We have in the past deleted threads where a member started a new thread, just to fill it in with a list of links to resources elsewhere for a given topic or subject.

Here's one example of a thread like this. If you had seen the one that actually prompted this poll, I am sure you would be disgusted. It was full of broken, dead and crappy links - I deleted the thread since I was getting irritated just reviewing the links in it! The deleted thread contained about 150 - 200 links!

My question is, do you (members) want to see these kinds of threads here? YOU decide...

This poll will run for a month from today... at the end of the month, we will review the results of this poll and make the final decision based on the majority vote.

Ok to be honest I'm not to sure I like the idea. If member wanted to post a FEW links that they though were helpful and related to the topic I would be totally ok with that. But the biggest problem I saw with the example given was that there were too many links to control as a mod couldn't possible check each link and that would open us up to people posting anything. Plus I think this would only attract more spammers. So I vote that I'm not totally against this but not totally for it either.

I want to be clear about what this poll is actually about... this has nothing to do with REPLYING to a post with a link or 2 to relevant resources or web documents online elsewhere.

This concerns members who START a NEW THREAD just to post a long list of links for no apparent reason.

I vote no. Far too often it's people promoting their own sites. A new topic with just a list of links is far from helpful, you might find a funky new site, but most of them you already know. Then other people reply with their own links, and it ends up being a linkfest.

GF

I don't mind if people answer a question by posting links to other sites....but as per this topic, I agree with Garth.

I answered no. And to be honest, I don't think replies with a huge list of links is that helpful either. Don't get me wrong, 3 or 4 relevant links are great. But I have noticed that the ones that help most are well introduced and explained.

I think there should be ONE list named "links" that users can goto. They can also add their own links to this page by submitting a form, and then it is then reviewed by a staff member. Once the staff member approves it, then he/she will edit the list of links.

Links are a great resource for people. And in no way should be not allow users to post links for others. However, we NEED to have a place for links.

Maybe this form I am talking about should make you create a link, title, and description in order for it to be sent to review.

Interesting that as this poll seems to have run it's course, the post http://www.gidforums.com/t-2137.html is made in HTML forum.

By the way, I'm with the majority. A handful of links (3-6) is all that's necessary. I too agree with Garth. Maybe Bobby's idea would work -- let the postfest be started in it's own forum and if anyone's crazy enough to look thru it, more power to them.

Hehe...I was going to point out that post aswell.

A few relevant links are okay, maybe setting a maximum of 3 or 4 links per post. I dunno really, im new.