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  1. Cogito

    Cogito Former Mod, Retired Supporter Contributor

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    Attention, please, regarding offsite links

    Discussion in 'Announcements' started by Cogito, Apr 21, 2008.

    Ok, putting on my moderator hat here.

    I'm seeing a lot more of these threads where someone posts a link and basically says, "Go visit this site, them come back here and comment on it."

    Folks, this is a writing site. I don't think it's too much to ask that you summarize what the video or site is asserting, and leaving the link for those who wish to see the original presentation.

    What does it matter? For one thing, many of these external sites spawn pop-up ads and other annoying features, and increase the risk of picking up tracking cookies and other malware.

    Also, note that links are not permitted at all in the Writing Workshop. The rare exception is links to authoritative references regarding technical issues (e.g. spelling, usage, or punctuation rules).

    So please make it possible to follow the thread discussion without clicking on external links.

    Thank you.
     
  2. Cogito

    Cogito Former Mod, Retired Supporter Contributor

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    REMINDER: Offsite links should be kept to a minimum, particularly youtube links, vendor links, and links to articles instead of a comment.

    Please do not direct members to other sites just to amuse them. If you're recommending a book, don't post a link to where they can buy it - everyone here should know how to do their own search if the book sounds interesting.

    And if you are referencing a news item, summarize the item and whay you find it noteworthy. Don't just send people offsite so they can come back and comment on it.

    If you quote short excerpts of an online article, you are encouraged to post the link to identify the source of the excerpts. However, do not repost lengthy excerpts or entire articles, because that exceeds Fair Use under copyright law.

    And again, links are not permitted in the Writing Workshop at all.

    Keep in mind that every offsite link is also an opportunity for malware - viruses, trojans, adware, and spyware.

    Thank you.
     
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