Blog Candy!

[Jeanne S]

Hey guys!

Just a friendly SCS Mod reminder that blog candy and other promotions or sales on your blog are not allowed in the forums on SCS.

Signature links to giveaways are also against the rules. No promotional language in your siggys please!

Thanks for listening.

[llevans]

Thanks for keeping us straight Jeanne!

[s_anthony]

That's one of the reasons why I posted, I want to know what people do to promote them.. I'm definately not trying to break any SCS rules here - this is or at least WAS a legitimate question - and now I see my original post has been deleted.

[s_anthony]

So obviously since the 2 other posts were deleted as well (which I don't agree with since this was a valid discussion - but that's must my $0.02), others don't understand the rules either apparently - so I would like to ask again, what do folks do to promote their blog candies or even blogs for that matter... within SCS rules... IS there anything that is done ? search engine tags, etc?

[Jeanne S]

Quote:

Originally Posted by s_anthony

That's one of the reasons why I posted, I want to know what people do to promote them.. I'm definately not trying to break any SCS rules here - this is or at least WAS a legitimate question - and now I see my original post has been deleted.

That was me

The reason it was deleted was not so much your original post, but the follow up answers that were coming rapid fire.

I posted this thread to set the record straight.

[s_anthony]

Ok I wanted to make sure, because I didn't mean to ask something to act as if I was promoting... but I guess this is a good discussion because folks don't know it's agains rules here at SCS to post promotional stuff.. I had a feeling but wasnt 100% sure... Thx

[Jeanne S]

Quote:

Originally Posted by s_anthony

Ok I wanted to make sure, because I didn't mean to ask something to act as if I was promoting... but I guess this is a good discussion because folks don't know it's agains rules here at SCS to post promotional stuff.. I had a feeling but wasnt 100% sure... Thx

I don't think a good many people understand that it's against the rules, so instead of letting the other thread spiral with a bunch of false information, I started this one instead.

Thanks for your understanding

[newtnewt]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeanne S

Hey guys!

Just a friendly SCS Mod reminder that blog candy and other promotions or sales on your blog are not allowed in the forums on SCS.

Signature links to giveaways are also against the rules. No promotional language in your siggys please!

Thanks for listening.

Thanks Jeanne! I would add to this that this is also applicable for gallery postings too.

[Jeanne S]

Quote:

Originally Posted by newtnewt

Thanks Jeanne! I would add to this that this is also applicable for gallery postings too.

Sure is. Thanks Jessica!

[Jeanne S]

Quick bumpity bump ;)

[JulieHRR]

Quote:

Originally Posted by s_anthony

Ok I wanted to make sure, because I didn't mean to ask something to act as if I was promoting... but I guess this is a good discussion because folks don't know it's agains rules here at SCS to post promotional stuff.. I had a feeling but wasnt 100% sure... Thx

Just wanted to add some clarification. :grin:

For those unaware, it is referenced in the SCS Terms of Service, here:

Quote:

Advertising/Solicitation

• You may not advertise your company, product or site in our forums or solicit customers. This includes but is not limited to your own specials, sales, open houses, stamp camps, products you sell on your website, etc.
• Posts that are promotional in nature or contain commercial solicitations may be deleted by one of the administrators or moderators.
• Posts that are informational in nature regarding a company or it's products are permitted.
• Signatures may contain a maximum of 2 links to business or commercial sites as long as no promotional language accompanies the link. Referral links are not allowed.

Many folks don't realize that postings or "announcements" of drawings/giveaways/blog candies, are actually "promotional" in nature because in order to enter one's name into the drawing/giveaway/blog candy, they have to do something. Generally, that means go visit the site were the candy/contest is being held . . .

Such posts leave folks questioning the motives behind the post.

Now, exposure isn't a bad thing, and neither is promotion--they are very good things! But, if SCS permitted promotional postings and promotional language within signature lines, our forums would then become overrun with everybody promoting their own thing, whatever that thing may be, and signature lines then become advertising billboards, which create what is referred to as "static".

The job of our Moderator and Administrative staff within the general forums is to reduce the static because the general SCS community forums were not created/provided to serve in an advertising/promotional capacity.

SCS requests that if exposure for a blog or website benefits an individual or business, that they please inquire about advertising here on Splitcoast. Ad revenue helps cover the maintenance and operation costs of SCS, comes in a wide range of options and rates, and, it doesn't leave any questions regarding motive.

Thank you to all who support the Splitcoast Community!

[Jeanne S]

Thanks Julie!

[Joan B]

Hmm, "static" sounds exciting!! LOL

[lisat_2003]

Thanks for posting the rules...I was wondering? I know there is a group of SCS bloggers and I was interested in joining that group...but wasn't sure where it was...or if it existed on SCS at all...anyway thanks for the clarification

Lisa.

[craftdoc]

Check out the sticky in Announcements.

[Jeanne S]

Bumpity bump

[Suzy_H]

Quote:

Originally Posted by s_anthony

..I would like to ask again, what do folks do to promote their blog candies or even blogs for that matter... within SCS rules... IS there anything that is done ? search engine tags, etc?

Yes there is a great way to promote your candy. E-mail Allison at Stampin When I Can. She has a fantastic blog that basically posts what is going on in the paper crafting blog world - in terms of candy, sketches, etc. She will help you to promote your candy just let her know the details! I honestly don't know how she does it.....

Her blog is:
http://www.stampinwhenican.blogspot.com/

[steubner]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Suzy_H

Yes there is a great way to promote your candy. E-mail Allison at Stampin When I Can. She has a fantastic blog that basically posts what is going on in the paper crafting blog world - in terms of candy, sketches, etc. She will help you to promote your candy just let her know the details! I honestly don't know how she does it.....

Her blog is:
http://www.stampinwhenican.blogspot.com/

You beat me to it...that's what I was going to suggest!
Anywho...btt!

[RockyMountainStamper]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Suzy_H

Yes there is a great way to promote your candy. E-mail Allison at Stampin When I Can. She has a fantastic blog that basically posts what is going on in the paper crafting blog world - in terms of candy, sketches, etc. She will help you to promote your candy just let her know the details! I honestly don't know how she does it.....

Her blog is:
http://www.stampinwhenican.blogspot.com/

I just found her site earlier today--GREAT to know about this avenue!

Thanks for the reminder, mods--you rock!

[Mom0fgirls]

Hi! I have a question on what is "promotional"

If someone were looking for people interested in a design team opportunity - could that someone post that here themselves? Would that fit under the "informational in nature" clause?

Obviously, the function of the design team is to promote the business - but the post is about the design team opportunity, not the business itself KWIM?

When I have DT notices posted - I always see them posted by another party. I'm not sure what the point of that is - unless it is to get around the self promotion issue. :confused:

[FaieeMom]

Ahhhhh...thanks Jeanne...I should have read this first! Now I'll go delete my OP since I swear I didn't know it was a no-no! Thanks!

Gabby

[imchatty]

Um....I am a dork. I didn't mean to break the rules with my post that got deleted. Sorry Jeanne.

[JulieHRR]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mom0fgirls

Hi! I have a question on what is "promotional"

If someone were looking for people interested in a design team opportunity - could that someone post that here themselves? Would that fit under the "informational in nature" clause?

Obviously, the function of the design team is to promote the business - but the post is about the design team opportunity, not the business itself KWIM?

When I have DT notices posted - I always see them posted by another party. I'm not sure what the point of that is - unless it is to get around the self promotion issue. :confused:

Hey, Catherine. I just realized this had not received a response so I'll have a go at it. ;)

Basically, SCS does not permit business or promotional use of the community forums or galleries.

Given that, forum postings by businesses or for-profit entities that solicit for employees or seek to list job openings, design team calls, etc. are more appropriately suited to the SCS Ad program, as opposed to the community forums.

HTH,

[Amanda_Sewell]

So just a quick question . . . is my siggy illegal because I have three DT linked and listed? How would I decide between which two are the most important? Just wondering if it is allowed ;)

Amanda

[JulieHRR]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Amanda_Sewell

So just a quick question . . . is my siggy illegal because I have three DT linked and listed? How would I decide between which two are the most important? Just wondering if it is allowed ;)

Amanda

The SCS Terms of Service requests that signature lines have no more than 2 simple, off-site links, and that they be devoid of promotional/commercial language.

[jailbirdstamper]

I think it would be great if we could have *one* thread where we could post our blog candy *one* time, per contest. If that absolutley is not possible, I have set up a blog candy site and if enough people want to email me their blog candies I could buy advertising on SCS - (hoping it's not an arm and a leg). It's just great to have all the contests in one place, but I understand how a site this big has to have rules. so maybe the mods could mull it over.

[ScrappinGalz]

Ok this is going to be a really really stupid question, but I still haven't figured out what exactly blog candy is and what its purpose is. I understand that you can't have it at SCS, but just for the general information of it all can someone please explain?

[jailbirdstamper]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ScrappinGalz

Ok this is going to be a really really stupid question, but I still haven't figured out what exactly blog candy is and what its purpose is. I understand that you can't have it at SCS, but just for the general information of it all can someone please explain?

blog candy is what a lot of people call a giveaway of some kind on their blog.

[Amanda_Sewell]

Quote:

Originally Posted by JulieHRR

The SCS Terms of Service requests that signature lines have no more than 2 simple, off-site links, and that they be devoid of promotional/commercial language.

Thanks for clearing that up for me. Fortunately, events have made it so it was easy for me to choose which ones to keep! I am now keeping with the TOS! I feel happy about that! You rock girlie!!!

[ScrappinGalz]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jailbirdstamper

blog candy is what a lot of people call a giveaway of some kind on their blog.

Thanks so much for the information. Now one last question. Why do they do it? Is it just to get stats of a blog up? I'm just not seeing the reasoning right now. :confused: Thanks again

[JulieHRR]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ScrappinGalz

Thanks so much for the information. Now one last question. Why do they do it? Is it just to get stats of a blog up? I'm just not seeing the reasoning right now. :confused: Thanks again

Depends.

Some people offer give-aways ("candies") because they simply want to thank their already faithful/regular readers.

Some offer blog candy to increase traffic/exposure. It goes without saying that the more traffic and/or readership a blog has, the more "valuable" it becomes.

If the intent of the give-away is to increase traffic/exposure, then, of course you have to "promote" (advertise) the give-away to make people aware that it exists, so that they will indeed go to the blog.

However, give-aways typically do very little to actually increase readership; many people visit the blogs just for the give-aways without any intention of becoming a regular reader. Some folks actually hit every blog candy they can find, so if they win, they can turn around and sell it on eBay, etc. Generally speaking, the stats will, of course, run high for the duration of the give-away, but then drop significantly afterwards.

HTH,

[ScrappinGalz]

Thanks so much! That answers my questions!

[Judy Anderson]

I joined scs at the first of this year and only looked at the art work and posted work. Then one day I branched out and went to the forum. Julie's message and someone else's suggestion cause me to change how I post art work. Here first and with info rather than link to more info.
Why do I tell you this? Cause someone else may have not received the info or related to at the beginning of joining.

[paperartist2]

hmmmm

[nickicole]

Thanks for the reminder.

[Chicks with Tape]

Thanks for letting us know, I had no Idea!! Erin

[MaryR]

re stampinwhenican.blogspot.com - I see that she has posted current things every day this week......

[MaryR]

Quote:

Originally Posted by gale

She is posting still, but not posting about blogs that are offering blog candy.

You're right - so sorry - I saw that she had lots of links and didn't realize they were blogs to check out instead of blogs with candy.

[va.sunshine]

I am so sorry about breaking the rules, I have seen links to blog candy soooo much I did not know that it wasn't allowed. Sorry. *~*

[ccmom09]

Glad to know.