Have The Signature Rules Been Dropped?

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Somebody please correct me if I am wrong.

My understanding of the signature rules was that the link had to be to a
site that YOU owned. YOUR domain.

So for example, if I have a Blogger blog or a Squidoo lens, those would not
be acceptable links in my signature because I do not actually own those
sites.

The reason I am asking is because I am seeing a ton of Squidoo lenses, links
to other forums and other sites that I know the person in question does not
own.

So what's the deal? Do I have my interpretation of the rule wrong, has the
rule be revised or are these members just breaking the rules?

If anybody knows, please throw me a clue because I don't want to report
anybody in violation who isn't actually in violation.

Thanks.
#dropped #rules #signature
  • Profile picture of the author Lance K
    My interpretation of the rule is the same as yours.

    Unless it has been changed and I just missed it. In which case I should probably stop hitting the report post button on those people with such sigs.
    Signature
    "You can have everything in life you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want."
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  • Profile picture of the author Neil Morgan
    I just read through the rules and they say that you can only link to your own domain, although this seems to be to prevent the promotion of affiliate programs.

    And it would mean, for example, that someone couldn't link to their blog if it was hosted at, say, blogger.com.

    Anyway, rulez is rulez. I've modified my signature until they're clarified.

    Cheers,

    Neil
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    Easy email marketing automation without moving your lists.

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    • Profile picture of the author Susan Hope
      ok that's me too then, I don't know why but I figured blogger links would be ok but put like that, I see it's not, or perhaps not, I will take my new link out (just put in a few hours ago) until it is clarified as well.

      Thanks for pointing it out.

      Sue
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    • Profile picture of the author Marian Berghes
      i learned that lesson when i first joined

      and yeah..i noticed a lot of links that are not supposed to be there...

      also i wonder if you are allowed to have a link that goes to a blog or website where you promote affiliate products...
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      • Profile picture of the author Lance K
        Originally Posted by Marian Berghes View Post

        also i wonder if you are allowed to have a link that goes to a blog or website where you promote affiliate products...
        ABSOLUTELY!!!

        As long as that blog or website is hosted on a domain that you own.
        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 KarlWarren
          At the risk of being pelted with rotting cabbages:
          I dare someone to tell that to Allen about Kiva

          The rule, taken literally does, of course mean you can't post:
          Your myspace, facebook etc profile.
          Blogger/WP blogs.
          Twitter link.

          Etc.

          However, the *reason* behind the rule is obvious, to prevent spamming.
          Signature
          eCoverNinja - Sales Page Graphics & Layout Specialist
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          • Profile picture of the author Neil Morgan
            At the risk of being pelted with rotting cabbages: I dare someone to tell that to Allen about Kiva
            Well spotted Karl, or should that be N/A?

            LOL!

            Neil
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          • Profile picture of the author Tuzic
            Banned
            hi,

            yes but so many are still using sigs. to promote & affiliate! but i wasnt aware this was also reference to a blog that we own even though we dont host it, so a blog on blogger.com wont be allowed then?
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            • Profile picture of the author Michael Oksa
              Originally Posted by Tuzic View Post

              hi,

              yes but so many are still using sigs. to promote & affiliate! but i wasnt aware this was also reference to a blog that we own even though we dont host it, so a blog on blogger.com wont be allowed then?
              Aha! I think I have a way we can all be happy about this issue. Instead of thing of Blogger/Squidoo, etc. as owning our domains, why not do this instead?

              Think of them as being HOSTS of our unique pages witihin their system? These are not affiliate pages, they are simply hosted for free by Blogger/Squidoo, and each one is different...yoursite.blogger.com for example.

              One could argue that some people may make a living reviewing and selling affiliate products using a self-hosted blog, but are still selling affiliate products. Anyone doing this may think twice before stirring the pot on the whole issue.

              Anyway, I think if we can all agree that Blogger/Squidoo (et. al.) are simply hosts as opposed to anything else, then the problem is solved.

              All the best,
              Michael Oksa
              Signature

              "Ich bin en fuego!"
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  • Profile picture of the author enrich
    Banned
    If you can only link to a site you own then you wouldnt be allowed to link to your WSO. I think its affiliate links that arent allowed in your signature.
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    • Profile picture of the author Steven Wagenheim
      Originally Posted by enrich View Post

      If you can only link to a site you own then you wouldnt be allowed to link to your WSO. I think its affiliate links that arent allowed in your signature.
      WSOs are the exception as stated in the rules.

      Other than that ONLY sites that YOU own are allowed.
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      • Profile picture of the author enrich
        Banned
        Originally Posted by Steven Wagenheim View Post

        WSOs are the exception as stated in the rules.

        Other than that ONLY sites that YOU own are allowed.
        Theres a lot of members that seem to think they own Twitter lol
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    • Profile picture of the author jjpmarketing
      Originally Posted by enrich View Post

      If you can only link to a site you own then you wouldnt be allowed to link to your WSO. I think its affiliate links that arent allowed in your signature.

      That is because WSO's are the exception to the rule... for obvious reasons.
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    • Profile picture of the author Jill Carpenter
      I too thought it was no affiliate links that went directly to someone elses website/product.

      Blogs on wordpress or blogger - hmmm, I'm sure a lot of those are floating around.

      Not mine though
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      "May I have ten thousand marbles, please?"

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  • Profile picture of the author Michael Oksa
    Originally Posted by Steven Wagenheim View Post

    Somebody please correct me if I am wrong.

    My understanding of the signature rules was that the link had to be to a
    site that YOU owned. YOUR domain.

    So for example, if I have a Blogger blog or a Squidoo lens, those would not
    be acceptable links in my signature because I do not actually own those
    sites.

    The reason I am asking is because I am seeing a ton of Squidoo lenses, links
    to other forums and other sites that I know the person in question does not
    own.

    So what's the deal? Do I have my interpretation of the rule wrong, has the
    rule be revised or are these members just breaking the rules?

    If anybody knows, please throw me a clue because I don't want to report
    anybody in violation who isn't actually in violation.

    Thanks.
    I'm not pretending to fully understand the rule, but here's my interpretation of it.

    It is okay to link to Blogger blogs, or Squidoo lenses because the content is original to you. If it were copies of other Blogger or Squidoo pages, then that would not be allowed.

    Affiliate links are not allowed, which doesn't bother me at all - it's the rule. And while I understand it, I don't see what the problem would be. I mean you'd get up to five lines whether it's an affiliate product or not. And I think most Warriors would not use them. Besides, my guess is that any affiliate links in signatures would be among the least clicked links in the forum.

    Now, don't get me wrong. I am not suggesting any rule changes, just stating my opinion on one aspect of it. It wouldn't change what I do one way or the other.

    I do agree that only one size/font/color should be used, but was wondering if only one font type was allowed across the board, and if the little arrows and dots (among other special symbols) are allowed.

    Like I said, that's just my take on it.

    ~Michael
    Signature

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

      I'm not pretending to fully understand the rule, but here's my interpretation of it.

      It is okay to link to Blogger blogs, or Squidoo lenses because the content is original to you. If it were copies of other Blogger or Squidoo pages, then that would not be allowed.

      That's why I thought it was ok to put my blogger link as it is my own content but I will wait and see if we get clarification one way or another and then put it back if it is allowed.

      Thanks all
      Sue
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      • Profile picture of the author Neil Morgan
        ...and in the meantime, we can link to pages on our own sites that link, in turn, to the blog, Twitter or whatever. See mine below.

        Cheers,

        Neil
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        • Profile picture of the author TomBuford
          Originally Posted by Neil Morgan View Post

          ...and in the meantime, we can link to pages on our own sites that link, in turn, to the blog, Twitter or whatever. See mine below.

          Cheers,

          Neil
          Good suggestion
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          • Profile picture of the author Zach Booker
            Does it matter? As long as it's not linking to a 'bad' site than who cares
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            • Profile picture of the author Kevin Riley
              Originally Posted by Zach Booker View Post

              Does it matter? As long as it's not linking to a 'bad' site than who cares
              It matters because without the rule there were a bunch of Warriors a few years ago who where basically spamming the forum with "Me Too" posts just to get their affiliate link in their sig file noticed.

              It was then decided by the Monkey God that only our own websites could be displayed. A rather good decision for one who lives on fermented bananas and fat Cuban cigars.
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              Kevin Riley, long-time Warrior living in Osaka, Japan

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              • Profile picture of the author Zach Booker
                Originally Posted by Kevin Riley View Post

                It matters because without the rule there were a bunch of Warriors a few years ago who where basically spamming the forum with "Me Too" posts just to get their affiliate link in their sig file noticed.

                It was then decided by the Monkey God that only our own websites could be displayed. A rather good decision for one who lives on fermented bananas and fat Cuban cigars.
                Still seems a bit strange to start a whole thread about it.
                If people are spamming delete there accounts.

                It doesn't matter anyway because clearly by the answers on this thread no one really knows the rules anyway
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                • Profile picture of the author xmx
                  Personally I only link to sites of mine in the forum signature.

                  Anyway I would not mind finding links to blogger or wordpress
                  blogs where a member posts his/her own content.

                  I am not sure about squidoo, myspace, facebook and other
                  social sites.


                  Gian
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                  • Profile picture of the author jhongren
                    Yah, Steven. I remember I read the rules when I first joined the forum.

                    The links can be to your websites which you own (only 1 link to one final url) and any other internal links such as to WSO.

                    Cheers,
                    John
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                    • Profile picture of the author Johnny Slater
                      Originally Posted by jhongren View Post

                      Yah, Steven. I remember I read the rules when I first joined the forum.

                      The links can be to your websites which you own (only 1 link to one final url) and any other internal links such as to WSO.

                      Cheers,
                      John
                      Actually John, considering you posted this you need to look at your own sig file. The link to twitter is against what you yourself posted above.
                      Signature

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                      • Profile picture of the author Steven Wagenheim
                        Originally Posted by Johnny Slater View Post

                        Actually John, considering you posted this you need to look at your own sig file. The link to twitter is against what you yourself posted above.
                        Johnny, this is almost too funny to be believable. :rolleyes:

                        Reminds me of the story my wife told me of her one day in school.

                        One of her students was clearly eating in class. She asked him what he was
                        chewing on.

                        His answer?

                        "Mrs Wagenheim, you know we're not supposed to eat in class."

                        As he's stuffing his face with chocolate bars.

                        This is the kind of stuff that makes me wonder if the whole world is in
                        denial.
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                        • Profile picture of the author ShayB
                          Fine. I changed my sig. Heaven forbid my Twitter link cause mayhem and destruction on the forum. :rolleyes:
                          Signature
                          "Fate protects fools, little children, and ships called Enterprise." ~Commander Riker
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                    • Profile picture of the author tommygadget
                      Originally Posted by jhongren View Post

                      Yah, Steven. I remember I read the rules when I first joined the forum.

                      The links can be to your websites which you own (only 1 link to one final url) and any other internal links such as to WSO.

                      Cheers,
                      John
                      John, you're killing me You read the rules and your twitter line in your sig. violates it. Funny stuff!

                      TomG.

                      PS - Yes, I'm kidding.
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              • Profile picture of the author Michael Oksa
                Originally Posted by Kevin Riley View Post

                It matters because without the rule there were a bunch of Warriors a few years ago who where basically spamming the forum with "Me Too" posts just to get their affiliate link in their sig file noticed.

                It was then decided by the Monkey God that only our own websites could be displayed. A rather good decision for one who lives on fermented bananas and fat Cuban cigars.
                Thank you, Kevin. That explains it nicely. Now I have a better understanding if why that rule is in place. I sometimes forget that if you give some people the benefit of doubt, they will take advantage of it.

                The sig rules say that you can't get around it by purchasing a domain for the purpose of re-directing. To me that says it is affiliate products that are the issue, not original content on blogs or lenses.

                ~Michael
                Signature

                "Ich bin en fuego!"
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  • Profile picture of the author Andyhenry
    You KNOW that Allen sets and enforces the rules - why don't you just ask him? Do you really need to start a thread about it?

    If you think people don't know the rule - why not just post about the rule as a reminder just in case, rather than give the people you've seen abuse it a back-handed attack like this.
    Signature

    nothing to see here.

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    • Profile picture of the author ShayB
      Originally Posted by Andyhenry View Post

      You KNOW that Allen sets and enforces the rules - why don't you just ask him? Do you really need to start a thread about it?
      I was wondering the same thing. :confused:
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      "Fate protects fools, little children, and ships called Enterprise." ~Commander Riker
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      • Profile picture of the author Kay King
        It doesn't matter anyway because clearly by the answers on this thread no one really knows the rules anyway
        The rules are VERY clear about promoting affiliate links - and that was the main reason the rule came about in the first place. Dozens of people were posting "canned ads" leading to an mlm page or affiliate product.

        I've never reported a squidoo lens or blogger because I'm not interested in defining the letter of the "law" - just in keeping out repetitive crap. As Michael pointed out, those do contain original content and I see no reason to be overzealous in policing siggies.

        Best bet is to report a post only when it clearly violates forum rules - and otherwise not worry about it.

        Just my 1 cent (didn't have enough info for 2 cents)

        kay
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        • Profile picture of the author Bev Clement
          Many people come here asking for help, and they are told to start a lens or blog and to use the free platforms for them. They are then told to promote those sites which they have put a lot of work into through their signature.

          If Allen had a problem with those type of sites being in a person's signature he would have removed them a long time ago. On the old forum, the mods did an excellent job of cleaning up the signature, and yet they allowed those whose website was only a blogger or wordpress site.

          Again, what is the point of asking the question here. You will get a different view from each person. If you want to know the exact rule, then ask Allen or Bryan.

          Michael there is a rule about the font/colour/size you can use in your signature.
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        • Profile picture of the author Lance K
          Originally Posted by Kay King View Post


          I've never reported a squidoo lens or blogger because I'm not interested in defining the letter of the "law"
          Thought I had better clarify. I don't really do this either. I was just being facetious.
          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 jjpmarketing
    I believe the primary reason for not allowing affiliate links is simple. It completely discredits most of the posts recommending a product or service. It never fails... When there are affiliate links allowed you always have hordes of people praising this product or that product whether it is what the original poster needed. Without affiliate links you can place a lot more value on members recommendations... as they aren't getting any money for recommending it. For the same reason self promotion is not allowed... otherwise the affiliate promotions would just be replaced with "buy my product"... "it solves that problem you have with that widget".

    I can see why squidoo or hub pages and similar sites would be an issue. They are usually nothing more than an affiliate page. An expanded version of an affiliate link.
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  • Profile picture of the author Tim Franklin
    I just refreshed my recollection of the sig rules, while it does say that you should promote your own domain names.

    It also states that affiliate websites should not be promoted in sig files.

    It seems fairly clear that the emphasis is on affiliate websites.

    So it is a valid question, all-though it is not entirely clear.

    One way of looking at it, means that you cannot promote any website but your own domain.

    The other is that you cannot promote any URL that is an affiliate link, that seems fairly clear in the wording.

    I understand the affiliate thing and using a domain name to promote affiliate programs is also understandable.

    However, if you had a personal webpage, that does not promote affiliate programs, like a blog, then perhaps that would be acceptable, dont know for sure, but I expect that the intent here is clear,

    No Affiliate links or Affiliate websites.

    Other than that, I am sure Allen will define this if it is something he feels warrants his attention.

    Just a few thoughts.
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  • Profile picture of the author Art Turner
    [DELETED]
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    • Profile picture of the author Lance K
      If you're promoting a blogger blog or a Squidoo lense, then I'm not going to take your sig file seriously anyway. Because either you're just trying to get link juice from WF or you're too broke to buy your own domain.

      Seriously, if you want to market to marketers on WF buy yourself a domain and put your best damn content, offers, etc. on your own site. Wouldn't you agree?
      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 Steven Wagenheim
        In response to those who have asked me why I have asked this question
        here and not to Allen directly, here is my reply.

        I know what the rules are. I can read. And as Johnny Slater pointed out
        above in his copy and paste post directly from the forum rules, it is quite
        clear that the rule is you MUST own the domain...period.

        The question was asked rhetorically so that those in violation could have a
        chance to clean up their sigs.

        If I had done this privately, nothing would have been done as this would
        have not been discussed.

        Just because Allen can answer a question doesn't mean it can't be brought
        up in an open forum. Quite honestly, I think Allen has better things to do
        than to reply to my PM asking him if the forum rules on signatures have
        been changed.

        They clearly have not.

        Hopefully, this thread will bring this out in the open so that violators can
        do something about it if they choose to.

        I feel that, since we are now moderators of this forum (please read Allen's
        post on this matter) that it is my responsibility, as well as each other
        member here, to enforce these rules.

        Unless of course we just want to say "The heck with them" and just let
        people do whatever they want.

        Until Allen says otherwise, I'm not ready to do that.

        I hope this clearly explains why this thread was brought up.
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        • Profile picture of the author Andyhenry
          Originally Posted by Steven Wagenheim View Post


          I feel that, since we are now moderators of this forum (please read Allen's
          post on this matter) that it is my responsibility, as well as each other
          member here, to enforce these rules.

          Unless of course we just want to say "The heck with them" and just let
          people do whatever they want.

          Until Allen says otherwise, I'm not ready to do that.
          Hehe, I have no idea how you managed to make it such a drama - but I would say that aswell as the letter of the rules - there is the 'intention' behind them.

          We can all run around being the forum police and squeeling about people "disobeying the rules", but isn't this also supposed to be a community?

          If you think someone is in breach of a rule - what's wrong with dropping them a message to inform them. If you think they know and are still doing it - report the post and make a note of the sig file breach.

          It doesn't have to be a drama where the Spanish Inquisition happens and we end up with lots of 'opinions' about what should and shouldn't happen.

          There ARE perfectly legitimate ways to break some of the rules which are not against the spirit of the rule but are technically against it.

          Not every infraction is actually a problem.

          There are rules and they should be followed but don't decide to become the forum police and start looking behind bushes for problems that aren't there.

          Some people here are way too open to looking for problems and blowing them out of proportion thinking that they're providing some sort of service.

          This is not a complicated issue - just do what you feel is right, having taken logic and reason into consideration.

          Just ask someone if you think they're doing something wrong and don't realise.
          Signature

          nothing to see here.

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          • Profile picture of the author ShayB
            Originally Posted by Andyhenry View Post

            Hehe, I have no idea how you managed to make it such a drama - but I would say that aswell as the letter of the rules - there is the 'intention' behind them.

            We can all run around being the forum police and squeeling about people "disobeying the rules", but isn't this also supposed to be a community?

            If you think someone is in breach of a rule - what's wrong with dropping them a message to inform them. If you think they know and are still doing it - report the post and make a note of the sig file breach.

            It doesn't have to be a drama where the Spanish Inquisition happens and we end up with lots of 'opinions' about what should and shouldn't happen.

            There ARE perfectly legitimate ways to break some of the rules which are not against the spirit of the rule but are technically against it.

            Not every infraction is actually a problem.

            There are rules and they should be followed but don't decide to become the forum police and start looking behind bushes for problems that aren't there.

            Some people here are way too open to looking for problems and blowing them out of proportion thinking that they're providing some sort of service.

            This is not a complicated issue - just do what you feel is right, having taken logic and reason into consideration.

            Just ask someone if you think they're doing something wrong and don't realise.
            Excellent post. I wholeheartedly agree.
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          • Profile picture of the author Kim Standerline
            Originally Posted by Andyhenry View Post

            Hehe, I have no idea how you managed to make it such a drama - but I would say that aswell as the letter of the rules - there is the 'intention' behind them.

            We can all run around being the forum police and squeeling about people "disobeying the rules", but isn't this also supposed to be a community?

            If you think someone is in breach of a rule - what's wrong with dropping them a message to inform them. If you think they know and are still doing it - report the post and make a note of the sig file breach.

            It doesn't have to be a drama where the Spanish Inquisition happens and we end up with lots of 'opinions' about what should and shouldn't happen.

            There ARE perfectly legitimate ways to break some of the rules which are not against the spirit of the rule but are technically against it.

            Not every infraction is actually a problem.

            There are rules and they should be followed but don't decide to become the forum police and start looking behind bushes for problems that aren't there.

            Some people here are way too open to looking for problems and blowing them out of proportion thinking that they're providing some sort of service.

            This is not a complicated issue - just do what you feel is right, having taken logic and reason into consideration.

            Just ask someone if you think they're doing something wrong and don't realise.
            Well said Andy, I can never understand why some members on here get their knickers in a twist about sigs relating to blogs, squiddoo etc.

            Spammy stuff yeah lets get rid, but sometimes some of us go from the sublime to the ridiculous.

            As a poster said earlier, a lot of work goes into some of those sites, and lets face it, we can smell a spammer a mile off.

            A modicum of common sense is needed here guys

            Kim
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            • Profile picture of the author Neil Morgan
              You're dead right Kim.

              I'm mad at myself for getting caught up in this navel-gazing nonsense yesterday.

              Lesson learned. Back to work.

              Cheers,

              Neil
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        • Profile picture of the author ShayB
          Originally Posted by Steven Wagenheim View Post

          Quite honestly, I think Allen has better things to do
          than to reply to my PM asking him if the forum rules on signatures have
          been changed.
          If he has better things to do than provide clarification on this rule, perhaps people can find better things to do than become the Forum Signature Police.

          Just sayin'. :rolleyes:
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          "Fate protects fools, little children, and ships called Enterprise." ~Commander Riker
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      • Profile picture of the author GarrieWilson
        Originally Posted by Lance K View Post

        If you're promoting a blogger blog or a Squidoo lense, then I'm not going to take your sig file seriously anyway. Because either you're just trying to get link juice from WF or you're too broke to buy your own domain.
        :rolleyes:

        Fact: People use and link to blogger/squidoo lenses because:

        1. It can help get their sites indexed faster.
        2. They CAN make a lot of money if done correctly.
        3. They rank high in SEs fairly quickly. Which means they can then send people to affiliate sites or their sites.
        4. They don't want to bother with hosting or anything else related because their current needs are being met.


        Garrie
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  • Profile picture of the author Johnny Slater
    http://www.warriorforum.com/main-int...ead-first.html

    (5) No Affiliate Links Allowed - Promote Your Own Domain/s Only. It's either this or we have to cut out sig files altogether which we do not want to do.
    That seems very clear to me. It clearly says "Promote Your Own Domain/s Only."
    Signature

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  • Profile picture of the author rmholla
    So, can we redirect a domain we own to an affiliate site?


    Rhonda
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    • Profile picture of the author Michael Oksa
      Originally Posted by rmholla View Post

      So, can we redirect a domain we own to an affiliate site?


      Rhonda
      Yes, but only if you don't want to remain a member. Quoted from the rules...

      Edit: Due to certain people trying to find a loophole I needed to add yet another edit. Please do not try to get around these rules by getting your own domain name and simply redirecting it to an affiliate program. You Will Be Removed From Here When Caught.
      Seems pretty clear on that point.

      ~Michael
      Signature

      "Ich bin en fuego!"
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  • Profile picture of the author SusanUSA
    Hmmm . . . I just sent a PM to a newbie with a tiny's url link! I think it might be a good idea if Allen or others at the Admin Desk made this rule more clear . . .

    Thanks for the post, Steven.
    Signature
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    • Profile picture of the author Michael Oksa
      Originally Posted by SusanUSA View Post

      Hmmm . . . I just sent a PM to a newbie with a tiny's url link! I think it might be a good idea if Allen or others at the Admin Desk made this rule more clear . . .

      Thanks for the post, Steven.
      Hi Susan,

      It is already about as prominent as it can get. It is the second post from the top in the main forum. It is listed as "Warrior Forum Rules - Please Read First!" I don't know what more Allen can, or should, do.

      Also, I think it's cool that you were kind enough to fill someone in on the rules. I have done it, and still do if I believe it's a legitimate mistake.

      ~Michael
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      "Ich bin en fuego!"
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  • Profile picture of the author jjpmarketing
    "Yes but only if you don't want to remain a member."

    You should be in politics Michael. :p
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  • Profile picture of the author BIG Mike
    Banned
    [DELETED]
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  • Profile picture of the author John Taylor
    Speaking as a former moderator, sites interpreted as "Your own
    domain" included sites hosted on Blogger, Wordpress, Squidoo,
    etc.

    The intent behind the rule was to eliminate direct affiliate linking
    or sneaky affiliate redirects.

    If a Warrior has put in some effort in creating their own content
    and chooses to host it on what is essentially a sub-domain of
    another site then that has always been seen as acceptable.

    I'll continue to link to Twitter, Squidoo and my own domains unless
    Allen tells me that the rules apply otherwise.

    John
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    John's Internet Marketing News, Views & Reviews: John Taylor Online
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    • Profile picture of the author Susan Hope
      Originally Posted by John Taylor View Post

      Speaking as a former moderator, sites interpreted as "Your own
      domain" included sites hosted on Blogger, Wordpress, Squidoo,
      etc.

      The intent behind the rule was to eliminate direct affiliate linking
      or sneaky affiliate redirects.

      If a Warrior has put in some effort in creating their own content
      and chooses to host it on what is essentially a sub-domain of
      another site then that has always been seen as acceptable.

      I'll continue to link to Twitter, Squidoo and my own domains unless
      Allen tells me that the rules apply otherwise.

      John
      John, I only joined WF back in May of this year, so I don't know who the mods were but I presume from your statement above, you do mean "speaking as a former moderator" of the WF?

      If that is the case, can I put my blogger link back or should I still wait for clarification on the rules?

      Thanks
      Sue
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      • Profile picture of the author Steven Fullman
        Mike, if it's OK with you...

        Originally Posted by BIG Mike View Post

        I have a Twitter link in my signature - it's not promoting anything but me. Twitter, while becoming very popular, is in no size, shape or form competing with the WF itself. It's a completely different type of system and very personalized. Additionally, there's no 3rd party revenue earned directly from Twitter itself.
        ...and you, John...

        Originally Posted by John Taylor View Post

        I'll continue to link to Twitter, Squidoo and my own domains unless
        Allen tells me that the rules apply otherwise.

        John
        ...then I'll carry on as normal.

        Thanks (and to you, Andy H) for bringing some common bloomin' sense to this whole pedantic 'debate'.

        Steve
        Signature

        Not promoting right now

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        • Profile picture of the author Bev Clement
          Originally Posted by Steven Fullman View Post

          Mike, if it's OK with you...



          ...and you, John...



          ...then I'll carry on as normal.

          Thanks (and to you, Andy H) for bringing some common bloomin' sense to this whole pedantic 'debate'.

          Steve
          Steve the problem is that common sense isn't common
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          • Profile picture of the author Keith Boisvert
            Ahh, the 2008 Squidoo/Blogger epidemic. Sheesh.

            We encourage people to take action and start something, even if it be a free site, for example blogger or squidoo. Then we want to limit them to the fact that they can't promote it?

            I agree with John and Mike, leave the damn sigs alone in this regard. It's your content on these networks, not a redirect to some aff program.

            Steve, I agree with some of the others. I understand the rhetorical nature of the question, and I also understand that there are still people trying to pimp out affiliate sites in their sigs. But you can't rule the world alone, relax.

            If you see someone with a big bold RED signature or one that directly breaks the affiliate rule, then pm the individual. I do.

            I understand also that you take this forum moderator position very serious and want what's best for the forum...but chill out. Deep breaths, it will all be ok.
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            • Profile picture of the author Michael Chris
              context

              1. The part of a text or statement that surrounds a particular word or passage and determines its meaning OR the words before and after a word or passage in a piece of writing that contribute to its meaning

              2. The circumstances in which an event occurs; a setting. OR the circumstances relevant to an event or fact

              http://www.thefreedictionary.com/context

              If certain people would learn the meaning of the word context, how to apply it, and re-read the rules... we wouldn't be having this conversation.

              Number 1 as shown here can be applied to the forum rules text.
              Number 2 as shown here can be applied to the circumstances that set the rules in motion.

              Thanks to John Taylor, Big Mike, and certain others showing some sense in this thread.

              Man, those poor bum marketers... we tell 'em how to make money without spending much and then we kick 'em to the curb because their sig *might* (doesn't) violate the rules.

              Also, see my sig.

              -Michael
              Signature
              Internet Business Is Like An Onion... It Has Many Layers... And Sometimes It Stinks.
              Cook it for awhile in some nice butter or olive oil and you might be onto something!

              Money is Attracted to Movement (aka Action)
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              • Profile picture of the author espacecadet
                Banned
                [DELETED]
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                • Profile picture of the author xmx
                  I thing to consider is that at the rime the signature
                  rules were written there wasn't still on the net all
                  the social sites and the blogs there are now, so
                  Squidoo and other similar sites that let you host your
                  content for free in a professional way were not so
                  popular and so SEO friendly as they are now.


                  Gian
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  • Profile picture of the author John Taylor
    Sue,

    I'm a former Warrior Forum Moderator.

    Put your link back.

    These vigilante style debates do far more damage than they do
    good.

    It's completely wrong to pressure people into changing something
    that isn't broken.

    John
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    • Profile picture of the author Susan Hope
      Originally Posted by John Taylor View Post

      Sue,

      I'm a former Warrior Forum Moderator.

      Put your link back.

      These vigilante style debates do far more damage than they do
      good.

      It's completely wrong to pressure people into changing something
      that isn't broken.

      John
      OK Thanks for clarifying that for me John.

      I do see your point about vigilante style debates but I have to say, I honestly did not see this as one of those in the beginning. I was in fact pleased it was bought up and discussed because if not, I may have been reported by someone and not known why I had been.

      Also, as a moderator myself on other boards, it is interesting for me to see how this "member moderation" works itself out.

      Thanks for your help John and to everyone else for voicing your opinions.

      Off to put the link back to my blogger blog.

      Sue
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      • Profile picture of the author BIG Mike
        Banned
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        • Profile picture of the author Susan Hope
          Originally Posted by BIG Mike View Post

          Hey Sue,

          I agree with John as well and for what it's worth - I am also a former Mod.

          Unless Allen specifically comes into this thread or the rules thread and explicitly tells everyone to remove social media links from their signatures, I wouldn't worry too much about it.

          Cheers Mike, appreciate it.

          When you quoted me I noticed my huge typo, didn't mean "Viewing" meant "voicing" duh!

          Sue
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    • Profile picture of the author ShayB
      Originally Posted by John Taylor View Post

      Sue,

      I'm a former Warrior Forum Moderator.

      Put your link back.

      These vigilante style debates do far more damage than they do
      good.

      It's completely wrong to pressure people into changing something
      that isn't broken.

      John
      Thank you for this clarification!!
      Signature
      "Fate protects fools, little children, and ships called Enterprise." ~Commander Riker
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    • Profile picture of the author tommygadget
      Originally Posted by John Taylor View Post

      Sue,

      I'm a former Warrior Forum Moderator.

      Put your link back.

      These vigilante style debates do far more damage than they do
      good.

      It's completely wrong to pressure people into changing something
      that isn't broken.

      John
      Yep, there's nothing to see here, move along, move along... Hey John, weren't you just a plain old fart a few weeks ago? Now you're the oldest fart? When did you get promoted?

      TomG.
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  • Profile picture of the author DerrickMarkotter
    Since we are supposed to be moderating the forum ourselves, I believe it's necessary that everyone is completely clear about what the rules are. Thanks to Steven for starting this thread so that this issue could be discussed!

    The 'own domain' rule is unambiguous. It is reinforced by this paragraph:

    "If you want to promote an affiliate program do it on your own domain. Your own web site. Not a "pre-made" web site. Your own web site, a real one. Then put THAT web site in your sig file. "

    That covers blogs on WordPress.com and Blogger.com as well as Squidoo lenses, Hubpages hubs etc.

    However, the rules were drawn up long before Twitter was a twinkle in its creator's eye.

    My suggestion is that links to social networking profiles eg. Twitter, Facebook etc be explicitly allowed, and the rules altered as necessary.
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  • Profile picture of the author Frank Ayres
    I personally think since they have started this "Members are Moderators" it has given some people the chance to continually moan, bitch & think they are all of a sudden god.
    Some people on here i wont name, 75% of their posts they start are just moaning at something.
    Some people obviously have too much spare time on their hands, and here was me thinking everyone here was busy making money!
    Signature

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  • Profile picture of the author DerrickMarkotter
    Derrick, put it into context with the entire sentence as I made bold above and you'll understand why it's OK to do this.
    Yes, quite right, Mike. I have no problem with people linking to a personal blog on Blogger.com or a personal profile lens on Squidoo, as long as it's not just a 'thin affiliate' site. But then the rules should really be changed to allow this explicitly, don't you think?

    As it stands, I could have a perfectly acceptable personal blog on Blogger.com, but if I review a product, say, and put an affiliate link up, I have to host the blog on my own domain.

    It's in everyone's best interests for the rules to be as unambiguous as possible.
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