member links etc

[TWD-Tony]

The very essence of the internet is "WEB" which is a series of linking, cross referencing and information. You should be able to link freely to anything that is not considered illegal or threaten someones PC or personal safety.

This is in theory very true - but who is going to police the forums 24/7 for "dodgy" content? The admin / mod teams are already fighting a daily deluge of spam posts...

when someone takes the time to register at a forum and provide you with details an information so you can send them YOUR forum spam (not necessarily this forum)

A lot of spammers use false info or automated scripts to find, register and then post.

you can certainly submit your website to many free directories and get links straight away, so why not have it in your signature in a forum that you come to chat?

That is why the 30 posts limit is in place, those who come and "chat" can easily notch up 30 posts and then the live URL debate isn't an issue

[mindblend]

I like the 30 post rule. As well as protection, it lends abit of credibility to the signature as well I would say.

oh and I think sigs are integral to these kind of communities. I get a fair bit of business from other forums through my sig.

[Go4outsourcing.com]

30 post rule is definetely a good rule. You should continue with that and probably give few warnings before banning some one account if you are suspicious about their activities.

[mitov]

I agree. Linking to websites should be allowed as long as people stay reasonable.

But then again...People get what they want...and its never enough!

[Camelot]

I have a problem ,I don't want my site linking out , site for me is ok to have
a signature file was deleted from my posts.. why?

[Ian J]

Originally Posted by Camelot

a signature file was deleted from my posts.. why?

A "signature file" has now been deleted from all nine of your posts. Please try reading the forum rules and the PM that I sent you yesterday to see why

[timd1230]

I'm more than happy with posts before live links - just encourages you to read and become an active member of the forums
Tim

[peterjhale]

well done Tim - that's the exact positive attitude we like around here

[PrivateInvestigator]

havign links in your signature line on forusm is a good way of gettign your website spidered by google, yahoo and MSN. That's how they find new webpages - following links!

I can see why you ouldn't want hype and spamy signatures, but there's nothing wrong with posting a few urls in your sig line is there?

its kinda a way forums help their members out.

[TWD-Tony]

Well actually there is... The amount of SPAM posted on these forums is actually huge, we have to have a way of limiting the abuse and restricting new members posting URL's and having sigs is the best way of doing this... Anyone who is an active member will soon clock up enough posts anyway...