AndyH Loc: Massachusetts and New Hampshire

I have been chastised for posting a link in response to a member’s query in the Main Photography section. I did not see anything in the rules or FAQ on this forum prohibiting responding to a question with a link. Promotional linking is, obviously and appropriately, banned. But it seems to me a little counterproductive to ban answering a question like “Where can I find a...?” with a link that answers that specific question.

Please let me know if this is inappropriate. It seemed a little silly to post a new topic in the links and resources forum saying “Here is where OPWhatsisname can find the answer to a question he posted in another forum...”

I have been duly chastised by a member via PM but I have no idea whether he is an Admin or is just projecting his own interpretation and issuing his own directive. If this is a rule for any or all forums, it might be helpful to include it in the FAQ. I don’t see it there st the moment, but maybe I’m looking in the wrong place.

Andy

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

Right or wrong I've posted links to assist others for years and no one has ever protested.

Bobspez Loc: Southern NJ, USA

I've never been given a problem on UHH with inserting links to youtube videos or products on Amazon, or other websites, etc. that were relevant to the subject being discussed. Those links provided info to a greater extent than I could have done in writing. But if you are linking to an answer that you could have just as easily cut and paste or reworded yourself, that may have been considered rude. Sort of like when someone asks a simple question and are told to look it up in the manual or google it for themselves. It's like asking someone for their phone number and being told it's on page 356 of the phone book. As far as I know there is no such rule. A few people are self appointed admins but their opinion is just that, an opinion.

Haydon

Jerry posts links all the time in the Main section and constantly praised for it. I'd delete the PM and let them stew instead of you :)

AndyH Loc: Massachusetts and New Hampshire

I don’t want to violate any sacred rules, written or unwritten. I assume that the enforcer who pm’d me must be an admin from his tone and content. I may think it’s a silly rule, but if it’s a rule I will respect it. I’ve just never seen it in this form.

Andy

Haydon

Andy, if it doesn't have Admin underneath his name he isn't an admin. UHH is pretty open and some of the content that remains after being posted stuns me even today.

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

Chastised? Don't get it in a wringer over that. This is a public forum on the internet. Some of us are deranged and can write very well either.

Links are fine. Maybe you shouldn't have suggest that that particular OP was asking a "silly question".

AndyH Loc: Massachusetts and New Hampshire

Point taken. I tried to change it to “impossible question” but it was too late to edit.

Andy

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

Andy, you did absolutely nothing wrong. In fact, if a question can be answered appropriately, correctly and succinctly by using a link, why would one do otherwise?

If the member who chastised you would care to give us some reasons for his/her concerns, this is the perfect opportunity to do so. Otherwise that person does not have the courage of his/her convictions and should reconsider his/her actions. Perhaps an apology might be in order.

(NOTE: All PM's from disagreeing flamers welcome, but let's keep the thread civil.)

AndyH Loc: Massachusetts and New Hampshire

No apology needed or requested by me. He’s entitled to his own opinions and to try to assist the admins in enforcing “da rules”. Internet forums do have kind of a Wild West feeling, and sometimes a posse comitatis may make sense.

As long as it doesn’t turn into a lynching!

Photocraig

I think the issue on links is just posting an unsolicited link without a connecting purpose like illustrating a point, answering a Poster's question, of backing up a point with an authority. If members were ever chastised, we would probably see fewer snarky posts.

Enjoy the forum, there are a number of knowledgeable and friendly people here, and some really great photographers, too.

Tune in often,
C

AndyH Loc: Massachusetts and New Hampshire

I think a part of the person’s response was his opinion of Ken Rockwell. I am not a big fan of his reviews and opinions, but some of his pages provide factual and accurate information in a most comprehensive manner. He was a valuable resource for me as I entered this new digital world.

The Northrop’s, on the other hand... 😜

Andy

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Just put the ID on your ignore list and move on.

foxfirerodandgun Loc: Stony Creek, VA

Personally, being a new member here but also being involved on other forums that are connected to my other interests, I always welcome links which lead me to information that can improve my learning curve on whatever subject that I am involved in. I also like to share links which I feel may be of help to someone else as well. I feel that life is a learning experience from the womb to the tomb. Just my 2¢ worth on the subject. ;~)

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

Andy, it happened to me today.

How, when thoughtfully responding to a user post, if we have a web link that will assist in answering the question, can we be effective if no links are allowed? I understand if the posting is nothing more than a "hey this is a cool photographic gizmo, you should check it out," with an included link. That should go into Links and Resources.

But, if in Main Photography Discussion, if as happens daily, a user asks, for example, "where can I find an L bracket for a Fuji XT-2," and I post a link to a vendor, this is a problem? Are you supposed to write: goto the Yadda, Yadda, Yadda Bracket Company and find it one one of their web pages. It is kinda obscure and you'll spend hours looking for it, but it is what it is.

I will mention that the individual who sent me the admonishment, in his 1500+ posts, has a lot of embedded links in posts outside of Links and Resources. I, on the other hand, have close to 10,000 posts since I joined in 2013, so I think I understand how this place works.

Oh, I've asked if the user's posts have the force of law or are they just his opinion.

Check.