External Links

[DivotMaker]

As our forum grows, we want to cut down on external links that are:

1.  Not your original posts/articles.  Some people get very upsetting with people re-posting their work.  I've done it, too, as we were young and just trying to "spread the word" about good Q.  As we grow, we have to be mindful of others not wanting their work posted without permission.

2.  Link directly non-related sites (games, pornography, gambling, etc.)

3.  Affiliate links.  If you have set-up a link to profit off of, and it is of no use to our members, please don't post it here.  The difference is a member who is asking for review/input on a new product they have.  Cam's "MoJoe Griddle" is a perfect example of this.  He's not secretly profiting off of a simple link, but instead, laying his product out there for us to review and critique.  Affiliate links are "Hey, check out this great product!...www.blahblahblah.dum"  You get the point.

4.  Links to other forums.  Great forums out there, and I have linked to SMF in the past, but we need to limit these links.  If the ORIGINAL post on the other forum is yours, it's probably OK.  If it is not, please do not post without asking.  Some forums will delete your links and ban you, automatically, for external links.  We're not that hardcore, but do want to cut down on this.

In the near future, there will be more clear-cut forum rules, so everyone will be aware of what's appropriate or not.  This is something we've had to look at due to our explosive growth!  I'm thrilled that we really haven't had many issues, like many forums, but know that we have the potential to if we don't manage the forum early. 

Thanks for everyone's participation, and understanding, as we tighten the rules just a bit for everyone's future benefit! 

 

[benjammn]

wow totally through a curve ball there, didn't think that the SMF was a bad thing, well at least I was the bad guy instead of PJ...

 

[benjammn]

I would suggest then that a Forum Rules and Regs post should be up top for all those to see. That way things are cut and dry and no one is upset or caught off guard about posting something.

 

[benjammn]

Actually I asked for that to be taken down by myself, it is probably not good any way.

FYI, SMF is linked directly on the Smokin-It website main page, so I don't think that it is bad to link to on this forum.

Just saw that when lookin up the camo cover.

 

[DivotMaker]

Guys - no bad guys here!  We've all linked other forums, but it's getting to be more prevalent.  We're just trying to cut this down before it gets out of hand.  The rules will be up soon, so there won't be any misunderstandings.  No one has done anything wrong, I just wanted to throw this out there so we could all be aware of it in the future.

And yes, Ben, SMF is on the SI homepage.  However, linking to other peoples posts is what's discouraged.  If you have posted something over there, by all means, link it.  But only if it's your original post.  That's what we have to watch.  If it's someone else's post, just reference where you saw it and then summarize your conclusions about the topic.  That way, we're not re-posting without the original author's permission. 

Thanks for understanding!

 

[puddle jumper]

Wow I missed something,,
But I can read between the lines,,
:-[
PJ

 

[benjammn]

PJ I posted your link much earlier and this went up, then you posted after I deleted my post, don't feel bad, I was not aware that posting a link to SMF was bad, even though it is on the main page of Smokin-It's site too. Tony has made it clear that this isn't going to be allowed and new rules will be posted soon. I too will mind my Ps and Qs from now on, especially that bacon chick.  Just a growing forum and needs to have some ground rules to keep things under control. I completely understand.

 

[DivotMaker]

Thanks, Ben!  That's the point to a tee!  We're growing fast, and I would like us to keep our "family and friends" feel to the forum.  I wouldn't want to post anything I wouldn't want my son (14) to read or see.  While the bacon girl was entertaining, she's not who we need here.  Thanks for helping us grow into a great family-friendly forum!

 

[old sarge]

The SMF link is regarding getting recipes. It helps everyone enjoy the hobby and I am guessing it is there with Steve's approval.

Some sites have forums and the site itself is a for a product or series of products for sale. Consequently, it becomes somewhat of a problem when one crosses the line and gives kudos to a competitor. I think the same could apply to linking to other forums.  Not so much from a profit standpoint, but from a participation standpoint. The forums (very easy to find) generally have quite a bit of topics, and they all sport a search bar.  No need to link.

 

[elkins20]

Hey Tony, so you are saying that a person cannot post about say a slicer from another vendor, or a vacuum sealer like the pro 140 or a berkel slicer. These are a couple that I have posted on and then later put on another persons post when they asked about a certain product. Or if you are using a recipe like say a port injector that another member had posted but a new person was asking for a recipe. Your stating that we cannot help that person with their request? Just wanting to make sure that I understand what your are stating the rules are. Also I totally missed the bacon post. As am going to try my had at bacon when the insta cure #1 gets here. Found out Friday that it was on back order.

 

[DivotMaker]

Hey Bill, not the case at all (your examples).  As you have seen, we have a lot of external links posted for things like what you mentioned.  What you need to avoid are things like links to another person's writing that may not want you to post it, without their permission.  Also, direct links to competitor's forums/sites are not kosher.  For example, if you said "Here's a great article/sale/whatever on the CookShack site!", and then post a link to it...probably not cool.  Know what I mean?  This is a "manufacturer's" forum, so we have to be respectful of Steve's ability to use this as a marketing tool, and not an avenue to promote competitor's products.  Sound fair?

 

[smokeasaurus]

This forum does not have the problems that many forums have right now. You get fan-boys that want to push a certain type of pit. Bullying and snooping of pm's are prevalent on a certain pellet related forum. I have to remind myself since I am back that this is a Mfg driven forum. When I was on Char-Broils Sizzle on the Grill forum (that forum no longer ceases to be) they had a section for "other" cookers, then frowned on us posting our "other" cooks there. That is why we started the other forum that I am global moderator on. All forms and styles of outdoor cooking is embraced. I really appreciate the feel of this forum and looking at this forum from a moderators point of view, you should all give yourselves a big pat on the back  8)

 

[old sarge]

This is a great forum Scott. Because the members themselves are great and the SI line of smokers are great.

 

[SuperDave]

Scott, I love your signature.  I picture you pulling names out of a hat to decide what you are cooking on that day.  LOL! 

 

[smokeasaurus]

Scott, I love your signature.  I picture you pulling names out of a hat to decide what you are cooking on that day.  LOL!

It can get confusing at times....but that is a good problem to have  ;D 8)

 

[elkins20]

Hey Bill, not the case at all (your examples).  As you have seen, we have a lot of external links posted for things like what you mentioned.  What you need to avoid are things like links to another person's writing that may not want you to post it, without their permission.  Also, direct links to competitor's forums/sites are not kosher.  For example, if you said "Here's a great article/sale/whatever on the CookShack site!", and then post a link to it...probably not cool.  Know what I mean?  This is a "manufacturer's" forum, so we have to be respectful of Steve's ability to use this as a marketing tool, and not an avenue to promote competitor's products.  Sound fair?

Hey Tony, I think so, just to make sure I have it. Just cannot post about other smokers from different sites. But, it is ok to post about products like slicers, or spice grinders. Also would be ok to say post your recipe for pork brine with your permission to answer someone question about a good brine? So before answering a persons question about a recipe would have to ask the person that posted the recipe if ok to re-post to answer a question or make a suggestion.

 

[DivotMaker]

Bill, you are right about posting external links to competitor products.  As far as anything you find on our site, you do not need anyone's permission.  I was referring to, again, external (outside this site) links to other people's writings - they may not want it posted here, or material may be copyrighted.  Anything on here is fair game.

 

[elkins20]

Bill, you are right about posting external links to competitor products.  As far as anything you find on our site, you do not need anyone's permission.  I was referring to, again, external (outside this site) links to other people's writings - they may not want it posted here, or material may be copyrighted.  Anything on here is fair game.

OK thanks Tony, sorry for all the questions but do not want to do anything to get myself disbarred from this site. Finally received my insta salt #1 so will be trying the bacon soon. Will follow Brians recipe on how to do pork belly.

 

[DivotMaker]

Good luck with the bacon, Bill!  Don't worry about getting disbarred! LoL!  I'm pretty much the guy that would do that, and you'd have to do something pretty darn bad!  And besides, you've proven to be one of the great team members we wouldn't want to lose!

 

[elkins20]

Good luck with the bacon, Bill!  Don't worry about getting disbarred! LoL!  I'm pretty much the guy that would do that, and you'd have to do something pretty darn bad!  And besides, you've proven to be one of the great team members we wouldn't want to lose!

Thank-you for the complement, just remember to have great team members it requires a great team leader. And you are beyond a doubt a very fair leader. Have a great Friday and weekend my friend. Sure will be glad when we get some 70 degree weather. Am sick and tired of this mid 80 and low 90 degree crap.