> Another newbie
True, I am a newbie and I am the kind of newbie wants to follow the rules -- and trying to learn the rules at the same time
> paying senior members to post an ANN thread
True, but is that allowed by the rule?
> post an ANN thread without mentioning anything about the website
True, but I'm still working on the website and am just gathering offers now.
> users offering to post the ANN without bothering about any details
True for now, but the seller will get more info from me, even if it's just to the sake of posting.
> User wants to buy merits too
True, but is that allowed by the rule? To a newbie like me, if copper membership can be bought rather than earned, why can't merit?
> Whole thing screams SCAM!
Not sure about that, I've heard many people scream SCAM about Bitcoin as well :-)
Buying and selling accounts and merits are not against the rules but are discouraged as users who have bought accounts and merits have used those accounts to scam members. Scamming also here is not against rules but can get you red trust. Asking someone to trust you and post your ANN and if it turns out suspicious can get them negative trust too.