Rule change? Should "Self Promotion" Be Allowed on Your Own WA Blog?
I have had a nagging question that won't' go away. Should WA's spam rules be changed to allow self promotion on their own WA blog? The more I think about it, the more I think it would better serve the community if people could provide links to their own websites on their WA blog.
Since around 2007, I have belonged to a real estate blogging community that is made up of people mainly from the United States and Canada. People are allowed to promote their own business on their personal blogs. Members are allowed to post links to their websites and contact information on their blog posts.
Yet, people are not allowed to Spam or promote their business in comments they leave on other people's posts. If/when we see that members get points for reporting spam.
I propose a similar policy would work well here at Wealthy Affiliate.
1. It would allow us to learn from people if they want to share a link to their website. I have seen some great posts lately where the person shared a link to their website or YouTube channel. Those links added value to the reader. Yet, officially it was considered SPAM.
2. Allowing promotion on one's blog would help people learn how to create signature blocks on their posts. These could help inspire other members seeking to create their own.
3. If people use their WA blog posts to sell rather than to share useful, intersting content to readers - most people simply won't read the posts or follow. That is very similar to what happens in real life on Google.
4. If people do not engage with their followers or the people that comment on their posts, people tend to ignore those members's posts. Most of the lonely posts, with no comments that I see on the real estate blog site are due to items 3 and 4.
5 I would suggest that if this policy was allowed that we would be limited to publishing only one or two blog posts per day so keep people from being tempted to publish hourly or whatever.
6. WA blog posts should still stay on topic - discussing things that are related to WA experience, online business etc. Religion, politics, niche related discussions should remain on personal websites. Why give your content to WA? You should want to save it for your readers.
7. I would also suggest that personal blogs still not be used to promote or market other services or programs. No affiliate links to other sites.
What do you all think? (Remember, this is Kyle and Carson's business. It is not a democracy. If they do not want to change the rules, that is up to them. That is the privilege associated within owning Wealthy Affiliate.)
Such a rule change would eliminate the distractions and hard feelings that are arising on an almost daily basis here at WA. The current rules are causing a lot of grief and unhappiness.
Wouldn't it be nice to not spend so much time worrying about SPAM caused by a member providing links to their own website? That time could be better spent on building and creating profitable affiliate marketing websites.
Kyle, if you read this, would you please consider a test period of a new policy for a month or two? If people abuse it, WA could go back to the current rules.
--Sondra
Recent Comments
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I think to allow this will spell the downfall of WA, I don't like that idea, I think the rules help in getting people to post genuine helpful information with nothing to gain, besides, if someone is really interested in checking out what the other member is working on, they can always click on their websites on the profile, on the follow section.
Rose, thank you for sharing your thoughts on this topic. We do not want to start the downfall of WA by any means.
Yes, WA is a great place, but I will say that I have seen many posts by people who are veterans in Wealthy Affiliate and they do find a way to include their URL in their post here in WA and make a comment that will make a newcomer think they are not self promoting. We all know that when people click to one’s link and get on one’s website, that is traffic and search engines will register that traffic and one will get ranking. I guess people are afraid of reporting long timers but when a newbie posts their website maybe because they are super excited or they don’t know better, people are all over them with spam accusations.
I say that no one should be exempted from the spam rule, whether its someone who’s been in WA for many years or someone who joined yesterday, the rules should apply to all.
There many times I have seen URL in a post but because it’s someone who has been here for years I am thinking surely there has to be a good reason why they are posting their website, maybe they know something I don’t know. Its hard for newcomers to understand why the old members would break the rules.
As I too belong to a group that only allow self-promotion on Fridays. I understand your point. However, I would have to agree with some of the comments.
I believe Kyle and Carson have already thought of the idea, that's why they put up site comments and another thread for if you need comments on your post.
That itself is already self-promoting to me.
Self-promoting on WA blogs should not be allowed because it will be nothing but spam. It will turn into another social media chat or group. It would not be professional and it might even get out of control. My opinion only.
There may have been some reasons why rules are in place. Maybe from they're personal experiences.
Keylee,
You have raised some excellent points. Personally, I avoid places that are spam fests. As I mentioned to someone below, the self promotion day sounds fun in theory, but I would not attend.
I hope you have a great week.
I would hate that. Keeping WA a spam free environment is one of the most unique features of this community.
People are taught to promote themselves on their own website, which is where that promotion belongs. Our blogs here at WA would become nothing more than one promotion after the other, and how would new people know what is useful information and what is just a promotion?
When someone reads a post on WA, they know that the person writing it has nothing to gain by providing the information. Once you change that, the whole dynamic of this platform will change--and not for the better, in my opinion.
I know there are times that people don't understand the rules and end up getting their posting and commenting privileges taken away, which can be upsetting. But the rules have to apply to everyone, and there have been several people who've taken the consequence and come back to educate and share so that others are aware. Drama doesn't help anyone, there's been a lot of it the last couple of months it seems.
Maybe a better solution would be to have a system that ensures everyone knows the rules before they're able to post their 1st blog or 1st comment. Maybe a popup form that spells the rules out that they have to acknowledge?
Quite frankly, I agree with you JL. As a newbie to WA, I don't have time to worry with a bunch of ADVERTISEMENTS. Don't we get enough of that on all the other social platforms we visit daily, not to mention radio, tv and billboards for God's sake?
It's difficult enough just to get the training down, get up to speed with content writing, learning where everything is and how it works and wondering whether what I'm trying to build is even going to work or get it's first click.
Self-promotion is not a good thing in this environment. The way it is keeps the "garbage" out and if it all pops up where the little bell appears at the top right (I'll call it the notifications icon), I'm really against it! LOL!!!
I also agree with @feigner below. It's already being done to an extent with the feedback requests.
This could change the entire environment of this site - one of the reasons I love it. I'm normally up for positive change, but I don't believe this would be a positive change. It would just clutter everything up.
@sondram, possibly, you should advertise your websites on all of the various social media platforms out there in cyberville instead of pushing them here. Just a thought.
I just don't have the time for all of it along with everything else. I don't even want to have to dismiss them all either. It's time consuming.
Margaret
Margaret,
In all fairness, I have to disclose - I agree with you. I have always thought the spam free environment is one of the things that makes WA a special place.
Yet, the drama and the favoritism regarding enforcing the no spam rules has been bothering me lately. Even though I have tried to ignore it. I probably should try a little harder...
I hope you have an awesome week.
Janelle, like you- I have enjoyed the spam free environment. One of the most popular e-commerse website platforms does not have any no-spam rules. When people ask a question, it seems like 9 out of 10 responses are from people trying to sell something.
That said the drama regarding enforcement of no spam rules has become very distracting.
Too many people are allowed to get by when they include their website links in their posts. Others that do the exact same thing yet they will remove links if somebody mentions it. Then other bloggers chastise the person who dares to act like "a police" Nothing seems to happen to these people.
I find it confusing and unfair. So, today I offered the only solution I could think of.
I hope you have an amazing week.
I understand what you are proposing Sondra, and I have often thought along those lines as well, but I can see everyone's point here about it to, but it was great that you created the discussion!!
Jeff
Miss Sondra,
I don’t understand what you’re saying at all. Maybe it’s because I haven’t been here long enough to understand! I don’t know. What it feels like is trouble because you continue to harp on it.
What I can say with the utmost of importance is that if I am bombarded by bullshit, I will just leave this platform because you trying to force yourself on me is not acceptable!
I pay to be here to learn! You’re endeavors are your endeavors and mine belong to me!
If this becomes just another commercial, all you are doing is cheapening it for everyone.
What the hell is your problem sweetheart?
There isn’t a damn thing distracting about spam rules except you seem to think you’re entitled!
Now
That being said
Grow up or go on your way
Maybe you suddenly don’t appreciate what you have
That’s on you love
Please forgive me but I still believe in what I said. I believe in being an entrepreneur. Let’s collaborate on an article that discusses the pros and cons! Got time for me? I’ve got time for you.
I have 4 daughters, so I know drama, lol! For me, I think that the drama shouldn't make the rules change. I see a lot of people getting upset and throwing out a post about how unfair this and that is without all the facts being known. This is a professional community, and I think we should be able to expect people to act like professional adults.
Just my 2 cents from a mom who's got a lot of experience putting a lid on drama!
Hi Sondra.
Actually, this fries my zucchini. 😠
I actually sent a message to Kyle like, "Why not erect a bulletin board where members can promote their stuff?" (At the time, I was hoping to find WA members who are computer programmers and live in the UK.)
Such a bulletin board is isolated, and only people who want to read the promotional materials on it would visit. Seems like the perfect solution to me. 🙄
Regards,
"Fries my zucchini." ha, ha. Now that is a phrase that I have not heard before.
I truly do not know what the answer is. I just know that I hate the drama that results when the rules are not applied to everyone.
I do like your bulletin board idea.
Cheers.
It would be terrible and become more or less impossible to find any posts that were not self-promotion.
People can promote themselves on their own websites and there are places here where they can leave their links.
New people would be scared away by the amount of self-promotion and older people would leave because of the same. So definitely do not think that would be a good idea.
Mikael,
I certainly understand your point of view. I have considered the fact that WA is supposed to be a spam free zone as one of the advantages.
Yet, the drama associated with keeping it that way is frustrating.
If Spam rules remain, they need to be fairly enforced, across the board. No playing favorites.
I agree with you to an extent, but self-promotion sometimes brings ideas to the forefront, which we might not have otherwise ever considered. Just a thought.
That is true Jeffrey. But in my experience, you have to spend A LOT of time going through self-promotion to find an idea.
For example, look at the Facebook groups that allow self-promotion. You might be able to get an idea from there but the amount of spam and self-promotion make those groups nothing but spam and nobody are there to help each other.
The people that are genuine leave because even if they ask a question all they get is being bombarded with links and self-promotion. So it just leaves the promoters and spammers left to promote to each other because they found a place where they would not get banned for it.
Many groups and communities have vanished after allowing this and no matter the arguments, it is clear that if you look at how things work online if spam and self-promotion were allowed it would get completely out of control.
Hi Sondra
IMHO, no it shouldn't be allowed, and there shouldn't be any rule change.
We can place our websites domains on our profile and anybody who wants to take a look can do so.
I don't see any real issue with writing posts on our WA blogs about niches we are developing, but to put affiliate links in the posts could be construed as spam even if it's not intended that way.
The anti-spam rule is about creating a 'safe space', especially for newbies who might be put off by it and who might decide to leave WA because of it. I'd been in other online marketing programmes before coming here, and so I was pretty accustomed to it and one thing I really like about WA is that it is a spam free zone. However accustomed to it you may become, it doesn't actually get any less annoying. You just learn to scroll on past. Marketing newbies who haven't been in other programmes could get quite fazed by it and not know how to respond to it.
We can submit our our actual niche website articles to the Community via Site Comments and people commenting will have visibility our affiliate links and can check out what we're doing if they wish to.
As you rightly point out, this is Kyle and Carson's business. We're paying guests and as such we have to abide by the rules of the house. Anyone who manages to achieve what they have and create their own global online marketing community can make their own rules but while they're here, they don't have that option.
Cheers
Rich 😃
Well said Rich. This is Kyle and Carson's business.
I have liked the spam free environment here at WA. Yet, I really dislike the drama associated with trying to keep it a spam free environment.
Favoritism causes problems where some people are allowed to get by with it and others not. I see it everyday even though I do my best to try to ignore it most days.
I've noticed it to, but simply move on--we all do have a choice, but I do really like that you have opened the dialogue!
I honestly believe that when people sign up into WA need agree to a contract to the no spam rules I feel the drama will go away I plan to suggest that to Kyle. Like in other affiliate marketing or mlmers we agree to contracts like being ethically responsible, use their marketing services for promotions, no advertising without the marketing dept’s approval, agree to be independent contractors, and agree to follow company no spamming rules for internet marketing. These companies have contracts that we have to sign the same should go for WA. There should be contracts that we sign, I would sign one in a heartbeat thats how dedicated I am. All need sign a contract that we understand the no spam rules and that we will not do it and consequences termination from company. Some mlm company bans taking stealing downlines into another company if that happens its a breach of contract they get sued. I feel a contract will force the responsibility thats one thing I noticed this site doesnt have is a contract. Real estate, insurance sales, mortgage bankers all have contracts. Why not WA?
I would like it. Mainly for networking and supporting and yes maybe even buying. I always prefer to buy as much as I can from fellow entrepreneurs not big corporations. I am part of several MLM networking groups and we like to support each other this way. Also I think it would allow us to support each other on a deeper level. I can see the potential for spam just not sure how it would play out in reality
Now that you mention it, the real estate website does encourage a deeper level of networking than here.
The challenge at WA, is there are so many types of businesses. Within the real estate community - we typically have one goal. Within your MLM communities, you too have one goal.
Overall, I do not know what the best answer is other than if there are rules, everyone should be required to comply.
Well said, and something else I have discovered is that SPAM to one person, may NOT be to many others, that is what makes us all unique.
hmm... is it spam to link to your site if there is useful and relevant information to answer a question - you can do it for other sites but not your own.
to me the rules say that you mustn't link to your site with a read more here reply, but if it gives the complete answer why not just add your site link with a i wrote a post answering that.
as long as it really does answer the question then no problem.
if it is click bait then strike 1 - thrid one and you are silenced pending apeal
i think people are too literal with the spam accusation - maybe they should read the article and then decide whether it is spam.
there ae sme tool that i think are good and could suggest to some members but i cannot as they are articles with affiliate links in - but again they have a choice to purchase or not -so as long as it is relevant then as you say why not.
will the rules change - of course not as it will be abused.
this many people and that sort of rule not abused - never.
so i really don't see this changing any time soon.
i wish it would but....
Phil
Hi Phil,
I truly do not know what the answer is. I have liked the spam free environment. Yet, then as I thought about the real estate site - things works very well for them.
There is not all of the drama that we have here.
I truly believe that if there are rules, they need to be applied fairly across the board.
An interesting post. I am not sure I have an opinion as I have not considered this. I think you need to raise it to Kyle and Carson as they are the decision makers. If they think it could be worth pursuing they will - if not a polite refusal might ensue with reasons. I just think this is the way to go as you will probably get many answers here but not necessarily representative of the whole community. One thing that was not clear to me but remember please I have not considered this fully - what are the pros and cons of this approach you are suggesting - is there a clearer picture if you were to do this, just saying. Thanks anyway.
I certainly do not know the answer.
I do believe that if there are rules, they should be applied to all. If they are not going to be upheld, then the need for them should be revisited.
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Too much grey area IMO. I can already see it. “This one amazing system supercharged my Wealthy Affiliate earnings.”
That type of stuff.
If your niche is not relevant to affiliate marketing, you would not get quality traffic from WA. If your niche is MMO, then there’s a high possibility it will be in direct competition with WA or conflict with the training.
Words of the Wise!
;)
I totally agree with you here Nathaniel.
Well said Nathaniel. Thinking about it, the other legitimate MMO training platforms that I have visited do not allow anything related to the MMO niche because it would be indirect competition for the platform.
When I made this suggestion, I did not think about that particular issue.
I totally agree with you Nathaniell. When I saw that your comment had 9 "Likes" I had to add one more to make it a "Featured Comment". ⭐
Yup for that we have hmm "Battler Forum"