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I break the rules and paid the price! :(

by Samuel McEdwards
31 replies
(Moderator Edit: This thread is fine as Sam is not asking why his thread was deleted. He knows why and is just sharing his experience. In this case, it's okay as he is not re-posting the exact same thing).

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Hi guys,

I thought I should share this so others can learn from what happen to me.

I was so excited to share my little success online since I finally made a decision to pursue internet marketing 7 days ago.

So, last night I wrote a post with photos of my earnings so far and links to the sources. The links happens to be my affiliate links. Honestly, I was not trying to market anything. Just wanted to share my excitement and success.

What I was expecting, is that maybe other warriors will want to know how I did it and I was willing to share that also.

I woke up this morning and saw a lot of replies for other warriors. I decided to go out for my morning fresh air with the hope to thoroughly read all replies and respond to any question.

I went out for my morning inspirational walk, came back and the threads were removed. Then I saw a private message from a moderator that was kind enough to remind me that affiliate links are not accepted in post or my signature. He sent me the link to the forum rules page.

I thanked him from the bottom of my heart for drawing my attention/reminding me of the rule. I really appreciate him doing that, since I don't want to lose my place here in the forum. I kindly asked if it possible for me to have access to the replies on the thread. Unfortunately, it was impossible.

I wanted to see those replies so badly, because I remember glancing at some good once before going out for my walk and I was think about those replies.

Unfortunately, the threads were removed and I lost all those valuable comments.

So, it's a painful consequence, but a good lesson for me. I learned that I should carefully check the rules and abide to them no matter what all the time!

What are your thoughts?

Have you experienced this before?

What's your story?

Thanks for reading and sharing.

- SAM
#break #paid #price #rules
  • Profile picture of the author Gengis
    Well i'm glad you understand that the rules are very important. We don't want spamming of any kind because that would ruin this forum..

    Good luck,

    Gengis
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  • Profile picture of the author salegurus
    Technically, you have just broken another rule...
    No offence but i find it hard to believe that you've been a member for over a year and you did not know that affiliate links are a no-no?
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    • Profile picture of the author Istvan Horvath
      Originally Posted by salegurus View Post

      ...you did not know that affiliate links are a no-no?
      As well as threads about deleted threads
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    • Profile picture of the author Samuel McEdwards
      Originally Posted by salegurus View Post

      No offence but i find it hard to believe that you've been a member for over a year and you did not know that affiliate links are a no-no?
      I registered for over a year but never used until recently. I was busy working 9 - 5, until I lost it. Now decided to get into IM.

      In this situation in particular I was just excited and concern about sharing. Thinking of nothing else.

      Originally Posted by salegurus View Post

      Technically, you have just broken another rule...
      A quick question Salesgurus: How have I technically broke another rule...?
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      • Profile picture of the author zartsval
        Samuel McEdwards
        Thank you for posting this
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      • Profile picture of the author salegurus
        Originally Posted by Samuel McEdwards View Post

        I registered for over a year but never used until recently. I was busy working 9 - 5, until I lost it. Now decided to get into IM.

        In this situation in particular I was just excited and concern about sharing. Thinking of nothing else.



        A quick question Salesgurus: How have I technically broke another rule...?
        Threads started about "Threads/Posts being deleted" are not allowed...
        I said technically as yours is half and half....
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        • Profile picture of the author MissTerraK
          John is correct about the threads deleted rule.

          Here it is verbatim:

          5. If your thread is deleted, do not re-post it. Do not post a thread asking why it was deleted. Read the rules, watch how things are done here, and figure it out. This is not complicated stuff.
          Terra
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          • Profile picture of the author Samuel McEdwards
            Originally Posted by MissTerraK View Post

            John is correct about the threads deleted rule.

            Here it is verbatim:



            Terra
            Terra thanks for your contribution. But I was, and I am not asking why my thread was deleted. I know why!

            I choose to share this so others will avoid my mistake and anyone with past experience can share if they want to.

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            • Profile picture of the author MissTerraK
              Originally Posted by Samuel McEdwards View Post

              Terra thanks for your contribution. But I was, and I am not asking why my thread was deleted. I know why!

              I choose to share this so others will avoid my mistake and anyone with past experience can share if they want to.

              I understand that. I was saying that and showing how you didn't break that particular rule.

              But while we're on the subject, I commend you for the way you handled your thread being deleted. Too many here have posted rants and gone as far as dis the Warrior Forum, its admin, its mods and even all of its members.

              You on the other hand handled it with grace and dignity as well as reaching out to others hoping they wouldn't make the same mistake you did. I actually found that to be quite refreshing!

              I wish you all the best here.

              Terra
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              • Profile picture of the author Samuel McEdwards
                Originally Posted by MissTerraK View Post

                I understand that. I was saying that and showing how you didn't break that particular rule.

                But while we're on the subject, I commend you for the way you handled your thread being deleted. Too many here have posted rants and gone as far as dis the Warrior Forum, its admin, its mods and even all of its members.

                You on the other hand handled it with grace and dignity as well as reaching out to others hoping they wouldn't make the same mistake you did. I actually found that to be quite refreshing!

                I wish you all the best here.

                Terra
                Thanks Terra,

                I wanted to make clear my intent of starting this thread. I am glad that fellow colleagues here appreciate the post.

                Once again thanks.
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    • Profile picture of the author JohnMcCabe
      Originally Posted by salegurus View Post

      Technically, you have just broken another rule...
      No offence but i find it hard to believe that you've been a member for over a year and you did not know that affiliate links are a no-no?
      I get what you are saying, but I don't think there was intent to cheat here.

      If you want to get picky, the OP is not breaking the rule about asking why a thread was deleted. He knows why and says so without whining about it. For that, I give him credit.

      Back to your original point, I can see how someone flush with excitement can grab the links to various things they have handy without considering they were affiliate links.

      We all screw up, and he's taken it with good grace.

      For anyone interested, there's a solid reason why the affiliate link policy has to be "zero tolerance". Like any IM tactic or method, too many so-called marketers believe in the mantra of "if it's worth doing, it's worth overdoing."

      The mods are all unpaid volunteers, and have better things to do with the time spent here working than trying to guess if an affiliate link is innocent, helpful or spam. In the olden days, occasional affiliate links were allowed as long as the product linked to was germain to the conversation, it was disclosed, and an alternate link was offered. Abuse made that approach impractical. Some days, it was hard to tell if this was a discussion forum or a classified ad site.
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      • Profile picture of the author Samuel McEdwards
        Originally Posted by JohnMcCabe View Post

        The mods are all unpaid volunteers, and have better things to do with the time spent here working than trying to guess if an affiliate link is innocent, helpful or spam.
        That was one of the things I appreciated in my conversation with the mod. That they are all unpaid volunteers and have business to run. This mod was taking the time he/she could use for his/her own business to help keep the forum clean.

        Even though it was REALLY PAINFUL to lose that thread before I could read the many replies that had come in, I felt as a beneficiary of the good of this forum, I shouldn't make the mods' work harder. But instead accept the consequence of my ignorance/action, learn from it, try not to repeat it and help others to do the same. After all, some of the good information, tips, skills and tricks I'm using in my new venture, I'm getting them from this forum.

        So, I thank everyone for the graceful comments on how I handled the situation. I am humbled! I hope that many more will take something good out of this and leave their thoughts/comments that will be helpful to anyone reading this thread.
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    • Profile picture of the author DickSwett
      Banned
      [DELETED]
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      • Profile picture of the author Samuel McEdwards
        Originally Posted by Art of Marketing View Post

        Sorry the post was deleted on a technicality because many people would have found it very inspiring.

        There is a No Re-posting rule but I am not sure if that means steer clear of the entire topic now or you can post again absent the affiliate links. I guess better safe than sorry but again it was a quality thread (success story) outside the offense.

        -Art
        Art, thanks for you comment. Appreciated.

        One aspect of my IM journey I will be implementing is sharing what I'm learning and the success I'm getting each day, week, month and years to come. I'll definitely be sharing these stories here in the forum. And the good part is that, this time around I know even better.

        If that thread hadn't being removed for violation of the forum rules, I believe I and many here could have benefited from it. That's the sad part and I blame no one for it, but myself.

        I'll make sure going forward all my posts are following the rules so everyone can benefit, while at the same time keeping the forum clean.
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  • Profile picture of the author pewpewpewmonkeys
    So, it's a painful consequence, but a good lesson for me. I learned that I should carefully check the rules and abide to them no matter what all the time!

    What are your thoughts?
    I think you missed the real lesson. You should see this as a punishment for going on an "inspirational walk."
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    • Profile picture of the author JennySweets
      Originally Posted by pewpewpewmonkeys View Post

      I think you missed the real lesson. You should see this as a punishment for going on an "inspirational walk."
      stop making me laugh. laughter is counterproductive. i must frown and be serious and stick my nose to the grindstone. and not proverbially either.

      At any rate - been there, done that. Not with affiliate links but I do think I've had 2 posts removed in my time here on the forum. Once in the very beginning (rookie mistake) and a second time - actually I still don't know why it was removed that time. (and for all i know i was just blind and couldn't find it because no one gave a rats patooty and the post was pushed into oblivion.)

      Anyway no worries- most people will unintentionally cross a line in here and have something removed eventually. Shite happens. Learn and move on is the way to go!
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  • Profile picture of the author Joe Lumbergh
    funny thing is... almost everyone adverttises something in their sig... but affiliates arent allowed :S

    i didnt make the rules

    sorry about your replies, keep it up!
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  • Profile picture of the author Long Beach Nathan
    Well at least now you know. I wouldn't worry about it too much. The important thing is to keep on going with whatever you were working on and scale it up. Don't let things like this get you down.
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  • Profile picture of the author wfjason
    Everyone makes mistakes and you have the guts to admit it which is not easy as not everyone would like to admit that they have make a mistake. Keep on going and please do not stop or give up
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  • Profile picture of the author InternetMarketingSmarts
    Sam,

    I remember your post and was thinking of PM'ing you about the affiliate links. I went through a similar situation with my own signature. But fortunately the moderators are great and let you know when you mess up rather than just ban you without an explanation or an opportunity to right your wrongs. Google should take notes. LOL

    I wouldn't worry about it. Ignore the "helpful warriors" (enter sarcasm here) that are criticizing you for not knowing better. I liken it to the terms of conditions we all ignore when signing up for a service or product online. How many people really read that carefully? You live and learn and fortunately there are some great moderators here at WF that understand we all make mistakes and are willing to guide us through it!

    Either way, it was great to hear about your success before the post was deleted!
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    • Profile picture of the author Samuel McEdwards
      Originally Posted by InternetMarketingSmarts View Post

      Sam,

      I remember your post and was thinking of PM'ing you about the affiliate links. I went through a similar situation with my own signature. But fortunately the moderators are great and let you know when you mess up rather than just ban you without an explanation or an opportunity to right your wrongs. Google should take notes. LOL

      I wouldn't worry about it. Ignore the "helpful warriors" (enter sarcasm here) that are criticizing you for not knowing better. I liken it to the terms of conditions we all ignore when signing up for a service or product online. How many people really read that carefully? You live and learn and fortunately there are some great moderators here at WF that understand we all make mistakes and are willing to guide us through it!

      Either way, it was great to hear about your success before the post was deleted!
      Thank you so much. I wish you had PM me the moment you thought about it so I could have edited the post. See now am tying to say it was your fault. lol. Just kidding.

      I am new and learning, so any helpful idea, suggestion, correction or criticism will be appreciated.

      Once again thank you.
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      • Profile picture of the author Steve B
        Sam,

        You should consider yourself extremely fortunate.

        It has been my experience that nearly all threads that get deleted here on the WF never again see the light of day and the poster is left wondering "what the heck" he did wrong. In your case, while the thread was rightfully axed, you at least understand the reason and thinking behind the mod's action.

        That is not always the case. I have had threads deleted but still don't know why, even after reviewing the rules. I just add those experiences to my "life's greatest mysteries" files.

        Steve
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        • Profile picture of the author rosalin herrera
          Originally Posted by Steve B View Post

          Sam,

          You should consider yourself extremely fortunate.

          It has been my experience that nearly all threads that get deleted here on the WF never again see the light of day and the poster is left wondering "what the heck" he did wrong. In your case, while the thread was rightfully axed, you at least understand the reason and thinking behind the mod's action.

          That is not always the case. I have had threads deleted but still don't know why, even after reviewing the rules. I just add those experiences to me "life's greatest mysteries" files.

          Steve
          lol XD like seriously? they didnt explain anything?
          hurm... some things are better left unsaid i guess. but dont take it at heart hehe. its good ur keeping it in dat greastest myteries files :p
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          • Profile picture of the author JohnMcCabe
            Originally Posted by rosalin herrera View Post

            lol XD like seriously? they didnt explain anything?
            hurm... some things are better left unsaid i guess. but dont take it at heart hehe. its good ur keeping it in dat greastest myteries files :p
            The mods around here are so busy that giving detailed explanations for every thread they delete (and the arguments that almost always follow) is just not practical.

            For example, today there has been a rash of cookie stuffing spam. Can you imagine how long it would take if every spammer got a written explanation?

            So, no, in most cases threads simply disappear.

            Samuel is lucky, in that he caught a mod in a generous mood and got his explanation. His graceful acceptance has likely earned him some "leniency points" should he stray again by making some other mistake. The thread would likely be removed, but the hand holding the Ban Hammer might hesitate and give him the benefit of the doubt.

            Contrast that with the obnoxious clown a few months ago who called the mods dishonest and claimed there was a conspiracy and dared the mods to ban him.

            Lesson to be learned? Don't dare the mods to ban you - it's a dare they'll take pretty much every time.
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        • Profile picture of the author Dennis Gaskill
          Originally Posted by Steve B View Post

          I have had threads deleted but still don't know why, even after reviewing the rules.
          You probably know this, Steve, but for the benefit of newer members ... sometimes threads are deleted when the OP didn't do anything wrong. From one of the rules stickies...

          6. Remember that threads get deleted for lots of reasons, most of them having no reflection on the original poster. They can be nuked because they're the umpteenth copy of the same discussion in a short period, because they're on topics which too often degenerate into flame wars, because they have nothing to do with making money, because they're pointless, because they tend to drift into bashing, and lots of other reasons.

          You can add because they're posted in the wrong forum to the list, as well as they just require too much babysitting because they draw too many self-promotional comments.
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      • Profile picture of the author InternetMarketingSmarts
        Originally Posted by Samuel McEdwards View Post

        Thank you so much. I wish you had PM me the moment you thought about it so I could have edited the post. See now am tying to say it was your fault. lol. Just kidding.

        I am new and learning, so any helpful idea, suggestion, correction or criticism will be appreciated.

        Once again thank you.
        My bad Sam! LOL

        You're welcome. Keep taking action and reporting back! It's always inspirational to hear fellow warriors making it happen!
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  • Profile picture of the author okashii
    Hey we all make mistakes, no biggie. The important thing is to learn from them, be humble and set things straight, just like you did Sam. That speak volumes.
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  • Profile picture of the author WillR
    Originally Posted by Samuel McEdwards View Post

    Honestly, I was not trying to market anything.
    Originally Posted by Samuel McEdwards View Post

    The links happens to be my affiliate links.
    I think those two things very much contradict themselves. If you included affiliate links then yes, the hope was for people to click on those links and buy things. That is marketing.

    Never the less, you've learnt a lesson.

    Many lessons though would not have to be learnt if new members took all of 5 minutes to read the rules before posting. Hopefully this will alert more new members to the rules.
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