No referral link rule

Discussion in Suggestions & Feedback started by Pandorical • Apr 9, 2012.

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  1. Pandorical

    PandoricalActive Member

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    I've just noticed on a thread that someone posted a referral link (when others had posted a higher discount). I'm not saying that's the worst thing ever but wouldn't it make sense to have a no referral links rule unless the link it the only way to get the discount. Without this rule or something similar the forum could be open to forms of abuse.
     
    #1Apr 9, 2012
  2. iam911

    iam911Member

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    I think no referral link rule wouldn't entirely be fair for the OP, since whoever found the site should get something in return. However, to incorporate it, maybe it should be a requirement to post a non-referral link also, or maybe have a section where it is dedicated just for referrals.
     
    #2Apr 14, 2012
  3. dpf

    dpfAdministrator
    Staff Member Administrator

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    Referral links policy is open... and will remain open... as long it is keep fair... like no spam/abuse... add value&uniqe content to community...
    We will keep a win/win (we win/you win) policy for our members... Share and win ;)
    When the main website will be online... will add some new rules... like... no links to competition websites... All rules will be fair...
    Soon i will put some forum rules & guidelines... i still watch & learn from posts... to see whats need to be pointed...
     
    #3Apr 14, 2012
  4. Pandorical

    PandoricalActive Member

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    OK, fair enough. That makes more sense than what I suggested actually.
     
    #4Apr 14, 2012
  5. Jessi

    Jessi<a href="http://www.quirkycookery.com">QuirkyCooke

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    I don't mind referral links too much, but I do think the general etiquette should be that you disclose it. It drives me nuts when someone uses a url shortener to hide the fact that they're posting a referral link. I'll happily use a referral link when someone points me to something awesome, but if they try to act like they're not gaining something by sharing, I tend to just google the site instead so they don't get credit. That's a little mean, but it really bugs me when they can't stand behind their own links either.
     
    #5Apr 15, 2012
  6. addicted_buyer

    addicted_buyerExpert

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    As usual, I fully agree with your comment. I have no problem with signing up as someone's referral wherever I'm asked to, as long as I'm given a full link and some info about it. I can't stand bit.ly and goo.gl shorteners that may link to who knows what site.
     
    #6Apr 15, 2012
  7. Sandra Piddock

    Sandra PiddockExpert

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    At the risk of sounding like a pack follower, I have no problems with referral links as long as they are relevant to the topic, and the poster comes out and says that it is a referral link. I do have a problem with threads that are merely a means of promoting referral links, and I think we all need to be up to speed on that, and report instances of abuse.
     
    #7Apr 15, 2012
  8. rachel1970

    rachel1970Active Member

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    I agree, Sandra. I have no problem using a referral link from someone, as long as they say it's a referral link and it's relevant. I can't abide spam, though!
     
    #8Apr 16, 2012
  9. savetoday

    savetodayMember

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    If someone is the first to discover something, then they should get the benefits of referrals.
     
    #9Apr 16, 2012
  10. Pandorical

    PandoricalActive Member

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    As the op, I've changed my stand point on this. However, I think it should be required to say that the link is a referral link to keep things fair.
     
    #10Apr 16, 2012
  11. classicnyer

    classicnyerActive Member

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    I don't understand why people would want to hide their referral links anyway. I mean, we're all familiar with the concept of capitalism, right? I can't think of anybody who would begrudge someone getting paid for advertising something, especially if it's a worthy product.
     
    #11Apr 16, 2012
  12. Pandorical

    PandoricalActive Member

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    The reason I would like it to be indicated is due to bad experiences on other sites. What people were doing was downright against the services (EG: Swagbucks or Prizerebel's) rules. I think something something as simple as a * next to a referral link (like on MoneySavingExpert) would be simple but would stop people abusing things like this.

    If you really want me to go into full detail on this then here it is:
    I regularly check a Reddit called

    Log In

    . The idea of this reddit is to help people earn money (or other things) online. Their second rule is (and I quote) "When you post a link to a website with a referral link, include a non-referral link. If you were helpful, people will use the referal link.". The reason I love this rule is that it encourages people to post quality content about the site they are advertising and it stops spam. I strongly believe that if someone joins Don'tPayFull and starts posting things along the lines of the following then they don't deserve to get the referral bonus.
    (Obviously an extreme example)

    However, I now fully agree that if someone posts helpful info about a site that encourages you to sign up then they deserve the bonus.
     
    #12Apr 16, 2012
  13. cluckis

    cluckisBanned

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    I think referral links are actually ok, but spamming is annoying. I personally put a link to the regular sign up without a ref some where in the post as well. But only if it's a non-invite only site.
     
    #13May 6, 2012
  14. dexterlablab1

    dexterlablab1Active Member

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    As long as they aren't excessive, the referral links shouldn't be much of a problem honestly. I can understand if a person is putting up ONLY referrals. But if it's a rarity, then I say big deal.
     
    #14May 7, 2012
  15. MakingCents

    MakingCentsActive Member

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    I agree with what jessi said, put your referral link out there. If I don't thinkyou've been helpful or I see you as a spammer I will just google the site and sign up myself.
     
    #15May 7, 2012
  16. classicnyer

    classicnyerActive Member

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    I agree. In fact, if I think you're a spammer, I'll assume the site isn't worth much else you would have something constructive to say about it.
     
    #16May 7, 2012
  17. edvisual

    edvisualBanned

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    I think you are right. If someone finds a great website and shares with everybody else they should get something in return for showing interest in the community.
    I don't actually agree with the "no referral link rule"
     
    #17Aug 24, 2012
  18. youtubedomination

    youtubedominationMember

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    I actually had no idea that this was a rule, I've seen multiple threads with referral links. I think a good suggestion would be to allow referral links, with the catch that a non-referral link must also be provided. Thoughts?
     
    #18Aug 25, 2012
  19. edvisual

    edvisualBanned

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    I see your point here and I actually agree with you.
    This it what I also do every time I post a referral link on a website, I post the referral link and after that the non-referral link. If the peope appreciate what you've shared, they will probably use the referral link
     
    #19Aug 25, 2012
  20. Pat

    PatWell-Known Member

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    This policy will keep the spam down, but will allow good information to be shared. This policy will keep the forum from being a dumping ground for adverts.
     
    #20Sep 24, 2012
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