spammer?

[ldcdc]

OK, here's an odd thought that I had a while ago and has recaptured my mind:

I am a moderator at 3-4 forums (voluntary position), of which I own only one.

I obviously don't recommend my own forum, but I do find that while I participate in some forums I recommend people to go visit the other ones.

Question: If I would do that on your forum, would you see it as advertising, because of my position as moderator there?

[SoftWareRevue]

. . . If I would do that on your forum, would you see it as advertising, because of my position as moderator there?I think it depends upon the nature of the forum.

There are some that are quite rigid in restricting recommending yourself, or anyone you're involved with.

It certainly wouldn't be a problem here if you wanted to recommend other forums that have the answer that the OP is looking for.

However, it wouldn't help FU either.

The question you asked is, if it would be considered as advertising.

I wouldn't consider it advertising. But, I would consider it detrimental to the community if the subject matter had to do with something that could be resolved within.

I think you're asking a very basic question that has very broad perameters.

A short list of which include, the community. the OP, and the relevance of the "answer."

Again, I would see nothing wrong with directing someone to another community if there were no resources in the current community.

However, I believe it would be better to post the answer within.

Of course, you might be talking about something that I ain't even thinkin' about. In that case, I'll just go read a book. :readpb:

[ldcdc]

Say it's something like "use the search feature here and at x,y,z forums to find feedback from customers".

[Scott]

Say it's something like "use the search feature here and at x,y,z forums to find feedback from customers".

I think this depends on the topics of the two communities. If, for example, you have 2 communities which had a very similar subject. Take WHT for example, if you had posted that linking to WHT's search on a forum which was similar in nature to WHT (web hosting industry discussion) then yes, I think this could be considered advertising.

If, however, you posted that on a site which focused on fluffy pink elephants (nothing wrong with that kinda forum if you own one...) I don't see how it could be considered advertising.

Just my views :)

[ldcdc]

Interesting... I agree it is somewhat of a gray area, which is why I started the topic. Somehow it just seems silly to me to stop recommending forums that I've always recommended, don't own, just because I moderate them (without being an employee). Not to mention that these forums would indeed help the person I'm trying to aid.

[Jan]

Perhaps you can give us an example of the scenario that has you puzzled? I mean, I (not very occasionally) link to a thread in one of the forums I moderate.

[ldcdc]

Perhaps you can give us an example of the scenario that has you puzzled?I thought I did :D, but here's a clearer one:

I read a thread over at Sitepoint Forums (where I'm not a mod) in their hosting section and someone asks: "Anyone can tell me something about XYZ company?". I then say: "Try a search here and at hosting forums like WHT, HHO, HD, etc."

No one told me anything thuse far and I wasn't warned (yet) but then again the forum section at SPF is rather under moderated. I'm thinking that say Chicken from HHO might warn me if I recommend WHT and/or HD (which I moderate) on his forum, and actually, I couldn't hold a grudge against him.

I don't know, I really don't want to stop recommending forums that I (only) moderate, but I don't want to get the "spammer" label either. :)

[Veus]

I personally dont see that as spamming as you are in fact helping other members gain the information they requested.
Just because you are on one forum doesnt mean you cant refer people to other forums (even if you are a moderator or not)

[Lurker]

If you are aware of a thread at one of the other forums, perhaps link to that if it is relevant to the case in hand. Suggesting people do a search at other forums isn't really all that helpful as they may never have heard of them.

[spechackers]

i donot say this as spam, well some forums specify you not produce their competitive names .

like http://www.webdevelopers.com where i was warned of having an competitive site in my signature.

i can show u proof if some needs.

[ldcdc]

Suggesting people do a search at other forums isn't really all that helpful as they may never have heard of them.Hmm... I disagree. The more sources of information the better, more thorough the research can be.

[Jan]

Hmm... I disagree. The more sources of information the better, more thorough the research can be.
I would agree with that, but it is an alternative if you don't want to be seen to be favouring other forums. :)

[ldcdc]

Well, yes, the alternative would be to censor myself, and based on this thread it is clear that many would punish me for not censoring myself. So I got that part clear now. :)

But I don't want to, and I will continue to act like I did *before* I became a mod, until someone somewhere will admonish me. :angel:

[Chile]

...Question: If I would do that on your forum, would you see it as advertising, because of my position as moderator there?

I think it sort of comes down to the relationship you have between the forums. For example, I volunteer at a forum where I am welcomed to post news about my site. But, the posting on the one comes with an understanding that I may, at some time, agree to post the news for the other.

As an admin, I think it's neccessary to promote the efforts of my staff. Were they to create a competing forum to mine, I would gladly link to them with an understanding that what comes around, goes around. Besides, if a moderator at my site can provide a great resource of material, then I would encourage them to post the link regardless of where they link.

I do, however draw the line at spam links from people who simply register to post a link. In my world, spam is a no-no. :)

[PHPGeek2k3]

honestly i would have to say this is very much a grey area and all would have to depend on the Content of the thread. for you example i do not see any problem with that as it would be recommending other sites that would more and likely have un-biased user's opionion and lots of it. which would help the OP and other memebers with their intent of the thread.

Thanks
- James