We, as a moderator team, are having trouble trying to figure out what is appropriate on our BB.
ifish is site about fishing. We have several fishing sponsors, who pay for the banter on ifish.
Up until now, we have had a strict policy that you may discuss other businesses, but not link them, unless they are an ifish sponsor. According to our rules:

You may discuss any commercial product. Please note that only www.ifish.net sponsors have the right to post contact information. All non sponsor contact information, including e mail, web addresses, and physical addresses, will be removed upon notice. [Note that commercial advertising supports Ifish. Advertisements do appear on Ifish, but we try to keep them to a minimum in the general discussion group. Also, several special areas are provided for commercial interests.]

Up until now, if someone posted a link to a non sponsor, we would edit it out, and post, "Please contact poster for further information, or contact info."

Anyhow, this seems almost too restrictive, as we grow larger. I don't want to run people off, because they feel they can't talk. It seems a fine balance. Yet, at the same time, I don't want people to feel free to start their own competitive web site, and pull members to theirs, for special interests.

Also, ifish sponsors pay for ifish, and what if a boat manufacturer comes on, and posts his link? Is that alright? It has been said, by one of the moderators at ifish, that just the mention, alone, is advertising. Why not let them post the link? What harm would that do? His idea is that the very mention is advertising, and linking would not harm anything more.

I guess I am just looking to find what other BBs have found a good basic rule as to when to edit out links, and when not to. We find we are having to decide on a case by case basis, and it sure would be nice to have a set rule.

I feel like our acceptable use policy is growing so large that it's almost non useful. Too long for people to read, yet, in the five years I have done this, I find members who cause us to have to add something new to it. Here is our AUP. Long and drawn out, and boring, huh?

So, frankly, I'd like some good advice. Are we being too restrictive? Should we allow people to advertise, to speak totally freely, or is that asking for more trouble?

Shouldn't we show some respect for those that sponsor at ifish, or is that simply not possible, with this many members?

Thank you for your advice, and give it to me straight. I want to do what is best, both for the members, and for the sponsors at ifish.

Sincerely,
Jen

Expect a fish with every cast!
Oregon and Washington's Pointless Fishing Arguments

Oops! One more question--
I have heard from other larger bbs that they have created a spam board, for this purpose.
Everything linked, goes to the spam board.
Does this work, or stifle conversation?

Jen

Expect a fish with every cast!
Oregon and Washington's Pointless Fishing Arguments

I personally would frown on true "spam." I would say if someone comes to your board simply to make a post with a commercial link, it should be edited/deleted. However, if during a conversation someone asks about a particular solution and people respond with links to products to solve the problem the posts should stand, even if some of the links point to advertiser competitors.

I think your gut feeling that editing all links to other commercial sites is right-on, though I wouldn't swing completely in the direction of just allowing any and all. I think each should be reviewed for the content of the post as to whether it adds value to the thread and community as a whole.

I also agree with your one member who states that mentioning a competitor is as much advertising as posting a link. I too really see no difference, so why not just leave the link.

Doug
Moderator: Community Management
Captain Kirk: "Once again we've saved civilization as we know it."
Dr. McCoy: "And the good news is they're not going to prosecute."

Good topic and questions, ifishgrrl. Personally, on a side note, I see a distinct difference between (i) someone who is participating in a board and has their URL or other identifying information in their footer and (ii) someone who posts just to advertise.

Aloha

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Kimberly Quan
Business Affairs

The thing is, there are several people who come on to be sneaky. Try to SOUND like they are being helpful, when actually, they are there to "Help" you buy their products.

I just wish we could have one rule. Otherwise, we come across people who say, "Well, so and so did it, and you left it up!"

You know?

Jen

Expect a fish with every cast!
Oregon and Washington's Pointless Fishing Arguments

Yeah, it's certainly a tough call that we have to make even in this Community sometimes. Well, if you do decide to stick to no spamming, you can ask those who get upset to become sponsors.
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Kimberly Quan
Business Affairs

I think this is a question with no answers.
Good idea, Kimberly... and thank you!

EXCEPT: I put a limit on how many advertisers I would have. Guides: a limit of seven, same with tackle, etc... To cut down on competition, and to make their spot more valuable.

I think it's time to put our heads together and rethink the biz plan.

Jen

Expect a fish with every cast!
Oregon and Washington's Pointless Fishing Arguments

Jen,

I also run a fishing website:
http://www.ctfisherman.com/

I’ve watched your site grow, and think you’ve done a great job! I visit your site every now and then.

I have fewer members than you, and treat my site more like a hobby, but eventually I’d like to do more to make some money. (I’m now getting over 1 million page views per month).

My philosophy has always been to do as little editing/censoring as possible. I think it creates a more “real” environment for people to communicate in. When people see you’re not power-hungry, deleting and editing, they relate more to your site. When “bad seeds” find my site, I don’t even waste time debating with them. I just delete them and their messages.

I’ve got an issue on my board right now where a crazy party boat captain has been threatening people on the water. Another fishing message board has been deleting all of the posts about the subject, because their policy doesn’t allow for people to post critical things about any business. So, these people are finding and joining my site – a place where people know they can speak openly about many controversial issues, such as this one. Here’s the link:
http://www.ctfisherman.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=8;t=002625

I’d say to use your best judgment when it comes to editing/deleting posts about businesses. If a person never posts, and then all of a sudden posts a plug for some non-advertiser, delete it. However, if a regular and active member of your community posts about a non-advertising business that he likes/recommends, let his post stand. His opinion is valid.

I think it’s ok to assert your power every now and then, but you don’t need a written policy to explain why/when you need to do it. As king of your domain, I recommend to use your best judgment and don’t worry about writing a hard-fast policy. As I like to say, “I’m a fishing website, not some stuffy corporation.”

Mitch

I agree with the comment about as little editing/censoring as possible. For the most part, my community self-polices itself very well. I feel the best way for it to grow and develop is to not interfere - but I do make sure it's inline with our mission, part of which is to provide a friendly flame free community.

The issue of advertising is key on my site. My community is devoted to cosmetics/skincare/makeup -- we get lots of Mary Kay type ladies who register, and will respond to every query with a pitch for their product. Other web site owners come in and do the same, they post a message with a link to their web site, but it will say something like "Have you seen this web site? I LOVE IT, check it out at....". It's pretty obvious - and members become annoyed with it quickly.

I disagree that just a link is "harmless". That's a potential revenue loss via sponsorship, and think of the wasted server space. Plus, web site visitors are already bombarded with internet advertising, your message boards should be clean, except in designated ad slots or forums.

I really want members to get unbiased information, so I am very strict about advertising infractions. If someone is advertising on my boards, it gets deleted immediately. I feel this also helps sponsors, as they don't feel they are paying something they could get for free if spam was allowed.

As an alternative to a spam board, I have a classifieds board where members may list items for sale or link to ebay auctions.

Aimee

community.icompact.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi