Basic Forum Rules Links & Signatures

[The Budget Man]

Originally Posted by Mathew Green

Hi,

I just now found this thread and as I understand the rules, I've probably unintentionally broken them too by posting links to the US Census website in my last post. (Or does that not count?)

I think the thing that throws newbies who inocently post links is that we just look at other messages and figure whatever kinds of links other people are posting must be ok for everyone. IMHO the best solution might be to include a "rules about posting links" section with a BOLDed headline in the confirmation email you send to all new members. It wouldn't phase the spammers, but it probably would cut down on inocent tresspassers like me.

FWIW: You'll notice that in my "Is This True..." post, each link is preceeded by a proper page title so people who don't want to use the link can navigate to the pages directly. That's because one of my own pet peeves is people who use links to "tinyurl" or some similar redirect site that hides the true name and nature of the site you're being sent to. IMHO that's enough of a security risk that I simply don't click on such links. Any rules about that practice here?

Mathew Green
(still green as grass in the rainy season, but learning... )

Hi Mathew

Welcome. This is the best forum on money issues I've been able to find. One of the reasons it works so well is the simple rules. I hope they leave them as they are so we can all chat away and learn from each other.

Enjoy Your Money
The Budget Man

www.PersonalityBudgeting.com
A budget that works

[Mathew Green]

Originally Posted by The Budget Man

This is the best forum on money issues I've been able to find. One of the reasons it works so well is the simple rules. I hope they leave them as they are so we can all chat away and learn from each other.

No objection to the rules as they are. Nor to this website setting whatever rules it deems appropriate. Just noting that rules which apply only to new members are easier to enforce if the new members are told specifically that special "New Member" rules exist.

[jeffrey]

They are - when you sign up and you agree to the terms, there is a link right in front (don't eve have to scroll down) that takes you to the rules of this forum. Don't know how we can make them more prominent than that, but would welcome suggestions if you have them. Maybe I can see if we can have the confirmation link default to the rules...

We understand that some people will miss them and we try to use our best judgement. Links that go to government type sites are obviously not someone trying to promote their site. While we aren't 100% correct, there are patterns that spammers follow - quick post after sign up, link to site that is obviously theirs or link with affiliate code in it. When uncertain, we do error on keeping the forums clean, but will reinstate anyone who emails us and says that they still would like to be a member.

[Mathew Green]

Originally Posted by jeffrey

They are - when you sign up and you agree to the terms, there is a link right in front (don't eve have to scroll down) that takes you to the rules of this forum. Don't know how we can make them more prominent than that, but would welcome suggestions if you have them. Maybe I can see if we can have the confirmation link default to the rules...

Yes, that would be good if it can be done. Human nature being what it is, most people won't follow a link to read the rules because they know most forums use virtually the same posting rules: 'Be nice', 'Don't spam', etc.

This is the first time I've come across special rules that only apply to new members and aren't enforced by the software. As a former sysop myself, I think the "links rule" is a good idea and that you're doing a good job keeping this site clean. Keep up the good work.

Mathew

[dragonfly]

Can I add link of my inner pages in my signature?

[jeffrey]

You can have a max total of 2 links in your signature. They can be to any page on your site that you want as long as they conform to our rules.

[jeffrey]

Originally Posted by greedy4chips

Can I ask why you do not have affiliate links here? Appropriate ones similar to your google ads should not ruin the integrity of your forum. I think many would support your forum with all the quality information you have!

Sorry, seemed to have missed answering this question. Too many problem with affiliated links and it fills the threads up with too much crap. We have found that when affiliated links are allowed, people post just to spread their affiliated links rather than really wanting to have conversations about the topics. It just makes the entire forum a much more enjoyable place to visit when they aren't allowed and makes monitoring the forums much easier.

[greedy4chips]

Jeffrey,

I did not mean allowing posters to put up affiliate links. I meant you and Nate.

I just thought if you had a section where people could use your links to sign up for stuff like Netflix, for example, you could profit from this versus another site.

I am not saying you need to make the forum a banner farm, but a forum section where you could list companies like Netflix, Blockbuster, etc for users who want to support you and this great site an opportunity to make you some money doing what they were going to do already!

[The Budget Man]

How do you post a new thread?

Enjoy Your Money
The Budget Man
www.PersonalityBudgeting.com

[jeffrey]

Originally Posted by greedy4chips

I did not mean allowing posters to put up affiliate links. I meant you and Nate.

I just thought if you had a section where people could use your links to sign up for stuff like Netflix, for example, you could profit from this versus another site.

We do to a limited extent. The <a href="http://www.savingadvice.com/forums/showthread.php?t=12224">Emigrant Bonus</a> where we kick back money is one example. There are a few others, but we are quite selective and have to feel they would benefit our users.

[jeffrey]

Originally Posted by The Budget Man

How do you post a new thread?

When you ate in the different categories (general discussion, personal finance, etc) look at the top left just under "control panel" - there is a button that says "new thread" Use that to create a new thread within that category.

[shelbylovesmelby]

Jeffrey -
Any rules to linking to your site from a personal site? You know as a listing of my favorite sites....

[jeffrey]

nope, no rules linking to us from your personal sites...feel free to link to us if you think we are worth mentioning.

[shelbylovesmelby]

Originally Posted by jeffrey

nope, no rules linking to us from your personal sites...feel free to link to us if you think we are worth mentioning.

Yes I think your site is worth mentioning & bragging about!

[lrjohnson]

Question: Does the signature needing to be four or fewer single spaced lines also count blank lines? I'm noticing more and more long signatures. Not any one person in particular, at least six offhand just now, but maybe a blank line doesn't count as a line?

[lrjohnson]

Have I been spoiled by the usual one day Nate/Jeffrey answer, or did my prior post not get seen?

Signatures seem to be growing even faster now that I'm paying attention. I'm a humbug.

[jeffrey]

Oops, sorry - missed this post yesterday. Yes - they should only be 4 including spaces - use the report button (red triangle) and I will take care of any out there.

[lrjohnson]

Big love to you, Jeffrey. Looks like you've already been taking care of business. Yeah, I'm a happy humbug now.

[tinapbeana]

don't know if my siggy was showing more than 4 lines or not (it wasn't on my screen), but i did change it just in case. sorry i didn't know in advance (but of course, ignorance is not an excuse)

[jack19]

i im new this forums can you explain more about this forums please.....