Posted: Mon Nov 10, 2003 1:19 pm Post subject: Helpful Information or Blatant Promotion
Hello everyone.
Recently I have been thinking quite a lot about the way people have been using this forum for self promotion. I think it's generally accepted that sig files are more than reasonable as a subtle reward for taking the time to post, but when does a post deserve a place in the general affiliate section and when should it be placed in the blatant promotion section?
Here's four examples that have caused differences of opinion, recently. I'm not having a go at the writers, just giving my opinions in an attempt to learn if others feel the same way...
http://associateprograms.com/discus/viewtopic.php?p=6146#6146
Chip Tarver's post is currently in the general affiliate section, but the thread has attracted comments from Wally. Although Chip only promotes directly from the sig, I think this post is in the wrong section.
http://associateprograms.com/discus/viewtopic.php?t=1065
This thread (started by Timothy Warnock) was originally posted in the general section, but then moved to the blatant promotion section by Wally. It was later put back in the general section due to "popular demand". Although Tim is promoting his own tracking via the sig, he included actual test results of an email campaign. I think Tim's original post was far enough away from total self promotion to justify it's place in the general section.
http://associateprograms.com/discus/viewtopic.php?p=6330#6330
Phil Tanny recommends a paid service, but claims no affiliation. Maybe not, but how would we know, and would it matter? It's still blatant promotion. I appreciate useful pointers of this type (speaking hypothetically), but is there a difference with posts that start a new thread, rather than "answer someone's question".
All in all, what a job Wally's got! The problem is, as posters, don't we need to know the rules first?
In an ideal world, isn't the reason for posting - in particular, relative to previous posts in the same thread - as important as the content itself? (I realise people use various techniques to abuse forums, but you have to start somewhere.) Basically, was a post created primarily to promote (however subtly), or was the primary intention to help or inform (with incidental promotion)?
Secondly, should the poster's previous posting history affect the case? (Tim's large number of previously helpful posts affected his case in my eyes, for example.)
As I said before, the examples given are just that - examples - and aren't meant to be criticisms of the people involved. I'd just like to hear a few different opinions on the general issues and questions I've raised.
Thanks,
Charlie. _________________ "Before I speak, I have something important to say."
- Groucho Marx
I do agree with Charlie. When I see posts from people guised as reminders or articles, and these people haven't posted helpful advice for other members, I feel they are blatant promotion. This has happened a few times on this forum.
Some of the articles posted have provided good content and things worth thinking about. Perhaps a section for promotional articles would be appropriate? Then the article could be read, if desired, in the light it was written, instead of reading it only to find it was a promotional piece.
As far as Tim's report goes, I felt it was just that, a report on results actually achieved and highly relevant and non-promotional. Had I done that research and tracking, reported the results, with my site signature, noone would have thought anything of it, since it had nada to do with site promotion. I think posts have to be viewed w/o signature to see if they can stand alone. If they can, great, if not, it's promotional.
I have no problems with sig files for anyone, I think they are a reasonable ROI to offer posters too.
My 2 cents,
Debs _________________ Learn how to turn keyphrases into quality, well-targeted articles your visitors and SE's will love with Gary Antosh's new ebook "Web Content Made Easy!"
Joined: 02 Jul 2003 Posts: 5839 Location: by the beach, Australia
Posted: Mon Nov 10, 2003 9:22 pm Post subject: Re: Helpful Information or Blatant Promotion
Charlie wrote:
Basically, was a post created primarily to promote (however subtly), or was the primary intention to help or inform (with incidental promotion)?
You hit the nail on the head there, Charlie. That's the essence.
When we revamped this forum earlier this year, I intended to write a set of rules. However, that task would be highly challenging for someone who's health is perfect. For me, it's just impossible.
So far, we're simply using the FAQ that came with the forum software. Considering that, I'm pleasantly surprised at how well the forum works.
I love the friendly, helpful atmosphere here and I'm very grateful that you've all done so much to make it that way.
To a large extent, the forum has taken on a life and direction of its own and (with help from Wally) is often self-moderating. You can all let people know when they're not contributing usefully, and when they're posts are too self-serving.
If you have any ideas on what the rules should be, I'm sure we'd all be interested in reading them.
Joined: 02 Jul 2003 Posts: 1165 Location: Maryborough Queensland Australia
Posted: Tue Nov 11, 2003 8:17 am Post subject:
Thanks for some clarification, Allan.
I'd like to add that the signature section was made 300 or so characters so that subscribers could get a bit of mileage with allowable mini-promotions there - AND the spam merchants find you there, too, I guess. I know that my admin address gets a lot of spam because it is prominent here!! I notice that many of our regulars no longer have elaborate signatures!!
I logged in before as the only registered visiter with a lot of guests. Become registered and use the signature facility wisely.
The "blatant" promotion, by the way, is taken to mean self-promotion, your own program promotion or even that of some favoured merchant. The main business of the message board is to facilitate requests for help and the supply of advice to all. Mindless and deliberate ramblings are really not welcome and irritate those who participate with appropriate attitudes. I'm pleased, as Allan said, that you all tend to keep within the guidelines and promptly rein in anyone prone to excesses. Occasionally I "moderate" but not too severely you'll mostly agree.
Keep on keeping on!!
Regards to all,
Wally Morgan - Moderator
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