What happened to discrepancy?, the posting of links Options

[Spirited Away]

Why I'm here.

The Community Guideline states:
ADVERTISING
Starting a topic for the sole purpose of advertising is not allowed. You may not solicit via Private Message. Signatures may only contain references and links to personal pages, such as your blogs and profiles; references and links to anything that is not personal, such as websites and forums are not allowed.

"Strictly" following the rules would mean any link posted in debate or news means spam/advertising. Yet it is argued by another member, E-Man, that such links are "allowed because it is [a] source [that] is not advertising or promoting a certain cause or company. You are simply citing where you got your facts or story from." However, that is deviating from the community guideline rule itself, and not "strictly" following.

According the definition agreed by iRock cB, if a link is posted so that it would provide information for a cause, it would be okay. So why is the topic "save the la mesa" censored even after I explained that it could be means for providing information?

I remember clearly that Jusun meant for staff to be lenient in the lounge, but what happened to that proposed leniency by the leader of this community?

[*Libertie*]

Kristina - I edited the post, "competing" isn't necessarily the best term to use.. The main point is that it was a similar concept, links to other sites posted by other users, but it's accepted.

And to open up discussion and get feedback, what is and isn't considered advertising? Does anyone disagree with the idea that just sharing interesting links with the community is/should be acceptable?

As Fae said, posting a link trying to get people to make a purchase is advertising.
Posting a link for the sole purpose of trying to get hits is advertising.

Anything else?

[smoke]

And to open up discussion and get feedback, what is and isn't considered advertising? Does anyone disagree with the idea that just sharing interesting links with the community is/should be acceptable?

As Fae said, posting a link trying to get people to make a purchase is advertising.
Posting a link for the sole purpose of trying to get hits is advertising.

Anything else?

I don't disagree. I believe I said in the save la mesa topic that I personally didn't really agree with removing it, but I have to abide by the rule. If I didn't say that, I meant to because I was thinking it, haha.

I'm really, really glad I did remove that link now because it lead to this topic. I've been trying to get this issue going but it looks like it actually took an example to do so and of course Fae because people respect her a lot more than they do me, I'm sure.

[demolished]

I don't disagree. I believe I said in the save la mesa topic that I personally didn't really agree with removing it, but I have to abide by the rule. If I didn't say that, I meant to because I was thinking it, haha.

I'm really, really glad I did remove that link now because it lead to this topic. I've been trying to get this issue going but it looks like it actually took an example to do so and of course Fae because people respect her a lot more than they do me, I'm sure.

Can I ask you a few questions? Before I start questioning you, I'm not trying to be an ass. I just want to know.


What does advertisement really means to you?
How does posting a link is advertising or not?
How do you abide the rules and use your appropriate judgment at the same time?

Rules aren't everything. Rules aren't always right.



Moderators should always use reasonable judgment.
They have a right to use it.
And, you probably heard something similar like that.

[KissMe2408]

Rules aren't everything. Rules aren't always right.
Moderators should always use reasonable judgment.
They have a right to use it.
And, you probably heard something similar like that.

Can I just say thank you for saying that?

It really all comes down to mods using good judgement.
Obviously if someone posts, "hey! you want a free mini ipod! click here!" [link]
You're not having to purchase anything, it's free you know. But there isn't a mod on here that wouldn't close that topic and take out the link.
When somoene is leaving a link for reference purposes and citing something they said, or giving further information, then yes, we leave it open. When I create topics for a certain movie or book, usually I will leave a link in there to it's official website. When people bring up topics in "News" I almost expect and think it better when people leave links and cite what they say.

And yes there are other things considered as advertising. You don't always have to be making a purchase. "Click here for free ____" "Hey, here is my resume for computer graphics, _____"

But again, each case is different, and ultimately it takes good judgement.



Another thing, what about in Entertainment, when people say "Have you ever heard of the band ______. They are awesome, amazing.....here is a link to their myspace."
I usually don't have a problem with that, but I'm not sure if anyone else does, because if you want to get down to nit picks, it could be considered as advertising.