One important aspect of business is being seen by the clients, customers, consumers or whatever you may want to call the end-users. Maybe you’ve heard about the three cardinal rules: (1) location; (2) location; and (3) location. These rules are premised on the fact that a good business is, in general, easily seen or accessible to end-users.

The exponential growth of technology, particularly the internet, has resulted in an interesting twist to the above-described business fact. Many businesses, even those that are peddling scams, are using the internet and maintain their own websites. We will discuss later the pros and cons of having a business website. Let’s first discuss public websites that are being used by many entrepreneurs to promote their products or services. Let’s start with Multiply.

Multiply, Inc. is based in Boca Raton, Florida, and was founded in December 2003. According to the site: “The company launched its flagship web site, Multiply (http://multiply.com), in March 2004, effectively defining the new field of social communications.” I became a member of Multiply immediately after it was launched, and I must say that the functionalities of Multiply are way much better and more user-friendly than other social networking sites. It was also during th same period that the Pinoy Entrepreneurs was created in Multiply, with no clear purpose, just like this site, except perhaps putting forward its motto.

I thought there would be a prohibition, as in other sites, against using Multiply for commercial purposes. Considering that the group name “Pinoy Entrepreneurs” definitely sounds like its purpose is commercial, I checked the Terms and found this provision (I’m not sure if this is the exact language previously used):

Non Commercial Use by Members

The Multiply Web site is for the personal use of individual Members only and may not be used in connection with any commercial endeavors. Organizations, companies, and/or businesses may not become Members and should not use the Service or the Web site for any purpose. Illegal and/or unauthorized uses of the Web site, including collecting usernames and/or e-mail addresses of members by electronic or other means for the purpose of sending unsolicited e-mail and unauthorized framing of or linking to the Web site will be investigated, and appropriate legal action will be taken, including, without limitation, civil, criminal, and injunctive redress and the Member’s account will be terminated.

This provision clearly says that “commercial endeavors” are not allowed, although what’s considered as a “commercial endeavor” is not clear. Then the “rumor” started – Multiply is allegedly removing accounts that are engaged in e-commerce. One brave Filipino soul (mybeezwax) wrote Multiply and got a reply. Here’s the reply:

For those who can’t read the reply, it says: “Hi. Not sure where you are hearing this rumor. It is true that our Terms of Service prohibit the use of Multiply for commercial purposes – that is to protect our users from spam and/or scams. But no one would be deleted without a warning first.”

So, where do things stand? The reply simply reiterates what’s stated above – Multiply is not to be used for commercial purposes. It also says that the rumor is not true and users violating the policy will definitely be notified before their respective accounts will be deleted. It doesn’t say, however, whether or not the account of the sender is classified under “commercial purposes”. Still, it’s good that Multiply will let you know before your account is removed. Maybe Multiply won’t remove those accounts as long as the system is not abused. I hope so.Wink

Update: The terms and conditions for the use of Multiply was amended, with this language:

The Multiply Website is intended for the personal use of individual Members. Organizations, companies and/or businesses wishing to use Multiply in connection with any commercial endeavors must identify their account as an “online seller” for such use (you can request this by contacting customer service). If you fail to identify your account in this manner, you will be in violation of these Terms of Service and we reserve the right to terminate your account at any time. In connection with any commercial use, you agree to not collect or store via the Website or as part of the Service any personally identifiable information from customers, including but not limited to: social security numbers, dates of birth, credit card or other financial information (“PII”).xxx

It now appears that commercial use is allowed, subject to minor limitations. (Note: Please don’t consider this as a legal opinion, as this is not.)

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