Hello EB,
Basically if a post is directly related to a provider's activities in the hobby, it would be considered to be promotional. For example, we will not permit a provider to start a thread asking what kind of services clients would like her to offer. We will, however, permit a provider to post in the sports threads or other general topic threads in the lounge. If any provider or agency was to saturate the board with various topics just to increase their visibility, yes, we will step in to stop it.
The basic guideline that providers should use when starting a thread is that if the thread directly pertains to themselves, it will be considered promotional and be removed. If a topic is general in nature and pertains to a general audience, it will likely be permitted. If we feel any provider is overstepping the bounds by creating numerous threads, we will contact them by PM regarding the situation.
As far as non advertising SPs are concerned, there in nothing in the rules preventing them from becoming members of MERB. We do not discriminate by race, creed, color, sex or profession. Of course if they are not advertisers they are not permitted to have any contact information in their profile or to disclose it on the board in any way. If they are found to be advertising by PM they will be permanently banned.
Overall there is no perfect answer to the question. Each post is evaluated on it's own merits and the circumstances in which the post was made. Just as all posts made on the board are evaluated. That is why there are moderators here.
M8