Are knock-offs allowed as "Hot Deals"?

[Crono]

I'm asking the question because of the iPad clone thread currently active in Hot Deals (this). Personally, I have no problem with the thread, and think it's interesting. I might even get one myself later on. However I don't see why it should be a "Hot Deal" instead of a discussion in "Gadgets Gear and Phones".

Should knock-off products even be considered hot deals? There are a ton, literally thousands, of look-alike, bootleg, or "fake" electronics out there, some of which are poorly made and unreliable, and some which are virtually indistinguishable from the real product. And even more clothing and fragrance fakes. Are we allowed to post these in Hot Deals?

The only way I could see this particular thread as a Hot Deal is if it were on sale from its current price. Instead it's posted as a Hot Deal because it's an alternative to the iPad, as are the other products in the thread. As far as I am aware, alternative brands aren't Hot Deals, or otherwise I'd be posting all the Logitech speakers that are cheaper and just as good as their Bose counterparts, or all the generic cables that are cheaper than Monster's.

I'm not trying to get the iPad clone thread locked or anything, I just want to know what "Hot Deals" is limited to.

 

[allisolm]

Are knock-offs allowed as "Hot Deals"?
Yes

Should knock-off products even be considered hot deals?
The members decide that by responding or not to the threads, as with any deal.

Are we allowed to post these in Hot Deals?
Have you seen how many postings there are about items at dealextreme and similar sites? 🙂

...otherwise I'd be posting all the Logitech speakers that are cheaper and just as good as their Bose counterparts, or all the generic cables that are cheaper than Monster's.
Not the same thing at all and I wouldn't suggest doing that. 🙂

The best advice I can give is that a hot deal is in the eye of the beholder. If the other members don't think it's hot, the thread will fall. If they are interested, the thread will remain. If you don't think something is a deal, move on to another thread.

If you want to post something and are unsure if it will be allowed, you can always send a PM.

A word to the wise:
Quoted from the rules - "No thread crapping. If the subject matter of a deal does not interest you, do not post negative comments about it... in the thread."

 

[bruceb]

As long as they are identified as being a "knock off" it should be ok.
As mentioned to many fakes / copies, mainly from China out there.
In all types of products, including a Taylor Made Driver I bought last
year, which has now been proven counterfeit.

 

[Crono]

Thanks for the response, allisolm. Didn't really think of the Hot Deals as self regulating, but it makes sense. Kinda makes me wish we had a rating system (though last time it failed in FuseTalk).