AstaHost does not allow links to be posted in the shoutbox. This is part of the forum and shoutbox rules. Staff will delete any shout that they find a link it.

So, why is this you ask!

If we let everyone post links in the shoutbox, then the shoutbox will always be filled with shouts like the following:


We have a list of recent topics and recent posts at the bottom of every page. People know that your post is there, they just either don't have anything to add to it or do want to read it!

The other reason for this is that we want discussions in the forums. If you have a new link, please make a new topic about it. The shoutbox is limited inthe amount of time a shout will be seen but a topic will last forever! Just don't post spam, referl links, or other unsolicited links in the forums! Basically, no free advertising!

Now, from time to time, you'll see a staff member post a link to assist a memebr. This is perfectly acceptable. Most of the time, these are internal links to help topics, rules, or sometimes topics that will otherwise answer the members question. This is because it is our job to assist the members and keep the forum orderly. pointing a member to an existing topic instead of letting them start a new one about the same thing keeps the forum tidy!

On occasion, you even see a link to another website. Again, this is usually to answer a question for a member. It is easier and quicker than sending PM's back and forth.

The real difference is the manner in which the link is posted! Was the link solicited or unsolicited (Was the link asked for or not)? If someone says, "Hey, anyone know the link for Google AdSense?" and someone posted it without referal data, it would be acceptable usually.

So, it is easier to just say no links in the shoutbox and then allow the staff to determine the proper exceptions.

If you are unsure, please don't post links inthe shoutbox.

If you have any questions, post them here.

vujsa

That makes sence. It is anoying in my opinion to have people try and link you to a topic. Most the time I use the "Last topic" and the "Last post" at the bottom of the page, because the topic is still active and more likly to get a reply. After a topic slips of the top 30 odds are the author isn't going to reply either. Sometimes however I find it nice to be able to get a link from the shout box, but I understand how anoying it is to filter the links. In most cases I would have to agree with the staff. Links are anoying and give people a way to spam. One quick question though, I got confused when you said no links but if someone asks for it you could give it to them in most cases (I took it a little out of context but don't think that matters). Would this be ok?
Example:
John: I am looking for a good search engine
Mike: You could use google com
It doesn't create a link but also gives the asker an answer without them needing to make a pointless post somewhere on the forums.
That's my input,
Sparkx

I have to say that I agree with the rule, but maybe a stricter system should be in place for enforcing it?

Maybe a warning system on the forums, where users can get warned for things (posts violating rules, shouts violating rules, etc.)...and if a user's warning level gets to high, they get suspended for a little while. Or maybe the higher somebodies warning level, the harder they have to work to get points?

Just some Ideas i was throwing around (sorry that this is a little off topic)

Getting back on topic, it seems to me like I have been to numerous forums where the shoutbox is filled with links, just as described, and that is the only purpose for the shoutbox (or at least the only thing it gets used for)....which pretty much makes it pointless, since it is just advertising...

Well said! That is perfectly good reasoning. I've take it people abused it like many many many years ago? All in all, it's still good to even PREVENT this abuse from happening! Go admin & mod teams! You guys rock!

[N]F

thanks man

It's all true. Even though I haven't been on this forum long enough to find members that put links in posts, it would be very annoying since everyone would have posted their site like OMG L00K MY KEWL SITE (url) OMG HAXXORZZ!!!! Heh, well that is exaggerated I think. But it could occur.

By the way, IF someone posts a topic about his website it should have some useful and relevant content as it is described by the author of the topic.

Exactly, posting a topic in the reviews section or wherever is fine, for sure. We aren't going to be linkaphobes all over the board as long as they are handled in a respectable manner. We just keep the shoutbox clean of them for the various reasons depicted. The shoutbox is too easily accessed and seen to clutter with that junk.

Yup, and really there is not any need to put links in the shout box anyway.

Don't think I have seen anyone who ever has...... lol.

Good idea to stop posting link is shoutbox!

Lol thats all u wrote? Seems to me that you just wanted some extra credits!!! If you want to get easy credits then at least seem to care about what someone posts! Maybe more than 8 words??? Especially if the topic is "no links in the shoutbox ,find out why" and your reply is "good idea to stop posting links in the shoutbox!". I wonder if you got any credits for that? Because if you did, I should get triple that just for pretending to care about this topic!