I found lemmy through Reddit like a lot of the people who’ve recently joined.
I want to use this platform because I value data sovereignty and level-headed moderation.
My personal focus and passion that’s been ever growing is that of using services outside of the US as much as possible - especially promoting Canadian services at home, but also some EU services too.
But then I had a conflict of interest. I started viewing my own business as something which could apply to lemmy.ca, essentially intertwining personal and work life.
I figured, my business aligned with the values of many here. But the more I think of it, the more I question whether this was the right thing to do.
I admire that Fedecan is a Canadian not-for-profit. I admire the Canadian spirit I see in many communities. I thought I could use my business in conjunction with goals of other growing businesses. But now the moral dilemma is creeping up - is this the right place to do it?
I want to use Fedecan personally either way. But maybe it’s best to start over with a purely personal account.
I never meant to take advantage of my fellow Canadians. But I’m starting to think the information stored on a non-profit should be free, and free of business interests.
Can I just get some closure from community members before I decide to change accounts? I’d like to hear your thoughts.
🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦
Personally, I'd advise against self-promotion. It's never been well perceived. But it depends for what and where.
If a local band or troupe or artist were to advertise a show or an exhibit in their city's community, I'd be fine with it. But if someone is trying to push a brand or product, I'd be against it unless it's in a community meant for that, like buycanadian or something like that. But it better be for a Canadian product or brand.
The problem though is this could open the door to other advertisers and things could get quickly out of control. So that's why I'd prefer that people refrain from advertising at all in communities.
Maybe just create your own community for your brand or product, which you could moderate yourself.