Well, we may have to organize some threads, but here's we landed.
The email LV received was not final as Doug and I continued to discuss. For the folks who may fill in the blanks of the unknown "new owners" of autoforums, let me share with you that from my dealings with them they're just regular people and car guys and not a bunch of accountants running things as absolutes. None of us, not LV, and not autoforums, like the feel of just shutting this down midstream. Working around the rules by making members register up over at solsticeforum for this is just an additional hassle for all. Bottom line, I screwed up and missed this thing and by the rules should have shut it down. We're not going to make all of you guys jump through hoops because of it. I extend my thanks to all involved for their patience and flexibility as we worked through this. That includes all of you members who want to participate and have waited with understanding.
The rules regarding supporting vendors stand. I won't belabour all the reasoning and need for them. At skyroadster we recognize members and vendors. Members have a for-sale section for single items they own personally. Supporting vendors pay for the exclusive right to offer their goods.
This group buy by LV will be allowed to proceed as an exception to the rule, but only this one run. MB is right. LV is nuts to go through all of this hassle, as it's no small task for no real benefit. It is probably better that we save LV from ya'll by not allowing any subsequent runs here at skyroadster.
So. There you have it. This run of coolers can go through. In a way you can say it's sponsored by autoforums, not that they planned it.
After this, I'm sure they'd prefer I do my job and stop giving away the shop.