Thanks for all replies and pms, I'll try to work my way through them!
Be very wary of recommendations submitted via PM. Ask yourself why the poster was not prepared to post a public recommendation. In the past, companies have touted their own services in the guise of a satisfied customer.
Leo
Also, what is stopping a 'company' registering as a user on a free forum and blowing their own trumpet on the boards?
Posting guidelines are very clear on this and abusers are quickly found out.
Possibly, but I disagree. I would often PM the person looking for a recommendation mainly because I feel bad bleating on about the same people / companies over and over in public. Also, what is stopping a 'company' registering as a user on a free forum and blowing their own trumpet on the boards?