Posted by Alex B. on June 03, 2000 at 12:47:55:
Thanks Laure,
I will do as you suggested. Also my web site has to be
redesigned because I want to run “I am buying houses”
ad.
Can I see you web site?
Alex B.
Problem with my ad. - Posted by Alex B.
Posted by Alex B. on June 02, 2000 at 20:28:42:
Hello all,
This is my first posting to newsgroup, but I was lurking
here for almost a year now and enjoying reading it enormously.
Now to my problem.
I started my REI already and purchased first rental in December.
But Real Estate market in Toronto is really hot and to find
motivated seller is not easy, especially with my full time plus
overtime JOB. And I got the idea.
I registered Internet address www.OntarioFSBO.com couple months ago
and was bizy designing Web site. Finished last week. Almost.
On this Web site I want to run free for sale/rent by owner ads.
And I think it is the nice way to be contacted by motivated sellers
and tired landlords.
Yesterday I sent small 2 line add to two local newspapers and
today Toronto Star refused to run it in the Real Estate section
not giving any explanations and nice lady from Toronto Sun left
a message on my answering machine saying they can not run my ad
because it will be conflict of interest.
And my question is - do they have the right to do that? Can I fight?
What are my alternatives? Any comments will be appreciated.
Alex B.
PS: On my web site links page CREONLINE is in the first position.
Re: Problem with my ad. - Posted by Donald
Posted by Donald on June 03, 2000 at 14:51:54:
Alex,
Great site 
Just curious what type of ad you were trying to run? Must have been something in the ad that made alarm bells run?
First - don’t “send” the ad in. Call them - speak to the reps and give them the ad over the phone. Make sure it’s in the category YOU want. Most often, it’s a matter of $$$ - as you know RE agents have to disclose their affiliation in the ad.
But you’re not a licensed RE agent, right? So it’s a FSBO. The Star and Sun run these ads all the time - so what gives?
Basically, they’re saying that your site will compete with their site for the ad dollar. So - if you can’t beat 'em - play their game. Laure’s advice was right on the mark - make it look like a regular ad - and you’ll have no problems. Put a message on your voicemail directing folks to your website - again, no problem.
Of course, now, when you call in again, you’ll have to put the ad in as Alex B - and not OntarioFSBO.com - or else!
Good Luck
Donald
dlm@techie.com
Re: Problem with my ad. - Posted by Laure
Posted by Laure on June 03, 2000 at 07:02:11:
My paper refused my ad for a similar message too. Also noting a conflict of interest. Now I just run my own house for rent ad / or house for sale ad/ or house wanted ad with my web address also in the ad. WE are now getting about 700 hits per week on our site. I also have a form a Tennat Buyer can fill out if they are seeking a home. I am getting about 10-15 requests for a home per week.
Laure 
Re: Problem with my ad. - Posted by Alex B.
Posted by Alex B. on June 03, 2000 at 21:16:01:
Donald,
Thanks for your good words about my site. I tried to make it simple and functional.
OK here is my offending ad:
To list property for Sale/Rent FREE
go to www.ontariofsbo.com
And that’s it.
I will do like Laura is suggesting, but I have to redesign site including “We buy houses” in the page.
And I am not RE agent either.
Are you from Toronto?
Alex B.