Affiliate Links

[ericgtr12]

I find it odd when anyone raises concerns or a dislike for people posting affiliate links.

What exactly is the contention?

- They don't cost you anything
- you're posting the link, so you're not being coerced into buying something you otherwise would not
- They support a free service/community that you're enjoying

The only reason I can fathom for not approving of this practice, is that people would post affiliated links for their own benefit, and are missing out on clicks themselves.

Very strange.

Agreed here, I suspect many don't read the entire TOS before registering (myself included) but it is disclosed. It's no skin off of my back either way so IMO it's really a non-issue.

 

[annk]

Speaking as a forum user, given that it's disclosed in the privacy and data policy, it seems clear that transparency is in place here. People often don't take the time to read the privacy policy of sites to which they contribute content, but that's on the individual, not on the site that has disclosed the information as required.

Personally I'm fine with the affiliate links, I'm happy that there's such an easy way for a site I frequent to generate revenue.

 

[AutomaticApple]

Create a poll?

Eh, I would rather you create a reply with your specific thoughts.

 

[KaliYoni]

Now that I've begun paying more attention to links here, thanks to this thread, I've noticed that links in posts are shown exactly as the author typed them. It's only apparent the link has been changed to an affiliate link if you hover over the link to view the URL or if the link is copied and pasted and you look at the address bar.

I've also had another thought while reading over the posts here. I don't remember the ToS of most sites I've joined, especially if it's been a while since I signed up. I actually do review them (I used to work on acquisitions...long story) but the combination of time passing and not thinking about every single aspect of using a site when accepting a ToS means that the possibility that a seemingly "clean" link is actually an affiliate link is not exactly top of mind when engaging in forum conversations.