I don't know who alerted, but I couldn't help but wonder about the OP myself. Not because it was rude, disruptive, etc, but I think it may have violated an advertising ban. It's one thing for us to be granted the privilege of advertising our own wares in places such as the holiday marketplace. It's another thing to be using the site to advertise for a company one works for. Even though the OP was for a "freebie" it sure had the feel of a "loss leader." After all, DU pretty much relies on paid advertising.
The other thread that was shut down was about an overtly banned topic. However much you may disagree with the ban, they have a right to ban that topic. They don't want it discussed, period. We get here, at very low cost (or free) a place to hang out, discuss something totally not political, and even advertise our private offerings, such as when somebody has a book published or makes Christmas gifts for extra money. I think we owe it to the owners to respect a clearly defined rule.
Just my 2 cents. 
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