Open letter to the moderators

[betawind]

I've noticed a lot of "moderation" in the last few weeks as more and more information is coming out on Android. I've seen quite a few links removed because they were for other forums, blogs, etc. I can only guess this is to eliminate the visibility of the "competition" on this forum. This can only hurt this community in the long run.

I've tracked Android here since the beginning of October and have learned quite a bit from the information here. I've also found several other sources of information (with topics that just haven't been covered here) in the posts here I've been able to see before the links got removed. Because of other sites (which I won't name) I now have a greater understanding of the G1 architexture, understand more about the boot up process than I ever thought I wanted to know, and am able to add alot of customization to my device. This type of information just doesn't exist here. Maybe it shouldn't either (I don't really see this forum as a development heavy forum), but you shouldn't prevent people from seeing it just because you don't host it.

I can understand the need to filter out certain information. People shouldn't be allowed to advertise their blog, forum, etc here. That's not what this place is for. But linking a post to another blog because it has information (most recent example being the easy howto on installing debian a G1) only opens up new information to the readers of this forum. People who may not have known about these other resources can now see them, and could inevitably help progress them further. Preventing people from seeing these other resources (at least via this forum) does nothing but hurt the community you're trying to protect.

If I ever got to the point where I only had time to check one forum in the morning and this forum is not the one that has the bulk of the type of information I'm looking for, I'd likely go somewhere else that did. Please don't take that as a threat (as it was not meant that way), but rather understand where I'm coming from. People want to go where they can get the most bang for their buck so to speak. If you allow these links to other sites/blogs/forums etc when it pertains to relevant information, people are more likely to stay.

Please mods, reconsider your policy of blindly axing other forum/blog/etc URLs simply because someone might find something there that doesn't exist here.

[rynosaur]

Do you think the mods make up the rules? It's like blaming a cop for enforcing a seat belt or cell phone law.


This type of information just doesn't exist here.

Thanks for the . . . . the good thoughts.

[*susan*]

Thank you for your input. As Rynosaur noted, those of us that are moderators do not make the rules. We are here to simply enforce them as directed to by the owners and operators of this site.

Your best bet would be to send a pm to Shawn and/or Vincent about your concerns.

[betawind]

Edit: I didn't see Susan's response before writing this. I will direct my thoughts there. Thank you Susan.

I want to also add that this wasn't meant to be a lash out at the moderators, I genuinely believed you were the folks that made the rules. My apologies if this was taken any other way.

[scrannel]

I'm a new G1/Android user, computer sophisticated, but trying to get up to speed with Android on a more than amateur level. So, those links to other forums, with very useful information, are extremely helpful. On the other hand, because of the broad nature of this forum, which seems to cover (and over-cover) everything, it's my primary source of info on the G1. In other words, a great forum. Links to other forums only elevate this one.

[juice]

it's my primary source of info on the G1. In other words, a great forum. Links to other forums only elevate this one.


This. Right here.

Especially the last bit.

[tokyomonster]

Unless someone is blatantly advertising, I think removing links is detrimental to the community.

[theycallmeVosko]

you would only be putting our community above the others that dont allow linking to other sites. have faith in us we wont leave u just because you linked us to another forum.

[Smalls]

it's my primary source of info on the G1. In other words, a great forum. Links to other forums only elevate this one.

totally agree

[liamw]

I agree with this, I do look at other forums but AC is the only one I check religiously several times a day. I don't understand the need to remove links from posts especially where the link provides useful information.

[atoy74]

Bump on a good post. There's a fine line the mods need to dance but if a link is purely for informational purposes then it shouldn't be censored.

Those jerks who link to advertise for themselves...yes, they're violating the rules. I dont feel for them cause they were never really part of this community.

[tokyomonster]

Do you think the mods make up the rules? It's like blaming a cop for enforcing a seat belt or cell phone law.



Thanks for the . . . . the good thoughts.

So you are confirming that it is a rule to remove links posted to other forums/sites that contain information and are not advertisements?

[Infinatenothing]

The only links I've ever seen removed are the ones advertising for other forums and a couple to photoshoped pictures of the "new g2" we have already seen 1000 times. look in all the root threads there are quite a few links to xda and others.

[betawind]

The only links I've ever seen removed are the ones advertising for other forums and a couple to photoshoped pictures of the "new g2" we have already seen 1000 times. look in all the root threads there are quite a few links to xda and others.

Here's an example:

http://androidcommunity.com/forums/showthread.php?t=11082

[DesignDawg]

Hey all,

The policy, as it is supposed to stand, is to provide all the info here whenever possible and provide a link as a means to get "more".

In other words, if I see a great story on Engadget, instead of just posting a link to Engadget, I am supposed to post the story content in quotes, with a link at the end. That way, you can get all the info you need right here, but go to Engadget if you want pics, etc. In fact, I did this just the other day. The problem is (not to throw anyone under the bus, but rather to educate everyone), a lot of our new staff is not up to speed on those rules that were implemented before some of them were even members here. This place is growing quickly, and there's a lot to keep up with. The moderation staff has just changed considerably in a very short time, so bear with us as we have a few hiccups.

Thanks,

[DesignDawg]

For the record, I appreciate the tone of this thread, the way it started, and the way it has, for the most part, stayed. It is constructive. Just to flesh out an example of what we should all be doing, below is an article about Android that is relevent to be posted here, and presented the way it should be.
Other mods, take note: If someone posts something like this, but does it wrong, try to just edit the post and format it this way:

________________________

Hey guys, check it out: That Agora Android phone isn't coming out after all...

From Engadget:


Oh, Kogan -- we were so, so hopeful that you weren't peddling vaporware, and the latest indications seemed to suggest that the Agora and Agora Pro were very much real devices. We wanted to root for the little guy, get another Android handset out into the unlocked market, review it, and love it to death. Unfortunately, scrappy Australian entrepreneur Ruslan Kogan has decided to delay the launch of his independently-designed phones indefinitely citing concerns over compatibility with future Android apps -- concerns that were likely raised in a hush-hush meeting he'd recently scored with Google. One issue, it seems, is that the Agora's screen resolution won't likely play nice with Android apps going forward; that doesn't seem quite right since the form factor is totally standard, but who really knows? The dude's had working prototypes on video, so we can't totally write it off just yet.

original story (http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/16/so-close-yet-so-far-kogan-agora-delayed-indefinitely/)

[tokyomonster]

Hey all,

The policy, as it is supposed to stand, is to provide all the info here whenever possible and provide a link as a means to get "more".

In other words, if I see a great story on Engadget, instead of just posting a link to Engadget, I am supposed to post the story content in quotes, with a link at the end. That way, you can get all the info you need right here, but go to Engadget if you want pics, etc. In fact, I did this just the other day. The problem is (not to throw anyone under the bus, but rather to educate everyone), a lot of our new staff is not up to speed on those rules that were implemented before some of them were even members here. This place is growing quickly, and there's a lot to keep up with. The moderation staff has just changed considerably in a very short time, so bear with us as we have a few hiccups.

Thanks,

So, would posting a link to an informative post on xda-developers be against this policy?

[DesignDawg]

So, would posting a link to an informative post on xda-developers be against this policy?

Nope, but you should include the story itself as well. I posted links to XDA just yesterday or the day before, in fact.

[tokyomonster]

Nope, but you should include the story itself as well. I posted links to XDA just yesterday or the day before, in fact.


That's what I thought. And just to confirm, not including a portion of the story verbatim, but summarizing it in your own words, or posting a link to help someone out shouldn't cause the link to be removed either, right?

Not trying to be a pain, but as you, and obviously others can see, it's kind of annoying. I feel that if we don't spell it out clearly, there may be misunderstandings in the future that could easily be avoided.

[constellanation]

i could possibly be misinterpreting the exact rules. but not all links are deleted (it seems to be subjective on whether the are competition or showing information we already offer.) however all links and ya'll can help us with this should be quoted in the thread linking them.

if any mod seems obvious errors in my reading of the rules, edit for corrections.

[Dixie]

I guess I am kind of confused now too.... it seems as if we can post a link to a competitor, but only if we quote the subject content in our post? (At that point, a link would be necessary as a source). Sorry to be confused too....

[tokyomonster]

OK, it's not my forum, and I'm not a mod, so I have limited input, but like I mentioned earlier, I think the rule be something like:

Unless it is blatantly advertising, a spam link, or a link to malicious or inappropriate material, all links should be allowed to be posted regardless of a quote or not.

Because really, editing out competitors links won't get you any where. It just pisses people off, and really, how hard is it to google "android forums" if someone really wanted to find another place to go?

The reason people choose one community over another is not because links were posted to another site, but instead how that community treats and involves it's users. To stifle the spreading of information and keep members in the dark in regards to new and useful information simply because it was posted on another site does nothing for your reputation, and is insulting and disrespectful to your users..

Anyways, that's just my two cents..

[kitsunisan]

Well, i posted a small walkthrough I found on another site on setting up the g1 on att, i included the poster's screen name and the site I got it from (not an active link) in an effort to give all credit where due, - made statements that it was not my info, but someone elses. The name of the site was removed from my post though. If I find info that someone is looking for? am I expected to disregard the source? I don't want to look like I'm trying to steal someone's work.

[smoger]

Removing links to other sites is definitely bad. Get pageviews by being the best, not by being stingy to others.

And even worse, I've seen entire articles copied and pasted onto here from other sites. That's just as bad. It's bad enough when they just have a link at the bottom - after you've read the entire thing here, and in some cases I've seen where the entire article has been posted with NO source credit at all.

As someone who runs some websites(not android ones, so dont get your panties bunched) , I just want to point out that this is seen as incredibly rude and childish to the majority of content publishers on the internet.

My personal policy(and of course I'm not attempting to coerce you guys into running this site anyway but how you want) is to always allow links to further information, and if im the one posting, i will do my own overview(written in MY words) with a link to the original article. the only links i never post are from sites that act like this one does, but i also don't use their content either.

just my .02 take it or leave it.

[DesignDawg]

OK, it's not my forum, and I'm not a mod, so I have limited input, but like I mentioned earlier, I think the rule be something like:

Unless it is blatantly advertising, a spam link, or a link to malicious or inappropriate material, all links should be allowed to be posted regardless of a quote or not.

Because really, editing out competitors links won't get you any where. It just pisses people off, and really, how hard is it to google "android forums" if someone really wanted to find another place to go?

The reason people choose one community over another is not because links were posted to another site, but instead how that community treats and involves it's users. To stifle the spreading of information and keep members in the dark in regards to new and useful information simply because it was posted on another site does nothing for your reputation, and is insulting and disrespectful to your users..

Anyways, that's just my two cents..

Thanks for your two cents. As you may have read in my earlier response, I asked the mods to edit posts and copy relevant information into the post. This is how it used to be done. Someone posts a link, and we would come in and add in the text from the story and as the OP to please do the same next time.

You can be sure, however, that a first-time posted who starts a thread and just posts a link to another site will see their post count dropped back to zero.

And, posting links to help people is not against the rules, and I'd find it hard to believe these get removed around here. I haven't seen it. If they do, they shouldn't.

[tokyomonster]

Thanks for your two cents. As you may have read in my earlier response, I asked the mods to edit posts and copy relevant information into the post. This is how it used to be done. Someone posts a link, and we would come in and add in the text from the story and as the OP to please do the same next time.

You can be sure, however, that a first-time posted who starts a thread and just posts a link to another site will see their post count dropped back to zero.

And, posting links to help people is not against the rules, and I'd find it hard to believe these get removed around here. I haven't seen it. If they do, they shouldn't.

This was posted earlier, and it's a good example:

http://androidcommunity.com/forums/showthread.php?p=122195


Last edited by *susan*; Today at 04:56 AM.. Reason: Please do not post links to competitor's forums. Thank you.

[Dixie]

C'mon TM, this is getting kinda uncool... we are now getting clarifications on the rules - ALL of us, and while I see you are trying to give Dawg an example of this, theres no need to use the words "overzealous" (in the thread that you are pointing to)... no one is trying to make time here unpleasant, and I think we should just be happy we are all getting on the same page. :)

[smoger]

what good are clarifications of the policies, when he's showing you that the policies aren't being followed by those who enforce them?

(not that the policies themselves are even that good)

[DesignDawg]

Yeah, really. Let's have an adult conversation here. Nobody's perfect.

[tokyomonster]

C'mon TM, this is getting kinda uncool... we are now getting clarifications on the rules - ALL of us, and while I see you are trying to give Dawg an example of this, theres no need to use the words "overzealous" (in the thread that you are pointing to)... no one is trying to make time here unpleasant, and I think we should just be happy we are all getting on the same page. :)

The only thing I was linking to specifically in that post is the first edit.

My "overzealous" remark may be a bit..well, overzealous itself, but I had reposted the original(incorrectly) removed link, and that was removed as well and it was all a bit frustrating.

But like you said, we're getting things cleared up and straightened out and android community will end up being better because of it.

As my olive branch, here's some kittens:

http://imeleon.com/photo/48/sleeping_kittens.jpg

[Dixie]

what good are clarifications of the policies, when he's showing you that the policies aren't being followed by those who enforce them?



The point seems to be, to get everyone on the same page, as I already said... so that the mods understand the rule, we understand the rule, and any previous link removals that should have been allowed will not happen anymore.

And I can't help it, that olive branch cracked me up.

[betawind]

C'mon folks, lets keep this thread on the right track. Going after the mods is not constructive and isn't going to help anyone. As DesignDawg has said this shouldn't be happening and I know that with this having been brought to light the mods are all going to be getting clarification on how to enforce this rule. Personally I'm thankful that they have been receptive and I see this type of situation becoming a non-issue.

[DesignDawg]

The only thing I was linking to specifically in that post is the first edit.

My "overzealous" remark may be a bit..well, overzealous itself, but I had reposted the original(incorrectly) removed link, and that was removed as well and it was all a bit frustrating.

But like you said, we're getting things cleared up and straightened out and android community will end up being better because of it.

Amen. Just please consider the fact that if you see "wrongs" on the part of moderators here, there are a few possibilities: One, we may have been wrong. Our bad. Two, you may not know the whole story. Sorry. But keep in mind that constructive conversations and PMs (to multiple people if necessary) go a lot longer way in getting issues cleared up than blasting people and crying foul.

Thanks.

[AndroidUser]

Amen. Just please consider the fact that if you see "wrongs" on the part of moderators here, there are a few possibilities: One, we may have been wrong. Our bad. Two, you may not know the whole story. Sorry. But keep in mind that constructive conversations and PMs (to multiple people if necessary) go a lot longer way in getting issues cleared up than blasting people and crying foul.

Thanks.


Exactly. Come on AC people.
Mod's are human too.
We do human things.
We eat, sleep and yes.. make mistakes.
We're not Bots who are 100%.
:p

[*susan*]

This was posted earlier, and it's a good example:

http://androidcommunity.com/forums/showthread.php?p=122195

Yep, my bad, I being human, made a mistake. I was correct in deleting the link, because per our posted procedures we are to remove links to competitor's forums. The link you posted took us to another android forum, (not XDA) of which I see has been posted back up again. However, I should have copied the information and posted it here, but did not do that. I was getting ready to go into a meeting, saw it, and quickly deleted it without any afterthought, my apologies. As for you saying you posted it a second time and it was deleted again, of that, I have no knowledge.

[g1ftmfw]

yes indeed we are human... my take on this is if you cross post from another forum blog etc... it needs to be first of all RELEVANT! second of all it needs to be properly credited. and third if its not both 1 and 2 dont get hurt if it gets edited... i belong to half a dozen different car forums and most of the time the mods im one on two of them myself dont have much to do but edit out useless banter or childish behaviour.... the more proper and civileveryone acts around here the less you you will hear from mods on any subject.... if you ever have any questions post it... or send us a pm about it... after all the mods on any forum are here to also provide information and help the process along... we dont really like running thru this whole forum correcting peoples wrongs or telling someone to chill out , thats what your parents are or were for when you were growing up... so lets all act like grown ups and still have a lil bit of fun before we are to old to have it... ok my rant has ended

[tokyomonster]

Yep, my bad, I being human, made a mistake. I was correct in deleting the link, because per our posted procedures we are to remove links to competitor's forums. The link you posted took us to another android forum, (not XDA) of which I see has been posted back up again. However, I should have copied the information and posted it here, but did not do that. I was getting ready to go into a meeting, saw it, and quickly deleted it without any afterthought, my apologies. As for you saying you posted it a second time and it was deleted again, of that, I have no knowledge.

I'm not the OP of the thread in question, so I'm not sure where that first link went to.

I posted a link to XDA developers a second time, and another mod removed it.

Regardless, we've cleared up that:


I was correct in deleting the link, because per our posted procedures we are to remove links to competitor's forums.

...is not the correct procedure, right?

[GasBot]

I don't know about the other mods, but personally I go to the other site, copy their post into the original post on AC and then delete the link.

We aren't trying to suppress information here, but just keep it here for our users who are searching the forum.

[GasBot]

Exactly. Come on AC people.
Mod's are human too.
We do human things.
We eat, sleep and yes.. make mistakes.
We're not Bots who are 100%.
:p
Speak for yourself, I'm a bot!

[tokyomonster]

I don't know about the other mods, but personally I go to the other site, copy their post into the original post on AC and then delete the link.

We aren't trying to suppress information here, but just keep it here for our users who are searching the forum.

Why delete the link though? Not crediting other sites for that information is rude and unprofessional.

[GasBot]

Why delete the link though? Not crediting other sites for that information is rude and unprofessional.
Because no site that's founded on news and members visiting wants them going elsewhere for their news. If you can get the same news here, why go elsewhere?

[smoger]

Why delete the link though? Not crediting other sites for that information is rude and unprofessional.

Exactly.

And I can't believe that has to even be pointed out to someone who themselves is a creator of digital content.

[tokyomonster]

Because no site that's founded on news and members visiting wants them going elsewhere for their news. If you can get the same news here, why go elsewhere?

Because just copying and pasting something someone else wrote without attribution is wrong, period, no matter what the circumstances.

It's called plagiarism.

I'm sure that who ever writes the articles for the front page of AC would be pissed if that news was posted in another forum without a linkback.

Edit: Also, EVERY news site that I visit links to their original source, unless it's original content written for that site! This includes blogs and professional sites.

[smoger]

Because no site that's founded on news and members visiting wants them going elsewhere for their news. If you can get the same news here, why go elsewhere?

Exactly. And if I can download your app from PirateBay when it comes out, why bother going to the Android market?

[GasBot]

Exactly. And if I can download your app from PirateBay when it comes out, why bother going to the Android market?
Hell, you can download my app from whereever you want. I was intelligent when I wrote the thing so that no matter where you get the APK from and no matter how many times you uninstall/reinstall it, it knows who you are and if you're licensed or not. So by all means, go for it! :D

[GasBot]

Because just copying and pasting something someone else wrote without attribution is wrong, period, no matter what the circumstances.

It's called plagiarism.

I'm sure that who ever writes the articles for the front page of AC would be pissed if that news was posted in another forum without a linkback.

Edit: Also, EVERY news site that I visit links to their original source, unless it's original content written for that site! This includes blogs and professional sites.
This isn't a novel people are writing here. Plenty of the news stories posted here came from other sites and visa versa. I'm sure if someone said something like "I just saw this over at Engadget" and then pasted the article in the post that we wouldn't edit it. Directly linking however is against the rules.

[tokyomonster]

Hell, you can download my app from whereever you want. I was intelligent when I wrote the thing so that no matter where you get the APK from and no matter how many times you uninstall/reinstall it, it knows who you are and if you're licensed or not. So by all means, go for it! :D

You're either intentionally or accidentally missing his point completely. If you'd like I can break it down for you.

[tokyomonster]

This isn't a novel people are writing here. Plenty of the news stories posted here came from other sites and visa versa. I'm sure if someone said something like "I just saw this over at Engadget" and then pasted the article in the post that we wouldn't edit it. Directly linking however is against the rules.

Did you skip over everything that designdawg posted in this thread before you start posting?

If so, I suggest you go back and check it out. He pretty much says that is not the case. If you interpret his posts differently, I'd love to hear your take.

And novel or not, time and effort goes into writing articles. Just like time and effort when into writing gasbot. If I were to circumvent your uberleet copy protection scheme and release the app for free, you wouldn't be upset?

[Stericson]

Because no site that's founded on news and members visiting wants them going elsewhere for their news. If you can get the same news here, why go elsewhere?


I am simply appalled by this and more. This is the whole reason why I "left" this community for XDA and others and because as mentioned in the first post, the technical information "just isn't here."

XDA does not del links to other sites, and it is far bigger than this community will ever be able to dream of becoming with their current policy.

Break the chains of tyrancy, Go explore the freedom that the internet offers! Unlimited information, unknown amount of sources, and noone to tell you where to be, what to do, or not to see. Thats the power of the Internet.

Stericson

[deserttopping]

The only thing I was linking to specifically in that post is the first edit.

My "overzealous" remark may be a bit..well, overzealous itself, but I had reposted the original(incorrectly) removed link, and that was removed as well and it was all a bit frustrating.

But like you said, we're getting things cleared up and straightened out and android community will end up being better because of it.

As my olive branch, here's some kittens:

[kittens pic]

just to clarify one small point...

images posted to AC should be added by uploading the file (the paperclip button in the advanced posting panel). cleaning up images posted by url is real tedious for us mods.

also, i love kittens.

[Stericson]

I don't know about the other mods, but personally I go to the other site, copy their post into the original post on AC and then delete the link.

We aren't trying to suppress information here, but just keep it here for our users who are searching the forum.


That is wrong as well, that's plagiarism.

Stericson

[Smalls]

Surely the official line on linking is that only material relevant to the G1/Android can be linked to (no matter what site) but only if a summary of the content is given or if the content is copied and placed in the a quote box. In both cases the link would be citing the source of the post and this should be standard practice. Obviously copying and pasting isn't the best way to go, but if you can't be bothered writing a summary....

[DaYuMu6ft7]

Interesting thread...

(filler)

[kitsunisan]

I get the point about not wanting to drive traffic to another forum, but to believe that someone would intentionally limit themselves to one form doesn't make sense. I'm a member of four android forums, because sometimes there are things I see elsewhere that I don't find here. I keep coming back here because I like the community. Thats what keeps people coming back, not pretending the others don't exist, thats what it seems like whenever a link is taken away.
Reading prior posts, some people here are getting a bit worked up, lets remember to keep things civil, we're all a community here.

[AndroidUser]

Speak for yourself, I'm a bot!

ha ha. Well I speak for the majority of us.
I do the same thing I post the majority of the post in the post and still leave the link at the end.

Nobody on this site is taking credit for the work either.
Deleting the link is not plagiarism TM.

Especially not when you put the article in QUOTES.
And then write the name of the author in the post.

[kitsunisan]

I just think those on android shouls be a community as a whole, not separated by forums. Maybe its because I came from a video gaming community, but you always saw posts from other sites with links on the xbox and psp sites I used to frequent. Its all about getting info out the fastest way possible, even if it meant linking to other sites. There is more of a "we're all in this together" feel to it, but maybe its because we're in a perpetual state of war against sony and ms regarding firmware updates we have to keep each other informed.

[tokyomonster]

ha ha. Well I speak for the majority of us.
I do the same thing I post the majority of the post in the post and still leave the link at the end.

Nobody on this site is taking credit for the work either.
Deleting the link is not plagiarism TM.

Especially not when you put the article in QUOTES.
And then write the name of the author in the post.

The post so good, it had to be posted twice.

[smoger]

ha ha. Well I speak for the majority of us.
I do the same thing I post the majority of the post in the post and still leave the link at the end.

Nobody on this site is taking credit for the work either.
Deleting the link is not plagiarism TM.

Especially not when you put the article in QUOTES.
And then write the name of the author in the post.

You're right, it's not plagiarism,.. it's content-theft. Even if you are crediting the author, you still have not received permission to reproduce the content. Note that this isn't a legal matter per say, it's an ethical one. It reflects poorly on the owners and users of the entire community.

[AndroidUser]

The post so good, it had to be posted twice.

Yup. it's called a mistake. AKA Being human.

[tokyomonster]

Yup. it's called a mistake. AKA Being human.

Don't take that comment seriously. Just felt like lightening the mood.

[AndroidUser]

You're right, it's not plagiarism,.. it's content-theft. Even if you are crediting the author, you still have not received permission to reproduce the content. Note that this isn't a legal matter per say, it's an ethical one. It reflects poorly on the owners and users of the entire community.

Take it as you will. At the end of the day it is ultimately up to the Leads and Heads. Not the staff or mods. You seem like you have a lot of input. Request to refused9150 to become staff or send him a message with the official code of ethics if it is that much of a concern. Until then we are going to continue to enforce the rules of this website.

[AndroidUser]

Don't take that comment seriously. Just felt like lightening the mood.


Mood lightened ;)

[tokyomonster]

Take it as you will. At the end of the day it is ultimately up to the Leads and Heads. Not the staff or mods. You seem like you have a lot of input. Request to refused9150 to become staff or send him a message with the official code of ethics if it is that much of a concern. Until then we are going to continue to enforce the rules of this website.

Can we at least know what the rules are? Designdawg said it's ok to link, susan and gasbot said it's not.

The whole purpose of this thread was for clarification of the rules..

[GasBot]

You're either intentionally or accidentally missing his point completely. If you'd like I can break it down for you.
I guess I just don't think that linking out is as big of a deal as you do.

Personally if I can click on a thread and read the information right there, I'm happy. Having to click another link to get it is a waste of time. I understand giving credit where its due and that's why I said that I wouldn't mind if someone said they had seen this over at some other site.

Please keep in mind that these are MY opinions, and not that of the Android Community website.

To be completely honest, I hate even having to click the links in talkback articles to see the full article, I wish the first post there would have the entire article so I didn't have to do a second click.

[GasBot]

Can we at least know what the rules are? Designdawg said it's ok to link, susan and gasbot said it's not.

The whole purpose of this thread was for clarification of the rules..
Just go with DesignDawg's explanation as I'm sure it's the correct one.

[smoger]

Take it as you will. At the end of the day it is ultimately up to the Leads and Heads.

I understand that. However, the mods are the ones who are in here trying to explain things to us. So if the "heads" say one thing, and then the mods say another, clearly not everyone is on the same page.


send him a message with the official code of ethics

if he needs me to explain etiquette and ethics to him, he needs to take a few more courses before he's ready to be running a website.

[GasBot]

I understand that. However, the mods are the ones who are in here trying to explain things to us. So if the "heads" say one thing, and then the mods say another, clearly not everyone is on the same page.



if he needs me to explain etiquette and ethics to him, he needs to take a few more courses before he's ready to be running a website.
He doesn't, that's the point.

[AndroidUser]

Can we at least know what the rules are? Designdawg said it's ok to link, susan and gasbot said it's not.

The whole purpose of this thread was for clarification of the rules..

I can see how it would be confusing. From my (unofficial) understanding we are aloud to link so long as the majority of the info from the link is found in the post, then that's fine.

Technically people are not allowed to post just a link.
Here's why: Since the growth of AC, we've been fighting spam like crazy.
What the mods job is, is to read the link to make sure that its a legit post. Then we add the article as well as the LINK.

Another problem we've been having is spam from competitors. People from other sites will come on here just to exclusively link all the info to their site. This is considered spam. In the rules we are not able to link to different Android communities. (Not my rules)

So yes we may link. As long as the majority of the post is included with the link. No we may not link to other Android communities.

For futher details contact refused9150 (http://androidcommunity.com/forums/members/refused9150/)