Question about WP.org forum rules

  • Harmony

    (@harmonywebworks)


    10 years, 9 months ago

    I just have a question as a new member here, wasn’t sure where else to ask, so I apologize in advance if I’m in the wrong place.

    I’ve read the forum rules:
    https://www.ads-software.com/support/topic/forum-rules-please-read-before-posting?replies=1
    and
    https://codex.www.ads-software.com/Forum_Welcome

    but my question is not answered there.

    So I am trying to help another poster (who is new to WP development), and he asked about css and workflow. He specifically asked if css for the WP theme was all done by hand edit or through WYSIWYG interface. I explained that some designers hand edit, some use WYSIWYG. I also explained that some use page builders (drag and drop) plugins.

    I wanted to give him some links to some of the more popular frameworks and plugins, some are premium (paid for). But I wasn’t sure if it would be a violation of the rules, so I refrained.

    TL;DR:

    Finally, the question: Is it against the rules as a Helper to link to commercial products if it is relevant to the question that the author asks and the Helper is not affiliated in any way with the commercial product?

    Thanks in advance for your help.

Viewing 2 replies - 1 through 2 (of 2 total)
  • Moderator Jan Dembowski

    (@jdembowski)

    Forum Moderator and Brute Squad

    Is it against the rules as a Helper to link to commercial products if it is relevant to the question that the author asks and the Helper is not affiliated in any way with the commercial product?

    That was a long build up. The definitive answer is “It depends”. ??

    I wanted to give him some links to some of the more popular frameworks and plugins, some are premium (paid for). But I wasn’t sure if it would be a violation of the rules, so I refrained.

    There’s a Pirate’s Code gag here (“the Code is more what you’d call guidelines than actual rules”) but it’s late for me…

    Sometimes a commercial product just fits the bill and that’s fine to reply with “Hey, this ACME product helped me out. Why don’t you head over to their website and present them with your problem. <Provide link HERE>”

    But… that honestly doesn’t happen that often here and those conversations have to be taken somewhere else such as the vendor’s site. Commercial products are not supported in these forums.

    https://codex.www.ads-software.com/Forum_Welcome#Commercial_Products

    The reason it doesn’t happen often is that there are many plugins and themes in the WordPress repository that can and do meet the needs of the person asking for help. Not always, but enough that commercial products are not frequently a presented solution here.

    Two things to be aware of:

    1. If the moderators notice that that becomes a member’s routine answer then that will probably get that member a shoulder tap of “Can you cut that out please?”

      That just falls under the spam test.

    2. Affiliate links are 100% not allowed. Some members have been, er, “cute” and provided a short link that redirected to another link with the affiliate code attached. That will get a person into real trouble in these forums.

    Other than that, if you think a commercial product is the right fit for a problem then sure recommend away. ??

    Thread Starter Harmony

    (@harmonywebworks)

    OK, thanks for the quick response.

Viewing 2 replies - 1 through 2 (of 2 total)
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