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.
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It is totally reasonable and sensible to not want to mix personal account and business account. I think that's a good move.
As for the rest, you are probably wrong to assume things and there are a LOT of things you assumed in that post. Don't make assumptions. Use data. Figure out what works and what doesn't. Facts, not feelings. Has anyone called you a grifter? Did you get downvotes and they get upvotes? Does it happen every time? Sites like these can work like random number generators sometimes. Sometimes it works. Sometimes it doesn't. Even having a small business is a risk. You can't avoid all risk. You have to accept some risk. Your reputation can get tainted, yes, but I don't actually think that's very likely, certainly not as likely as you seem to think it is, and even if it does it can also be repaired. Yes it might take some work, but running a business also takes work. If you are not willing to take risk or do work when those risks don't pay off, then I don't know what else to tell you.
I will say it again in case I wasn't clear the first time. In my own personal opinion, and my experience on this site so far, it is perfectly fine for you to advertise your business here. I do not run this site or moderate it and I cannot speak for the admins or for everyone else, I am only one person, but you will get my upvote and maybe my support in the comments. I hope that helps.