you have a point there. Guys who are good at copying are normally good at marketing too because they don't have to spend time and energy to create good content. One more suggestion that i found of great use was not share the earning. That way no one would know about ur niche and get tempted to copy it. Anyway I don't have to worry about getting copied right now because my sites are still struggling. Still its better safe then sorry.
I guess the real question is why post links in your signature at all? Linkbacks are a good reason, but will a link from DP really help your PR or traffic if your site is about fluffy white dogs? Personally the links I click on from here are blogs of others that seem interesting or links of people claiming to be very successful (their sites seem to contradict their statements often, although it could just be they are in fact hiding the best ones ) I don't think you have to worry about people stealing your content, but giving the readers of DP a link that at least looks interesting is a good start..
"An idea can change your life" - eg:- million dollars homepage ...lol but note that only the first promoter will be recognised.so add them without fear.
So far My experience is good, my sites generated good PR because of DP. ya someone can take your ideas but that can happen to anyone, and anywhere.
I actually think this is a very valid question. I don't worry so much about being copied because my sites and ideas can be copied direct from the web anyway. However it is true that sometimes (sadly) petty enmities start here and click bombing is a possibility. I had someone give me a red rep, leaving no name and a comment "the penalty for giving someone a red rep is that you get -1 in return" - I have NEVER given a red rep here so it just goes to show the low level some people will stoop to i.e. they had got one and GUESSED it was me because I had disagreed with them in a thread. I think that 99.9% of guys/gals here are helpful and are here to both help and learn but there is always that rogue 0.01% and I think it pays to be careful - especially if you have a high earning adesnse account that could come under threat.
An 'idea' can't legally be protected anyway in most places. That's why there's always going to be competition. If you're worried about people stealing your designs, then you simply need to get over it and be diligent in protecting yourself. You can't run a site or online business and give up on important (and successful) marketing methods just because someone 'might' try to steal your intellectual property. Marketing is what makes or breaks any business. Just keep your eyes peeled for anything suspicious, keep dated copies of everything you do to prove it was yours originally, and actively go after people who violate your rights using a cease and desist letter and legal action if necessary. If your idea is so great, people want to know about it. And sure, people are going to want to copy it. That's a reality when you work online. Accept that, and then do what you need to do (including using sigs in relevant forums) to promote it. The faster your business or site grows, and the more popular it gets, the more protection you'll have anyway, b/c it's easier to prove you were there first. If someone copies it and markets better than you, you'll be the one missing out.
You are absolutely right whitespider, most of the members in DP are "good guys/gals", and it was totally wrong on anyone's part to give red rep just on guess work. I think DP should encourage members to give their name with their reps. And like you said it only takes one person to spoil everything, all your planning, your many days of hard work and sometimes and huge share of potential revenue. So it pays to be cautious.
Hey Whitespider, I got that exact red rep too - the difference is I know who sent it. You'd think a guy who was looking for a white tiger cub would have the balls to sign his rep bombs, wouldn't you? Anyway, my two cents worth is that unless you have completely new idea then use every marketing tool available to you.
Because I had red repped him for being a plonker 5 minutes before and left my nick. Personally I think if you are going to call someone a prat, you at least ought to sign your name, right?
absolutely right. if you have to say something then say on their face. but then people who think like this(read "us") hardly misuse this rep concept.
If you have a site that pertains to business issues that some DP community members may have then perhaps the solution to their issue can be found via your signature link. If you have a site about (I think someone called it) fluffy white dogs, then it may not bring you relevant traffic. If your niche is wide enough (say "all things blue") then it's also not a bad idea to link from here.
hey E10 and whitespider, guess who gave you the red? It is me, hahaha.. Just kidding dude, don't red me for that, cause you will have another ""the penalty for giving someone a red rep is that you get -1 in return" actualy it is our beloved shwan rep you, for more, check this thread out http://forums.digitalpoint.com/showthread.php?t=76000&highlight=Reputation+cost
Aaagh. Then my apologies to the white tiger guy then as I thought he'd whacked me back. I'd better go find him and give him a green for maligning his reputation. thanks for clearing that up samskpunk.
good gal. but wasn't samspunk joking when he said he red repped u. so that mean u still haven't found ur well wisher