I would love some consensus on this question. Is the use of a hyperlink in a forum Spam? Why would anyone have the hyperlink function or allow code? What sort of links do "moderators" and "site-creators" expect us to leave? I am offended that posts that I spend time on promoting a product that I care about are deleted because they have a hyper-link. This is most ineffective. First it is a waste of time and second it really sort of hurts your feelings when you are deleted for spaming. I am not promoting viagra, second mortages or vacations packages to Orlando so I wonder what the problem is. If you have any experience dodging this bullet please share. I am desparate. Best Regards, Chris Titan
I runa couple of forums, so this is my take. I don't care what anyone is promoting. If they joined to day and made one post about their great new product, that's spam. On the other hand, if they've been a member of my community for a couple of months and have contributed comments and ideas to other members, they can post more links. Think of it this way. Take these finely crafted forums posts of your and stop a random guy on the street with them. If he doesn't hit you, get mad, or just ignore you, then they're not spam (or he's really polite). Now take those same posts and read them to a coworker or friend (someone who knows you a litte). If they don't hit you, get mad, or just ignore you, then they're not spam. If your product truly is so amazing that you feel everyone has to hear about it, buy some PPC advertising. Give a member of teh forum a free sample so they can rave about it for you. Be patient and take the time to help others before barreling down the self promotion road. As the webmaster if you can purchase advertising in their forum. Taking advantage of a free account to make a free post so you can make money is a big put off to webmaster who are also trying to make a buck.
I don’t think hyperlinks have anything to do with posts getting removed. If your first post contains information about your product and it is entirely promotional “no content†obviously they’re going to remove it. And remember to always posts threads in the correct section of the forum.
Forums are communities where you normally contribute first before going for personal / business gain. It's a matter of courtesy. We delete self-promo inclined posts here in the early stages of someone's membership too.
Forums are not for promoting your products - they are here to promote the exchange of information and ideas. Go buy some PPC ads to promote your "products"
Spam is not a matter of subject-matter. On a forum, any post promoting a product is considered spam by members, if it is not accompanied by a sufficient amount of useful information. Think about your ratio of useful info to promotional hype. Promotional hype should be reserved for your signature line, and it should be short and to the point. The body of your posts should be helpful to others, and a sales pitch is not helpful, it's just a case of trying to take advantage of free advertising. Don't try to treat forums as a free lunch, and you will get more out of them.
I don't have a problem with anyone talking about their product, articles or web sites in a forum....so long as its within the context of a discussion. "Looking for feedback on this article..." or "what do you guys think needs improvement about this ad placment" or "has anyone tried this site out?" etc etc etc Just posting and running is not cool byt mentioning stuff you're into and hoping to promote within the context of a discussion is great.
I just got a "warm" welcome from sitepoint they wanted me to pay 10$ to make a post that from what i see gives max 70 views yeah right im not a sucker