Did you ever try to get something posted on the Sun City bulletin board?
A few years ago I tried to post home made greeting cards and was rejected. The reason given was that no items that could be made by any of the recreation center sites can be sold on the bulletin board.
Recently I attempted to post a photo restoration service that would renew old photos to what they looked like when they were first created (this is my hobby), but once again this was rejected. This is the response I got:
“You must realize that we would love to post your cards regarding your photo restoration services, were we able to, but what it boils down to is that others will see the service as a business and we will have to open the doors to maid services, investors, dog walkers, house painters — the list would be never-ending. In order to provide enough space for everyone to advertise we would have to install countless new boards in all of our centers at a large expense. Add to that liability — meaning should someone be unhappy, receive poor service (not from you), or possibly even be taken advantage of or have things stolen from them from say an investment group or maid service — they would be displeased with RCSC for posting these services. Do you see our dilemma? We unfortunately cannot bend the rules.”
When I asked to see the “rules,” they referenced the Recreation Centers of Sun City Board Policy Resolution No. 14, “Posting of Signs & Distribution of Literature.” Nowhere does this resolution identify what can or cannot be posted.
Under Personal Notices it states:
“Cardholders may post approved notices (3 inches x 5 inches) of personal interest in places designated for such use which shall be under the control of Management. Cardholders may also distribute approved literature covering personal interest at RCSC Facilities which shall be under the control of Management. All such notices or literature shall carry the name of the Cardholder.”
My response was, you have posted “Houses For Rent,” why would this not be considered a business by your definitions? Should someone be unhappy, receive poor service, or possibly even be taken advantage of because of a rental, why would they not be displeased with RCSC for posting these services and hold them liable?
Their response was, “Please be advised that I am forwarding your response to my supervisor.”
No one ever contacted me, apparently nothing will be done.
I decided to see what gets posted on the bulletin boards. The Marinette Center is where I go for exercise, so I tried to see their bulletin board. I could not find any bulletin board, I was told that the board was removed more than two years ago.
The following can be said about the Sun City bulletin board. The decision to reject postings is based upon undocumented rules. If a person reading the ad can see the service as a business, it’s enough to reject the posting. Not all rec centers have bulletin boards.
We need to have a clear definition of exactly what can or cannot be posted on the bulletin boards. Because of this any item requested to be placed on the bulletin board is subject to someone’s opinion on whether or not it should be posted, not on any defined rules. All service centers should have bulletin boards for posting ads. The dictionary defines business as “a person’s regular occupation, profession, or trade” or “the practice of making one’s living by engaging in commerce.” My hobby is restoring old damaged photos, it is not a business.
I did nothing to challenge the response years ago with my first request for posting on the bulletin board. As a result we continue to have many imaginary rules and regulations that prevent valid postings.
