Speedbump

Since I am not allowed to PM the Admin because of the 10 thread rule and I can't seem to find anything about Links and Advertising, I'll ask here.

I am a new member and would like to know if it's acceptable to drive people to my site with links. This is my first post so before I start trying to do so, I thought it would be only fair to ask first.

Although I do like helping people and I do enjoy it, I also like to make a buck now and then just like the next guy. It's kind of like getting paid a little for some professional advice.

I see signatures aren't allowed, so I think I already see a pattern here. If links are not allowed, I will simply go away.

Maybe others would like to chime in on this, so I'll create a Poll.

Thanks,

bob...

dakuda

Once you reach ten posts, you will automatically be promoted into a user group that allows signatures. It might take 15 minutes, but it will happen.

At that time, it is acceptable to have a link in your signature.

Speedbump

Can that signature be a link to my Website or my Forum? Or to a product page showing what I am trying to describe?

In other words, I am trying to figure out if I'll be banned for doing so.

bob...

dakuda

Link to the website and product page is ok. Please refrain from links to another forum.

Thanks.

Speedbump

Fair enough,

Thank you

bob...

majakdragon

I see no problem with having links in your signiture as long as you don't "push" other members to visit your site or PM them to get business. I have seen this happen in other DIY Forums. All it does is push members away from the site. If the only reason you are joining a website, is to make money, you joined for the wrong reason. I have also seen paid advertisers take exception to unpaid solicitations. Why should they pay when just joining can produce the same thing.

__________________
if you have never made a mistake, you probably haven't done much.

Speedbump

I take exception to that statement. For some reason there are people who think that Forums are for their betterment and nobody should be able to make a buck or two for their time spent helping others. I for one enjoy Capitalism. I don't see anything wrong with someone going to my site from a link and buying something from me because they liked what I said or liked what they saw on my site. Or because I was basically helpful and answered their questions correctly and honestly.

I do have a problem with someone PMing forum users to sell them items. I think this is sneaky and underhanded. I know a few Water Filtration types who are famous for this trick and they don't mind telling others that they do so.

So far I haven't seen a single advertisement on this Forum other than Google links. The owner of this Forum gets paid when someone clicks on a Google Link. I used to have Google Links on my site, but found it confused some customers so I did away with it.

If the owner of this Forum sold Pumps, Tanks, or related items the same as me, I can see where a link to my forum would be seen as competition and wouldn't blame him for either asking me to take it off, or simply ban me for trying to steal his customers.

I also have a Forum which has people linking to their site and they do sell items like mine. I don't mind the competition, but that's just me. These people are also very helpful to me and bring people to my Forum and for that I'm thankful. They also give great advice to homeowners and make my Forum better than it could ever be without them.

So, if you don't think I should be able to put a link to my Website in my Signature line, you and I will have to agree to disagree.

By the way, I was asked to not put links to my Forum by the Admin and I will honor his request.

bob...