New members: Read This

by WarriorForum.com Administrator
52 replies
The fact that you're new doesn't mean you don't know a lot about marketing. It may suggest that you don't know how things are done here. Take this as friendly advice, intended to help you avoid the most common mistakes.

1. Do not use affiliate links in your signature file.

2. Post in the appropriate section of the board. Questions about SEO or posts asking for advice on specific products belong in other areas. Not Main Discussion. Post them here and they're more likely to be deleted than moved.

3. Use subject lines that indicate something specific about your question. Subjects like "Heeelllp!" or "I'm annoyed" are pointless and waste people's time. They also usually fail to get the attention of the folks most well-equipped to give you useful answers.

4. Do not post complaining about specific people, guru or newbie. We're not the Internet police and we can't do anything about it. And we don't have a clue if the complaint is even valid. Most of them turn out not to be. So, the claim that you're just trying to "alert our fellow Warriors to this problem" most often means nothing. Even when that's your sincere intent, which isn't usually the case.

5. If your thread is deleted, do not re-post it. Do not post a thread asking why it was deleted. Read the rules, watch how things are done here, and figure it out. This is not complicated stuff.

6. Remember that threads get deleted for lots of reasons, most of them having no reflection on the original poster. They can be nuked because they're the umpteenth copy of the same discussion in a short period, because they're on topics which too often degenerate into flame wars, because they have nothing to do with making money, because they're pointless, because they tend to drift into bashing, and lots of other reasons.

7. Don't assume anything when you see the word "Banned" under a user's name, other than that the account has been blocked from posting for some period. "Banned" does not always (or even usually) mean anything bad about the person.

8. If your sig file is a bunch of keyword phrases with links on them, don't be surprised if it's deleted. If that happens, don't just re-insert the same sort of thing. Especially if there's no way for us to know the domain belongs to you.

You are not allowed to link to other people's sites that way from this forum. If you get caught doing it, you're likely to be permanently banned.

9. Read the stickies at the top of this section, and make sure you understand them.

10. Don't be surprised if something is deleted and you're not told why. This place is too big. It would take more time than there is in a day for us to notify every person of the reason, every time we deleted a post or thread. And that doesn't begin to count the time that would be wasted arguing with people who don't understand or refuse to accept the rules.

Deleting posts is not a personal thing. Don't make it one.

11. Count on your posts being deleted if you make a lot of one-liners early on. We know what that's about, and we're as likely to delete you as your posts if you push it.

12. Use some common sense.


Paul

PS: If you're in a rough situation, read this thread: http://www.warriorforum.com/main-int...desperate.html
#members #read
  • Profile picture of the author Rob Howard
    A-freakin-men.

    Thank you Paul Myers, Thanks you!

    (wait, does that count as a "one liner"???)

    Rob

    Edit: Read the "stupid forum tricks" - Whoops...never thought about #10! LOL
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    • Profile picture of the author Bill Farnham
      13. Posts in the Off Topic forum don't add to your post count. So don't spam the OT forum.

      ~Bill
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  • i am new. thanx for the info
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  • Profile picture of the author Paul Myers
    Oh yeah... Read this, too:

    Stupid Forum Tricks
    Signature
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    Stop by Paul's Pub - my little hangout on Facebook.

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  • Profile picture of the author Michael Mayo
    LOL...How did i miss that thread??? Stupid Forum Tricks

    Paul, Thanks for this post.

    I was asked if it was alright to post a link to a site where the persons product was
    located like ClickBank or PayDotCom and I told them No. Was I right?

    The rules say it must be a Site You Own.

    Thanks,
    Have a Great Day!
    Michael
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    • Profile picture of the author Paul Myers
      Michael,
      I was asked if it was alright to post a link to a site where the persons product was located like ClickBank or PayDotCom and I told them No. Was I right?
      You were right. The sales copy is not on Clickbank or PayDotCom. If they're pointing to those sites directly, they're likely going to an affiliate link.


      Paul
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      Stop by Paul's Pub - my little hangout on Facebook.

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      • Profile picture of the author Michael Mayo
        Originally Posted by Paul Myers View Post

        Michael,You were right. The sales copy is not on Clickbank or PayDotCom. If they're pointing to those sites directly, they're likely going to an affiliate link.


        Paul
        Paul, The links I seen were to their product on ClickBank/PayDotCom.

        They were not promoting an affiliate product. It was indeed their product.
        I understand that that is a sticky situation and it could be easily confused
        but in some cases it may be the fact. I'm not pushing the issue but rather
        trying to make the answer better known for newer members.

        Thanks for the reply,
        Have a Great Day!
        Michael
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        • Profile picture of the author Paul Myers
          Michael,
          Paul, The links I seen were to their product on ClickBank/PayDotCom.

          They were not promoting an affiliate product. It was indeed their product.
          I'm a bit confused about that. Those services do not host the salesletters. If it really is their product, they should be linking to the salesletter on their own domain(s).


          Paul
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          Stop by Paul's Pub - my little hangout on Facebook.

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          • Profile picture of the author Derek S
            Originally Posted by Paul Myers View Post

            Subjects like "Heeelllp!" or "I'm annoyed" are pointless and waste people's time.
            My biggest pet peeves are the posts like "Thats it I quit Internet Marketing" where they expect attention and should really be titled "Quick give me a lot of attention and talk me back into it"

            Have to say thanks for this post as thing started to get a little sloppy here the past week or so. Only thing I don't understand is why people can not use keywords in their signature. I don't see how this effects the forum so long as i) it is for their own product and ii) their post are meaningful and not just for the signature link.

            Cheers Paul,

            Derek
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            --- Work Smart... Not Hard ---

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            • Profile picture of the author Paul Myers
              Michael,

              Then they should use tracking links on their own domains. If the wrong mod sees what you described, they're not going to ask. It's an affiliate link, so it'll get deleted, and they'll probably get at least a temp ban for adding it back and/or arguing the point.

              Derek,
              Only thing I don't understand is why people can not use keywords in your signature.
              JUST keyword phrases. It's like affiliate links. In small numbers, it's not really a problem. Allowing them at all creates the opening for the abusive types to flood the place, with no purpose but those sig file exposures.

              The majority of nonsense posts we get lately are from people who are only posting to get those rows of links in for their "SEO" customers. The more we allow it, the worse that will get.

              I've taken to occasionally writing to the clients and their web hosts about the abuse of our resources through that practice. Gets some... interesting... responses. Everything from "Who the hell do you think you are?" (a moderator there) to "They're doing WHAT? Not with MY name on it, they're not!"


              Paul
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              Stop by Paul's Pub - my little hangout on Facebook.

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  • Profile picture of the author Lloyd Buchinski
    Originally Posted by Paul Myers View Post

    Use subject lines that indicate something specific about your question. Subjects like "Heeelllp!" or "I'm annoyed" are pointless and waste people's time. They also usually fail to get the attention of the folks most well-equipped to give you useful answers.
    That one is a big favorite of mine. I tend to move a little quickly and if a topic title doesn't give a clear indication what it is about, there is only a small chance I'll spend any time checking.
    Signature

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    The KimW WSO

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  • Profile picture of the author Michael Mayo
    Hi Paul,
    I should have stated that they were doing it through their own affiliate links.
    Some CB members use affiliate links to gauge their veiws/sales while testing.
    I believe I've also done that in the past although I have never done that here on the WF.

    Honestly, It's been quite a while since I've promoted a product I've created
    on CB or PDC so I'm a little fuzzy on the topic.

    It's kinda the reason I asked.
    Hope that makes sense?

    Have a Great Day!
    Michael
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  • Profile picture of the author dwatkins
    I just created my signature file and now I am worried that I've done it wrong. I'm linking to my resume site and to my PLR sales site. Is this ok? If not, I'll change it immediately.
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    • Profile picture of the author Paul Myers
      I just created my signature file and now I am worried that I've done it wrong. I'm linking to my resume site and to my PLR sales site. Is this ok? If not, I'll change it immediately.
      No problem with that one. Those are sensible descriptions that would be used by normal people with no idea what keyword-based backlinking was all about.


      Paul
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      Stop by Paul's Pub - my little hangout on Facebook.

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      • Profile picture of the author Lance K
        Paul,

        I enjoyed your Stupid Forum Tricks blog post as well.

        Especially this part...

        You are not the market. Get over it.
        Signature
        "You can have everything in life you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want."
        ~ Zig Ziglar
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  • Profile picture of the author Michael Oksa
    May I humbly suggest...

    14. Yes, the War Room is awesome. Join it. Don't ask if it's worth joining - it is. Plus, there are all kinds of posts on it already. Join.

    15. If you are linking to a WSO in your signature, or will be running a WSO soon, then almost any question you ask about WSOs will draw negative attention. There are some rare exceptions. Other than that, we have all seen it before, we know what you're up, and we have no problem reporting such posts.

    All the best,
    Michael

    p.s. Oh, and OpenOffice makes it really easy to make PDFs.
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    "Ich bin en fuego!"
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  • Profile picture of the author I.M.Retired
    Many new members think it is a good idea to copy and paste entire blocks of content from other websites. These posts do get nuked. However, can some one point me where it tells newbies that this practice is not acceptable?
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    • Profile picture of the author Steven Wagenheim
      Paul, this is such a great thread.

      So what happens when it falls off of page 1?

      Nobody sees it anymore.

      I know we already have a ton of stickies but maybe this one can be included
      or incorporated into one of the existing ones with a modified thread title
      so that new people will hopefully read this.

      It's just a suggestion because I want those who need to see this to see it
      and get the most benefit from it.

      Thank you for considering my suggestion.

      PS - I have nothing to add...You covered it all.
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  • Profile picture of the author R Hagel
    Package this thread up, call it "Warrior Forum Mob Assassination on Crack," and then offer it for $7 in the WSO forum. That way at least some of the new folks will see it and read it.

    Cheers,
    Becky
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    • Profile picture of the author Bill Farnham
      Originally Posted by R Hagel View Post

      Package this thread up, call it "Warrior Forum Mob Assassination on Crack," and then offer it for $7 in the WSO forum. That way at least some of the new folks will see it and read it.
      Well Becky, we could just do the occasional 'ethical bump' with this thread.

      Unfortunately, it will be so filled with "Thanks for sharing that" one liners by the time a few bumps happen it will have taken on a new flavor.

      Any chance I can get a review copy of that WSO while we're on the subject?

      ~Bill
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    • Profile picture of the author Alan Petersen
      Originally Posted by R Hagel View Post

      Package this thread up, call it "Warrior Forum Mob Assassination on Crack," and then offer it for $7 in the WSO forum. That way at least some of the new folks will see it and read it.

      Cheers,
      Becky
      If you add "You'll make a gazillion dollars overnight" to that title then the views would sky-rocket.
      Signature
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      • Profile picture of the author netkid
        WF needs to make this a "sticky" as the first "post" in the main discussion section!!
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        • Profile picture of the author mcmahanusa
          This is a good thread, although it does give rise to a couple of thoughts:

          1. The example of the popups thread, reminds me of why I enjoyed reading that very thread recently. I was debating with myself of should I or shouldn't I (use pop ups), and if so, what kind. It helped to read a variety of viewpoints, and helped me reach a conclusion. I realize that a "I hate popups.......blah, blah, blah" thread can be counterproductive (who knew that the topic could be so emotional?), but it did prove useful to me.

          2. The search tool is wonderful, and I wish more people would use it, but....sometimes it can be really frustrating, searching for something specific, and having to read innumerable posts that contain the key phrase, but do nothing to solve my problems. Sometimes it just seems easier to post a query, addressing the subject very specifically, and get more current information.

          I like the rules against self-promotion. Of course, my target market is not the WF, and my sole purpose in being here is to learn and occasionally teach, so it's not a problem with me.
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        • Profile picture of the author Tina Golden
          Originally Posted by Val.S. View Post

          Many new members think it is a good idea to copy and paste entire blocks of content from other websites. These posts do get nuked. However, can some one point me where it tells newbies that this practice is not acceptable?
          Do you really think we need to tell people something this basic? People should have at least a little smidge of common sense that tells them such a practice might not be a good idea.

          Originally Posted by netkid View Post

          WF needs to make this a "sticky" as the first "post" in the main discussion section!!
          Bruce, that would be a guarantee that most people wouldn't read it. The forum rules are stickied but every single day there are people with affiliate links in their signatures. Clearly, they aren't bothering to read the stickies first.

          Tina
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          • Profile picture of the author JohnMcCabe
            Originally Posted by TMG Enterprises View Post

            Do you really think we need to tell people something this basic? People should have at least a little smidge of common sense that tells them such a practice might not be a good idea.

            Tina
            Unfortunately for the world at large, 'common sense' is a bit of a misnomer... :rolleyes:
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            • Profile picture of the author netkid
              @Tina,

              I think you are right about the newbies not reading the stickies! It puzzles me why a lot of the newbies sign in, ask for a miracle from the forum, then disappear as fast as they came on board.

              If you ask me, WE are "stickies" to the forum ourselves
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          • Profile picture of the author tpw
            Originally Posted by TMG Enterprises View Post

            Originally Posted by Val.S. View Post

            Many new members think it is a good idea to copy and paste entire blocks of content from other websites. These posts do get nuked. However, can some one point me where it tells newbies that this practice is not acceptable?
            Do you really think we need to tell people something this basic? People should have at least a little smidge of common sense that tells them such a practice might not be a good idea.

            Tina, I know you know that I enjoy disagreeing with you once in a while... LOL

            But consider this...

            Don't you think you are giving people TOO MUCH CREDIT, by suggesting that most should possess common sense?

            Something magical happens when some people get online...

            Those with no common sense magnify the obviousness of what they lack, the very minute they hit SUBMIT...
            Signature
            Bill Platt, Oklahoma USA, PlattPublishing.com
            Publish Coloring Books for Profit (WSOTD 7-30-2015)
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  • Profile picture of the author earthshaker
    Thanks for the heads up Paul.
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    • Profile picture of the author Vogin
      Oh yeah, some of my stuff got deleted and I moved on, you can hardly argue with someone who owns your playground...

      oh, btw - Saying "I hate pop-ups" is fine. Saying "I hate pop-ups. Using them is just a good way to annoy your visitors and lose money" is NOT fine."

      I guess you should delete my thread then...
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      ppcsluzby.cz/en - PPC agency


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  • Profile picture of the author lazy boy
    Thanks for the heads up. I will take heed.
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  • Profile picture of the author revenue27
    Yup new Warrriors should read this (always and follow them) if you want to be a part of this Real Marketers Community. Thanks for always reminding about this rules Paul.
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  • Profile picture of the author mywebwork
    An excellent post (not that I'm at all surprised considering the author).

    I agree that it should be made sticky. I also agree that most new members are either unaware or choose to ignore the sticky posts.

    Perhaps this post should be converted into a list that displays during the sign-up process for new members. Force them to read it and check off a box saying they have read it and will abide by the rules. Admittedly not perfect, but it might serve to get the word out to those who are just genuinely unaware of the forum rules.

    2. Post in the appropriate section of the board. Questions about SEO or posts asking for advice on specific products belong in other areas. Not Main Discussion. Post them here and they're more likely to be deleted than moved.
    There's a pet peeve of mine. I see so many WordPress and technical questions in the main forum, probably because the poster thinks it will have a better chance of getting a response because more eyeballs will view it.

    Even worse are those who post the exact same question in multiple sections of the board. Perhaps an additional warning about that would be in order.

    Bill
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  • Profile picture of the author Michael Oksa
    Originally Posted by ChickenMan View Post

    Wait, why isn't this stickied yet?
    Personally?

    Personally I hope it's never stickied. Why? Because the very fact that this post exists is strong evidence that stickies don't get read.

    On the other hand, if it were to keep being bumped from time to time, I think more of the people that need to see it, would see it. That's just my opinion though.

    All the best,
    Michael
    Signature

    "Ich bin en fuego!"
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    • Profile picture of the author Bill Farnham
      Originally Posted by Michael Oksa View Post

      On the other hand, if it were to keep being bumped from time to time, I think more of the people that need to see it, would see it. That's just my opinion though.
      For some reason I completely agree with you on this one...

      ~Bill
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    • Profile picture of the author ChickenMan
      Originally Posted by Michael Oksa View Post

      Personally?

      Personally I hope it's never stickied. Why? Because the very fact that this post exists is strong evidence that stickies don't get read.

      On the other hand, if it were to keep being bumped from time to time, I think more of the people that need to see it, would see it. That's just my opinion though.

      All the best,
      Michael
      Just a suggestion
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      If money grew on trees, we'd all die from a lack of oxygen.

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  • Profile picture of the author leegs
    Hi Paul,

    A piece of great information that you have posted in this forum.

    Share with us more topics as it will benefit those that are just joined this forum.

    Raymond
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  • Profile picture of the author louiefrias
    No. 12 is the BEST one. For everything. Thanks Paul for reminding us.
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  • Profile picture of the author Teravel
    Can we get this Stickied, as well as adding the basic forum rules. Such as "Do not post a message just to say 'Thank You' in response to a post. That is what the Thanks button is for"
    Signature

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    • Profile picture of the author tpw
      Originally Posted by Teravel View Post

      Can we get this Stickied, as well as adding the basic forum rules. Such as "Do not post a message just to say 'Thank You' in response to a post. That is what the Thanks button is for"
      Thank you...
      Signature
      Bill Platt, Oklahoma USA, PlattPublishing.com
      Publish Coloring Books for Profit (WSOTD 7-30-2015)
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      • Profile picture of the author ChickenMan
        Originally Posted by tpw View Post

        Thank you...
        Thank you, that made my night/morning
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        If money grew on trees, we'd all die from a lack of oxygen.

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  • Profile picture of the author 9shades
    Thanks for the information for new members
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  • Profile picture of the author decyjohn
    I am New Thanks New Member
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