I have noticed lately that alot (ok maybe most) of the posts don't really have the appropriate information to help the readers of the posts. I have seen where one person posts 5 - 10 posts in a row w/ only 3 or 4 minutes between posts, that does not give you much time to get the information on the post & check to make sure it is not a repost, then type it all up and submit. Lately there have been alot of posts by the same people over & over (and I am not pointing fingers) which were obviously not verified because of the number that have dead links, incorrect links etc.

We all come here to 1. get freebies; and more importantly 2. to have fun, its not much fun when you basically have to research most of the posts yourself. Here are some things to keep in mind when posting:

Freebie Posting Suggestions

1.) If an offer is e-mail, phone, fax, SASE, in-store Etc. please put this in the title of your post.

2.) If it is a print out offer put (printer) or download put (download) etc. in the title.

2.) If an offer is only for a non-USA place please put this in your title.

3.) Please include the name of the company offering the freebie and a description of what the freebie is. Alot of us have no clue as to what is being offered. If you are also not sure check the home page. Remember it is better to put to much information, than none at all.

4.) Please make sure the offer works (best!) or put unverified in the title.

5.) If there is an expiration date please put this in your title.

6.) If you have a freebie which asks you to pick samples and list them, please post a link to the products.

It is possible to have alot of GREAT posts. Look for example at Selma, she is like a Freebie Jedi Knight.

Don't want to be mean, but I have these concerns which I am sure others share.

Please post here or PM me feedback on what I am saying.

Thank you.

P.S. Also I think a round of applause for the MOD's is not out of order. They do a great job!

Isis - it is NOT just you. I cannot begin to tell you how many times in the past week I have signed onto slick deels freebie forum, scanned the first few pages of junk postings and simply left in disgust without posting the new freebie offers I had found through my own research.

All these posts for recipe sites, urban legends, e-cards, posts with no description - just bare links, and other BS is annoying. That and the same 5 or 6 newer users are doing it and nobody is attempting to let them know this stuff is junk. The one time I politely suggested to somebody that normal web content that did not offer you something by mail or for downliad was not a freebie, those some new frequent posters jumped down my throat and not a single older member backed me up. Some of these junk-posters have racked up a lot of rep so somebody must like postings of ordinary web content as if it were a freebie.

Our Freebie forum is no better than Fark Wallet's now, in my humble opinion.

I really hope something can be done about this. Selma's thread about similar issues hasn't made a difference as of yet.

I used to love the freebies section here because it was clean, useful and sensible. Then there was that huge rash of innapropriate and senseless merging of new posts into old threads. A cure was put into place that sadly was worse than the disease. The new repost rule emboldened some PW Users to rush to post every old offer they could find as a new thread. Selma has tried to just repost the best of the best. her approach is laudible.

I realize that it won't be easy to fix the things that are currenty cluttering up the forum, but I do hope that the Mods try. I'd be happy if they simply posted an alert making it clear what is and isn't a freebie. if it's decided that webjunk is appropriate, fine by me. Maybe the majority feels that cute photos of cats, funny stories, recipes and e-cards ARE appropriate. If they do - it doesn't hurt my feelings. All it does is make the freebie forum irrelevant to me personally, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. My time could be better spent. Plus, it gives me more time to waste in the Lounge!:lol:

I don't see any reason to delete this thread. You have a valid concern and the Mods should and, I'm sure are grateful for the input.

I agree on the excess junk. When I started SD I hung around mainly in freebies and a little in HD. Now I tend to stay out of Freebies. Too many reposts. The only threads I open are the ones with a couple thumbs up and anything that Selma starts. Selma rules!!

Now I hang out mostly in the Lounge. It's a lot of fun there. The only problem with some people around here is that they take comments a little too seriously! Myself included sometimes. I have mellowed in the past weeks as I've gotten to know some of the posters here.

Maybe they can divide the Freebies section into more sub threads so you can go right where you want to go. By forcing the choosing of a thread topic could automatically segregate the threads.:)

I would like to say something, and I hope I do not offend anyone. I personally do not understand what the "fuss" over certain freebies is about. My Mom has a saying: One man's junk is another man's treasure." Just becasue you may not have a use for a particular freebie does not mean it is without merit to someone else. For example, the "recipes" thread that Nuala's Mom mentioned above. I actually thought it was a pretty neat and useful site. I liked the recipes and info that the OP shared with us. It was by no means a "junk" post for me, and I am not a N00b here, either. (No offense meant to Nuala's Mom, I was just using your example) :)

I would like to say something, and I hope I do not offend anyone. I personally do not understand what the "fuss" over certain freebies is about. My Mom has a saying: One man's junk is another man's treasure." Just becasue you may not have a use for a particular freebie does not mean it is without merit to someone else. For example, the "recipes" thread that Nuala's Mom mentioned above. I actually thought it was a pretty neat and useful site. I liked the recipes and info that the OP shared with us. It was by no means a "junk" post for me, and I am not a N00b here, either. (No offense meant to Nuala's Mom, I was just using your example) :)
:iagree: completely with the finzz-ster :)

This doesn't seem like too big of a deal.

The list the OP has is excellent and people who create threads should try to model it.

I think whether you like something or not is of a personal opinion and if you don't like it, then don't click on the link. It seems pretty easy...

:iagree: completely with the finzz-ster :)

This doesn't seem like too big of a deal.

The list the OP is excellent and people who create threads should try to model it.

I think whether you like something or not is of a personal opinion and if you don't like it, then don't click on the link. It seems pretty easy...:iagree: TMK44 and finnz2dlft, and everyone should model the info in Isis' post

No problem here. Keep all the great posts coming.

Here's an example of Isis and Nuala's Mom's gripe....mine too, particulary this one....

http://forums.slickdeals.net/showthread.php?sduid=17819&t=224934

it has absolutely no info except date and Film title. Lack of info does not make it a good post at all. it's bad, BAD I say.

Perhaps a friendly PM to our newer members would be a nice way to point out a few of these suggestions to them? It is quite likely that they are just trying to be helpful, but they are not aware of the non-spoken "freebie rules."

Friendly PMs are good. :nod:

Friendly PMs are good. :nod:


OK :) I would be more than happy to write a sample "draft" of something. Please let me know what you all think. Maybe this is something a mod could send?
Hello, *new member name here* I noticed that you recently joined Slick Deals, and have been sharing with us a number of items in the freebie forum. Thank you so much for your participation! It really helps make SD a wonderful place. :)

I would just like to give you a few friendly tips about posting freebies that some of the older SD members have put together. I hope that you will consider these in the future. Thanks again for joining us!

Freebie Posting Suggestions

1.) If an offer is e-mail, phone, fax, SASE, in-store Etc. please put this in the title of your post.

2.) If it is a print out offer put (printer) or download put (download) etc. in the title.

2.) If an offer is only for a non-USA place please put this in your title.

3.) Please include the name of the company offering the freebie and a description of what the freebie is. Alot of us have no clue as to what is being offered. If you are also not sure check the home page. Remember it is better to put to much information, than none at all.

4.) Please make sure the offer works (best!) or put unverified in the title.

5.) If there is an expiration date please put this in your title.

6.) If you have a freebie which asks you to pick samples and list them, please post a link to the products

that's great finnz!

that's great finnz!


Awww, thanks! :)

Please disregard ....
I missed the part where you said a Mod should send it.

To me, that is the main thing ....
that the administrator/Mods approve the guidelines and that they be the ones to post and/or send them. :)

Maybe suggestions such as those should come from a Mod and not from "older SD members". I know that you're not trying to be rude or anything, however, it is up to the administrator and/or the Moderators which guidelines should be in place.

I think that members can make suggestions to admin and mods but I don't think that members should PM their own hand-written guidelines to new members.
Just my humble opinion.


--


Brisar, if you take another peek at what I wrote, I mentioned that a mod should send that letter, not me or any other "regular" member ;)

Brisar, if you take another peek at what I wrote, I mentioned that a mod should send that letter, not me or any other "regular" member ;)
I know, I just edited it. :)


--

I know, I just edited it. :)


--


:heart: :nod: :)

sometimes I read too fast ;)


good to see ya finnz :hug:

Perhaps a Mod/Admin could comment on this situation?

E.g. it is in the works, everything is fine, it already has changed see here, this has been answered, etc.


Thanks.

This is just such a non-issue for me. I think the majority of the people come here for the hot deals, and only a small percentage come for the freebies. Am I wrong?

This is just such a non-issue for me. I think the majority of the people come here for the hot deals, and only a small percentage come for the freebies. Am I wrong?
I would say that at any given time, approx. 15 - 20% of the number of people that are in the Hot Deals forum are in the Freebie Forum....
which is a substancial number of people, I think.

I visit both forums all the time.

im in both forums all the time.

and def. lately i've gotten annoyed at posts regarding free downloads, e-cards, recipes and the like. im sure they have their place, but lately they are not being properly labeled. and yes this is recently due to a few newer members posting anything that says "free".

the other day i saw some sort of freebie that was offered in 2000, the OP pasted the description yet failed to read numerous times within it that it was from 6 years ago and was offered for a limited time. it seems to be getting more out of hand lately, but im sure the fix is nothing more then educating some noobs - which is the plus side.

Only gripe I have is generic titles like pens, folders, shampoo ect. Makes it hard when you do searches to make sure you don't repost.

good to see ya finnz :hug:


You too, sweetie! :)

As to the "hot deals/freebies" issue, I am here mainly for freebies, and socializing ;)

Perhaps a Mod/Admin could comment on this situation?

E.g. it is in the works, everything is fine, it already has changed see here, this has been answered, etc.


Thanks.
:whistlin:

:sorry:

:)

That's odd ..... not one Mod has stepped in here.

Maybe becuase the title says "Mods please don't delete" .....
maybe they are afraid of what they might find? :idontknow


:D

You know what, I have also been having a problem with the Freebies section. First, people, just to get rep points are posting the lamest things ever. Such as image hosting. I mean come on, there are a billion ways to host images!

Sigh. I guess I will be the lightning rod for this.

I have no problem with sending PMs. I have seen people request title changes via a mod-alert and those are also helpful. We have no way right now to force people to post the title correctly pro-actively but we can be as re-active as necessary.

If this continues to be a huge problem, pehaps we can get a warning for the repeat offenders.

Sigh. I guess I will be the lightning rod for this.

I have no problem with sending PMs. I have seen people request title changes via a mod-alert and those are also helpful. We have no way right now to force people to post the title correctly pro-actively but we can be as re-active as necessary.

If this continues to be a huge problem, pehaps we can get a warning for the repeat offenders.
Thanks :D

Where's the lightening bolt simile? :(

Here it is! :lightnin:

I have thought about this, and I am not sure why some people get so upset about postings. It is like we have a few people who feel like they own the boards and should have control over everything posted.

I really think all the negative comments about things should be said in private...private messages that is. (Good managers praise in public and criticize in private). There are a lot of unspoken "rules" on SD that make new folks less likely to want to post. I think even the “this is a REPOST” that are snappy by some members could be said in private. How about a "I noticed you posted XXXX, and this is a repost. On SD we only like to have an item posted once regardless of timeframe. Please use the search feature on the upper right corner to search, and search a few different ways (web address, item etc.) to make sure that you are posting brand new valuable information. Feel free to PM me with other questions. I know this place takes some getting used to. Thanks!

This could also work on a post instead of just typing REPOST!!!!!! I know it takes a second longer to be 'nice', but tone always comes over the internet as people being mean. I don’t think people bad things on purpose. They are usually lazy or ignorant. It takes a while to figure out what is ok and what isn't. Just because one member is an internet expert and knows where to find zip codes, recipes, free graph paper etc. doesn't mean all the other folks are. I have not figured out why some folks get so upset with posts. I understand why you wouldn't like the posts that do not have enough information.


I know I posted the free zip code search. Zip Code Link (http://forums.slickdeals.net/showthread.php?sduid=47355&t=191063 Zip code link) I use it daily at work, and thought if someone else wasn’t familiar with it (like everyone I work with) that it can be very useful. Maybe we need another “useful links” section under freebies for this type of stuff. The other thing that happens is that one person posts something like that, so others post their stuff too.



Nuala’smom – you always have great posts. Don’t let this get you down. I’ve started posting more in the sweepstakes forum than deals. It is easier to search and see if it is a repost!

Thanks Ray. You're the bestest!! :)

Thanks Ray. You're the bestest!! :)

not according to poll numbers :P

not according to poll numbers :P

Ouch!! That's harsh!! :lol:

Poor Ray. I think you are #1 mod!! :heart:

Ouch!! That's harsh!! :lol:

Poor Ray. I think you are #1 mod!! :heart:


;) awww, and it's even in WRITING so he can come back to reference it. you're sweet finnz!

not according to poll numbers :P
Usually the most popular people do not always play by the rules.

Ouch!! That's harsh!! :lol:

Poor Ray. I think you are #1 mod!! :heart:
I know somone who will be getting some reps:heart:

Freebie guide updated with the list of items and a one week announcement made. If the problem continues, please mod alert the threads with a suggested title change and we can then see if it is limited to specific group of people who are ignoring the suggestions.

Nuala’smom – you always have great posts. Don’t let this get you down. I’ve started posting more in the sweepstakes forum than deals. It is easier to search and see if it is a repost!

Don't worry 'bout me, sweetie. Life's too short and there's too much other fun stuff to do than spend time mod alerting bare link posts or posts of dead deals and so on. I just don't bother with posting new threads anymore or visiting the freebies forum very much. It's a vast wasteland of junk postings. That's my opinion and if people think it's harsh - tough.

This subforum is for suggestions and problems. I posted my opinion. If no one agrees with me - ain't no skin off my nose. Catch me in the Lounge. I'm done with The Freebies forum and the Magazines forum.

Hopefully, Selma will continue to post the decent offers for those of you who remain.

Rayzac's alert was very nice. Hopefully it will make some difference.

I'm Lounge-bound now. :lol: I'll be wasting my online time with that silly bunch of farking addicts! Beware PIG! I'm gonna sick FANG on you!:nod:

I know somone who will be getting some reps:heart:


I feel da love!! :heart:

Thanks for the forum guide update, Ray. Hopefully it will help our newer members. :)

I feel da love!! :heart:

Thanks for the forum guide update, Ray. Hopefully it will help our newer members. :)


hopefully they will read it and abide by it.

thanks rayzac. you're doing a good job.

Life's too short and there's too much other fun stuff to do than spend time mod alerting bare link posts or posts of dead deals and so on. I just don't bother with posting new threads anymore or visiting the freebies forum very much. It's a vast wasteland of junk postings. That's my opinion and if people think it's harsh - tough.


It's not harsh, IMO...I've been irritated out of my skin about it, too...I kinda feel like anything posted by a certain few is not even worth looking at, and why should I be the one having to fix/report the bare posts, expired, and bad links, and those few people getting all the rep points?

So after kvetching to my SO, I stepped back, took a break, and realized that I've gotten too invested in the freebies in specific and this whole site in general...so now I'm hanging out in the Lounge to chat rather than trying to snatch up Freebies, and I'm much happier, heh.

Although, I don't seem to have any extra time like I thought I would if I stopped haunting the freebies section... ;-)


...I miss the old days of killfiles... heh.

Freebie guide updated with the list of items and a one week announcement made. If the problem continues, please mod alert the threads with a suggested title change and we can then see if it is limited to specific group of people who are ignoring the suggestions.
:iagree:

FYI - I have not read all of this thread, but when in doubt, please Mod Alert. We, the Moderators, will be happy to make the final decision. But in the mean time, please don't single people out. In the end, they are only trying to benefit all of our members.

:iagree:

FYI - I have not read all of this thread, but when in doubt, please Mod Alert. We, the Moderators, will be happy to make the final decision. But in the mean time, please don't single people out. In the end, they are only trying to benefit all of our members.

Yes, ma'am. Sir. Will do. Hey, I'm not far from you...I'm in Sebastopol.
Howdy, neighbor! :wave:

:iagree:But in the mean time, please don't single people out. In the end, they are only trying to benefit all of our members.


:iagree: That is what I was trying to say in my above posts :)

im in both forums all the time.

and def. lately i've gotten annoyed at posts regarding free downloads, e-cards, recipes and the like. im sure they have their place, but lately they are not being properly labeled. and yes this is recently due to a few newer members posting anything that says "free".

the other day i saw some sort of freebie that was offered in 2000, the OP pasted the description yet failed to read numerous times within it that it was from 6 years ago and was offered for a limited time. it seems to be getting more out of hand lately, but im sure the fix is nothing more then educating some noobs - which is the plus side.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Gosh I am so tired I hit the modalert button by mistake. Sorry. Does anyone see a big difference in the caliber of posts since I first put this up? I would really like to know. I get a little frustrated and I think the MOD's are probably getting tired of me modalerting. I am not trying to point fingers and do appreciate how hard people "work" to get fresh freebies for everyone. I would love to get opinions!

I have seen a ton of reposts. What's funny is, the person who is making these reposts is generally just reposting something that she herself put up only weeks earlier! I think that she has lost track of what she has posted! :lol:

I have seen a ton of reposts. What's funny is, the person who is making these reposts is generally just reposting something that she herself put up only weeks earlier! I think that she has lost track of what she has posted! :lol:


If you post a lot sometimes it is really hard to remember if you posted something.....I know I do it sometimes too :lol: good thing repostbot catches it if I dont find it in a search

If you post a lot sometimes it is really hard to remember if you posted something.....I know I do it sometimes too :lol: good thing repostbot catches it if I dont find it in a search


True, but the 'bot either isn't catching th reposts or the OP is just ignoring it..... Oh well, I don't really care either way. It's just funny because this same person will often holler "repost" at other people! :lol: