Posting Links - Now Forbidden?

[Anh map 2,098]

Is there now a ban on posting links to outside sites that provide services such as attorneys?

I know the recent heated discussion concerned self promotion. But when giving info in a post we should not post a direct link but say "do a google search for xxx?" Or should members just PM the info to each other?

What are the acceptable practices?

[Usui Takumi 1,562]

I don't see how there could be. In the thread Tbone started we've been discussing a database that holds CS info....effectively linking to many civil surgeons. What would be banned would be where a civil surgeon who enters this site and posts information about his/her personal office.

Therefore it seems there must be proof of self promotion.

Edited December 8, 2009 by Sousuke

[Chica Yeyé 41]

it is. Check out last week's discussion here on Site subforum.

From the TOS:

• Advertise or offer to sell any goods or services for any commercial purpose, other than in areas of the Service that are intended for such uses.

• Advertise or offer to sell any services or products on the Forums without the written permission of VisaJourney.com.

[Captain Ewok 1,900]

it is. Check out last week's discussion here on Site subforum.

From the TOS:

• Advertise or offer to sell any goods or services for any commercial purpose, other than in areas of the Service that are intended for such uses.

• Advertise or offer to sell any services or products on the Forums without the written permission of VisaJourney.com.

More specifically if you have any financial stake, benefit or otherwise whether direct or indirect then no you can not direct traffic them the service. However if you just think they are really good and are not spamming the forum then feel free in most cases. See the TOS for full details.

[Chica Yeyé 41]

I remember reading you specifically asked not to link to attorney services. Does that still stand? Do tell.

[tallcoolone 102]

it is. Check out last week's discussion here on Site subforum.

From the TOS:

• Advertise or offer to sell any goods or services for any commercial purpose, other than in areas of the Service that are intended for such uses.

• Advertise or offer to sell any services or products on the Forums without the written permission of VisaJourney.com.

More specifically if you have any financial stake, benefit or otherwise whether direct or indirect then no you can not direct traffic them the service. However if you just think they are really good and are not spamming the forum then feel free in most cases. See the TOS for full details.

You need to review your policy with the moderators

[mox 298]

I too remember an all-out ban, specifically on immigration attorneys. Which is, imnsho, a pretty good policy.

[Nagishkaw 510]

it is. Check out last week's discussion here on Site subforum.

From the TOS:

• Advertise or offer to sell any goods or services for any commercial purpose, other than in areas of the Service that are intended for such uses.

• Advertise or offer to sell any services or products on the Forums without the written permission of VisaJourney.com.

More specifically if you have any financial stake, benefit or otherwise whether direct or indirect then no you can not direct traffic them the service. However if you just think they are really good and are not spamming the forum then feel free in most cases. See the TOS for full details.

You need to review your policy with the moderators

I can't imagine why.

[Chica Yeyé 41]

I too remember an all-out ban, specifically on immigration attorneys. Which is, imnsho, a pretty good policy.

That is what I recalled as well mox

[Ban Hammer 13,514]

I too remember an all-out ban, specifically on immigration attorneys. Which is, imnsho, a pretty good policy.

that was my understanding too.

[rebeccajo 14]

I don't recall a ban on attorneys. Could have missed it but - what I recall was a discussion about providing a "Review" section for the site where people could either trash or praise their lawyer.

[rebeccajo 14]

While we are at this - I'd like to add my perspective on "self promotion".

From my point of view, the act of promoting oneself financially for immigration purposes on this message board is more than "self promotion". Obviously it puts the site in jeopardy as a potential third party if an act of business that originated on Vj goes south and the injured party decides to seek legal recourse. Should a claim be filed based upon the unauthorized practice of law the consequences would be fatal.

Unchecked, the potential for abuse is wide. A member with a vested interest in "finding customers" could be soliciting them via the PM system on Vj. Members could find themselves essentially being "cold called" for services as "mining" for clientele here could be quite fruitful. Even when the lead party in such a venture is no longer welcome on the site, a "network" of "investors" in the business could continue the solicitations.

It's really quite worrisome, in my opinion. I suppose an attorney trolling the site could do equal harm.

As regards the original question - Ewok can set the filter to ban any link he chooses. Other site links have been filtered in the past - one in particular has been filtered for quite some time. The filter will diffuse the information both on the main boards as well as private messaging.

Edited December 9, 2009 by rebeccajo