I just got a very rude email from someone who objected to my request to put AD in the subject line when directly promoting a web site or selling goods or posting an auction. This has been a rule for this NG as far back as I know. It tags a msg as strictly commercial vs. an informational post or a question.
It is also a rule to put OT in the subject line of posts that are off topic.
It has also been understood that this NG is primarily for sharing bead info and not for advertising. It is acceptible to put links in your sig to your website, Etsy, Ebay, etc. in any post. However, people who pop in just to post ads, who do not participate in the discussions, and who refuse to follow these simple guidelines should not expect to garner business here.
Newbies, although welcome, should always take the time to read a few posts before jumping in and assuming they know what they're doing.