signature rules limited to 2 links now?

[Brandon Sheley]

Why have you guys limited the sig links to only 2 external links?
Are you going to hold that rule to staff too?

Why did you change this all of a sudden? :down:

thanks
-Brandon

[veenuisthebest]

Its working good for me or maybe it would show the restriction on the next edit.

[Princeton]

Announcement regarding Signature Rules..
https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/showthread.php?p=1761118#post1761118

[anti-warez]

Announcement regarding Signature Rules..
https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/showthread.php?p=1761118#post1761118

How long do the members have before you'll be sending out the "signature violation" infraction?

thx

[KevinL]

So does this include Everyone?

# No signatures may have more than 2 external links - otherwise it will be considered as SPAM.

[anti-warez]

So does this include Everyone?

If it's fair, I would think it should ;) :up:

[nexialys]

actually if you refer to Princeton signature, there is no external link in his, and are actually links to internal articles, which is good for users information...

[KevinL]

Nah..I knew his were all internal. I was just asking..

[BSMedia]

Thanks for letting us know and giving the time to adjust!

[smacklan]

I understand this is not uncommon at many sites that don't want competition but I do sometimes wonder if the org is really committed to serving all of the vB community. If the org is not here to serve all, what/who is it here for then? (seriously)

[Lizard King]

I understand this is not uncommon at many sites that don't want competition but I do sometimes wonder if the org is really committed to serving all of the vB community. If the org is not here to serve all, what/who is it here for then? (seriously)
It is cleary served to Jelsoft as the addons is the part where vBulletin beats IPB or any other low cost forum solution. But Jelsoft always tries to deny this. It also servers to admins and mods of these site as Marco is paid via Jelsoft and other admins are making names for themself which of course increases their hourly rate ;)

[Paul M]

I fail to see what either of these posts has to do with signature rules.

[Lizard King]

I fail to see what either of these posts has to do with signature rules.
It actually is related to signature rules . But if you donot want to see the logic behind John's post , i agree with you , it may look unrelated.

[smacklan]

I fail to see what either of these posts has to do with signature rules.
The vB world isn't entirely made up of hobbyists. A rather large part of it consists of business people such as myself. A simple link to my site in my sig being prohibited because I offer a paid service or item seems discriminatory...just my personal perspective. I don't wish to make a product comparison but I will say that IPB seems to be a lot less "uptight" about these kinds of things and I don't notice the world coming to an end there for them because of it. Heck, they have an official resource site that is maintained quite well and I would venture to guess is appreciated by the whole spectrum of their users. Thats the only point I'm trying to make...how all of the users at the org perceive themselves as being treated.

[Hasann]

I thought the .org admins making monthly $2000 USD paid via Jelsoft.
What are you think

[Guest190829]

I thought the .org admins making monthly $2000 USD paid via Jelsoft.
What are you think

No....

And two external links should really be sufficient enough to display any of your endeavors (be it business or hobby related).

[Shazz]

Always had just 2, its funny how the thread turns into money relating issues :)

[Hasann]

No....

And two external links should really be sufficient enough to display any of your endeavors (be it business or hobby related).

but Marco Yes...

[nexialys]

Hasann, you really want to debate how much Marco is paid for being the representative of the company ?!... really?

you need to find some friends, have a walk, take a beer, maybe some base-jumping, and then come back and find some USEFUL post to make...

[smacklan]

And two external links should really be sufficient enough to display any of your endeavors (be it business or hobby related).
That's not what the new rule says Danny unless I'm misunderstanding it:

4 - No signatures may have promotional language* or offers for paid services or link to a page offering paid services.

[nexialys]

oh, and is it possible for us to report bad siggies now ?! i'd be frantic finding illegal signatures, all day long... ROFL!

[King Kovifor]

oh, and is it possible for us to report bad siggies now ?! i'd be frantic finding illegal signatures, all day long... ROFL!

Yes.

[nexialys]

/me is now on a mission...

have nothing else to do in real life anyway, hey

[Paul M]

I thought the .org admins making monthly $2000 USD paid via Jelsoft.
What are you think
I think you're taking the mickey. The admins here get $0 per month/year.

That's not what the new rule says Danny unless I'm misunderstanding it:
How are you understanding it ?

[smacklan]

I understand it to say no links in your signature to outside paid services sites (businesses) contrary to what Danny said. That is my issue...that you folks are bound and determined to push everyone out of here that sells a service or a product. I can see the next thing being no contributions to the site here if the author has a paid service site in their profile.

[KW802]

How are you understanding it ?Likely the same way anybody else would... that links to "paid services" (eg: a site that only sells commercial styles) is not allowed. One staff member says business links are allowed while another, whomever updated the rules, essentially says that they are not and you want to know what his "understanding" is? :erm:

[Paul M]

I understand it to say no links in your signature to outside paid services sites (businesses) contrary to what Danny said. That is my issue...that you folks are bound and determined to push everyone out of here that sells a service or a product. I can see the next thing being no contributions to the site here if the author has a paid service site in their profile.

Preventing simple links (to any site) was not the intention, just promotinal text - however, it did seem to read that way. The rules have been amended to hopefully make it clearer.

[smacklan]

Thank you for clearing that up Paul :) I can certainly live with the rule in that form.

[nexialys]

actually, Mambo number 5 can be interpreted vaguely, could it be rewrite?
A site name with a link to the main index page or forum page is all that is needed.that just mean that someone can put some other link, and someone up there will evaluate if it is that is needed ?!... my 2? would be to put the main forum url to announce their forum, period. btw, this would be easy to cut off by placing the homepage address in the postbit, so people would not have to put a link to their forum in their siggy... but that's just me.. lol

[Brandon Sheley]

Yes.

* nexialys is now on a mission...

have nothing else to do in real life anyway, hey

* Brandon Sheley is on a mission too :up:
I actually haven't seen many with more than 2 links since I got back. :o
but I do wonder how some are able to add an anchor link within text and it's fine, (Like Paul M for example) yet others are restricted to only linking to the forum itself, with no anchor text.
I just want to make sure it's okay to add text around my link and have an anchor text (as long as it's not promotional) before I go and add it again.

[Paul M]

Text is fine as long as its relevant, and not deemed promotional (So yes, I have Cable Forum instead of www.cableforum.co.uk)

[Brandon Sheley]

Text is fine as long as its relevant, and not deemed promotional (So yes, I have Cable Forum instead of www.cableforum.co.uk)

alright, good deal
Just wanted to check before I changed mine up :up:

[kevcj]

I would like to voice my opinion on this matter.

I have 3 active vbulletin licenses, but can only display 2 signature links.

Amend the rules so that people can only display links to sites that they have an active license for.

Moderators on .org and .com are quick to spot members that do not have a VB license. So I am going to guess that there is something in postbit, or in the members profiles that only mods can see. Something that displays the members active licenses.

Even though a link in your signature is not included with the price of VB, the people that spend the money should get the perks.

And - this would prompt people to renew their licenses faster. Mainly because they do not want to lose their backlinks.

Simply Put:

No active license = no signature links.

Active license = signature links, up to 4 or 5 forums.

Someone that owns a dozen VB forums, it would be intrusive to display a dozen links.

I agree with limits, but disagree with only 2.

[King Kovifor]

Actually, as vBulletin.org staff, I can only see if you own a license. We cannot see how many, the urls, or any other data. License checking is automatic and I believe just returns yes / no. That's all we have.

[nexialys]

i would agree with no signatures that promote anything... i just have that tagline, and everybody is happy with it.. :)

[Zachariah]

I do not see a problem. I am working on not allowing them @ all on my sites. I think all of that should be in your profile where it belongs. All they do is clutter up the threads.

It's nice that they allow anything :)

[Dismounted]

Actually, as vBulletin.org staff, I can only see if you own a license.
We don't even know if you own it... We only know if your email is on someone's allowed support list.

[kevcj]

We don't even know if you own it... We only know if your email is on someone's allowed support list.

Maybe its time to upgrade what kind of information the moderators can see?

=========================

Someone owns 1 VB license - they can have 2 signature links to that site.

Someone owns 2 VB licenses - they can have a signature link to each site.

Someone owns 3 VB licenses - they can only have signature links to 2 sites.

This is not just about me, there are people out there that have spent a LOT of money on this software. And now we are being told that we can not use VBulletin.org to build backlinks.

I know that my opinion will not change anyones mind on this issue. And that the 2 link limit will probably stay in place. I just think the limit is unfair to people who have bought more then 2 VBulletin licenses.

[nexialys]

there are people out there that have spent a LOT of money on this software.

the license is not a permission to advertise in their signature, i don't see the point here...

[kevcj]

the license is not a permission to advertise in their signature, i don't see the point here...

Thank you, but my main forum does not need "advertising" - it gets 2.9 - 3.0 million page views a month, 1,500 - 2,000 post everyday, 1,440 members visiting every 24 hours and 4,229 members visiting every 30 days.

This is about backlinks and keywords for Google.

Out of all of the forums I post on, vbulletin.org gives some of the best backlinks.

[nexialys]

but that does not explain to me why the guys here would have to give you permission to post your links in your signature anyway... this is a reason you want to apply, not something written in the license or elsewhere...

vb.org is not a target for backlinks, nor a place where to advertise, it's a service for the distribution of addons for vBulletin...

[Marco van Herwaarden]

vB.org staff can not see any details on a license. All they can see is if a useraccount is associated with a valid license or not. Providing more information would be against the Jelsoft privacy policy. The number of licenses will not be considered wehn determining the number of links allowed in a signature.

Thank you, but my main forum does not need "advertising"
This is about backlinks and keywords for Google.
A bit of a contradiction. You are using the links in your signature as advertisement, even if only to advertise your board better on google.

Out of all of the forums I post on, vbulletin.org gives some of the best backlinks.Hence why we don't want to decrease the value of a backlink from vB.org by allowing too many links to, maybe not as high valued, sites.

[kevcj]

Hence why we don't want to decrease the value of a backlink from vB.org by allowing too many links to, maybe not as high valued, sites.

I can fully respect that decision.

One of my original statements still stands. My suggestion is:

No active license = no signature links

Active license = signature links > 2.

Take the signature links away from the people that do not help pay the bills. And give them to the people that do.

If anything, this would decrease the number of outbound links. While encouraging people to renew their license faster so they can keep their links.

If this was implemented across both sites - .com and .org - members could lose a lot of links by letting their license expire.

One of my licenses is up for renew this month. I have no reason to renew at this very second. Most of the time I wait until there is another big update to the VB software, then I will renew and update my site.

But, if you take something away from me, such as a few hundred signature backlinks. And this might affect my sites ranking. Well, I have a solid reason to renew my license BEFORE it expires.

If you would excuse me, I would like to bow out. I have nothing more to say on this topic. Thank you for your time.

[Marco van Herwaarden]

We are already considering if we should disable signatures (disable, not limit the use of links) for unlicensed members.

If this was implemented across both sites - .com and .org - members could lose a lot of links by letting their license expire.
I do appreciate that you are trying to think about maximising the income of Jelsoft, but we are not going to create artificial boundaries only to increase sales.

[nexialys]

We are already considering if we should disable signatures (disable, not limit the use of links) for unlicensed members.

I do appreciate that you are trying to think about maximising the income of Jelsoft, but we are not going to create artificial boundaries only to increase sales.

boundaries?... i call this "privilege"... we have the privilege to have access to this site's resources ONLY when we're licensed, aren't we? so why letting non-licensed people have access to features most other vBulletin forums are not allowing?

if you visit some forums, you will see that guests and non-subscribers have no access to avatars, siggies, pm, etc... you already block pm, but this is just to avoid miscommunication/spam to members, it's not like a privilege so to speak.

ah, come on, i'm into it again...

[King Kovifor]

We don't even know if you own it... We only know if your email is on someone's allowed support list.

It was late when I typed that, but that's what I meant. Listen to him for that part of my post. ;)

[Brandon Sheley]

Just wanted to ask how long those with links to sites that aren't vb forums will be allowed to have them?
I mean, I got an infraction in one day, I see several Sr. members with links to their blogs, and other sites that have no forum to be found ;)
Just wondered how long till they get infractions or removed as well.

A site name with a link to the main index page or forum page is all that is needed.

Cheers
-Brandon

[Lynne]

Just wanted to ask how long those with links to sites that aren't vb forums will be allowed to have them?
I mean, I got an infraction in one day, I see several Sr. members with links to their blogs, and other sites that have no forum to be found ;)
Just wondered how long till they get infractions or removed as well.



Cheers
-Brandon
Not to sound like a b*tch, but I don't believe you really need to be concerned about that, do you? You only need to worry about yourself - Staff will worry about the other users.

[Paul M]

Just wanted to ask how long those with links to sites that aren't vb forums will be allowed to have them?
As long as they want, nothing in the rules says links must be to a vb forum.

[Brandon Sheley]

Not to sound like a b*tch, but I don't believe you really need to be concerned about that, do you? You only need to worry about yourself - Staff will worry about the other users.
Just making sure I don't get anymore infractions for things I didn't know about :)
As long as they want, nothing in the rules says links must be to a vb forum.

Good to know, I was under the impressing they had to be links to your vBulletin index, since that's what the rule said that I quoted.
I'm safe to change my 2 links now I guess :)

cheers

[Brandon Sheley]

so it seems this site has some users they don't care about and some they do
I got an infraction after a one day notice of my sig links being more than 2, yet I've seen several users who have 4 or 6 external sig links and no one seems to care
I've reported a few users and I know they have been around & posted, yet the links are still pointing to their sales pages

so why do some users get several external links and some get punished for having more then 2??

and ps, before another remark like Lynne's come up, explain why someone ppl have staff all up in their businesses, yet others seem to do whatever they want..

[Lynne]

The current rules state that a user may have links to two external sites. Sometimes a user has three links, but they are to the same external site, so that is fine.... *currently*. The signature rules are probably going to change to limit the total number of links Period, but currently total links are not in the rules.

Also, the rules state that there should be no promotional language and that Staff will ultimately determine if a signature is fine.

[Brandon Sheley]

The current rules state that a user may have links to two external sites. Sometimes a user has three links, but they are to the same external site, so that is fine.... *currently*. The signature rules are probably going to change to limit the total number of links Period, but currently total links are not in the rules.

Also, the rules state that there should be no promotional language and that Staff will ultimately determine if a signature is fine.

Hello Lynne,
Thanks for replying,

This is the exact rule, it says nothing about 3 links if they are to the same site.

# No signatures may have more than 2 external links - otherwise it will be considered as SPAM.

I think you know the user I'm talking about, if you see the reported post.
https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/member.php?u=57621
(sry Gio, nothing personal, there are several other examples)
I reported his post MONTHS ago, and yet he still has more then 2 links (as per the rules)

Why does he get away with it, yet I got an infraction with a one day notice?

All I ask is that we are treated fairly, I could really care less if I have any links out, but if you're (staff) going to punish one person for breaking the rules (which were made after my infraction btw) then the same rules must apply to all. ;)

regards

[Gio~Logist]

lol Brandon - I got into yet another argument with Paul who had just battled a dinasour, all because you realize you have a bit too many links? I honestly would have never expected it was you but ok.

First off, I was contacted as well for both my links and "promotional line". I changed my line and removed a link, and brought it down to 4, all pointing to one site - hence why I am now in the clear. You have 3 links pointing to 2 different websites and a banner mind you.

I also don't remember having that many links months ago, especially since ProvB Listings wasn't released months ago but ok. I understand your issues with the rules, you're not the only victim - I had to change a few threads as well as my signature but um, it's going to be fun when they look over this thread and only limit us further, proving your post to be 100% insignificant especially considering the extent of your signature.

Lets see where this goes.

[Brandon Sheley]

ps.. I have 2 links.. the banner and first set of anchor text are all under one link. (which btw I had checked with Paul before adding the banner to make sure it was ok)
You have 4 links to different pages..

and I don't really care, it's the principle of the matter
the rules say 2 links so that's what they should be
like I said, it wasn't anything personal towards you, there are many others with more than 2 links I was just using your profile as an example.

[Gio~Logist]

Well then in that case, it's still 2 websites. And the pages doesn't matter Brandon, it's the website itself - we both know that. I understand you are frustrated but I can assure you this is going nowhere but down for the both of us if everyone continues to complain - hence why i dropped the argument myself.

In addition, I'm in the clear based on what I was instructed via pm and the following quoted message below. I suggest you place yourself there as well and we both continue doing what we're actually here to do.

The current rules state that a user may have links to two external sites. Sometimes a user has three links, but they are to the same external site, so that is fine.... *currently*. The signature rules are probably going to change to limit the total number of links Period, but currently total links are not in the rules.

Also, the rules state that there should be no promotional language and that Staff will ultimately determine if a signature is fine.

[Brandon Sheley]

These are the Sig rules (https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/info.php?do=rules#sig)

Signature Rules

Staff will ultimately decide if something is appropriate or not.
No signatures may include a message intending to disrupt the peace and harmony of this board.
No signatures may include text or images that are obscene, vulgar, sexually-orientated, hateful, threatening, racist, sexist, discriminatory, and/or otherwise violates of any local or international laws.
No signatures may have promotional language* or offers for paid services. You may include a link (no text) to a page offering paid services.
Links to your site are fine unless your site violates the terms of service for Jelsoft. A site name with a link to the main index page or forum page is all that is needed.
No signatures may have more than 2 external links - otherwise it will be considered as SPAM. *promotional language - verbiage trying to convince readers to visit your site(s)



Which apparently need edited ;)
I don't see anything that says we can have multiple links if they are from the same site :)
If so, it looks like I can add more links to my site, as long as all links are to the same URL

ps.. it doesn't look like the right hand knows what the left hand is doing. :rolleyes:

The current rules state that a user may have links to two external sites. Sometimes a user has three links, but they are to the same external site, so that is fine.... *currently*. The signature rules are probably going to change to limit the total number of links Period, but currently total links are not in the rules.

Also, the rules state that there should be no promotional language and that Staff will ultimately determine if a signature is fine.

[Gio~Logist]

Bob says:
****, the longer that thread goes on the chances are they will amend those rules and stick it right up our arses
Billy says:
What does he think, they're gonna say "Ok lets make it 5 links guys"

There clearly is no Bob & Billy, but with that being said, let me be the first to sincerely kiss some ass and hope that we're not further limited after all the arguing.

The reason Lynne's theory works is simple. We've spent years arguing that we should be allowed to show off our services since we offer them for free on here. Because of that, they are trying to be somewhat reasonable. I believe a limit on the amount of unique sites will serve us well, something like 1 website with 4-5 links or 2 websites with 2-3 links I think would be reasonable. I think what really irritates them is the banner + link in your face combo, although I'm sure you have good intentions Brandon.

I argued with a cop the other day who thought I had robbed a house and tore my car apart only to find nothing. After arguing with him he gave me 3 tickets instead - lets all calm down before the same happens here.

[Brandon Sheley]

I'm just going by the rules ;)
if they didn't want the banner (which I just recently added, after I asked Paul) they should add that restriction to the rules.

so I guess we can have 4 links to the same site, even tho the rules clearly states that isn't allowed

[Oblivion Knight]

I never even noticed the "2 external links only" rule (I was away for 2 years afterall).. I've had 3 for a couple of weeks :o.

Ammended my sig to comply, even if I do think it's a bit daft.

[Brandon Sheley]

Has this rule become relaxed?
I see some users with 6+ links all separate external sites

just asking

thx

[ChopSuey]

Looks like it to me.

[Xencored]

Meh i allways piss about with my signature "its what i do! + avy*

Does this mean i cant do my pretty ^^ and smiles anymore :(

As for people with blogs Last year "06 May 2009 17:54" i got a Signature Violation for having my blog twitter and my sites Url on my Signature and now from what ive read that was fine back than :eek:

Ps. Brandon you made me spill my Drink!!!!
I'm just going by the rules ;)

[Lynne]

Has this rule become relaxed?
I see some users with 6+ links all separate external sites

just asking

thx
No, it hasn't been relaxed. If a signature with more than 2 different external links is reported, then we do something.

[ChopSuey]

No, it hasn't been relaxed. If a signature with more than 2 different external links is reported, then we do something.

How do we report this, PM or Report Post

[Lynne]

How do we report this, PM or Report Post
Just click the Report this Post button.

[Brandon Sheley]

k thx Lynne
glad to see things a bit more relaxed, it seems to make the whole community happy :)

[vbenhancer]

relaxed?

i got flu the other day, this is not relax...

[Brandon Sheley]

relaxed?

i got flu the other day, this is not relax...

apparently it is ;)
at least I am relaxed :D

[ChopSuey]

Just click the Report this Post button.

I did, nothing happened. The user still have 5 different links.

[Paul M]

No one has dealt with the report yet. It doesnt happen by magic ;)

[ChopSuey]

No one has dealt with the report yet. It doesnt happen by magic ;)

:o :up:

[saptakmandal]

Is here any way to automate this number of links allowed in signature ? I want to implement this in my forum..