I used to frequent the forums at focaljet back in ought-two(2002) and they had/have a section for their "Premier Sponsors" where forumites, like myself, can ask the sponsors directly about their products(e.g. installation, new developments, issues) and get them answered for the benefit of themustangsource's masses.

Do I hear a second?

 

That'd be kinda cool, but I don't know if they'd go for it. There's already a "Vendor Showcase" section. And if you just start a thread about something, the vendors seem pretty good about finding it and answering questions related to their products. If they don't happen to see it, you can always PM them the link or ask them directly.

 

I have found forums that have a sponsor forum for the most part also demand that the vendors keep their forum interaction primarily on their vendor forum, which in my experience seriously limits how much you can interact with the consumer.

What I love about this forum is the fact I can go to any forum and talk to anyone freely. It makes reaching your audience much easier and you get better ROI.

 

Okay, I'll just send my questions to the great abyss of the internet until I'm serious about putting my dollars behind something