Self-promotion

Blulu

For a long time, I've felt uneasy here about the way new posters are sometimes challenged about suspected self-promotion.

I don't think this is something that should be tackled publicly, unless, perhaps, the poster openly states that this is what they are doing, in which case, it would probably be helpful to point out the relevant rule, in a kind tone.

Other than that, I think it is better to report it to MSE and let them tackle it. I'm sure that MSE would deal with this efficiently and kindly.

The other possibility is to send the poster a friendly PM, pointing out the rule, in a helpful and constructive tone.

In my opinion, these would be better ways to tackle suspected self-promotion, rather than risking making someone new feel attacked and/or humiliated - even though that is, hopefully, not what is intended.

Blu XXX

cooldude255220

I actually came here to ask why it's a rule in the first place!

In my opinion, if it's a genuine competition, then it doesn't matter if it's posted by someone affiliated with the site, or a forum user. I'd welcome "self-promotion" being allowed, maybe with a requirement to have a disclaimer to that effect.

But certainly, the overreaction that occurs when someone does post a competitions they're affiliated with is a bit ridiculous.

pate-ci0

cooldude255220 said:

I actually came here to ask why it's a rule in the first place!

In my opinion, if it's a genuine competition, then it doesn't matter if it's posted by someone affiliated with the site, or a forum user. I'd welcome "self-promotion" being allowed, maybe with a requirement to have a disclaimer to that effect.

But certainly, the overreaction that occurs when someone does post a competitions they're affiliated with is a bit ridiculous.

I would personally prefer comps that are posted by genuine MSE members with no self-promotion to avoid a flood of comps from companies and bloggers etc, some of which would be genuine but others likely to be scams and many trivial or irrelevant just to get publicity or harvest details.

Blulu

I think the MSE self-promo rule is because that is their policy for the whole site. Other comping sites do allow people to post their own comps. We do need to follow MSE's rules, as it's their site.

For me, it's more about how these things are expressed. MSE have rules about how we speak to each other too. That isn't directed at anyone who has posted on this thread - of course.

Blu XXX