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LDS Business Sites, Correct?

Do you think that some sites on the net that use their background in the Church to promote their business is wrong? Are their limits? Is it okay to use typical church symbols on a web page or business to sell something not related to the Church?

For me personally it is mixed... here are my thoughts for both online and physical businesses:

1. I do not think the name of the Church or any of its' symbols should be used to promote a business unless that business directly sells books or related material from the Church. For example... I cannot understand why someone would want to a show a picture of a temple as their symbol for selling fashionable shoes.

2. I think all sites that have something in relation to the Church or its' doctrine should have a message basically indicating that they are NOT an official representative of the Church and a link should point to the official Church web site.

3. I think having a link saying 'for our services click here' or 'contact us' is fine, but I do not think it is wise to mix it in with related Church material. For instance,  do not say that only the best doctrinal authors come from 'x' place or person because he/she is a member, or a Bishop or something like that.

4. On all work that is yours in design or word it is necessary to place your name, etc for copyright purposes. This is standard wether it be religious or not. The same should also hold true for the CHurch's own material and art that they use, but do not acknowledge the original creator(s) or owner(s)

These are some of my thoughts. What are yours?

Correct Sites Business LDS

I don't think they should use the name of the Church either but because it attracts LDS clients that's why they use it. Actually I'm pretty amazed that the Church have not done much to stop it either.

In recent times, I found lots of web sites that they have a note indicating that they are not an official web site of the Church and they link to lds.org

Yes, true. I have met several members of the Church who looking at my eyes told me 'I'm a member of the Church and I will use the Church to get what I want'. And that's the mentality of a lot of people who are LDS and also businessmen.

Yes. I notice also that most people don't respect copyright laws, they think it's not a big deal. Some they just like to steal stuff from the net but others genuinely don't think it's wrong to do that.
I think sometimes members who own business overdo it a bit. Sometime ago I found a web site of a company who organize firesides, dinners and activities of the Church!!! can you believe that?. Where is the Bishopric and the Relief Society? Who can be so stupid to hire those services? *shaking head*. That makes me sick!

LDS Business Sites, Correct? Studies Doctrine Mormon

We recently had two users come on here trying to promote what they considered to be LDS sites, but they were just a front to sell products and spam our site (and other sites we have). In fact one of them claimed to be a Clinical Psychologist and had such attitude! People should think twice before they write stupid Emails that make them look less than what they represent, especially when they so openly publish their credentials, location, etc on the net.

Some of them are also very bossy about getting hits from our banner exchange when our sites are legit LDS related sites (Alumni / Scripture) and theirs is everything to do with selling something.

There seems to be a recent desire to say 'LDS' before everything the businesses sell. I am sure it is worrisome for the Brethren and they may even make a statement about it in the future.

Correct Sites Business LDS

I think it depends upon how it is done. I agree a statement needs to be made, and in a manner that can't be missed, that says they are not in anyway affiliated with the Church. However, I am not sure I see anything wrong with making it clear you are a member of the Church in an effort to attract the business of other Church members. I think it is good to do business with other members. You are helping them by giving them your business and you can have some (how much is questionable) assurance as to their morals and standards.

For example, I have bought shorts on-line from a site that mentioned the Church. It helped me to know that the length would be appropriate. In fact, that was their reason for mentioning the Church.

Correct Sites Business LDS

If a company expressly sells something of particular interest to members of the church, such as the shorts that tena mentioned, or white dresses, etc., that's great. But as JB said, to sell fashionable shoes with a church symbol to attract LDS business? That just seems wrong, and businesses do it. Other Christians do this also, using the fish symbol and other "religious" statements to attract Christian customers to their businesses -- and some are not even Christian themselves, but use any tools at their disposal to get a sale.

I've heard horror stories of people having a rough time with LDS and other Christian businesses that didn't do a good job or sold shoddy merchandise, etc., and then didn't make it right. Just because they claim to be a member of the church and/or Christian does not mean that they are members or Christians, or that the work or service or items they sell are necessarily any better than some other business.

Caveat Emptor. Research before you jump in.

Roz