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No self-promotion in a webmaster forum
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Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 12,035
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Do you think it's alright to have a zero tolerance policy when it comes to self-promotion, spam, or even the posting of any and all links - in a webmaster-oriented community (ie WebmasterWorld, DaniWeb)?
On one hand, it seems good to have a black and white policy - and on the other hand, it can come off as way too harsh. What do you think?
On one hand, it seems good to have a black and white policy - and on the other hand, it can come off as way too harsh. What do you think?
I think you should allow people to post links to their sites, as long as they are real sites and not seo spam. 
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Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 12,035
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Why? C'mon, this is a discussion! Explain 
My outtake on it is that when people start talking about their site, specifically, the thread goes in a direction where it helps them and no one else. i.e. "How can I SEO my site better"? or "Why aren't I getting any signups?"
I want to keep the Internet Marketing forums as non-site specific as possible so that people don't feel like they're reading a whole bunch of "how can I promote my own site?" threads but can have real, mature discussions that will help everyone.
Then, we have a Site Reviews forum where you can ask all of those questions ... "Review my site for SEO" or "Review my site to figure out why I'm not getting as many signups as I should" and that type of thing.
Explain My outtake on it is that when people start talking about their site, specifically, the thread goes in a direction where it helps them and no one else. i.e. "How can I SEO my site better"? or "Why aren't I getting any signups?"
I want to keep the Internet Marketing forums as non-site specific as possible so that people don't feel like they're reading a whole bunch of "how can I promote my own site?" threads but can have real, mature discussions that will help everyone.
Then, we have a Site Reviews forum where you can ask all of those questions ... "Review my site for SEO" or "Review my site to figure out why I'm not getting as many signups as I should" and that type of thing.
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Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 12,035
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I'm a bit disgruntled by the lack of input in this thread ... While I really like the idea of banning site-specific talk except in a designated forum (in this case, Site Reviews), I am afraid that it may stifle forum growth way too much.
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Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 252
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Posting Whiz in Training
It's often difficult to discuss topics and resolve issues without referencing URLs. I think members should earn merit for the privalege to post URLs, in order to keep the spammers out. I think the policy in place regarding site reviews, should apply to all threads.
Furthermore, most modern search engines heavily weigh citation for scoring documents. If DaniWeb forums block citation, quality sites won't get the credit they deserve. Do we want to penalize the good guys because of the spammers?
Furthermore, most modern search engines heavily weigh citation for scoring documents. If DaniWeb forums block citation, quality sites won't get the credit they deserve. Do we want to penalize the good guys because of the spammers?
www.markdavidny.com - just one of my sites I'm trying to boost traffic for ;-)
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Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 238
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Posting Whiz in Training
Hey Dani.
Well, I have to say that I honestly like your policy. Being strict leaves no questions. There is nothing to discuss with a Black & White policy like the one that is in effect.
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Some sites allow Personal Site Promotions in the useres Signature after so many posts. But this also is hard to moderate and control. Normally such is taken advantage of.
Take my forum for example. I have almost left it completely. I do everything on daniweb. Though I have an amazing group of people on my forum. I cannot enforce the rules because no one would listen. Soo.. I basically just had to take them down. What's the point of having them if you can't enforce them.
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Black & White policies don't allow exceptions. So what happened to my forum wouldn't happen here.
If you really want to try to do something about griping members send them my way. I'll tell 'em like it is.
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If you want ideas on a way to make allow personal site promotion. I suggest a forum area. One area. Requirement to post in this area should be, a 75 post minimum. That way you know they are here to stay. Not just grab ten posts and throw up a really nice ad that will attract people to other forums/WebSites/or-WebServices.
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Like I said the No link posting allowed is the best policy. You don't have to allow exceptions to anyone. If the really want there Web Site posted on here. They have the option to affiliate or pay for advertisement on the HomePage.
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Anybody else have some ideas. Come on guys were here everyday bugging Dani. Let's give her a hand on this one.
Well, I have to say that I honestly like your policy. Being strict leaves no questions. There is nothing to discuss with a Black & White policy like the one that is in effect.
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Our Advertising Community
Internet Marketingforum
If the sole reason you register is to spam with your own advertisements, do us all a favor and do not bother registering. For our web developer audience (and there is quite a lot of you out there), we offer an Internet Marketing forum. Do not take it for granted. Note that no affiliate links are permitted anywhere throughout the site. In addition, most Internet Marketing forums prohibit referring to your website by name or supplying its URL.
You may use the Webmaster Marketplace forum to post that you are offering an online service (such as advertising) that is directly related to a webmaster audience. It is not meant for advertising your website, products for sale, etc. While this forum is geared towards services only, at moderator's discretion, exceptions may be allowed such as offering an unused vBulletin license or a forum skin, for example. Of course, sellers must hold the copyrights and/or legal right to sell. In addition, all advertisements in this forum must have all relevant information posted in the thread. (Prices may be negotiated privately however.) Posts that are simply links to other sites offering the service are not permitted. Please note there is a 10 post minimum before you are allowed to start a new thread in this forum, as well as in the Traffic Exchange and Site Reviews forums. It is prohibited to tack your advertisement onto an existing advertisement thread, in an attempt to get around this minimum. One advertisement per thread please.
Site Reviews forum
We offer a Showcase forum where you can receive feedback about your site. This is not an advertising forum. Inacceptable posts include: "Check out my hosting company. 100 MB for only $5/month!" Acceptable posts include: "My hosting company is not getting many signups despite a competitive price. What can I do to change the look of the site to encourage more signups?" If you are in dire need of promoting your website, e-mail/PM me about exchanging links or advertising with us.
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Some sites allow Personal Site Promotions in the useres Signature after so many posts. But this also is hard to moderate and control. Normally such is taken advantage of.
Take my forum for example. I have almost left it completely. I do everything on daniweb. Though I have an amazing group of people on my forum. I cannot enforce the rules because no one would listen. Soo.. I basically just had to take them down. What's the point of having them if you can't enforce them.
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Black & White policies don't allow exceptions. So what happened to my forum wouldn't happen here.
If you really want to try to do something about griping members send them my way. I'll tell 'em like it is.
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If you want ideas on a way to make allow personal site promotion. I suggest a forum area. One area. Requirement to post in this area should be, a 75 post minimum. That way you know they are here to stay. Not just grab ten posts and throw up a really nice ad that will attract people to other forums/WebSites/or-WebServices.
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Like I said the No link posting allowed is the best policy. You don't have to allow exceptions to anyone. If the really want there Web Site posted on here. They have the option to affiliate or pay for advertisement on the HomePage.
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Anybody else have some ideas. Come on guys were here everyday bugging Dani. Let's give her a hand on this one.
+_-¤ ŦĦễ £ﺄiĢĦŧňĨňĢĦǻщk ¤-_+
South Georgia Computers - Home and Office IT Solutions - Owner/Tech
Need the BEST software for Virus/Spyware Removal? Download - AVG Free -
Computer Problems? Forget the GeeK Squad use something better: DaniWeb
South Georgia Computers - Home and Office IT Solutions - Owner/Tech
Need the BEST software for Virus/Spyware Removal? Download - AVG Free -
Computer Problems? Forget the GeeK Squad use something better: DaniWeb
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Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 12,035
Reputation:
Solved Threads: 128
It's not about spamming. It's about making the threads relevant to everyone instead of allowing all of the questions to be site-specific. It's a difference between "how can webmasters fix this problem?" and "how can I fix this problem on my site?". For those site-specific questions, they would all be grouped together into a Site-Specific Questions forum.
Another question - If I renamed the Site Reviews forum to Site-Specific Questions, would it be more confusing??
Another question - If I renamed the Site Reviews forum to Site-Specific Questions, would it be more confusing??
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Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 238
Reputation:
Solved Threads: 6
Posting Whiz in Training
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Originally Posted by cscgal
Another question - If I renamed the Site Reviews forum to Site-Specific Questions, would it be more confusing??
"Webmaster's Site Problems"
"Personal Site Problems"
"Personal-Site Questions"
or have some fun with the wording
"Your Site Errors Fixed here!"
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To me everything has to have some fun no matter how professional the site is.
But try to keep it simple. Or have like the Forum name and a description under it.
-Forum (Personal Site Questions)
--Description (This Forum is For webmasters to discuss problems on their sites.)
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Something along those lines.
+_-¤ ŦĦễ £ﺄiĢĦŧňĨňĢĦǻщk ¤-_+
South Georgia Computers - Home and Office IT Solutions - Owner/Tech
Need the BEST software for Virus/Spyware Removal? Download - AVG Free -
Computer Problems? Forget the GeeK Squad use something better: DaniWeb
South Georgia Computers - Home and Office IT Solutions - Owner/Tech
Need the BEST software for Virus/Spyware Removal? Download - AVG Free -
Computer Problems? Forget the GeeK Squad use something better: DaniWeb
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Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 238
Reputation:
Solved Threads: 6
Posting Whiz in Training
Anytime.
I'm Suprised at the lack of feedback though.. Hmm. people are getting ready for thanksgiving early I guess
I'm Suprised at the lack of feedback though.. Hmm. people are getting ready for thanksgiving early I guess
+_-¤ ŦĦễ £ﺄiĢĦŧňĨňĢĦǻщk ¤-_+
South Georgia Computers - Home and Office IT Solutions - Owner/Tech
Need the BEST software for Virus/Spyware Removal? Download - AVG Free -
Computer Problems? Forget the GeeK Squad use something better: DaniWeb
South Georgia Computers - Home and Office IT Solutions - Owner/Tech
Need the BEST software for Virus/Spyware Removal? Download - AVG Free -
Computer Problems? Forget the GeeK Squad use something better: DaniWeb
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