is this Kosher...?
#1
Moderator, Argentina and FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: MIA / EZE
Programs: Lord of Malbec & all Wines Argentine. AA EXP / Marriott Lifetime Silver / Hertz Presidents Circle
Posts: 35,681
Wirelessly posted (Palm TX: Mozilla/4.0 (compatible; MSIE 6.0; Windows 98; PalmSource/Palm-D050; Blazer/4.3) 16;320x448)
As I understand it, FT has a long standing tradition of not allowing advertising and self-promotion of members' businesses.
Ive been seeing cases of members posting "advice" on certain fora that systematically includes links to wikitravel entries.
Of course, while its clear that these links are not direct commercial solicitations, and I give this Modus-Operandi kudos for being smart and well thought out... does this constitute proper FT etiquette...???
Wirelessly posted (Palm TX: Mozilla/4.0 (compatible; MSIE 6.0; Windows 98; PalmSource/Palm-D050; Blazer/4.3) 16;320x448)
Just to clarify, the wikitravel entries are filled with the commercial links.
Wirelessly posted (Palm TX: Mozilla/4.0 (compatible; MSIE 6.0; Windows 98; PalmSource/Palm-D050; Blazer/4.3) 16;320x448)
Have I posted this in the wrong forum.....?
As I understand it, FT has a long standing tradition of not allowing advertising and self-promotion of members' businesses.
Ive been seeing cases of members posting "advice" on certain fora that systematically includes links to wikitravel entries.
Of course, while its clear that these links are not direct commercial solicitations, and I give this Modus-Operandi kudos for being smart and well thought out... does this constitute proper FT etiquette...???
Wirelessly posted (Palm TX: Mozilla/4.0 (compatible; MSIE 6.0; Windows 98; PalmSource/Palm-D050; Blazer/4.3) 16;320x448)
Just to clarify, the wikitravel entries are filled with the commercial links.
Wirelessly posted (Palm TX: Mozilla/4.0 (compatible; MSIE 6.0; Windows 98; PalmSource/Palm-D050; Blazer/4.3) 16;320x448)
Have I posted this in the wrong forum.....?
Last edited by cblaisd; May 26, 2009 at 9:59 pm Reason: Consolidated poster's two consecutive posts
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 1999
Posts: 11,468
Brief answer: NO! I hate my time to be wasted to such links, hence I hardly ever click on them!
Reminds me of those guys at Craigslist adding 25 car brand names to the bottom of their ad. Off the bat, I'd NEVER contact any them: Instant disqualification in my book!
Reminds me of those guys at Craigslist adding 25 car brand names to the bottom of their ad. Off the bat, I'd NEVER contact any them: Instant disqualification in my book!
#3
Moderator: Luxury Hotels and FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Palo Alto, California,USA
Posts: 17,854
If the member concerned has cloven hooves and chews his or her cud, then yes, it's possibly kosher.
Sorry -- just couldn't resist.
Sorry -- just couldn't resist.
#4
Moderator, Argentina and FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: MIA / EZE
Programs: Lord of Malbec & all Wines Argentine. AA EXP / Marriott Lifetime Silver / Hertz Presidents Circle
Posts: 35,681
Wirelessly posted (Palm TX: Mozilla/4.0 (compatible; MSIE 6.0; Windows 98; PalmSource/Palm-D050; Blazer/4.3) 16;320x448)
I love a good laugh, but, Im looking for a serious answer here. And just to clarify I mean from RP or someone else in charge of dictating policy on Flyertalk.
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Is this a personal opinion or are you posting this in some official FT capacity...?
Originally Posted by RichardInSF
If the member concerned has cloven hooves and chews his or her cud, then yes, it's possibly kosher.
Sorry -- just couldn't resist.
Sorry -- just couldn't resist.
Wirelessly posted (Palm TX: Mozilla/4.0 (compatible; MSIE 6.0; Windows 98; PalmSource/Palm-D050; Blazer/4.3) 16;320x448)
Originally Posted by cesco.g
Brief answer: NO! I hate my time to be wasted to such links, hence I hardly ever click on them!
Reminds me of those guys at Craigslist adding 25 car brand names to the bottom of their ad. Off the bat, I'd NEVER contact any them: Instant disqualification in my book!
Reminds me of those guys at Craigslist adding 25 car brand names to the bottom of their ad. Off the bat, I'd NEVER contact any them: Instant disqualification in my book!
Last edited by cblaisd; May 27, 2009 at 8:41 am Reason: Consolidated poster's two consecutive posts
#5
Founder of FlyerTalk
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Colorado Springs, CO
Posts: 6,540
Actually, your question comes at a good time, which is why i had to wait just a little before answering. As it so happens, a move to update the existing Signature policy involving commercial links is soon to be announced to members. As you might well understand, the enforcement of the current ‘no commercial links’ policy toward signatures, which falls to FT moderators, is inconsistent and problematic. I sincerely doubt any member could really classify what constitutes "commercial" vs. those members who really are helping others. Let's take a look, there are several popular Web sites like SeatExpert.com SeatGuru.com, ExpertFlyer.com and KVS and others that have some sort of commercial interests but yet all got their growth start on FlyerTalk. Many members, including some moderators charged with enforcing the existing policy, would prefer the opportunity to do business with fellow FT members, and would like to have the option of following a link in other members’ signatures to learn about those potential opportunities. Members with this view see this as an opportunity for a way of further strengthening the sense of community within FlyerTalk. And as i have noted, sorting out the community greater good as to what constitutes commercial links vs. simply using FT as a sales channel is a challenge. Anyway, a committee of volunteer Moderators will soon announce a more modern and updates approach to the current signature policy and I think it will answer your question.
But, excellent timing and thanks. Now, without sounding too commercial, what excellent Argentinean wines would you currently recommend? Fact is, many of us would like to do some business with you and trust your wine expertise as the updates policy will likely reflect.
The committee is currently hashing out all the details from changing the current TOS to a process to protect FT from really becoming a sales channel and i am totally against that sort of open environment.
But, excellent timing and thanks. Now, without sounding too commercial, what excellent Argentinean wines would you currently recommend? Fact is, many of us would like to do some business with you and trust your wine expertise as the updates policy will likely reflect.
The committee is currently hashing out all the details from changing the current TOS to a process to protect FT from really becoming a sales channel and i am totally against that sort of open environment.
Wirelessly posted (Palm TX: Mozilla/4.0 (compatible; MSIE 6.0; Windows 98; PalmSource/Palm-D050; Blazer/4.3) 16;320x448)
As I understand it, FT has a long standing tradition of not allowing advertising and self-promotion of members' businesses.
Ive been seeing cases of members posting "advice" on certain fora that systematically includes links to wikitravel entries.
Of course, while its clear that these links are not direct commercial solicitations, and I give this Modus-Operandi kudos for being smart and well thought out... does this constitute proper FT etiquette...???
Wirelessly posted (Palm TX: Mozilla/4.0 (compatible; MSIE 6.0; Windows 98; PalmSource/Palm-D050; Blazer/4.3) 16;320x448)
Just to clarify, the wikitravel entries are filled with the commercial links.
Wirelessly posted (Palm TX: Mozilla/4.0 (compatible; MSIE 6.0; Windows 98; PalmSource/Palm-D050; Blazer/4.3) 16;320x448)
Have I posted this in the wrong forum.....?
As I understand it, FT has a long standing tradition of not allowing advertising and self-promotion of members' businesses.
Ive been seeing cases of members posting "advice" on certain fora that systematically includes links to wikitravel entries.
Of course, while its clear that these links are not direct commercial solicitations, and I give this Modus-Operandi kudos for being smart and well thought out... does this constitute proper FT etiquette...???
Wirelessly posted (Palm TX: Mozilla/4.0 (compatible; MSIE 6.0; Windows 98; PalmSource/Palm-D050; Blazer/4.3) 16;320x448)
Just to clarify, the wikitravel entries are filled with the commercial links.
Wirelessly posted (Palm TX: Mozilla/4.0 (compatible; MSIE 6.0; Windows 98; PalmSource/Palm-D050; Blazer/4.3) 16;320x448)
Have I posted this in the wrong forum.....?
#6
Moderator, Argentina and FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: MIA / EZE
Programs: Lord of Malbec & all Wines Argentine. AA EXP / Marriott Lifetime Silver / Hertz Presidents Circle
Posts: 35,681
Randy, thanks for the answer. I was not specifically talking about signature lines, but instead about embedding links (in the case I mention its actually an indirect link due to the use of WikiTravel)... but I do understand from your above post that this is also going to be addressed.
For the record, Im not in favor of or against anything, Im just trying to understand what it legit and what is not. Ive tried my best to keep my FT activity around promoting visits to Argentina, and while I do write a lot about wines (some of which I do sell at my business), I do my best to write about my specific business off boards, so as to keep things as Kosher** as possible.
In closing... if you are looking for wine tips from the right-side of the Andes, please email or PM me and I will be happy to provide you with some info...
(**) my apoligies to FTers of the Jewish Faith, I mean to use this expression I learned from my US friends in the most respectful manner. After all, this Roman Catholic was almost converted after a long term GF who taught me quite a bit of Yiddish....
For the record, Im not in favor of or against anything, Im just trying to understand what it legit and what is not. Ive tried my best to keep my FT activity around promoting visits to Argentina, and while I do write a lot about wines (some of which I do sell at my business), I do my best to write about my specific business off boards, so as to keep things as Kosher** as possible.
In closing... if you are looking for wine tips from the right-side of the Andes, please email or PM me and I will be happy to provide you with some info...
(**) my apoligies to FTers of the Jewish Faith, I mean to use this expression I learned from my US friends in the most respectful manner. After all, this Roman Catholic was almost converted after a long term GF who taught me quite a bit of Yiddish....
#7
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Yiron, Israel
Programs: Bates Motel Plat
Posts: 68,925
There is no need to apologize. We use the expression in exactly the same way that you do.
#8
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: MSP
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Thanks for the update, Randy.
I think he had multiple inquiries on his mind. I PM'd RP a couple days ago about an older ORP thread that specifically concerned signatures.
I agree, I mostly want to know where the boundary is.
Randy, thanks for the answer. I was not specifically talking about signature lines, but instead about embedding links (in the case I mention its actually an indirect link due to the use of WikiTravel)... but I do understand from your above post that this is also going to be addressed.
For the record, Im not in favor of or against anything, Im just trying to understand what it legit and what is not. Ive tried my best to keep my FT activity around promoting visits to Argentina, and while I do write a lot about wines (some of which I do sell at my business), I do my best to write about my specific business off boards, so as to keep things as Kosher** as possible.
...
For the record, Im not in favor of or against anything, Im just trying to understand what it legit and what is not. Ive tried my best to keep my FT activity around promoting visits to Argentina, and while I do write a lot about wines (some of which I do sell at my business), I do my best to write about my specific business off boards, so as to keep things as Kosher** as possible.
...
I agree, I mostly want to know where the boundary is.
#9
Moderator, Argentina and FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: MIA / EZE
Programs: Lord of Malbec & all Wines Argentine. AA EXP / Marriott Lifetime Silver / Hertz Presidents Circle
Posts: 35,681
Wirelessly posted (Palm TX: Mozilla/4.0 (compatible; MSIE 6.0; Windows 98; PalmSource/Palm-D050; Blazer/4.3) 16;320x448)
Randy-- any estimate on the date the updatec TOS will be announced ?!
Randy-- any estimate on the date the updatec TOS will be announced ?!
#10
Founder of FlyerTalk
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Colorado Springs, CO
Posts: 6,540
That I'm not sure of. I do know they have been diligent in meeting so far and already have established base language but are showing an interest in how the issues that you point out have any effect or future effect from these modifications. Really good set of members on the committee and I have confidence that they can make this a more manageable solution. More as i hear or see anything, but it is really their work and timetable we want to respect.
#11
Moderator, Argentina and FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: MIA / EZE
Programs: Lord of Malbec & all Wines Argentine. AA EXP / Marriott Lifetime Silver / Hertz Presidents Circle
Posts: 35,681
OK.. thanks for the answer.
#12
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: TLV now - formerly LAS
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Posts: 7,357
Sorry -- just couldn't resist.
#13
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Home
Programs: AA, Delta, UA & thanks to FTers for my PC Gold!
Posts: 7,676
Referral Links Included?
As it so happens, a move to update the existing Signature policy involving commercial links is soon to be announced to members. As you might well understand, the enforcement of the current ‘no commercial links’ policy toward signatures, which falls to FT moderators, is inconsistent and problematic.
I had some discussion with some mods both publicly and privately. My understanding is that referral links are not allowed in signatures on FT. The inconsistency in mods when reinforcing signature links is indeed problematic that my most recent RBP on a signature referral link was not and hasn't been acted upon.
Besides, per FT rules, all referral bonuses belong to SPAM Forum. I don't think referral links should travel with any FTer's signature.
S.P.A.M.
Sites with Points and Alternative Miles, including referral bonuses, congas and any other loyalty currencies.
Sites with Points and Alternative Miles, including referral bonuses, congas and any other loyalty currencies.
Thanks!
#14
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Home
Programs: AA, Delta, UA & thanks to FTers for my PC Gold!
Posts: 7,676
Still waiting for an answer w/r/t referral links in signatures & posts...
Besides, per FT rules, all referral bonuses belong to SPAM Forum. I don't think referral links should travel with any FTer's signature.
If FT does have a clearly stated policy to forbid referral links in signatures, I am sure it'll stop those who make it a habit to plug in personal referral links in their signature links. It'll also make it easier for our mod team to do their job.
If FT does have a clearly stated policy to forbid referral links in signatures, I am sure it'll stop those who make it a habit to plug in personal referral links in their signature links. It'll also make it easier for our mod team to do their job.
First things first. I believe forum TOS shouldn't contradict with each other. Since conga and referrals are supposed to appear in SPAM Forum, this forum sticky specifies how to do conga in SPAM Forum:
Referral bonuses and conga lines
If you wish to start a new "conga" referral thread you MUST identify it as a "conga" and you MUST post a unique referral link. Please, when posting to a conga thread, use the person who posted his/her link last. Pure referrals ("You and I will each earn $xx if I refer you to this offer") are not allowed.
If you wish to start a new "conga" referral thread you MUST identify it as a "conga" and you MUST post a unique referral link. Please, when posting to a conga thread, use the person who posted his/her link last. Pure referrals ("You and I will each earn $xx if I refer you to this offer") are not allowed.
1. Big Crumbs Conga:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/s-p-m...ller-fees.html
2. Mr. Rebates Conga:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/s-p-m...-up-bonus.html
3. Cashbaq Conga:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/s-p-m...baq-conga.html
Occasionally, there are few FTers who'd cut in line and post their referral links without following the above guideline. SPAM MOD and forum frequent have no problem working together to get things back to order and remove such posts/links. (Thanks to SPAM MODs! )
What you may not be aware is there are some FTers who either have referral links for said websites in their signatures, or post their referral links in posts outside SPAM Forum. This type of posting behavior, without discussing the inconsistency of moderation in taking out (or not) this type of posts, essentially is breaking the existing congalines in SPAM Forum. What bothers me most is the disrespect of TOS. I am not happy with condoning such behavior outside SPAM Forum either. Such referral links are for one's personal gain and nothing greater.
If such inconsistency and confusion lies in forum guidelines, please have those guidelines updated. If the wording, or lack of, in current signature policy is causing confusion about personal referral links, please consider to spell them out, so FTers and MODs know better what to post or edit. FWIW, I did RBP those "problem" posts/signatures to different forum MODs but some remain untouched. You can check out my RBP log to verify.
The bottom line is I don't think mixed signals are doing any good for FTers or MODs. Thanks for your time reviewing this issues.