Too many people suggesting their own referral links in postings

BFG_2

Quote:
Originally Posted by xxxxxx
AND - for online shoppers -

. . . you can get an ADDITIONAL 2.5% Rebate by following this link to the referral board, too!



I know this is a bit off topic (my posting that is), but isn't it about time we stopped the above type of posting. It seems that everytime someone mentions buying something online, there's a few people ever so keen to post their own rpoints or greasypalm or whatever referral link. The vast, vast majority of MSE'ers are aware of their existence and would I'm sure use either MSE's link or a friends link.

An alternative is to have an automatic posting at the start of each new thread that points out/recommends the MSE link; then there no need for the 'referral seekers' to post?

ps - nothing against you personally 'xxxxx', just using your posting as an example (HYDM).:D

rushnowt

Hi

I can fully understand your frustration at this, but we arn't allowed to post specific names, just a suggestion, but it might be better to remove the name of the member you've quoted, I understand that its nothing personal regarding any particular member, but its the rules of the site I'm afraid.

If your unhappy about anything concerning this site or any members of it, dont hesitate to contact abuse control by using the "report bad post" triangle in the bottom corner of posts.

Thats what they're there for and they are always happy to help.

wendytiggermad

I agree with BFG if we all did this the links would wind round the world

Edinburghlass_2

the rules state they can link to their referral link occasionally and if it pertains to the discussion in the thread.

I agree that this rule is being flouted and posts should be reported if you think this.

Tony_H_3

This is a perfect example of how it should be done? Referral & Affiliate links are NOT permitted on the main boards unless they have consent of either the Abuse Team or Martin. However a link like above which directs you to the "Referral Board" is the way it's done.

Former_MSE_Andrea

Before things get any more confused, BFG has posted on here in response to Redfox's suggestion in this thread.

And, as things currently stand, Tony_H is correct.

redfox

I don't think the OP was questioning that it was being done correctly, which it clearly is.

The concerns that I am seeing and hearing about from people, and I think that the OP is referring to, is the frequency of these type of posts. There are posters who do just pop up purely to post a link to their referrers board post whenever there is a suitable opportunity.

As edinburghlass said "the rules state they can link to their referral link occasionally and if it pertains to the discussion in the thread" - most times these posts don't pertain to the discussion, certainly don't add to it and are much more than occasional.

Poppy9

I too get fed up with Greedy B*****s who just post

:dance:Me Me Me - use my link I get £5 so do you:dance:

Much better if the only referral links allowed benefited the MS board only.

Al_Mac

Poppy9 wrote:

I too get fed up with Greedy B*****s who just post

:dance:Me Me Me - use my link I get £5 so do you:dance:

Much better if the only referral links allowed benefited the MS board only.

Seconded:beer:

Tony_H_3

If the OP considers linking to be more than occassional then they really should take that up with Abuse. I think that the only people whom can quantify "Occassional" are the abuse team. They will obviously have a standard to work too. At worst a member would be warned but atleast the right people would be dealing with it.

I do think it a good idea to promote the MSE links if one exists, in addition to the aforementioned benefits don't forget the MSE Charity Kitty.

charlie12

I too am very concerned about these "link to referral board"-type posts. They are appearing much more frequently nowadays, and do spoil threads and cause a great deal of annoyance.

"the rules state they can link to their referral link occasionally and if it pertains to the discussion in the thread"

I think this rule needs to be changed, and this "privilege" removed. In all fairness, it never used to be so much of a problem, but as the board has grown substantially, a lot more people are abusing this privilege and spoiling threads for their own personal gain. The fact that the posts are a link to their post in the referral section, rather than the actual site link, makes no difference, it is still perceived as advertising a link for personal gain, i.e. spamming.

The vast, vast majority of these referral posts are links to greasypalm or rpoints, both of which this site has its own links for. So I don't see the advantage in allowing people to gain from these links when the site can be benefitting instead. Besides, most of the Moneysavers on here know exactly what these referral sites are, and use them themselves to save a few more pennies. This makes the "rogue" links even more annoying.

I think the rule should be changed ASAP, and allow the moderators to remove such posts and issue a warning to the poster. If posts like this aren't removed, there is always going to be a "spammer" posting, and of course the inevitable follow-up posts by members complaining about it. It happens every time and is becoming tiresome.

I participate in many web based forums, and MSE is the most lenient when it comes to referrals. The referral board is itself a good idea, as people can benefit from certain referral schemes, however referral posts shouldn't pollute the rest of the site. It puts many people off and makes the forum appear cheap and tacky when doesn't deserve to be.

My 2 pence...