There's nothing wrong with having vendors that pay to be there, that helps keep the site functioning as Im sure you know. What I have a problem with is that the money they spend and the influence they have moves your focus away from the community and its members. I would love to have some vendors here advertising, but they wont have the level of influence that takes our eyes off the fact that this forum, this community, its members are our reason and focus.
My view is if they cannot stand competition and innovation, then perhaps they should stay where they are. Just my view though.
