at the numbers, there are usually close to the amount of people (if not more) in the For Sale forum as in this forum. And this is where you will find the members who are actually looking to buy something.
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I would also suggest that perhaps the best way to market yourself here would be to become a regular contributor to this board. The most successful, highly regarded, and sought after instructors around here seem to be the ones that make significant contributions to the membership. Guys like Bob Jewett, Dr. Dave, and Roger Long to name just a few. On the other hand those that are only here for themselves are equally well known, and not in a good way. You will find that sharing your knowledge of the game will only serve to impress us with your wisdom and create a demand for your services. Especially in one hole, your area of expertise, there are so many nuances to the game that you could give out gold nuggets of information every day for years and still only have touched the tip of the iceberg. A guy with your knowledge would be a valuable asset around here.
I’m always interested in learning about this great game and one pocket is certainly an area I know little about. While I’m pretty far away and a little too price sensitive for private lessons, I might be interested should you come out with a book or DVD. Of course, this is assuming it is posted in the For Sale forum. :grin-square:
You seem like a decent enough guy and those that know you have posted vouching for your credentials. I agree that a certificate from the BCA doesn’t mean much in and of itself and all things being equal would rather take lessons from someone as yourself who has accomplished something as a player or is known as a great instructor. I agree you are entitled to charge whatever you want for your services; the market will determine if it perceives value.
Please take my comments in the spirit of friendship they are intended.
Hope this helps, and I wish you the best of luck.
