Martin,
I am not sure it is that tough of a call. I agree with the post that things are nowhere near out of hand. In fact, I rarely come across blatant advertising.
Even if having a registration process requiring approval by a mod, there is no way to really use that effectively.
I think it is on a case by case basis. When someone such as the user that was being pointed out posts eight paragraphs of information on his product and doesn't even mention the word Amazing Charts or how it would be helpful, it is rather evident that he is using the boards for pure advertising.
On the other hand, I think if someone from Brother or Scansnap came on with the intent only to provide some help with products which many users are already using, I think that would be beneficial.
As far as banning someone, I take that very seriously. I would never use it because I did not agree with someone's ideas or opinions or even if they were blatantly attacking me. I have only used it once, and then it was only for ten days with an explanation of why -- which in this case was the blatant advertising -- something which is against the rules of the AC User Board. I have now asked everyone to at least check off that they read them and is only required once. The user can then come back and decide to post on AC in a manner that is more helpful to its users. If not, then I will look at it again.
My email address is in my profile and any user can contact me. Even a banned user could open another account with a different email if only to contact me.
Again, I think it is a case by case basis.
