Welcome to "Ice Cream Folks" -- a discussion group fostering the exchange of information between folks involved in the sale or manufacture of frozen desserts or related items.

Participation is open to all, with no limit on subject matter being discussed, other than our plea to keep discussions professional, courteous, and relevant to the operations of ice cream related businesses. Our members recognize the value of free, open, uncensored discussions and are tolerant of differing views and opinions.

A companion web site exists at http://icecreamfolks.com/ to allow the publication of additional group content. It contains several articles which have been distilled from past discussions that have taken place here.

If you choose to join, please consider posting a message with your name, your store location (if you have one), and any other information about your situation that you're willing to share.

After joining, your first few postings will be moderated, meaning they won't show up on the list until approved by one of the group administrators. Once you're known to the group, we'll switch your posting status to 'unmoderated' so that you can post without approval. Those posting off-topic messages will be put back on 'moderated' status. This helps cut down on spam and keeps the subjects on track.

Please include your name and location in all posts -- many of us are hesitant to respond to anonymous requests for help from people who could well be our competition.

Commercial product postings are allowed, but we ask that if you post information on a product you manufacture, distribute, or otherwise benefit from the sale of, that you clearly identify your position in regard to the product. And please, no heavy sales hype -- if your product is good, we'll be happy to hear about it in a clear, factual way.

Welcome, and feel free to join in the discussions