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Please Define "Self Promotion" and Signatures.

by BigFrank Banned
18 replies
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Greetings. Kinda new here and although I have read the rules, I'm still a bit hazy on how some things work.

First, I'm not exactly sure what is meant by self-promotion, here. While I only have a GED, and understand the concept, I took it to mean not promoting your products or services in a way that evades buying whatever you need to buy to sell your product or service, here.

I was recently banned for a day for back to back offenses. One was that I mentioned that I had turned my radio station back on and that I would appreciate it if a few peeps would listen in to see how the stream sounded while I worked through a few technical issues. Before you could say, "You are off the air," I was off the forum. After being banned I take it to mean "self" promotion, literally. Regardless of the financial aspects or lack thereof.

Now, were talking about a dinky little radio station that I don't bother to promote, at all. I kinda have my little following, but they work during the day, that's why I posted here. I offer nothing for sale on my station. I'm just an old hippie, trapped in the 60's that still listens to classic rock. So hopefully you'll understand my chagrin at being banned over that. Being banned for a day is nothing to cry about, but I only appreciate being banned when I make a concerted effort to have that happen. So - if I missed a clear definition in the rules, I apologize. I could use clarification on this.

Next, the signatures. Again, I have read the rules but I'm not clear.

1. What are you allowed to put in your signature without paying?

2. I believe I read 5 lines and a link to your own web site. Is that the totality of it?

3. I'm not clear on what you pay for an upgrade as to what can be placed in your signature. I oftentimes see banner ads, or links to products and services offered by the member and sometimes not from the member. Very confusing to me.

So - how can I mention my non-commercial radio station without being banned? What do I have to pay to promote my life? That would be the station, my business directory, my auction site, my personal stud service, etc.

I'm happy to pay once I know what I'm paying and what it allows.

Sorry for being so dense. Any help would be appreciated.

Cheers,

Frank
  • Profile picture of the author Claude Whitacre
    Anything in a post that promotes you at all is frowned upon. Any links to anything where you may profit is bad.

    For example, I write a book that I want to talk about.

    Asking for an opinion on a title is fine.

    Providing a link to buy it is not fine.
    Providing a link to a sales page, blog, video, or article promoting the book is not fine.

    Even recommending that someone read your book, as a way to offer advice...is not fine.

    Even posting a link for a free copy of your book...is not fine. Because it's promoting something on a sales page.

    Do you work for a company? Don't post a link to their website.

    Providing a link in your signature? Absolutely fine.

    Posting lots of posts that are spammy, and have no purpose, other than to show your signature more often, are easy to spot, and not fine.

    And if someone complains? It's not fine.

    Insult another member, and you may get banned for life.

    I've tasted the sting of a short ban. Many of us have.
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    • Profile picture of the author BigFrank
      Banned
      [quote=Claude Whitacre;8859085]Good Morning, Claude.
      Anything in a post that promotes you at all is frowned upon.
      OK. I get that, but man, that's really in the eye of the beholder.
      Any links to anything where you may profit is bad.
      For example, I write a book that I want to talk about.
      Asking for an opinion on a title is fine.
      Providing a link to buy it is not fine.
      Providing a link to a sales page, blog, video, or article promoting the book is not fine.
      Even recommending that someone read your book, as a way to offer advice...is not fine.
      Even posting a link for a free copy of your book...is not fine. Because it's promoting something on a sales page.
      Do you work for a company? Don't post a link to their website.
      I guess that about covers it, ay?
      Providing a link in your signature? Absolutely fine.
      Got it. (Should a comma be used, there?)
      Posting lots of posts that are spammy, and have no purpose, other than to show your signature more often, are easy to spot, and not fine.
      Simply not my style.
      And if someone complains? It's not fine.
      That's if they have a valid complaint, I'll assume?
      Insult another member, and you may get banned for life.
      And deservedly so.
      I've tasted the sting of a short ban. Many of us have.
      Really? I follow your posts. While it's obvious to me that you're a wee bit "out there," you seem quite harmless. I hope that doesn't sound the least bit insulting. It was meant as a compliment.

      Thanks so much for taking the time to assist me.

      Enjoy your day. Cheers. - Frank
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  • Profile picture of the author joseph7384
    I'm sure that you can put information about your radio station in your signature if you like. As far as upgrading your signature, that means paying for a banner ad.
    Signature
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    • Profile picture of the author BigFrank
      Banned
      Originally Posted by joseph7384 View Post

      I'm sure that you can put information about your radio station in your signature if you like. As far as upgrading your signature, that means paying for a banner ad.
      Thanks, Joseph. - Frank
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  • Profile picture of the author Jason Kanigan
    Most of us have been banned temporarily during the learning phase. I was banned for a week early on when I gave a free webinar in which I did not try to sell anything. Just talked about selling...and I have witnesses and the recording. Didn't matter. Oops.

    Your signature can promote mostly whatever you want -- a link to sign up as an affiliate to your WSO isn't OK, for example, but a link to your radio station or squeeze page is.

    Use url shorteners like goo.gl to severely reduce the number of characters in your sig links (you'll appreciate this later...and you can track the clicks from that source).

    Then act like your sig doesn't exist. Give advice, bestow wisdom, mix it up. Don't direct anyone to look at your signature. Behave like it's not even there. People will look right at it if they like what you wrote in the post.
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    • Profile picture of the author BigFrank
      Banned
      Originally Posted by Jason Kanigan View Post

      Most of us have been banned temporarily during the learning phase. I was banned for a week early on when I gave a free webinar in which I did not try to sell anything. Just talked about selling...and I have witnesses and the recording. Didn't matter. Oops.
      Wow. Another person that I follow for the treasure trove of knowledge that you dispense in your threads. I would have never believed that you were ever banned had you not copped to it.
      Your signature can promote mostly whatever you want -- a link to sign up as an affiliate to your WSO isn't OK, for example, but a link to your radio station or squeeze page is.
      I'm clear on that, now.
      Use url shorteners like goo.gl to severely reduce the number of characters in your sig links (you'll appreciate this later...and you can track the clicks from that source).
      Thanks, Never heard of that one. I'll check that out.
      Then act like your sig doesn't exist. Give advice, bestow wisdom, mix it up. Don't direct anyone to look at your signature. Behave like it's not even there. People will look right at it if they like what you wrote in the post.
      That all makes perfect sense. I truly appreciate your input.

      Enjoy your Sunday. Cheers. - Frank
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  • Profile picture of the author sbucciarel
    Banned
    Originally Posted by BigFrank View Post

    After being banned I take it to mean "self" promotion, literally. Regardless of the financial aspects or lack thereof.
    If you have a radio station, it doesn't really matter at all whether you promote it or whether you're an old hippy ... it's a product of yours. You don't mention products of yours in posts and don't link to them or refer to your signature, like saying, check the link in my sig ... that's all self promotion. Asking people to review your radio station could be seen as attempting to get more ears to your product.


    Originally Posted by BigFrank View Post

    Next, the signatures. Again, I have read the rules but I'm not clear.

    1. What are you allowed to put in your signature without paying?

    2. I believe I read 5 lines and a link to your own web site. Is that the totality of it?

    3. I'm not clear on what you pay for an upgrade as to what can be placed in your signature. I oftentimes see banner ads, or links to products and services offered by the member and sometimes not from the member. Very confusing to me.

    So - how can I mention my non-commercial radio station without being banned? What do I have to pay to promote my life? That would be the station, my business directory, my auction site, my personal stud service, etc.
    The radio station is yours, so you can mention/link to it in your signature. The upgrade only allows the graphical banner ad ... no special privileges other than that. You are allowed to link to your own sites, your own products. You are not allowed affiliate links or affiliate templates.

    Now, here's where some common sense comes in. You have a site for sale on Flippa. You don't own Flippa, but the site for sale is yours. They allow you to link to your live listing on Flippa. They allow you to link to your Fiverr gigs, etc.

    It's all fairly simple with sigs. Promote your own stuff and your own sites.
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    • Profile picture of the author BigFrank
      Banned
      Originally Posted by sbucciarel View Post

      If you have a radio station, it doesn't really matter at all whether you promote it or whether you're an old hippy ... it's a product of yours. You don't mention products of yours in posts and don't link to them or refer to your signature, like saying, check the link in my sig ... that's all self promotion. Asking people to review your radio station could be seen as attempting to get more ears to your product.
      I understand the concept, but maintain that was not my intention. I benefit in no way, shape or form whether I have 10 listeners or 100. I get it, though.
      The radio station is yours, so you can mention/link to it in your signature. The upgrade only allows the graphical banner ad ... no special privileges other than that. You are allowed to link to your own sites, your own products. You are not allowed affiliate links or affiliate templates.
      So, from looking at your signature it appears that you are availing yourself of the five allowed lines as well as having a paid banner ad? That, to me looks like the best of both worlds. I think that's the route I'll take. Thank you.
      Now, here's where some common sense comes in. You have a site for sale on Flippa. You don't own Flippa, but the site for sale is yours. They allow you to link to your live listing on Flippa. They allow you to link to your Fiverr gigs, etc.
      Got it.
      It's all fairly simple with sigs. Promote your own stuff and your own sites.
      Will do. Thanks so much, Suzanne.

      Enjoy you day. Cheers. - Frank
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      • Profile picture of the author sbucciarel
        Banned
        Originally Posted by BigFrank View Post

        I understand the concept, but maintain that was not my intention. I benefit in no way, shape or form whether I have 10 listeners or 100. I get it, though.
        So, from looking at your signature it appears that you are availing yourself of the five allowed lines as well as having a paid banner ad? That, to me looks like the best of both worlds. I think that's the route I'll take. Thank you.
        Got it.
        Will do. Thanks so much, Suzanne.

        Enjoy you day. Cheers. - Frank
        Yes, I take full advantage of my signature privileges, but never abuse them. I post in many sections and the majority of my posts are not related to the products I promote. Claude was right ... set it and forget it and then go on to have honest conversations with people.

        One thing that you may not realize about your intentions ... every person who spams the forum (and I'm not saying you did), say they had only good intentions ... that they were just giving us all great info (except for the bots and they make no apologies). Moderators cannot allow one person to self promote because he may have had good intentions and not allow everyone to self promote. It's just that simple.

        Quote:
        [Claude] I've tasted the sting of a short ban. Many of us have.

        [Big Frank] Really? I follow your posts. While it's obvious to me that you’re a wee bit "out there," you seem quite harmless.
        You need to read this thread. This is what happens when you get WF famous and get banned!
        http://www.warriorforum.com/off-topi...laude%27s+Back
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        • Profile picture of the author BigFrank
          Banned
          Originally Posted by sbucciarel View Post

          Yes, I take full advantage of my signature privileges, but never abuse them. I post in many sections and the majority of my posts are not related to the products I promote. Claude was right ... set it and forget it and then go on to have honest conversations with people.
          Understood.
          One thing that you may not realize about your intentions ... every person who spams the forum (and I'm not saying you did), say they had only good intentions ... that they were just giving us all great info (except for the bots and they make no apologies). Moderators cannot allow one person to self promote because he may have had good intentions and not allow everyone to self promote. It's just that simple.
          I agree with all that and don't expect any special consideration. Still, I feel I must state, for the official record, that it was not my intent. One thing you'll come to learn about me over time, if my intent was to spam, I'd admit, promise to never do it again and move on. I don't spam anyone, ever. I have absolutely nothing to sell anyone, here. Nothing, nada, zip, zero.
          You need to read this thread. This is what happens when you get WF famous and get banned!
          http://www.warriorforum.com/off-topi...laude%27s+Back
          Wow. I take back the nice things that I said. It's now painfully obvious that Claude is a bad, bad man. "Oh, the humanity."

          Cheers. - Frank
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          • Profile picture of the author Kay King
            Still, I feel I must state,
            One thing you'll come to learn about me over time,
            ....is that you are slow to give up the fight?

            Just take the mea culpatude path and let it go. It's easier in the long run.
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            • Profile picture of the author BigFrank
              Banned
              Originally Posted by Kay King View Post

              ....is that you are slow to give up the fight?
              More like, "The fight ain't over as long as I'm breathing." We all have our cross to bear.
              Just take the mea culpatude path and let it go. It's easier in the long run.
              I have. I'm happy to make my point and move on, but to retreat does not mean that I've surrendered.

              Sorry. Old habits die hard.

              Cheers. - Frank
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    • Profile picture of the author Millionbaby
      So this website isn't allowed / 24 Hrs Profit-Uriel ? thats why they got it off my sig? because its called affiiate template? so i cant put any squeeze page in my sig if i get you right ?
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      • Profile picture of the author sbucciarel
        Banned
        Originally Posted by Millionbaby View Post

        So this website isn't allowed / 24 Hrs Profit-Uriel ? thats why they got it off my sig? because its called affiiate template? so i cant put any squeeze page in my sig if i get you right ?
        Who owns arielsecretsmoneyonline? Is that your site or are you an affiliate?
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  • Profile picture of the author Dennis Gaskill
    Frank, I remember your radio station thread, and that you posted it again after it was deleted. Reposting deleted threads isn't allowed. That probably earned you the day off as much as anything.

    You can promote your radio station in your signature, perfect place for it. You can promote your websites there too, you can have more than one link in your sig. You can't link to others people's sites in your sig though, or use affiliate links or affiliate templates. As Suzanne said, paying the fee allows you to use a graphic in your sig.
    Signature

    Just when you think you've got it all figured out, someone changes the rules.

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    • Profile picture of the author BigFrank
      Banned
      Originally Posted by Dennis Gaskill View Post

      Frank, I remember your radio station thread, and that you posted it again after it was deleted. Reposting deleted threads isn't allowed. That probably earned you the day off as much as anything.
      Morning Dennis. Major bone of contention on this point. Allow me to explain the tick-tock of what transpired.

      I'm working like a mad man. I've got a couple dozen windows open. I try to make my post and I get the old, "Database" problem error rearing its ugly head. No problem. I hit the browser's "back" button and wait a few minutes. I try again. Nothing. I make a few more attempts over 10 minutes or so. No luck. Back to other windows, then back to my post. I try again, it appears that it worked. Back to other windows. I check my post. Gone. WTH? I'm confused and I chalk it up to a server issue. I repost, almost instantaneously after the first post. Bang!!! I'm banned. Double WTH.

      First off I have rarely been banned from any forum, even for a day. My past experience, albeit on sites with no where near the complexity of member management as this one, is to receive at least one warning that an infraction occurred and if it happens again my head we be lopped-off. No problemo.

      I totally understand being banned for the infraction as I do believe that it must have appeared as a poor display of manners, much more so than posting about the radio station. Had I been in a moderators position I would have perceived the double posting as basically spitting in my eye. I'd have been livid. To think that someone would be so arrogant and obstinate would have resulted in a much harsher penalty from me than the one I received. The double posting was not meant to be malicious or confrontational. Honestly, it was a combination of "user error" as well as "technical difficulties." Nothing more. That's the whole truth and nothing but the truth. I have no problem with being banned for the infraction, but it was not an intentional act.
      You can promote your radio station in your signature, perfect place for it. You can promote your websites there too, you can have more than one link in your sig. You can't link to others people's sites in your sig though, or use affiliate links or affiliate templates. As Suzanne said, paying the fee allows you to use a graphic in your sig.
      I'm very clear on all of this, now. As soon as I get my projects in order, I will utilize the 5 lines and pay for a banner ad, also. That seems like a great way to maximize the space.

      Thanks, Dennis. Cheers. - Frank

      P.S. You have all been very, very kind in attempting to assist me.
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  • Profile picture of the author Dennis Gaskill
    Had I been in a moderators position I would have perceived the double posting as basically spitting in my eye. I'd have been livid. To think that someone would be so arrogant and obstinate would have resulted in a much harsher penalty from me than the one I received.
    Frank, a one-day ban is as soft as it gets, and generally serves as a warning. Much more common is 3-7 days. It was probably determined one day was all that was needed in your case, so that much is to your credit.
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    Just when you think you've got it all figured out, someone changes the rules.

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    • Profile picture of the author BigFrank
      Banned
      Originally Posted by Dennis Gaskill View Post

      Frank, a one-day ban is as soft as it gets, and generally serves as a warning. Much more common is 3-7 days. It was probably determined one day was all that was needed in your case, so that much is to your credit.
      Hi Dennis. What was funny was that when I first looked at it, I thought it was for a year. I thought, "Gee, that was rather harsh." All's well that ends well.

      Cheers. - Frank
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