Posted: Fri Jul 27, 2007 11:36 am Post subject: Quality Score for Forum Posts
Hello Folks,
Most of you regulars will have no doubt seen the antics of a couple of "misguided entrepreneurs" in these parts just lately. (I could name them, but by the time you read this they will quite possible have changed their ways or been banned, so I won't confuse things.)
To cut a long story short, they seem to have forgotten to read the rules, or worse still have decided to deliberately push the technical limits, while riding roughshod through the spirit. For those of you who have somehow missed it, here's the game...
Example one - let's call him "M" - specialises in drawing attention to his own sig file from the post. Example two - let's call him "B" - just starts threads with something like "I was wondering, could anyone explain affiliate marketing?"
Recently, they even got together for a duet of truly moronic proportions (though thankfully short). This is probably due to the fact that no-one else will talk to them...
Here's a few things they have in common...
1) The sig file is typically longer than the post.
2) The sig file includes a link to a dubious internet marketing or home business opportunity.
3) They are very good at starting threads, but strangely reluctant to engage in any discussion or debate. (This gives a subtle clue as to how important they thought their own post was.)
This strategy is a sad and doomed one. Most people see straight through it. You don't need me to tell you what a bad idea it is to take the promotional advice of a juvenile ignoramous, so why do they persist in trying to give that impression.
Bearing in mind that links form forums are of very little value for seo, too, it really is a surprise people like B and M go to the trouble they do to make themselves look like idiots.
Fortunately, most of you will already know who and what I'm talking about. It must be the case, because most of you ignore them, as well. The thing is, I've seen it before...
The few times people do get drawn into responding with these idiots, Wally then goes and decides he will ban them after all, and all threads are zapped.
So not only is it a good idea not to encourage naughty boys, it is also a futile waste of your own words (and sigs, if that matters). I'm sorry, I keep going on, as I realise you understand this.
So, bearing in mind most people agree the best way to deal with B and M is to ignore them, here's a few ideas to make Wally's life easier...
1) Make it mandatory that the first post in a thread must have the sig manually disabled by the poster. This will go a long way towards convincing the world as to the reason for the posting.
2) A limit to the number of new threads a poster can start in any day - but with only one question per post. How about two. The aim here is to encourage good, well thought out questions, and to have the original poster engage with anyone who responds.
3) Ah yes, the Quality Score part...
As it stands, we've got a system where Wally and Allan just butcher what they don't like. Seems to work quite well actually, but remember to express yourselves if you aren't happy with a poster. Do it privately, I'd say, but the point is...
Remember that Wally and Allan are very fair and tolerant. They tend to give people the benefit or the doubt much more than I do - yes really - but don't let that make you think they are fooled. They have built the spirit here over the years by getting the balance right. That said, they can and do come down on the deserving when they push things too far...
We need a system where people who consistently dish out poor quality posts, yielding a poor response rate, need to be treated accordingly. Much as Google is keen to maintain standards by making advertisers enhance the search experience of Google's customers, so we all need to ensure that posts here add to the overall positive experience of forum visitors.
Remember all those lurkers out there.
4) Make all new posters tick a box to say they have read the forum guidelines, plus this thread...
Some very good ideas, but it will most likely make more work for Allan and Wally.
I don't think the problem lies with AP. I find these problems in almost every forum I am a member of....especially affiliate marketing forums...and, it seems to be getting worse.
It seems more and more people don't care about the rules, push things to the straining point, start inane posts, like to respond even when they have nothing of value to add, are more concerned with running up their post count, put more emphasis on their sig then the body of their post, are looking for the "easy way" - (whatever happened to good old fashioned work?), don't give a damn about learning the art & science of affiliate marketing, are just interested in how to "get over" or "how to make money fast", don't read threads before they reply, want others to do their "research" for them", ask the same questions before they bother to do a forum search, etc., etc., etc. I could go on, but the more I read forums, the less I find I am posting these days. Most of what I am reading on forums these days is just pure rubbish.
Jim _________________ MoonShadows Farm Country Favorites
Jams, Salsas, BBQ Sauces & Dip Mixes
15% Commission - 90 Day Cookie - No Minimum Payout
Joined: 02 Jul 2003 Posts: 1165 Location: Maryborough Queensland Australia
Posted: Fri Jul 27, 2007 8:17 pm Post subject:
Thanks, guys, it's nice to know we're appreciated.
However, one must remember it's difficult to sort the genuine beginner from the poser. We have to give some leeway until someone at their umteenth visit asks how to write html but has a sig file suggesting they're making millions. Now that's a bit of a giveaway!
I move so many messages to Getting Started and delete many others. One can only do so much without scaring away the genuine beginner. I guess I can say to avoid the Getting Started folder but that's not fair either. Perhaps I need a folder called "Doubtful Starter" and that could be avoided like the plague!
You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum
Your host: Allan Gardyne. Earning a good living from affiliate
programs since 1998.
FAQ
Search
Memberlist
Usergroups
Register
Profile
Private Messages
Log in
