I've seen several names marked as on time out.What does it take to get a time out so I can avoid it?

The standard is actually pretty high. If you are in jeopardy of being put on time out, you will know it is coming. The rules are here if you'd like to review them.

Thank you.

Behavior un-becoming. This is where folks are encouraged to read the rules. Treating other members with regard and respect will certainly keep one out of the "naughty chair".

+1, to all of that.

I was just wondering, so if I happen to mention my business, I didn't want to seem like I was getting a free plug.

Entirely fair question. I'd encourage folks to mention what it is that they do, from time to time, and if that includes a link, that's fine; I'd discourage, say, somebody whose business is (the utterly legitimate one of), oh, auto repair to try to turn every conversation into an attempt to drum up business for his shop.

Not a problem. Frankly, the usual reason folks get timed out is for making personal attacks on other posters. Thankfully, that's fairly rare. In general, the best advice I can give is "play nice". Feel free to disagree with folks- I do all the time. Just be sure what you post is arguing ideas, not disparaging other posters.

As far as mentioning your business, I can't see it being a problem unless you start spamming the Forum with non-related ads. That would be a problem...

BTW, what is your business?

ETA: cross-posted with Joel.

So.... How about bowling ball drilling?

The business thing has generally been an issue of on topic, pertinent to the discussion at hand, and not spam.

Replying to EVERYTHING with your business would be spamming. If someone mentions a product you sell, it's perfectly acceptable to mention you sell it.

We've generally stayed away from bashing competitors and getting into pissing matches between suppliers. It has generally been along the lines of "here's what I have" or "I have those in stock"

Generally, it's been up to individual discretion and has needed very little policing. If you would think it's excessive or spam were someone else doing it, Don't. If you get even a hint from someone that they think it's excessive, re-evaluate and ask the mods. If Joel even hints you're near the line, remember it's his house and he's very benevolent so it must be egregious if he mentions it.

Realistically, it shouldn't be a big deal and if it is, it will be obvious.

Most of the time-outs have been after extended interaction and discussion or for obvious and extreme cases.

BTW, what is your business?

Here it is, shameless plug. Legacy Woodworking in Faribault. I have a website, if any one is interested they can get more info there. David Gross is one of my best clients.

So.... How about bowling ball drilling?

As long as people are willing to pay, I'll tackle drilling all the bowling balls I can get. Won't guarantee the holes will be where you want them.

Mine is a gun friendly business. If anyone gets down this way, feel free to stop in. If anyone goes camping this way and wants to get some scrap for fires, let me know and I'll see if I can get a box or two together.

End shameless plug. Thanks for providing this forum, I have found it very usefull.

As in http://www.legacywoodworking.net ? Wow. I've seen some of your work at David's and it's, well, wow.

An utterly legitimate service, although not one that I, not being a bowler, am likely to need.

Yep, That's me. Thank you for the compliment.