Web Hosting Talk : Other Forums : Web Hosting Lounge : Self Promotion

[CrazyTech]

Well this makes my second topic in here today, but I think this is something pretty good.

I've noticed lately that it appears as though there is more subtle self-promo going on - or at least it seems that way to me. I know many (such as myself for one) include our companies in our signatures, but I've seen several threads lately where many will covertly tout their products/services when someone asks a question. I understand saying 'Well we do it this way' but many will go much farther and continue throughout their entire post. I am just wondering if maybe I missed things, as I know it always has happened and will continue, but there just seems to be a rise of it as late. It seems many cannot help without 'tooting their own horn' so to speak.

[SoftWareRevue]

If you see a post that you think is against Forum Guidelines, please use the "Report this post to a Community Leader" link and we'll take a look.

[CrazyTech]

I did not include it but that's what I always do. For someone that as been here for about a year now, that goes without saying.

[SoftWareRevue]

Then what's this thread about?

Have we not responded to posts you've reported?

[CrazyTech]

The thread is about exactly what I asked in the first post. I'm just wondering if some of the others have noticed the increase that I've noticed.

[MVAnthony]

one thing i've noticed is that WHT and Yaxay have both turned to be more "business orientated" since the takeover by iNet, the community feel has been thrown out of the window and its now like Boot Camp!

[Incognito]

Originally posted by visio
one thing i've noticed is that WHT and Yaxay have both turned to be more "business orientated" since the takeover by iNet, the community feel has been thrown out of the window and its now like Boot Camp!

One thing I have noticed is that when you try to address some of the problems, clean up some of the issues, some people who dislike rules and order start calling names and complaining.

I don't believe the board has become more business oriented, although I, in some aspects, would suggest it should. Furthermore, this board is a business, so becoming business oriented is not bad if it happens.

What has happened is that there have been more moderators added to better administer and control the board. From my viewpoint, that is good.

[CrazyTech]

Well for one I respect your opinion Incognito as a member of this board for quite a well with good input. However, I don't think that Visio here was suggesting anything about the rules, that'd be quite off-topic in this thread. Debates can rage on about this place turning into a business and the effects of that, but let's leave those in the proper threads.

However, my post was about the increase of Self-Promotion that seems to be on the rise for whatever reason. WHT does a pretty good job of trying to control this trend, but the original intent of my thread was to find out if anyone else seemed to notice this trend. I've spent much time of WHT over the past year (probably more than I should sometimes) and I've seen where there are many more hosts trying to toot their own horn. I just wanted peoples thoughts on this, not the business status of WHT, not are the mods doing a bad or good job, but just does anyone else seem to notice this trend?

[xyzulu]

CrazyTech,
I hear you, and have noticed an increase for sure!
Mining is what I have been told it is.....
I hate controversy but this is what I have noticed:

thread starter: any good linux hosts?
reply: use this board/search etc etc
signature: We do linux hosting.

Hope it makes sense....

[CrazyTech]

I've noticed that as well Brad. I don't have a problem with people having links in their signatures even (I mean I do ) but it's amazing how when someone asks a simple question they'll get a complete speech from someone on how their company does it and just happens to offer the service or highlights that they offer it such as you pointed out above.

[xyzulu]

This is what I am saying and seeing...

Now I am really getting into controversy:
Especially with Newbies is this an issue IMHO, they 'may' follow the lead and end up doing the same themselves later.

*all my posts in this thread are my own personal opinion.

[Incognito]

Originally posted by CrazyTech
Well for one I respect your opinion Incognito as a member of this board for quite a well with good input. However, I don't think that Visio here was suggesting anything about the rules, that'd be quite off-topic in this thread. Debates can rage on about this place turning into a business and the effects of that, but let's leave those in the proper threads.

However, my post was about the increase of Self-Promotion that seems to be on the rise for whatever reason. WHT does a pretty good job of trying to control this trend, but the original intent of my thread was to find out if anyone else seemed to notice this trend. I've spent much time of WHT over the past year (probably more than I should sometimes) and I've seen where there are many more hosts trying to toot their own horn. I just wanted peoples thoughts on this, not the business status of WHT, not are the mods doing a bad or good job, but just does anyone else seem to notice this trend?

Not arguing at all with your post, just with Visio's "Boot Camp" post. I believe it was out of line.

I am aware of the self-promotion as you are. It is always a fine line to draw. In one way or another any post made by someone with information on their company in their signature is a form of self-promotion. On the other hand, blatant attempts are easily squashed. The problem is in between. For instance, one Support Company posts a list of guidelines to selecting a support company anytime someone asks about outsourcing support. A good list, but clearly also self-serving. I don't think it is crossing the line for a host to suggest doing a search and reading what others have said. However, it is clearly a rules violation for a host to refer someone to the ads forum. I also think the "here's how we do it" example is crossing the line.

I guess the best thing is to point out those you think cross the line and see if the leaders agree and remove them. I find much of the time they see it as I do. Othertimes, they are more lenient. But, that's ok.

Also, we all have prejudices based on our own condition. The longer in business host advises finding an established host. The new host talks about the merits of working with someone new. Are they advice based on beliefs or self-serving or both? You point out an issue which I guess the only solution is to be aware and keep monitoring.

[SoftWareRevue]

Originally posted by CrazyTech
. . . I just wanted peoples thoughts on this, not the business status of WHT, not are the mods doing a bad or good job, but just does anyone else seem to notice this trend?

Then this thread doesn't belong in "WHT: Announcements, Suggestions, Feedback & Questions."

Because when you start a thread in "WHT: Announcements, Suggestions, Feedback & Questions," people tend to assume it has something to do with the board.

Moved to the Lounge.

[xyzulu]

When it falls outside of the rules, like you have shown, it is up to the mods to decide what to do. I think I will keep reminding myself of that next time i get a bit heated up over this issue....

[CrazyTech]

I wasn't worried about you arguing with my post, I just did not want this topic to head off course.

Yes, that's something that I meant to point out. It's a very very fine line and sometimes I even hesitate to report the posts but I suppose in the end it does come down to the moderators, so I should help out where I can (and let them make the decision ).

It just seems like these guerilla tactics are becoming more and more prevalent and it's a shame.

Then this thread doesn't belong in "WHT: Announcements, Suggestions, Feedback & Questions."

Because when you start a thread in "WHT: Announcements, Suggestions, Feedback & Questions," people tend to assume it has something to do with the board.

Moved to the Lounge.

Sure, whatever. Seems like it'd be feedback to me as it does involve the forum (as in the members that make this place run ya know).