No referring to other forums?

[DaneFolly]

I was just wondering why we are not allowed to post links to other forums on DOL? I'm sure there's a reason, but I have no idea what it would be, thanks.

[Bev_K]

It's rather poor taste to direct someone to a competing (if you will) website.

[DaneFolly]

Poor taste? I thought we were all about the information here? And what are we "competing" for exactly? If I posted a link to a pomeranian forum, would that be "competition" for the DOL forum? I would hope that there's a better reason than that, especially since people have been banned for it!

[myboy]

beautiful pix Bev.

[deb9017]

I don't really understand the competing forum thing either. It does not really seem like forums are competing against each other. People go to different kinds of forums to learn. And I would like to think that if I knew of a website or another forum that someone could learn from, I could refer them without being in fear of getting banned.

[admin]

My thoughts...

One issue is that DOL has worked long and hard to make the site successful. In our case it's been 10 plus years of dedication of time and dollars, not to mention the dedication and knowledge of its members, which is freely given. Those that have competing Forums should have to work at being successful and not ride off the coattails of the work of others by having people join DOL with the sole purpose of referring to their sites.

Nobody should ride for free...hard work usually dictates success.

Oh, did I mention ethics?

Nuff said, I think.

[Mr. Walnuts]

Additionally,
Paul/Deb cannot moderate content on the other forums to DOL policies. Links posted may be innocent now... but content on that link can easily change without notice and without any moderation from DOL, DOL could inadvertently have a link to something horrific if they allowed links to unmoderated (by DOL) forums on here.

Along with the No-one rides for free... this was a big reason for 'no forum link' rules on another PHP I moderated years ago.

[DaneFolly]

Paul/Deb cannot moderate content on the other forums to DOL policies. Links posted may be innocent now... but content on that link can easily change without notice and without any moderation from DOL, DOL could inadvertently have a link to something horrific if they allowed links to unmoderated (by DOL) forums on here.

This makes sense, thanks.

[Carolyn]

Love your new siggy Bev!

[isdapous]

Bev and Carolyn: Love both of your siggys!!!!

[Bev_K]

Thanks!

Carolyn - ditto!