Do you have many people posting links to other sites?

Often times I encounter "hey, this is funny!" type of posts with a link. Or "you'll never believe this!" and a link. Sometimes with a little bit of explanation, but other times with just a link and people are supposed to go visit the link, then come back and give their reaction and start conversation I guess. Do you ever have any/many of those and do you frown upon them or think their ok?

And then there's the people who take time to make a post on your forum and then link back to their blog. Do you consider this advertising? How do you normally handle that?

I run a sports website. It's focused on high school sports in Mississippi. There's a guy who's been a member of my forums for about 5 years or so. But he's also a sports writer. So occasionally he'll post a thread with some info like rosters for an upcoming all-star game or a preview for a game, give a little info, but then link to his sports blog with a full length story. I don't mind it now and then, but I'm trying to figure out how much it too much. My site also provides articles and such. So it's borderline competition.

Now his site isn't for "pay" or anything, but it's still on the edge.

So what do you allow in the way of "off linking"?

 

If they are regular members that we trust then it's fine....but we do cross reference new members posting links to combat spammers..and if we think they are suspect then the link is removed...Best to try and not over police members but get the point across of rules.

 

If they are good members posting quality content I don't have a problem with it. I feel they're entitled to a little self promotion if their posts are bringing people to the site. I get rid of people who just post links to their site of videos or jokes though; they're as much spammers as the rest.

I guess the real test is, is he interacting with the rest of the members? Or are those his only posts?

 

My regular members can post links to all websites. Though they're used to the rules.

New members, within 20 or so posts, if they're posting a lot of links, or pulling up old threads to post a link "recommendation" etc, get told off a bit. And they'll have their links removed.

Those using your forum for advice or chat, should be allowed to post what they want. Those who could be using your forum for their own gains, need to either pay, or at the very least chip in on the community quite a bit.

After all, you're paying for the hosting.

 

We get this every day about new music and bands, usually the links are removed as these people normally dont have any other posts.

 

I would definitely frown upon something like this. If a post or thread's sole intention is to get you to click a link, it is very spam-like, and generally isn't condoned. That's my general rule-of-thumb.

It depends. If their post is content-rich (and, obviously, relevant to my forum) then I wouldn't mind the link. But then it comes down to whether their website (the link) is a competitor of mine. If it isn't, then the link is not permitted. Otherwise, I'm perfectly fine with the sharing of additional and external resources with my members.

In this case, I would not allow it if this person makes such posts regularly and makes a habit out of it. Based on your explanation, it seems to me that he is using your forum as a platform to attract visitors to his website. I would send him a PM letting him know that his "teasers" aren't appreciated, and if he wants to share something with the community, then he should post it in full. Otherwise it would be considered as advertising.

What are your members' response to these threads of his? Do they go to his blog to read the stories and comment on them there, or do they read it and come back to the thread on your forum to post comments?