How do you identify spam?

[Leila Raven]

In an attempt to create a site that functions well for all it's members while retaining as much freedoms as possible it's important for me to have a clear stand on what is and isn't considered spam.

For myself I basically identify spam as unwanted information in places it doesn't belong.

What becomes tricky is deciding not so much what is unwanted info, because something might be of interest to someone. Information no matter of what kind is going to be wanted or valuable to someone. So for me the focus is more on the aspect of 'places it doesn't belong'.

For me one of the identifying aspects of spam is it is intrusive. If someone -sends- me unsolicited information that I didn't imply agreement to, that is spam.

For me anything someone does on their page, or in a group they created, etc is not spam even if it's a bold advertisement. It becomes spam if someone then sends notifications to people that end up in their mailboxes and come to them, rather than waiting for them to come it.

Putting information in categories where it is on topic, where people who are interested in it can easily find it. Such as an advertising forum, a related group or post containing information, etc, a related link or website, on topic, I don't consider spam. Spam to me is when such information and links is out of context, off topic, and invasive.

I want members to be able to promote their related projects, sites, work, services, etc, in effective ways for everyone. What I don't want is spam.

What do you think?

 

[0tcg3an612pst]

So far, that is great.

Most of the spam I have seen on these sites  comes from cam girls, or people selling products that are far off subject for the site. Like you say, showing up in inboxes unsolicited. Because we cover a lot of ground in this belief, one could sell nearly anything here and not be too far off subject, but beyond a blog or feature that gives general notification, I would call anything that involves group mailings for sales spam.

[0tcg3an612pst]

Oh, YES! Spam! Comes in a can. Several flavors. Really hits the spot when I am on a high fat splurge! =))=))=))

[3q31ysrgkm1nt]

I don't mind people advertising their sites or business.  If they have it on their home page, that's great!  If they have it in a group that is relevant to that groups information, that is also fine.  I tend to have issues is when I get a repeated email in my email over and over in rapid succession.  One or two doesn't bother me, but 10 gets a little bit silly.

[Leila Raven]

Seems most people feel similarly, I'll take lack of responses as agreements... ;) lol.

 

[2plfbp3t40i7m]

Spam to me here, is the unadulterated sending of things that make no sense on a site to promote spiritual growth.  I agree with Fenzero as well...

[3nhfalupls5mp]

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