Internet Group Solves Free Ipod Mystery
June 25, 2005 11:19 PM Subscribe
Internet Group Solves Free Ipod Mystery I'm very excited to actually profit from all those ads I'm forced to cosume.
This post was deleted for the following reason: pyramid spam scheme
I have to wonder how long this will last until the advertisers figure out that they aren't making any more sales than they used to, because people only sign up long enough to fulfill the requirements for a free iPod, and the whole thing crashes.
posted by RylandDotNet at 11:39 PM on June 25, 2005
posted by RylandDotNet at 11:39 PM on June 25, 2005
People have been doing it for years, there have been several sites dedicated to doing this already. The problem is, the further down the line you are, the longer you have to wait. However, that said, I know many people that have been able to get ipods and other things doing this, so it is quite possible and legit.
Satyagraha
posted by thebestsophist at 11:50 PM on June 25, 2005
Satyagraha
posted by thebestsophist at 11:50 PM on June 25, 2005
The link says, several times, that one must “complete an offer.” They don't say what this means.
What the hell is that, any way? I'm not going to try this to find out, but what that means is the major factor in determining if this is a scam or legit. (legit.-ish).
posted by teece at 11:57 PM on June 25, 2005
What the hell is that, any way? I'm not going to try this to find out, but what that means is the major factor in determining if this is a scam or legit. (legit.-ish).
posted by teece at 11:57 PM on June 25, 2005
The offers are things like signing up for Columbia House or BMG, applying for a credit card, things like that.
posted by Kellydamnit at 12:06 AM on June 26, 2005
posted by Kellydamnit at 12:06 AM on June 26, 2005
You have to sign up for a trial of some kind of service; say Blockbuster Online, Audible.com, Columbia House, etc. You do provide a credit card, but are not charged until the trial period is over. Then you get five friends to sign up for an offer as well. It doesn't have to be the same one you used.
I decided to give it a whirl. The conga line may not work out, but I do know people who have done this and succeeded before, so I'm crossing my fingers. I signed up for the Audible.com trial, it seemed the one I was least likely to cancel later.
Since I do know people who have gotten iPods through this, I would have to say it's legit-ish, if you follow the rules.
posted by angeline at 12:07 AM on June 26, 2005
I decided to give it a whirl. The conga line may not work out, but I do know people who have done this and succeeded before, so I'm crossing my fingers. I signed up for the Audible.com trial, it seemed the one I was least likely to cancel later.
Since I do know people who have gotten iPods through this, I would have to say it's legit-ish, if you follow the rules.
posted by angeline at 12:07 AM on June 26, 2005
oh man, this guy is going to be rolling in iPods...
posted by Heywood Mogroot at 1:17 AM on June 26, 2005
posted by Heywood Mogroot at 1:17 AM on June 26, 2005
Conditions change over time as well. Now, they tend to be things where credit card numbers are involved, but I remember last summer that there were offers you could complete without giving anything other than a name and an email address. My guess is that those options were the most taken, and therefore found out to be completely and absolutely profitless first, and whose partners then dropped their tie-in the fastest.
posted by Bugbread at 1:32 AM on June 26, 2005
posted by Bugbread at 1:32 AM on June 26, 2005
So the last time this conga line was updated is May 4th, and there are 92 people in front of any new signups? Forget it.
I have actually had a lot of luck with these sites through simply paying other people to complete an offer or swapping a referral to one site for another. The way I see it, if someone signs up under me and gets paid 15 dollars to try out Blockbuster for a month at $9.95, it's not a pyramid scheme. The majority of folks that I do swaps with have no intention of ever pursuing a prize.
The referral scene really needs fresh blood from organized and friendly folks. At this point it is practically impossible to complete any of the Gratis sites through any of the various referral trading sites: everyone has signed up for them already! Offercentric is turning more and more into a shady company, and other sites have their own problems getting their affiliate sponsors to pay up.
It's too bad these sites are still seen as a pyramid scheme, because the ones run by Gratis are actually very trustworthy. Someone could make a really quick 300 bucks or so by signing up for ReferralSwapper .com and doing all 11 of the main Gratis sites for cash. Just be sure to only deal with Power Swappers with no negative feedback, and you're golden. Any of the Gratis sites have people offering 30 dollars for signups.
It's really easy. Just read the fine print on offers and cancel with plenty of time, and it's really simple to make a couple of hundred dollars at least. Doing offers for cash paid my rent in April.
ReferralSwapper is by far the best place to get cash for doing swaps. I can't vouch for how great the swapping market is right now, but honest new swappers with patience and good communication skills are an ultra-hot commodity at the moment.
Signing up costs $7.99 with the coupon code "swap". If anyone wants to use my link to sign up, that'd be neat, but completely up to you.
(For anyone doubting the validity of these sites, here's a list of the free stuff I've gotten:
$185 Paypal from DS4Free.com
$275 Paypal from DVRs4Free.com
$250 Paypal from PSPs4Free.com
$1000 check from AllThis4Free.com
512 megabyte iPod Shuffle from AllThis4Free.com
6 gigabyte iPod Mini from AllThis4Free.com
1 gigabyte iPod Shuffle from FreeiPodShuffle.com)
posted by Linkletter at 2:08 AM on June 26, 2005
I have actually had a lot of luck with these sites through simply paying other people to complete an offer or swapping a referral to one site for another. The way I see it, if someone signs up under me and gets paid 15 dollars to try out Blockbuster for a month at $9.95, it's not a pyramid scheme. The majority of folks that I do swaps with have no intention of ever pursuing a prize.
The referral scene really needs fresh blood from organized and friendly folks. At this point it is practically impossible to complete any of the Gratis sites through any of the various referral trading sites: everyone has signed up for them already! Offercentric is turning more and more into a shady company, and other sites have their own problems getting their affiliate sponsors to pay up.
It's too bad these sites are still seen as a pyramid scheme, because the ones run by Gratis are actually very trustworthy. Someone could make a really quick 300 bucks or so by signing up for ReferralSwapper .com and doing all 11 of the main Gratis sites for cash. Just be sure to only deal with Power Swappers with no negative feedback, and you're golden. Any of the Gratis sites have people offering 30 dollars for signups.
It's really easy. Just read the fine print on offers and cancel with plenty of time, and it's really simple to make a couple of hundred dollars at least. Doing offers for cash paid my rent in April.
ReferralSwapper is by far the best place to get cash for doing swaps. I can't vouch for how great the swapping market is right now, but honest new swappers with patience and good communication skills are an ultra-hot commodity at the moment.
Signing up costs $7.99 with the coupon code "swap". If anyone wants to use my link to sign up, that'd be neat, but completely up to you.
(For anyone doubting the validity of these sites, here's a list of the free stuff I've gotten:
$185 Paypal from DS4Free.com
$275 Paypal from DVRs4Free.com
$250 Paypal from PSPs4Free.com
$1000 check from AllThis4Free.com
512 megabyte iPod Shuffle from AllThis4Free.com
6 gigabyte iPod Mini from AllThis4Free.com
1 gigabyte iPod Shuffle from FreeiPodShuffle.com)
posted by Linkletter at 2:08 AM on June 26, 2005
You people are all fools... You should all be trying out MY pyrami... I mean my FreeStuffForFree Scheme!
It totally works! I know loads of people that have done it! I totally live off it - no rent - no food bills - I even get free call girls! I am just totally pimpin' it up!
Right so all you do is go to this link here and sign up with the GetRichQuick scheme! it only costs $2.99 - just get 100 other people to do it and I'll be rich... i mean you will be rich!
(For anyone doubting the validity of these sites, here's a list of the free stuff I've gotten:
$185,000 Paypal from WelfareMums.com
$1,000,000 check from Mel Gibson
A small island off the coast of Southern Australia from FreeIslands.com
A f*cking 20,000sq ft Gold Plated Titanium Shipping Container encrusted with f*cking Diamonds filled with 400tb iPods - signed by Bono.
A slap in the face from OhDearGodYouSuck.com
posted by Meccabilly at 4:10 AM on June 26, 2005
It totally works! I know loads of people that have done it! I totally live off it - no rent - no food bills - I even get free call girls! I am just totally pimpin' it up!
Right so all you do is go to this link here and sign up with the GetRichQuick scheme! it only costs $2.99 - just get 100 other people to do it and I'll be rich... i mean you will be rich!
(For anyone doubting the validity of these sites, here's a list of the free stuff I've gotten:
$185,000 Paypal from WelfareMums.com
$1,000,000 check from Mel Gibson
A small island off the coast of Southern Australia from FreeIslands.com
A f*cking 20,000sq ft Gold Plated Titanium Shipping Container encrusted with f*cking Diamonds filled with 400tb iPods - signed by Bono.
A slap in the face from OhDearGodYouSuck.com
posted by Meccabilly at 4:10 AM on June 26, 2005
I don't run that site Meccabill. If someone clicks that link and signs up I get 75 "points". I can exchange 950 points for 20 dollars. It's not lucrative.
ReferralSwapper.com is a community where people can either exchange swaps (i.e. you sign up for my site and I'll sign up for yours) or do swaps for cash.
All the information I gave is completely honest and with the best of intentions. It really is very easy to make a lot of money doing these things, people are desperate to finish up various sites. Many of the offers on Gratis sites are free or one dollar.
A pyramid scheme implies that the people at the bottom get nothing, with the people at the top getting a whole lot. If the people at the bottom are being reimbursed for their time instead and don't even bother to attempt completing the site, I don't see the "scheme".
Your extreme distortion of what I said is really uncalled for.
posted by Linkletter at 4:40 AM on June 26, 2005
ReferralSwapper.com is a community where people can either exchange swaps (i.e. you sign up for my site and I'll sign up for yours) or do swaps for cash.
All the information I gave is completely honest and with the best of intentions. It really is very easy to make a lot of money doing these things, people are desperate to finish up various sites. Many of the offers on Gratis sites are free or one dollar.
A pyramid scheme implies that the people at the bottom get nothing, with the people at the top getting a whole lot. If the people at the bottom are being reimbursed for their time instead and don't even bother to attempt completing the site, I don't see the "scheme".
Your extreme distortion of what I said is really uncalled for.
posted by Linkletter at 4:40 AM on June 26, 2005
Your extreme distortion of what I said is really uncalled for.
But funny as hell.
posted by languagehat at 6:19 AM on June 26, 2005
But funny as hell.
posted by languagehat at 6:19 AM on June 26, 2005
I never suggested that you ran the site, I was simply indicating my distaste for the whole enterprise.
If there is an easy way to get loads of cash and toys and prizes and funky things by simply doing the things you list above then great, more power to you. I'm sure you and everyone who joins up will have a richer more fulfilling life then those who don't.
The thing is there are hundreds of sites out there offering all sorts of GetRichQuick/WinThisAmazingPrize/Earn£100sAnHourFromHome/FreeHoliday/BecomeGod/Whatever
and most of these are scams. Now I'd rather just get my iPods etc. the old fashioned way, by paying for it. At least I know when I'm getting ripped off.
posted by Meccabilly at 6:19 AM on June 26, 2005
If there is an easy way to get loads of cash and toys and prizes and funky things by simply doing the things you list above then great, more power to you. I'm sure you and everyone who joins up will have a richer more fulfilling life then those who don't.
The thing is there are hundreds of sites out there offering all sorts of GetRichQuick/WinThisAmazingPrize/Earn£100sAnHourFromHome/FreeHoliday/BecomeGod/Whatever
and most of these are scams. Now I'd rather just get my iPods etc. the old fashioned way, by paying for it. At least I know when I'm getting ripped off.
posted by Meccabilly at 6:19 AM on June 26, 2005
Your extreme distortion of what I said is really uncalled for.
Your blatant abuse of posting rights here is what's uncalled for, Linkletter. This isn't your private blog where you can profit off of us; this a community site that would be littered with spam if more people like you decided to act in such a selfish way.
posted by SeizeTheDay at 6:20 AM on June 26, 2005
Your blatant abuse of posting rights here is what's uncalled for, Linkletter. This isn't your private blog where you can profit off of us; this a community site that would be littered with spam if more people like you decided to act in such a selfish way.
posted by SeizeTheDay at 6:20 AM on June 26, 2005
Your blatant abuse of posting rights here is what's uncalled for, Linkletter. This isn't your private blog where you can profit off of us; this a community site that would be littered with spam if more people like you decided to act in such a selfish way.
Good call there that man.
posted by Meccabilly at 6:24 AM on June 26, 2005
Good call there that man.
posted by Meccabilly at 6:24 AM on June 26, 2005
Personally, I think the original poster should be banned for this one. It's about equivalent to a self-link. It strikes me as quite likely that the author is on that list... and posted to MeFi in the hope of getting $FREE_COOL_WIDGET just that much faster.
I think it's a safe bet that this link is nolt for our collective benefit.
posted by Malor at 7:32 AM on June 26, 2005
I think it's a safe bet that this link is nolt for our collective benefit.
posted by Malor at 7:32 AM on June 26, 2005
Heh. I work for a radio station. We give away free stuff all the time. All you have to do is listen to the damn radio.
The other day, as I was leaving the office, I saw another listener standing in the office lobby, waiting for his free darth vader helmet, or his free tickets to Oz Fest, or his free (insert widget). I asked him, "Wadja win?"
He beamed at me.
"Osh Festht Thickeths!"
"Good man! Rock on!"
"I win sthuff here effry day!"
And it's probably true. There are people in our listening audience who simply listen to the radio, and call in when we give stuff away. It isn't that hard, and we give away hundreds of widgets a week.
But I know the truth, and the truth hurts. The truth is that the improved ratings that result from the increased "Time Spent Listening" Arbitron marks mean far, far more to us than making any individual listener happy.
That said, I do enjoy giving away free stuff, and whenever I have a new client I try to talk them into giving away product. Even if it's weird shit, like spray-on truck bedliners, or new brakes. Hell, last year we gave away a big house. Just gave it away.
I don't know what this comment was supposed to be about anymore. I think I'll stop commenting now. Hope I shed some light on something.
posted by Baby_Balrog at 8:05 AM on June 26, 2005
The other day, as I was leaving the office, I saw another listener standing in the office lobby, waiting for his free darth vader helmet, or his free tickets to Oz Fest, or his free (insert widget). I asked him, "Wadja win?"
He beamed at me.
"Osh Festht Thickeths!"
"Good man! Rock on!"
"I win sthuff here effry day!"
And it's probably true. There are people in our listening audience who simply listen to the radio, and call in when we give stuff away. It isn't that hard, and we give away hundreds of widgets a week.
But I know the truth, and the truth hurts. The truth is that the improved ratings that result from the increased "Time Spent Listening" Arbitron marks mean far, far more to us than making any individual listener happy.
That said, I do enjoy giving away free stuff, and whenever I have a new client I try to talk them into giving away product. Even if it's weird shit, like spray-on truck bedliners, or new brakes. Hell, last year we gave away a big house. Just gave it away.
I don't know what this comment was supposed to be about anymore. I think I'll stop commenting now. Hope I shed some light on something.
posted by Baby_Balrog at 8:05 AM on June 26, 2005
pracowity, funniest thing I've read this morning!
Ponzi Scheme
posted by Capn at 8:10 AM on June 26, 2005
Ponzi Scheme
posted by Capn at 8:10 AM on June 26, 2005
My roommate got a free ipod this way. I paid for mine.
posted by recursive at 8:18 AM on June 26, 2005
posted by recursive at 8:18 AM on June 26, 2005
DO NOT MAKE UP 6 E-MAIL IDENTITIES FOR YOURSELF AND TRY TO GET A FREE GIFT- IT WILL NOT WORK!
I would be happy to know as much about Them as They know about me, or people such as myself. I'd probably have a blog about it, and if I had the resources I'd probably start having these people watched.
posted by nervousfritz at 8:41 AM on June 26, 2005
I would be happy to know as much about Them as They know about me, or people such as myself. I'd probably have a blog about it, and if I had the resources I'd probably start having these people watched.
posted by nervousfritz at 8:41 AM on June 26, 2005
o_O
posted by Baby_Balrog at 8:53 AM on June 26, 2005
posted by Baby_Balrog at 8:53 AM on June 26, 2005
Nobody gets my Visa number. Are you kidding?
I'm getting my iPod the old fashioned, tried and true way: on credit. Soon, my pretty, soon....
posted by jokeefe at 9:42 AM on June 26, 2005
I'm getting my iPod the old fashioned, tried and true way: on credit. Soon, my pretty, soon....
posted by jokeefe at 9:42 AM on June 26, 2005
So, what you're saying is that the people you buy your iPod from will get your Visa number.
posted by trey at 10:02 AM on June 26, 2005
posted by trey at 10:02 AM on June 26, 2005
.
posted by loquacious at 10:14 AM on June 26, 2005
posted by loquacious at 10:14 AM on June 26, 2005
This is why we can't have nice things without paying for them.
posted by grouse at 10:26 AM on June 26, 2005
posted by grouse at 10:26 AM on June 26, 2005
Can we have something like this for recruiting new fivers?
posted by srboisvert at 11:09 AM on June 26, 2005
posted by srboisvert at 11:09 AM on June 26, 2005
Their "conga line" is a fifth-power exponential pyramid. At 5x growth per level, everybody on the planet will have to be on the list to get iPods for everyone at the 13th level. (And then, of course, 4/5ths of the planet won't have anybody left to sign up, so no iPods for them).
posted by gregor-e at 11:25 AM on June 26, 2005
posted by gregor-e at 11:25 AM on June 26, 2005
oh no you didnt
Seconded. Really, really poor form, Linkletter.
But very appropriate nick.
posted by Civil_Disobedient at 12:05 PM on June 26, 2005
Seconded. Really, really poor form, Linkletter.
But very appropriate nick.
posted by Civil_Disobedient at 12:05 PM on June 26, 2005
The thing is there are hundreds of sites out there offering all sorts of GetRichQuick/WinThisAmazingPrize/Earn£100sAnHourFromHome/FreeHoliday/BecomeGod/Whatever
and most of these are scams.
This is exactly what I said in my post. I told people to stick to Gratis-run sites, as they are a legitimate company, and to stay away from the other sites because most are scams.
posted by Linkletter at 12:07 PM on June 26, 2005
and most of these are scams.
This is exactly what I said in my post. I told people to stick to Gratis-run sites, as they are a legitimate company, and to stay away from the other sites because most are scams.
posted by Linkletter at 12:07 PM on June 26, 2005
Yech, sorry. Even if this post were just borderline, think if it was OK to post every such. Your advice on choosing a "conga-line" site is well-intentioned I'm sure but not suited for the frontpage. I think this is in poor enough taste I don't feel bad complaining about it in-thread while I flag it. Seriously: "free i-pod mystery"?
The very fact that these sites exist and *are* for real should clue you in that your identity as a consumer and your statistical soul are worth far more than the most succulent and fetishized of gizmos, scattered forth like dragon teeth on the plains of the internet to spring forth as soldiers to fill the ranks of the marketeers' armies.
posted by freebird at 12:10 PM on June 26, 2005
The very fact that these sites exist and *are* for real should clue you in that your identity as a consumer and your statistical soul are worth far more than the most succulent and fetishized of gizmos, scattered forth like dragon teeth on the plains of the internet to spring forth as soldiers to fill the ranks of the marketeers' armies.
posted by freebird at 12:10 PM on June 26, 2005
Really, really poor form, Linkletter.
If I'd made the same post without the link, it would have been fine. I was giving my opinion about the original post, which is what the purpose of comments on this site is.
posted by Linkletter at 12:11 PM on June 26, 2005
If I'd made the same post without the link, it would have been fine. I was giving my opinion about the original post, which is what the purpose of comments on this site is.
posted by Linkletter at 12:11 PM on June 26, 2005
I'd like to add my voice to those calling to have this poster made an example of. This post should be deleted and if the poster should get his/her posting priviledges revoked for a time. This is obviously not "best of the web", it's somebody trying to profit off the community. Such indiscretions should be punished as this kind of stuff has no place on MetaFilter. It's completely outside the theme and purpose.
Linkletter, the same should go for you.
By the way, MeTa.
posted by baphomet at 12:18 PM on June 26, 2005
Linkletter, the same should go for you.
By the way, MeTa.
posted by baphomet at 12:18 PM on June 26, 2005
Linkletter, the same should go for you.
Why is that, exactly? My post was on-topic and informative. If you have a problem with discussion of this topic, look at the original poster, not me.
If you have a problem with me making a link to ReferralSwapper I might benefit from in a paltry way, then I do sincerely apologize.
posted by Linkletter at 12:30 PM on June 26, 2005
Why is that, exactly? My post was on-topic and informative. If you have a problem with discussion of this topic, look at the original poster, not me.
If you have a problem with me making a link to ReferralSwapper I might benefit from in a paltry way, then I do sincerely apologize.
posted by Linkletter at 12:30 PM on June 26, 2005
Such a simple rule: don't self-link. Why is this so difficult to understand.
As gregor-e pointed out, this is a pyramid scheme ad. Flagged post.
posted by creeptick at 12:39 PM on June 26, 2005
As gregor-e pointed out, this is a pyramid scheme ad. Flagged post.
posted by creeptick at 12:39 PM on June 26, 2005
Linkletter: As per my clarification in the MeTa, it is not the discussion I take issue with. Indeed, the only redeeming value of this post has been the discussion about these kind of pyramid schemes. However, you obviously solicited your link with the intention of making a profit. You've been a member of this site for long enough to know better. If you'd discussed your personal fortunes with such endeavors without being specific, there would be no issue.
posted by baphomet at 12:44 PM on June 26, 2005
posted by baphomet at 12:44 PM on June 26, 2005
If you'd discussed your personal fortunes with such endeavors without being specific, there would be no issue.
Do you mean talking about ReferralSwapper at all, or linking to my signup page? I did debate doing so, but eventually figured that if someone was going to sign up they might as well do it through me. If I'd known it would have gotten people more riled up than the original poster (who in my opinion is the real problem here) I never would have added the link.
Again, I'm sorry for offending you, and I'm sorry for posting my link.
posted by Linkletter at 12:57 PM on June 26, 2005
Do you mean talking about ReferralSwapper at all, or linking to my signup page? I did debate doing so, but eventually figured that if someone was going to sign up they might as well do it through me. If I'd known it would have gotten people more riled up than the original poster (who in my opinion is the real problem here) I never would have added the link.
Again, I'm sorry for offending you, and I'm sorry for posting my link.
posted by Linkletter at 12:57 PM on June 26, 2005
i win!
posted by Hands of Manos at 1:03 PM on June 26, 2005
posted by Hands of Manos at 1:03 PM on June 26, 2005
Such a simple rule: don't self-link. Why is this so difficult to understand.
People have long posted self-links in the comments of FPPs if they thought the links were related to the content of the discussion. Or are you suggesting he is also mroz?
posted by weretable and the undead chairs at 1:04 PM on June 26, 2005
People have long posted self-links in the comments of FPPs if they thought the links were related to the content of the discussion. Or are you suggesting he is also mroz?
posted by weretable and the undead chairs at 1:04 PM on June 26, 2005
People have long posted self-links in the comments of FPPs if they thought the links were related to the content of the discussion.
That's what my impression was as well, and I don't think it's a very big mistake to make. I don't understand why people are giving me a harder time than the original poster.
posted by Linkletter at 1:06 PM on June 26, 2005
That's what my impression was as well, and I don't think it's a very big mistake to make. I don't understand why people are giving me a harder time than the original poster.
posted by Linkletter at 1:06 PM on June 26, 2005
Linkletter: Look at post #3 in this thread by thebestsophist. He discusses the possibility of legitimacy without being specific towards any company or service. This, to me, represents acceptable discussion. So it's the linking I take issue with, but I would still take issue with the mere mention of any specific service (although the context could change that).
Additionally, while I do appreciate your sincere apology, you and Mroz did the same thing and so for you to say that they are the "real problem here" is hypocritical. The only difference is that you did it in their thread and not on the front page, so if you want to qualify that as a lesser discretion I suppose you can go ahead. As far as why you're getting more attention than the poster, it's probably because the poster hasn't stepped up to defend him/herself, whereas you have.
posted by baphomet at 1:15 PM on June 26, 2005
Additionally, while I do appreciate your sincere apology, you and Mroz did the same thing and so for you to say that they are the "real problem here" is hypocritical. The only difference is that you did it in their thread and not on the front page, so if you want to qualify that as a lesser discretion I suppose you can go ahead. As far as why you're getting more attention than the poster, it's probably because the poster hasn't stepped up to defend him/herself, whereas you have.
posted by baphomet at 1:15 PM on June 26, 2005
ditto all the rest,
plus, wtf does "cosume" mean?
posted by Edible Energy at 1:18 PM on June 26, 2005
plus, wtf does "cosume" mean?
posted by Edible Energy at 1:18 PM on June 26, 2005
baphomet : "The only difference is that you did it in their thread and not on the front page, so if you want to qualify that as a lesser discretion I suppose you can go ahead."
As far as I've understood (as with weretable and the undead chairs), self linking in FPPs is against the rules (and, probably, by extension, self-linking within a More Inside), but not by other posters in the same thread. It's not so much a "lesser indiscretion" as "not an indiscretion", if the link makes sense in the context of the thread (no random self-linking just because one can).
posted by Bugbread at 1:37 PM on June 26, 2005
As far as I've understood (as with weretable and the undead chairs), self linking in FPPs is against the rules (and, probably, by extension, self-linking within a More Inside), but not by other posters in the same thread. It's not so much a "lesser indiscretion" as "not an indiscretion", if the link makes sense in the context of the thread (no random self-linking just because one can).
posted by Bugbread at 1:37 PM on June 26, 2005
you and Mroz did the same thing and so for you to say that they are the "real problem here" is hypocritical
This is incorrect, though. Mroz made a FPP linking to an obsolete conga line in which 460 people would have to sign up before anyone from Metafilter benefited in any way. This violates the "don't self-link on the front page" rule, as well as the "don't exploit the community" rule.
I talked about my personal experiences with the sites, and recommended the best service to finish them up. I also explained how to escape the "pyramid scheme" aspect of referral sites and vouched for the legitimacy of some. I did make a link to my signup page for ReferralSwapper, but self-linking within the comments of Metafilter is specifically mentioned in the rules as being okay. If it isn't okay because I get a buck when someone signs up, that wasn't in the rules for me to be aware of.
Self-linking in the comments of front page posts has always been a part of Metafilter, and is specifically in the rules as okay. I honestly wasn't aware that the dollar per signup was the sole and deciding factor between "perfectly okay" and "let's denounce this guy, call for the revoking of his posting rights, and make a MetaTalk post about it as well".
Mroz made a front page post trying to get referrals for their (or someone else's) FreeiPods site. It is a text ad. I made an informative comment about the sites, my experiences, and advice on completing them. I did recommend one site in particular for trading referrals, and I did encourage those who were going to sign up to use my link, but that's it. The comparison can be made, but to call them "the exact same thing" is a far, far stretch.
posted by Linkletter at 1:43 PM on June 26, 2005
This is incorrect, though. Mroz made a FPP linking to an obsolete conga line in which 460 people would have to sign up before anyone from Metafilter benefited in any way. This violates the "don't self-link on the front page" rule, as well as the "don't exploit the community" rule.
I talked about my personal experiences with the sites, and recommended the best service to finish them up. I also explained how to escape the "pyramid scheme" aspect of referral sites and vouched for the legitimacy of some. I did make a link to my signup page for ReferralSwapper, but self-linking within the comments of Metafilter is specifically mentioned in the rules as being okay. If it isn't okay because I get a buck when someone signs up, that wasn't in the rules for me to be aware of.
Self-linking in the comments of front page posts has always been a part of Metafilter, and is specifically in the rules as okay. I honestly wasn't aware that the dollar per signup was the sole and deciding factor between "perfectly okay" and "let's denounce this guy, call for the revoking of his posting rights, and make a MetaTalk post about it as well".
Mroz made a front page post trying to get referrals for their (or someone else's) FreeiPods site. It is a text ad. I made an informative comment about the sites, my experiences, and advice on completing them. I did recommend one site in particular for trading referrals, and I did encourage those who were going to sign up to use my link, but that's it. The comparison can be made, but to call them "the exact same thing" is a far, far stretch.
posted by Linkletter at 1:43 PM on June 26, 2005
Shrug. I did this. I got a free iPod. Took me about a week. Friends I had sign up for it mostly ended up signing up for Blockbuster's movie delivery service and cancelling Netflix, since it was cheaper.
It smells like a scam, but Gratis at least is pretty non-scammy. TOTAL NON SELF-LINK: RatetheOffers talks about which of the various offers/free giveaway sites are scammy/non-scammy.
posted by fet at 1:52 PM on June 26, 2005
It smells like a scam, but Gratis at least is pretty non-scammy. TOTAL NON SELF-LINK: RatetheOffers talks about which of the various offers/free giveaway sites are scammy/non-scammy.
posted by fet at 1:52 PM on June 26, 2005
My problem isn't with the self-linking. It's the linking for personal profit. Sorry if I didn't make that clear enough.
posted by baphomet at 1:56 PM on June 26, 2005
posted by baphomet at 1:56 PM on June 26, 2005
I have trouble deciding if this FPP is noise, breaks the guidelines or is offensive content. There should be an "all of the above except the good ones, with prejudice" in the options. On the other hand, I don't think Linkletter deserves such a hard time. Alas, he likes pyramids but in his first comment (the one some of you are complaining about) he explained clearly that following the link and signing would benefit him. And it was a comment.
posted by nkyad at 3:45 PM on June 26, 2005
posted by nkyad at 3:45 PM on June 26, 2005
It's not free, you work for it by harassing your friends and everyone you know into signing up. You are working for an advertising agency, and you are being underpaid, how else could they afford to give you an ipod and still make money?
STFU, stop wasting my time, and get a fucking job.
posted by furiousxgeorge at 4:12 PM on June 26, 2005
STFU, stop wasting my time, and get a fucking job.
posted by furiousxgeorge at 4:12 PM on June 26, 2005
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posted by Jack Karaoke at 11:34 PM on June 25, 2005