Is recommending specific brands a bad thing, or is it situational?
(“Brands” referring to anything branded; Programs, products, etc.)
Not at all. I have done so in several answers on several different sites across the network. Just work it into your answer, and the explanation. Don't just post a link to a product.
For example, if you search for "Stronglifts" you will get many answers featuring/recommending it.
You can even promote (if relevant) your own product/website, as long as it isn't excessive, and you make full disclosure of the affiliation. It also needs to be in the context of an answer, not just promoting the site.
