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When is it ok to post a link in an answer?

by guillopuyol
16 replies
I recently answered a question with a simple straight forward plan to make money online. The answer was 100% geared to the question and at the end I included a link to check out a product of mine that expands on this method.

The answer was deleted shortly after, so my question is: "when is it ok to post a link on an answer?" I see it done all the time, any ideas?

Thanks,

G

PS: I respect this forum and I like to always play by the rules on this one... but what is the rule on this one?
#answer #link #post
  • Profile picture of the author Mike Shain
    My understanding is you cannot stand to gain in any way from your posts/replies.

    If your reply could have been seen as self promotion in anyway (such as posting a link to a product of yours) then it will likely get deleted.

    Had you instead linked to a free product or even an affiliate product (without the affiliate link) then you probably would have been ok.
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  • Profile picture of the author Matt Bard
    Well, if the question is general and something like: "How do I make money online"? Then no you can't say "Buy my product that you can find right here".

    If someone is looking for a specific service such as writing and they ask "where can I find someone who can write this for me"? Then if you are a writer you can tastefully state that you provide that service.

    Matt
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  • Profile picture of the author Alexa Smith
    Banned
    [DELETED]
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    • Profile picture of the author Lance K
      I dunno...

      http://www.warriorforum.com/main-int...ead-first.html



      P.S. - I realize that the answer to your question isn't there.
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      • Profile picture of the author ivana
        probably it cannot be an affiliate link? Was it? You can always say, PM me and I will send you the good resource, so I don't get in trouble for posting a link in here.

        I think affiliate links are only allowed in signature section.
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        • Profile picture of the author Mike Shain
          Originally Posted by ivana View Post

          I think affiliate links are only allowed in signature section.
          Affiliate links are not allowed in our signature either. You may only link to your own sites and/or your WSO's.
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        • Profile picture of the author The Pension Guy
          Originally Posted by ivana View Post

          I think affiliate links are only allowed in signature section.
          Actually, the rules say that affiliate links are NOT allowed in the sig
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        • Profile picture of the author MeCanX
          Originally Posted by ivana View Post

          probably it cannot be an affiliate link? Was it? You can always say, PM me and I will send you the good resource, so I don't get in trouble for posting a link in here.

          I think affiliate links are only allowed in signature section.
          But what if it's site you own?

          That isn't an affiliate...Like I own my own training site...all mine...
          So can I not put it there to answer a question?

          It's a correct answer for those looking for training...
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          I teach people how to create a steady/stable income on the internet without all the hype. $19.95 a month get's you 24/7 Access to training videos + more that will teach you the same as the big guys. Niche Marketing Zorro - www.nichemarketingzorro.com

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          • Profile picture of the author ivana
            You see, something new I've learned

            Was it promotional? Many forums don't like the promo in the posts. However, I noticed, if used in tutorial posts, that they are o.k. Correct me if I am wrong
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          • Profile picture of the author Mike Shain
            Originally Posted by MeCanX View Post

            But what if it's site you own?

            That isn't an affiliate...Like I own my own training site...all mine...
            So can I not put it there to answer a question?
            You can have it in your signature...

            But if I were to ask "does anyone know how to..." and you posted your site in response to my question is a no no. As stated a couple times above, your reply cannot be "self serving" - you cannot realize a personal gain in response to someone's post.
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  • Profile picture of the author Johnny Slater
    This is a touchy subject and one that has been hashed over a few times.

    The "unofficial" rule has always been if your product specifically answers a direct question then you are ok to mention it, as long as you are addressing a specific question.

    If someone asks what is the best "whatever" then that is a broad statement and you are not allowed to post your link. However, if someone asks which widget with do "this" and your widget will do it then you are allowed to mention it.

    That being said, with the forum now being member moderated you really never know if what you post will be seen as promotional or not. 1000 people may think it's fine but if 3 think it's promotional and report it then it's gone.
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  • Profile picture of the author The Pension Guy
    Well, even a broad, general rule like that would be useful - if posted...

    Thanks, Johnny, for explaining it.
    My instinctive answer would have been very similar but you never know. I posted a similar question in a thread where the OP asked for "the best host" and everybody was pimping their affil links. Nobody ever answered my question there.
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  • Profile picture of the author garyv
    Also - recently there have been a rash of people bringing up very old posts just to answer and put their link there. If you answer an old post, that will flag your motive with most vets here.
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  • Profile picture of the author Josh Anderson
    Guys...

    Nothing more needs to be said on the subject than what Paul Myers said about it in this post which was made a sticky:

    http://www.warriorforum.com/main-int...moderator.html

    If everyone reads and understands that "Being a Better Member Moderator" thread you will also understand the answer to this question as well as what it means to be a better member moderator and avoid throwing the baby out with the bathwater.
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  • Profile picture of the author JNFerree
    Unless you've got you're own product, it seems to me that to "play by the rules" you'd be foolish include an affiliate link in a post/thread/sig since it's blatantly obvious anyway.

    Besides, isn't the spirit of the WF intended to help each other to get better at IM w/out trying to make a quick buck off your buddy in the process? The way I see it, if you contribute good stuff and do so freely w/out the agenda of trying to snag a commission off a fellow Warrior, you won't have to fret about being banned or having your content deleted.

    I simply link each element in my sig to a Category or a specific post in my Ferree Money Blog that ties directly to the verbiage therein, which seems to work out pretty good thus far...
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  • Profile picture of the author xealinc
    I just answered a question with a link to a blog where I reviewed 2 competing products. I did look first in the warrior forum rules and I couldn't find anything prohibiting it.

    So I'm guessing that it might also be the way you are answer the question. Does it look legitimate or does it look like you may have 2 accounts and you set up the question.

    I guess I'll wait and see if my response is removed too.

    -Tony
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