Question about links and ads.

I read this thread http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=117825

I didn't see the adbefore it was removed, but sometimes I wonder what is considered an ad. I've mentioned my buddy builds mandolins before, for example and posted the link to his website here. I've also posted links for golf courses in this area. Are these examples considered advertising? For the record, I've never been chastised for links I've posted, but I don't know what the guidelines are.

 

I assume this site works like most others, so I'll venture a guess. I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong.

An "ad" would be (often) from a new member who has less than ten posts, consisting of a link to a website they're obviously affiliated with in order to get business for said website.

Technically, what you've posted would be an ad, however there is a major difference between linking something in response to a question (where would I go golfing if I was in BC) and trying to get free advertising for a site. It's usually pretty obvious to everyone which it is, and the bad ones are deleted (and often those who signed up purely to spam a board with ads are immediately banned as well).

In the case of that thread, I assume the link posted was for a travel agency or hotel, when it should have been to a general information page for the Bahamas or something like that.

 

Actually I think Adry overreacted in this case duck). It was only a link to a youtube video and the phone displayed was "1-800-bahamas" so I don't think it was a real ad. It seems more like a funny vid made by a teenager or something.

 

Maybe, but it appeared to be an ad. Especially considering its a a real domain...

I also observed the reactions of others, who also must have felt this sentiment. I actually let this post slide for a couple days before reacting.

If it isn't real...well, what can I say, the op on youtube named themselves after a real domain.

I've no whim about putting it back, if there is disagreement.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tqvBRFmJc6E

 

Here are some guidelines that are unwritten, but are only respectful and common sense.


1. Do not post forum links, especially competing forums.
2. Do not post other shareware sites, its tacky.
3. Do not try to use MG resources to further your own self. Its disrespectful, and you are not paying the bills.

Everything else is on a case by case basis. Its almost guaranteed that a poster posting his/her first post on a website link in Interesting Website Links will have the post deleted.

Do we make mistakes? Sure. Its hard to convey humor across the net, as well as the other range of emotions.

The bahamas thing...well, there is a site, even if its just a gay search engine spam type site, I played it safe. As you can see, I saved the link.

 

Nonetheless, as any type of Advert/Infotainment/Entertainment... it sucked.

'Nuff said.

 

*Cough*

Well, there is that too, but I was trying to stay neutral.

 

I mostly agree with you Adryn, except for #3

I think I am paying a bit towards the real bills by linking to/downloading an app or clicking on an ad that interests me or even just coming here becoming part of the traffic stats. I don't own a site but I do understand the economics of it. Having some 5 servers does cost quite a bit of money, I'm sure. I don't think MG would have expanded its services if it wasn't economically feasible. I can't see paying out of one's pocket for five years to be a good business plan.

 

No, but you get the idea. No one person makes a dent. Only as a collective, does it make a difference. Not to mention how many people only visit the forum, and nothing else. I think MA mentioned in the past, the revenue is generated from the main site, not the forum.

To take something that is paid for by others, and making it your own personal service...bleh. Not really anything I can add to that.

 

You're right, I remember that he said a few years ago that the forums were a drag on MG's bandwidth costs and that he hates forums. I like to think of it more as a customer service expense rather than a drag. It sure helps a lot of people trying out all these apps., me included.

EDIT: I just remembered, MA was talking about the non-tech forums, like this one.

 

I think another problem is that this guy posted the exact same(or very similar) vid about 4 days earlier. Certainly makes it look like there is something in it for him.