Are links allowed on Answers?
Linking, no linking, spam, sources… We have been getting a lot of questions about the inclusion of links on questions and answers. In this blog post we will cover each one explaining the differences, what is considered acceptable, and what is an infraction of the community guidelines.
What is considered Spam?
As a reminder, Spam is the word used to refer to unsolicited mail. This also apply to Answers. If you notice someone answering questions compulsively with a link to an unrelated site (usually a site offering money or selling products), Report It!! You’ve found a spammer.
Can I link to a question I posted?
We have all seen people closing their answer with a “Please answer my question http://au.answers.yahoo.com/….” But the question they link to has nothing to do with the topic you were asking about.
As an Answers user, I have received that kind of Answer myself… and it’s not nice! If you think about it, it’s the same as spam: unsolicited links… and that breaks the Community Guidelines.
But remember: if you want to include links to your personal website, blog or Flickr page, you are welcome to do so on your Profile Page. It’s great to let the community know a bit more about you, just do so on your profile. (To edit your profile page, click on My Profile, and then Edit My Info).
But what about links linking to relevant content?
Of course you can add these: that’s why we included the “sources” box on the answer page.
Have you posted or seen a similar question in the past? Do you know a web or book that might help the asker? Just paste the URL into the source box and you’ll be making your answer much more complete. And this is totally pro-Community Guidelines.
And remember: people can get to your question on the category pages, from your profile or doing a search… you’ll get the answer you’re looking for!
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