Steve Tinetti Offline Upload & Sell: Off
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Sorry for the "wall", but there is much to be said.
I say we continue to evolve. This latest episode is only one step in that process. Don't be afraid to post your links. The bottom line "rule" is no self promotion. Interpret it as you will. If the membership does not like it, they will report it. We will look at it and if adjustments are needed, adjustments will be made. Perception is reality and perceive it as you will, but we play no favorites. If you feel singled out, too bad. If you feel you are being made an example, I'm truly sorry you feel that way. I've said it before and I'll say it again - the primary focus from a moderator's stance is the overall well being of the forum. This stance is bound to step on some toes. That's the tough part about this job. Someone is always pissed off at the mod.
Back in the day when we first started this thing, I used to enforce a zero tolerance policy for linking. But it soon became evident that for information to flow freely, we need to be able to link to outside references. The lines became blurred and needed to be focused a bit.
I have given this much thought. I've received and answered many PMs and more than one phone call. Personally, I think it is not good for the forum growth if we are not allowed to post links. From what I have read, most people are with me on this. Fred may handle it differently because it is his site and he looks at a much larger picture than we do. If he sees something he doesn't like, it is gone without warning.
So this is how I will handle it.
Post your links but be smart about it. Don't write an article, give a teaser and link to the rest on your blog with keywords. If your post is edited or disappears altogether, log that away for the next time you post. You guys have to police yourselves because I just cannot be here all the time. We have some conflicting personalities on this board, which is perfectly normal for any on-line community (check the gaming forums for a really clear vision of what I'm talking about). Be that as it may, nobody is forcing you to come. Nobody is forcing you to post erroneous junk to hijack threads. This behavior will be cracked on a little harder from now on.
This tact will not sit well with some members, the waters are muddy. What is fair for one will suck for another and vice versa. I will probably get PMs "why did you edit/lock my thread and so-and-so gets a free pass?" Then that SAME so-and-so will PM me "WTH - totally unfair!"
Case by case with emphasis on the greater good of the forum - that is the answer.
Is it perfect? No. Will it ever be? No. Do I care for your opinion? Yes! Are there other forums you can go to if this doesn't work for you? Yes! Can we get alone and make each other better at wedding photography? No doubt!
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