This has gotten ridiculous. I will bring this to the attention of Audiogon, if they don't already know it, and ask them myself whether what i am doing violates policy.
If so, then my response would be: If reviewers are allowed to talk about their reviews, and some of them are paid, then why would I not be allowed to talk about my book? I am not paid for my reviews, yet I was prohibited from attaching a link. Once it was brought to my attention, I ceased doing it.
Here's the truth, none of this is all THAT important to me. With due respect to the industry members who gain a living from it, the topic is equipment and hobby. Sorry, that is simply not one of the most important things in life to me. You are free to disagree. It's a great hobby; it's not worth hassles beyond that.
I knew when I thought about writing the book and publishing it that there would be a certain amount of blowback, hassles. So be it. This kind of hassle can be easily put to rest. I think audio_audition is wrong, and I could care less if 1,000 dealers agreed with him. But to show integrity and that I am not intentionally trying to do something deceptive or greedy, I will bring this to Audiogon's attention. My reputation is worth more than making money from a book about audio.
My intent is not to skirt rules, to try to get away with anything. I will prove it by asking the powers that be at Audiogon myself. Frankly, none of this is so important to me that I want to make enemies, get away with schemes, etc.
If Audiogon says I need to change what I'm doing, then I will consider whether it is reasonable.