Lottaloot:
On the topic of free advertising, I know we've covered this before, but I think it bears repeating. I know your intentions are not to advertise, and you are a great member here, so there are no hard feelings.
The term "advertising" on the Internet basically means "link". On a different media, like TV, an advertisement is a "mention", and they are very valuable. On the Internet, a link serves the same purpose, and they are valuable.
The few advertisers I have here pay money to have their links appear. Someone who pays to display their link gets upset if other web sites get to have their links here for free. Thus, the policy of no free links makes everyone happy.
I do bend the rules and generally allow one link to another site, if it is relevant, and if the site is not a scam, and if the site is of value to our membership.
I did in fact bend the rules for TomCat's website, and his link has been posted here before, so I think I have been very fair.
At this point, if there's some valuable discussion at TomCat's web site that would be of interest to members here, then just discuss the topic here, rather than posting a link. Then, at the bottom of your message say something like "I got this idea from TomCat's web site" or something like that (so that TomCat gets credit), but no link.
By doing so, you have given credit, and anyone who wants to find TomCat's website can PM you and you can provide the link to them without breaking rules.
Does it seem like I get too crazy about this stuff? It's possible, but so far this policy has kept things relatively spam-free here, and a standard set of operating rules makes everyone happy in the end.
Like I said, I really like the fact that you're here, and I really enjoy our discussions, so please don't be offended or put-off. If you have any concerns at all about anything, feel free to reply or send me a PM.