QUOTE(lifebalance @ Nov 23 2016, 12:32 PM)
I agree that if it involves personal detail then PM will be fine.
However, in this situation, it is in contrast of the statement you mentioned as the forumer posted his details already as per below
But the following statement made by him
"4. If you need my help, do feel free to contact me. I will be all ears in guiding you towards this rough path."
is no different from "Look if you need my service, PM me."
in this case, if the response is already given publicly, i dont mind anyone asking them to discuss further in PM
but if the response is just a one-liner or repeated one, i.e not tailored to specific question or inquiry (in other word, copy & paste type of response), i am of the opinion that the response is not appropriate and doesnt reflect one's professional attitude
hope that clears the air
i dont want a very restricted, moderated & confined environment to discuss or else many will be shy to ask or to respond & share their experiences
if one would be very specific to what is soliciting and promoting, i guess many would be at fault just because of their signatures, but that would create further confusions and some expert may even shy away from sharing their knowledge
discussion about this ends here as i have made it clear that i don't want to be specific. let your professionalism dictates your action.