Paleo Diet and Paleolithic Diet Questions & Answers

Question

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Checking the FAQ I didn't see any mention of affiliate links in answers but such links do seem to me to be a form of self-promotion. As someone who just passed the 2,000 rep point mark and thus has magical powers to edit posts, should I edit the affiliate part of the link out when I see one, leave a comment about the link, flag the answer for moderator attention, or ignore the whole thing (if affiliate links are not a problem)?

edited May 29 2012 at 4:46

asked May 29 2012 at 4:03

Sol
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Kelly · Accepted Answer · 2012-05-29 15:44:11Z UTC

I tend to look at context. If someone asks "What is your favorite ...?" and someone provides an amazon link within an relevant answer, I'm OK with it. It helps me to see the product description, and I can choose to buy it with that affiliate link or not.

If however, someone answers a question in a way that I think that they're just using it as an excuse to put in an affiliate link, or just blatantly ends their post with an unrelated link then I delete that portion of the post, leaving a comment to that effect.

Congratulations on breaking the 2K mark!

MathGirl72 · Answer 2 · 2012-05-29 13:36:25Z UTC

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Why does it matter? Some people on this site have their own blots with treasure trovee of information. I'm all for their self-promotion if it helps me get answers.

answered May 29 at 13:36

MathGirl72
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That should be blog...and troves – MathGirl72 May 29 at 13:37

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An affiliate link isn't just a link to someone's site, it's a link to a product for sale in which the person providing the link is making a commission. I think people with affiliate links should disclose that they make money from that link. – Sol May 29 at 14:42

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But at the same time, can't we discern that for ourselves? I follow links that people provide and can decide for myself that it's pure crap if it is. If they pose a "question" under the guise of selling their snake oil, flag it and move on. It will be shut down by someone with that ability. If it is something that I decide may be worth my time, effort, and energy, I'll research it further, regardless of who is receiving the commission. – MathGirl72 May 29 at 21:25

Patrik · Answer 3 · 2012-05-29 16:59:36Z UTC

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There is no official policy just yet. Kelly's approach seems reasonable for now.

answered May 29 at 16:59

Patrik♦♦
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Matt · Answer 4 · 2012-05-29 17:30:10Z UTC

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Don't edit folks' questions, aside from serious grammar issues and/or tags. Definitely don't edit answers. If it's spam, just flag it and move on.

answered May 29 at 17:30

Matt
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Interesting. Not to be used for minor grammar/spelling issues? Why not? – Mike T May 29 at 17:46

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@Matt and Mike, both questions and answers are collaboratively edited. It is ok to edit major or minor errors in grammar, spelling, formatting, tags, etc., as long as you respect the original intent of the poster. The problem of inappropriate editing has been discussed previously: paleohacks.com/questions/90308/… – Ed♦ May 29 at 18:07

To avoid appearances of inappropriate editing, it's just better to edit lightly and selectively, that's what I was trying to say. Editing questions may help the asker get answers. Editing answers isn't worth the time, just write your own better answer and get it voted up. – Matt May 29 at 19:46

@Ed and Matt, makes sense. Thank you. – Mike T May 30 at 20:14

[Meta] Is there a policy against affiliate links in answers?

4 Answers