Please Take my Poll. Some seem to think the main forum is an article directory. It's not.

45 replies
Hi All,

Almost every day I open a post and start to read it and can tell right away that it's just an article. Not a quote from an article to prove a point or some other "good reason." People are posting articles treating the main forum as if it's just another cheep article directory.

I was wondering if it's just me or is this irritating to others?

To that end I made a poll for this issue hopefully settling the matter once and for all.

So Please answer one of the poll question.

Thanks,

George Wright, P.S. This poll allows multiple choice so you can choose more than one answer.
#article #directory #forum #main
  • Profile picture of the author Kevin Riley
    Originally Posted by George Wright View Post

    Hi All,

    Almost every day I open a post and start to read it and can tell right away that it's just an article. Not a quote from an article to prove a point or some other "good reason." People are posting articles treating the main forum as if it's just another cheep article directory.

    I was wondering if it's just me or is this irritating to others?

    To that end I made a poll for this issue hopefully settling the matter once and for all.

    So Please answer one of the poll questions.

    Thanks,

    George Wright, P.S. This poll allows multiple choice so you can choose more than one answer.
    It's not just you. Posting an article here usually has nothing to do with discussion. It's blatant self promotion. There are article directories for that.
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    Kevin Riley, long-time Warrior living in Osaka, Japan

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  • Profile picture of the author mmurtha
    Hey GW,

    I'm with Kevin on this one. It's not just you. Articles shouldn't be posted in the main discussion forum.

    There used to be an article forum. Was that done away with?

    Also, did you really need to put up a poll to ask that question lol??
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  • Profile picture of the author charlesburke
    And George, I really do like your subtle choice of questions in this poll.
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  • Profile picture of the author Craig McPherson
    I concur.

    Why do I read a post here then see a spun version with the same keywords in an article at EZA?

    hmmmm
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  • Profile picture of the author Flyingpig7
    I've never seen this. Not all the posts are articles! Like your subtle questions.
    I always look at the new posts feature and a variety of posts come up.

    You must be having a bad day George, but I do agree the Warrior forum is not an Article Directory.
    Keren
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    Have a great day

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  • Profile picture of the author Steven Fullman
    George,

    I couldn't decide which option to vote for, so I chose all three.

    I hope that doesn't skew the results

    Steve
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    Not promoting right now

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  • Profile picture of the author John Taylor
    George,

    It's interesting to note that several people,
    myself included, agree that the main forum
    should not be seen as an article dump.

    In fact if everyone who objects to seeing
    articles being posted reported such threads,
    they would soon disappear.

    If posting articles in the main forum became
    counter-productive, it may become a rarer
    occurrence.

    John
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  • Profile picture of the author JamesPenn
    I disagree, slightly.

    Some of the best threads have been articles written by members. I find it much more interesting to read a thread starting with an article compared with a thread asking "how do I get my opt-in form to show?"

    That being said, I don't approve of people just taking one of their distinctly average articles and plopping it on here. I like people to reveal what thye do in their business in a step-by-step way, but technically, is that not an article?

    Some of the best ever Warrior threads have started with a step-by-step article.

    http://www.warriorforum.com/adsense-...h-results.html
    http://www.warriorforum.com/main-int...lly-works.html
    http://www.warriorforum.com/main-int...uilt-mine.html
    http://www.warriorforum.com/main-int...w-website.html
    The Warrior Forum - Zero to $20,000 a MONTH in 161 days...Here's How

    Again, let me clarify. I don't agree with people submitting distinctly average articles, but if they're submitting articles like in the threads above, what's wrong with that?

    James
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    • Profile picture of the author Steven Wagenheim
      I remember when I first got here some of the incredible threads started
      by people like Chris Rempel on affiliate marketing, Josh Anderson on
      audio and video, and on and on. These weren't articles. They were
      freaking books.

      But they're gone. You don't see them anymore.

      IMO, this is sad.

      But, it's not my forum and I don't make the rules. So if threads that share
      valuable info aren't allowed because they have the "format" of an article,
      then so be it.

      But I personally would love to read another one of Chris Rempel's threads
      on affiliate marketing.
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      • Profile picture of the author red172
        Banned
        Originally Posted by Steven Wagenheim View Post

        I remember when I first got here some of the incredible threads started
        by people like Chris Rempel on affiliate marketing, Josh Anderson on
        audio and video, and on and on. These weren't articles. They were
        freaking books.

        But they're gone. You don't see them anymore.

        IMO, this is sad.

        But, it's not my forum and I don't make the rules. So if threads that share
        valuable info aren't allowed because they have the "format" of an article,
        then so be it.

        But I personally would love to read another one of Chris Rempel's threads
        on affiliate marketing.
        Hell yeah! Ive got some of Chris Rempel's stuff and its top notch. He's so damn smart that guy!
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    • Profile picture of the author John Taylor
      James,

      Originally Posted by JamesPenn View Post

      Again, let me clarify. I don't agree with people submitting distinctly average articles, but if they're submitting articles like in the threads above, what's wrong with that?

      There's an important distinction.

      When people start a thread designed to share an
      experience which is unique to the Warrior Forum
      then that's perfectly acceptable. These are the
      threads that stimulate discussion and encourage
      others to develop a specific concept through the
      creative process.

      The people who need to change their habits are
      the ones who post an article which has also been
      posted elsewhere.

      If an article is designed to be posted to multiple
      article directories, it isn't appropriate to post in
      as a thread in the main forum. Removing the
      resource box doesn't make it unique!

      John
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      • Profile picture of the author Harry Behrens
        Originally Posted by John Taylor View Post

        When people start a thread designed to share an
        experience which is unique to the Warrior Forum
        then that's perfectly acceptable. These are the
        threads that stimulate discussion and encourage
        others to develop a specific concept through the
        creative process.
        This is good. I will definitely take this into account for anything I write here in the future.(*)

        Also I think something like this should be put into the "Warrior Forum Rules" post, as this whole topic seems to me to be very much one of those "unspoken rules" that the only way to realize it is by running afoul of it.

        And it goes without saying that what is an "article" and what is a "discussion" is ambiguous and open to interpretation. When does an opinionated post turn into an editorial? If an article stimulates conversation because of what it postulates, is it still an "article" or has it now turned into a "discussion"? We need to define such things clearly and put the definition in a very visible place.

        (*) That is not to say I have ever or would ever post repeated content or copy-paste content here at WF, I have never and will never do that - that is obvious. The discussion seems to me to be more about writing content for WF that would seem to fall into that category anyway.
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        • Profile picture of the author Kay King
          Not only isn't it a good idea to post your article from your blog/directory/site - it's even sillier to copy a page from another site or a post from another forum and post it as your comment.

          Why is it silly? Because Copyscape is easy to use - and articles are easy to spot and check. And because when we report your butt for posting them, you look really silly!

          And if you keep doing it again and again here - you can become invisible!

          kay
          ------------
          George - Two suggestion for your poll.

          One option could be simply:

          "I do not think the main area of the Warrior Forum should be used as a place to dump"

          and I looked in vain for "all of the above"
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    • Profile picture of the author russellprisco
      Originally Posted by JamesPenn View Post

      I disagree, slightly.

      Some of the best threads have been articles written by members. I find it much more interesting to read a thread starting with an article compared with a thread asking "how do I get my opt-in form to show?"

      That being said, I don't approve of people just taking one of their distinctly average articles and plopping it on here. I like people to reveal what thye do in their business in a step-by-step way, but technically, is that not an article?

      Some of the best ever Warrior threads have started with a step-by-step article.

      http://www.warriorforum.com/adsense-...h-results.html
      http://www.warriorforum.com/main-int...lly-works.html
      http://www.warriorforum.com/main-int...uilt-mine.html
      http://www.warriorforum.com/main-int...w-website.html
      The Warrior Forum - Zero to $20,000 a MONTH in 161 days...Here's How

      Again, let me clarify. I don't agree with people submitting distinctly average articles, but if they're submitting articles like in the threads above, what's wrong with that?

      James
      I was about to write a similar post, but then I read yours!

      Totally agree. As long as you're not using an article spinner on some crappy article and posting it up here 100 times that is...

      Quality articles are welcomed by me. And also agreed that it's better to read them than how to set up an autoresponder, but it's nice that people have a place to do both!

      ~Russell Prisco
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  • Profile picture of the author Harry Behrens
    Here - I've made up a little list of "unspoken rules" that I've noticed about the main WF forum in a bit of time posting here (and a couple years lurking).

    I really do think it would help a lot for the Rules post to make some of these clear, as it would help those people who want to do things right and lighten the workload placed on the moderators.

    NO threads that aren't your own 100% original thoughts and expression
    NO threads that don't leave room for other people's input
    NO threads that are a "series" or are designed to be on the front page for very long
    NO threads whose main point is self-promotion
    NO threads that are of the "Follow me as I..." type
    NO threads which can classified as tech-support
    NO threads which are overly populated with graphics or screenshots
    NO threads whose main point is to gague the "demand" for a product

    (Of course - I actually have no idea what goes on behind the screen in this place. So I could well be absolutely, horribly wrong.)
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    - Harry Behrens

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  • Profile picture of the author InternetM39482
    I'd say I was a little confused as to what articles could be and what could not be posted on the main forum. With John's explanation, it's pretty clear and...

    I'd say it's a big no-no to post "articles" on the main forum. I voted [for one actually, didn't quite see all the options.]
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  • Profile picture of the author Bev Clement
    I totally agree, and like Steven Fullman I voted for all 3 as well

    There are times when a long post is needed and I think those are fine. But, I know there are many posts which are immediately or very soon posted to EZA by the same person, then they post to their blog, and if you check in google you will find the same article many times by the same person.
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  • Profile picture of the author mmurtha
    JT is right. There's one more distinction too - the people that do add long posts DO NOT sign their name, and put an author's bio box in it or URLs to their sites in the body. I've seen several posters post content and add this stuff just like they do when they submit articles to article directories.

    If you've been on a forum, any forum, for any length of time, you should be able to tell the difference between content that is primarily used for a discussion, and content that is simply posted as an article.
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  • Profile picture of the author red172
    Banned
    I dont understand. If it's a good article full of valuable information that a lot of people could benefit from knowing about, what's wrong with sharing that information by copying and pasting an article?
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    • Profile picture of the author John Taylor
      Originally Posted by red172 View Post

      I dont understand. If it's a good article full of valuable information that a lot of people could benefit from knowing about, what's wrong with sharing that information by copying and pasting an article?
      When people want to read an article they can go
      to an Article Directory.

      This is the place we all come to Discuss topics.

      John
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      • Profile picture of the author Diana Lane
        Originally Posted by John Taylor View Post

        When people want to read an article they can go
        to an Article Directory.

        This is the place we all come to Discuss topics.

        John
        Ah. That would explain why I've seen 'disgusting' mis-spelled on here so often. Perhaps it should be made clearer that an article containing the phrase 'This is discusting' still doesn't qualify for inclusion
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        • Profile picture of the author John Taylor
          Diana,

          Originally Posted by Diana Lane View Post

          Perhaps it should be made clearer that an article containing the phrase 'This is discusting' still doesn't qualify for inclusion
          Perhaps discusting is a shortened version
          of discus throwing and relates to the rapid
          throwing out of an article?

          You never know, discusting may become an
          Olympic event one day.

          John
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        • Profile picture of the author R Hagel
          Be advised that this is a public poll: other users can see the choice(s) you selected.
          I refuse to vote in your poll because I don't want anyone to see my answer.


          ----

          On to more serious matters...

          I'm not wild about the copy and paste articles either (especially when you find them elsewhere, such as in article directories, on blogs, etc). And as mentioned, if there's no room for discussion, then they really don't belong on a "discussion forum."

          BTW, just to clarify -- I don't mind the "step by step" posts with discussion. It's those "article dumps" that don't belong here (especially the driveby articles). This distinction was made previously in this thread.

          I think those who want to post regular articles can instead:

          1. Post 'em on a blog and link to them in their sig file.

          2. Post 'em on their WF blog.

          3. Create a report and offer them as a free WSO.

          4. Post them in the War Room. (Where applicable.)

          5. Print them out and make origami swans with them.

          6. Rewrite them to address the same topic, but make them discussion-friendly and non-articley.


          cheers,
          Becky
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          • Profile picture of the author John Taylor
            Becky,

            Originally Posted by R Hagel View Post

            ..make them discussion-friendly and non-articley.
            Can you please expand on how you would
            make a post non-articley?

            John
            P.S. I'm swiping "non-articley" for my next
            request for articles from freelance writers!
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            • Profile picture of the author R Hagel
              Originally Posted by John Taylor View Post

              Can you please expand on how you would
              make a post non-articley?
              I think you summarized it best in your post #12:

              When people start a thread designed to share an
              experience which is unique to the Warrior Forum
              then that's perfectly acceptable.
              Make it unique. Allow for discussion.

              for example:


              --------------
              Article:

              You can use affiliate marketing to boost your backend sales. Yadda yadda article content.

              Here are the three tools I use:

              1. Affiliate link 1
              2. Point to my blog.
              3. Point to my product.

              Yadda yadda close the article. Maybe throw in one more link for good measure.


              --------------


              Now let's take this same topic and make it discussion friendly. Instead of "lecturing" to readers and throwing in a bunch of affiliate links, I'd remove the links and rewrite it to open it for discussion.

              So maybe I'd share a backend or affiliate marketing model (give value) and then ask readers how they'd improve the model (open for discussion). Whatever it is, it would need to be something I'm truly interested in hearing other viewpoints on... otherwise it may belong in an article directory where I can have a one-sided conversation.

              Other random thoughts:

              --> I wouldn't try to control the direction the thread goes. (That's reserved for those who're posting articles in the hopes of getting link exposure, pre-selling a WSO, etc. )

              --> I'd be looking to give value while also learning from others. (If others aren't sharing, then maybe I did post an article. Time to rethink my approach.)

              --> I'd welcome opinions and different viewpoints. (Again, it's give and take on a discussion forum as opposed to the one-sided conversation of an article directory.)



              =========

              These are just random thoughts and not particularly well thought-out... meaning readers shouldn't use this post as any sort of guideline or anything like that.

              Cheers,
              Becky
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              • Profile picture of the author John Taylor
                Becky,

                I think this raises an important point:
                Originally Posted by R Hagel View Post

                Instead of "lecturing" to readers and throwing in a bunch of affiliate links, I'd remove the links and rewrite it to open it for discussion.
                The vast majority of articles are designed for
                one way communication and are intended to
                encourage the reader to take a specific action.

                John
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                • Profile picture of the author marciayudkin
                  When people want to read an article they can go
                  to an Article Directory.

                  This is the place we all come to Discuss topics.
                  This distinction is not clear at all.

                  I have started a few threads here by saying something like, here's what I have learned about XYZ. My intention is to share my experience. Since I've been writing professionally for almost 30 years, my thoughts are usually well-organized and may read like an article. Indeed, in a few cases I have taken the thoughts I shared here and turned them into an article with only a little polishing.

                  I have seen Paul Myers and a few others do much the same thing, and he usually gets thanked for doing this. And others add their thoughts to such a thread.

                  Are people saying they want to stop this kind of post?! If so, I do not understand how that would be an improvement.

                  Marcia Yudkin
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                  • Profile picture of the author John Taylor
                    Marcia,

                    Originally Posted by marciayudkin View Post

                    Are people saying they want to stop this kind of post?!
                    No, people are saying that they don't want to
                    see articles that are written for distribution to
                    article directories simply copied and pasted in
                    the main forum.

                    They are usually easy to spot when you look
                    at the intent behind an article being posted.

                    If in doubt a quick search on Google and/or
                    Copyscape will confirm that a post has been
                    submitted elsewhere as an article.



                    John
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                  • Profile picture of the author George Wright
                    Hi Marcia,

                    This post is not directed to you, it's meant to clarify what I'm talking about. Your post quoted below raises a question. I'm certainly not saying you are an "article poster."

                    I'm not talking about original posts. Many know I've posted some long posts. (one of them I turned into an eBook)

                    I'm personally mainly talking about the posts, mostly by new members who are direct cut and paste articles that are posted on and from other sites.

                    They are the long winded equivalent of the one line post, i.e. posted to get to the magic 15, 30, or 1,000 to get link juice or build credibility. In fact many times they are posted by those who found out that their one liners were dissapearing. ("OK, that didn't work, I'll try this.)

                    Many here are able to distinguish between value and ulterior motives.

                    This advice was posted to help certain members to stop looking, as Kay said, "Silly," to everyone else.

                    I'll not attempt to explain why a detailed long post by a successful IMer is totally different than a cut and paste article that appears on several other article directories. Others have already explained this better than I can.

                    Hint: If your posts keep getting deleted or remain with only a couple of "thanks" from your other forum IDs you should probably change your MO. Conversely if your posts, even longer ones, get read and encourage a discussion by several members, you are probably OK.

                    George Wright

                    Originally Posted by marciayudkin View Post

                    This distinction is not clear at all.

                    I have started a few threads here by saying something like, here's what I have learned about XYZ. My intention is to share my experience. Since I've been writing professionally for almost 30 years, my thoughts are usually well-organized and may read like an article. Indeed, in a few cases I have taken the thoughts I shared here and turned them into an article with only a little polishing.

                    I have seen Paul Myers and a few others do much the same thing, and he usually gets thanked for doing this. And others add their thoughts to such a thread.

                    Are people saying they want to stop this kind of post?! If so, I do not understand how that would be an improvement.

                    Marcia Yudkin
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                    • Profile picture of the author affilcrazy
                      I'm with Sean on this one. I have come across some wonderful posts that have been well thought out and are extremely articulate.

                      They provide an abundance of information and are in the format of an article. These are usually when fellow Warriors are sharing their experiences or marking out a blueprint.

                      Whether these are new or just the same old fangled techniques, it's always great (or i think so) to read of someone's success and how they achieved it!

                      However, for those who are copying/pasting articles from elsewhere, there was obviously very little thought put into these posts. They are usually very overly-promotional and you can spot theses fakes a mile off!

                      So i am voting D!!! If the article is your own original work and provides value, just post it! If you want to copy and paste, there are other forums where the members also lack integrity and are just out to make whatever they can!

                      Cheers
                      Partha
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        • Profile picture of the author CDarklock
          Originally Posted by Diana Lane View Post

          Perhaps it should be made clearer that an article containing the phrase 'This is discusting' still doesn't qualify for inclusion
          As my grandmother would say, I don't want to disgust it.
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      • Profile picture of the author red172
        Banned
        Originally Posted by John Taylor View Post

        When people want to read an article they can go
        to an Article Directory.

        This is the place we all come to Discuss topics.

        John

        Yes, but if you're posting information that has value then surely it could help a lot of people.

        PS an article can be a topic of discussion
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  • Profile picture of the author MeTellYou
    Originally Posted by George Wright View Post

    Hi All,

    Almost every day I open a post and start to read it and can tell right away that it's just an article. Not a quote from an article to prove a point or some other "good reason." People are posting articles treating the main forum as if it's just another cheep article directory.

    I was wondering if it's just me or is this irritating to others?

    To that end I made a poll for this issue hopefully settling the matter once and for all.

    So Please answer one of the poll questions.

    Thanks,


    George Wright, P.S. This poll allows multiple choice so you can choose more than one answer.
    I love the Idea with the Poll. I thought those questions are actually different.

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  • Profile picture of the author valerieSONORA
    I just can't decide on which one to vote for. 1,2, or 3.
    Signature

    siggy taking a break...

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  • Profile picture of the author Woody C
    POLL UPDATE:

    A. 70.97%
    B. 64.52%
    C. 67.74%

    In the lead is A. I do not think the main area of the Warrior Forum should be used as a place to dump articles.

    Something seems a little off with those numbers. I can't figure it out though.
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  • Profile picture of the author rapidscc
    Hi George!

    You should add a fourth answer : All of the above...

    I agree, posting here texts that's posted first elsewhere has little difference with what spammers do (Disclaimer -- IMO only) I think this is an unwritten rule for most of us..

    I just have one question with regards to the contents you place here..(in my case the opposite.)

    When I was a newbie here last year, I was so impressed with a post I made here that after I signed out I immediately posted it on a blog..Should there also be an issue regarding this matter?

    oMar
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    • Profile picture of the author Alminc
      I'm schocked by vote results!
      You must be cheating.
      Signature
      No links :)
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      • Profile picture of the author russellprisco
        Originally Posted by Alminc View Post

        I'm schocked by vote results!
        You must be cheating.
        He who votes counts for nothing, he who counts the votes decides everything.

        Joseph Stalin
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  • Profile picture of the author mmurtha
    Hey Becky,

    I particularly like this suggestion:

    Originally Posted by R Hagel View Post


    5. Print them out and make origami swans with them.
    This would be the appropriate thing to do in my opinion. Who knows, maybe it will catch some wind and fly off to a distant land or something.
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    • Profile picture of the author Ofthemix
      I completely agree with you. Any time I click on a thread to see what it's about, not just on this forum but on any other forum, and I see an article . . . the first emotion I feel is pure annoyance. If I wanted to read an article, I'd go to an article directory.
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      • Profile picture of the author ExRat
        Hi,

        I think there are a few different things being discussed here at once. EG -

        1) someone pasting some text here that has been plaguarised from elsewhere

        2) someone pasting some text here that is their own work, but has been posted elsewhere previously

        3) someone posting some text here that is original and freshly written, BUT it is written in a manner that is 'like' an article - talking AT the reader and finishing with a call to action, for example. Therefore, it is not likely to create helpful discussion, or asking for opinions etc

        Hi MarciaYudkin,

        I have started a few threads here by saying something like, here's what I have learned about XYZ. My intention is to share my experience. Since I've been writing professionally for almost 30 years, my thoughts are usually well-organized and may read like an article. Indeed, in a few cases I have taken the thoughts I shared here and turned them into an article with only a little polishing.

        I have seen Paul Myers and a few others do much the same thing, and he usually gets thanked for doing this. And others add their thoughts to such a thread
        I've seen Paul do it both ways around a few times - IE - he has taken his thoughts from his comments/experiences here and expanded on them elsewhere. But I guess that's irrelevant to this discussion?

        In relation to this discussion, I have also seen him bring some of his content and expand upon it on the forum.

        But there are some key elements to the way that he has done this, that make a big difference.

        The ones I have seen have been written so well, and the subjects discussed, as well as the solutions all have a unique aspect to them - to an extent that even IF they were breaking some of the unwritten rules, he has already ensured that it doesn't matter, because they are of SUCH a high quality that they set the standard for everyone else to learn from and try to emulate.

        Plus, he will not post it and abandon it - he will return to the thread and answer any sensible question in order to help the reader to get the most out of the whole thread. And he is never pushing a product when he does this. If you look around, that is quite rare.

        Note - anyone who reads my posts here, knows that I'm not prone to fanboyism - I'm just saying it exactly as I see it. And I would wager that if you isolated these posts and ran a poll, the majority would totally agree.

        I don't recall your posts Marcia, but if I felt they were in the same category, I would say the same about you as well.

        Hi affilcrazy,

        I'm with Sean on this one. I have come across some wonderful posts that have been well thought out and are extremely articulate.

        They provide an abundance of information and are in the format of an article. These are usually when fellow Warriors are sharing their experiences or marking out a blueprint.

        Whether these are new or just the same old fangled techniques, it's always great (or i think so) to read of someone's success and how they achieved it!
        I understand your point, but I think this is sometimes an issue with a forum used by such a huge, diverse bunch - which I accept, is not your fault!

        What's useful for one group of people here is not so useful for another. And as the balance fluctuatess in terms of the quality of posting on the main forum (and it's usefulness to the majority), this has a lot of knock on effects - it's very easy for things to snowball quickly.

        For example, if many more new people arrive, who find basic stuff really helpful, but higher level stuff too difficult to grasp, the basic stuff will quickly take prominence. Consequently, people with a higher level of ability find less reason to come here. Think about the consequences...

        Edited to add -

        Hi Michael,

        You demonstrated my last point for me -

        Many of these posts may not seem that valuable to you experienced users, but on the other hand, many of the new members appreciate others who take the time and try and give them a helping hand
        But if the posts are allowed to become TOO basic, then the only ones left to give those new members a hand will be new members (in general) - I'm not suggesting every experienced member would leave, I'm suggesting that it DOES have an effect.

        More and more recently, I've been giving the 'letmegooglethatforyou' (lmgtfy.com) link as a second post in answer to a new thread from a newbie who basically, is just too lazy to punch their question into google to discover that the top result is exactly what they needed.

        Not so long back, people were a bit shy to start new threads unless it was really worthwhile (either some information, a discussion or a question that created a quality discussion/thread) because the quality of the other posts around it was higher. If someone DID just post info, it needed to be pretty unique/useful/interesting...

        Here's some examples -

        'Can anyone recommend a good free ftp program?'
        'Which is the best hosting company?'
        'I'm making my first website about dog training. Should I make a blog or a website or both?'
        'What's the best way to get backlinks?'
        'How do I get visitors to my site?'

        Now in truth, I don't think I've ever complained about a thread like that, and I've answered ones like that a few times BUT - imagine if every thread on the front page was like that?

        Each example is slightly different. but if every post was like that, this would not be a marketing discussion forum. There would be no room for real discussion about internet marketing, because the whole forum would be chockablock with questions that -

        a) can be answered if the person just bothered to use google - and they would be answered better - and the person could learn something by doing it, AND develop their initiative and problem solving abilities.

        b) many of these type of questions are unanswerable - EG - 'who is the best host?' It depends on what you want it for. 'What is the best way to get backlinks?' Depends on your budget, resources, motivation and skill level.

        c) simply encourage others to post low quality articles, because they look at what's here and think their basic article will be appreciated and helpful to the majority.

        Sorry, my post turned into an article
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        Roger Davis

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  • Profile picture of the author Michael Franklin
    I always thought that if a post added real value to the readers, then it was a good post. I may be in the minority but I have seen some "article format" posts that were excellent in detailing good techniques or in helping give newbies that push that they needed.

    Don't forget that you have many new members joining every day and all they see is a sea of articles that run the gamut of subjects. Is it any wonder why you see posts on "Information Overload" or "Help me - Please!" over and over?

    Many of these posts may not seem that valuable to you experienced users, but on the other hand, many of the new members appreciate others who take the time and try and give them a helping hand.

    If it adds value....REAL value, then it should belong. Period.
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    • Profile picture of the author George Wright
      Hi Michael,

      This is not at all about "article format" posts.

      George Wright

      Originally Posted by Michael Franklin View Post

      I always thought that if a post added real value to the readers, then it was a good post. I may be in the minority but I have seen some "article format" posts that were excellent in detailing good techniques or in helping give newbies that push that they needed.

      Don't forget that you have many new members joining every day and all they see is a sea of articles that run the gamut of subjects. Is it any wonder why you see posts on "Information Overload" or "Help me - Please!" over and over?

      Many of these posts may not seem that valuable to you experienced users, but on the other hand, many of the new members appreciate others who take the time and try and give them a helping hand.

      If it adds value....REAL value, then it should belong. Period.
      Signature
      "The first chapter sells the book; the last chapter sells the next book." Mickey Spillane
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