PLEASE READ AND COMMENT Is it wrong for the virtual cruise threads to have lots of links?

I have reported the above post to GNHQ with the following comment.

I am self-reporting this post as an issue has been raised and I feel that, now that I am on awareness of the reasoning presented, that a ruling by GNHQ is needed please.

I don't see why StarDreamer. Admittedly I haven't been on any of them but if those on the threads are happy with the number of links posted I don't see a problem.

Anyone who doesn't like the threads for whatever reason, doesn't have to go on them. I'm sure that there's nothing in the guidelines as to how many links can be posted on any one thread.

'Happy Cruising' .

I haven't been going on the virtual cruises but occasionally drop in, though don't click on links as I haven't time. However, if I was older and home more, I would use links as they are an integral part of the experience.

Posters have the choice whether to click on links or not, so I don't see the issue.

I think the virtual cruise threads are an excellent idea and it's clear that many people enjoy them.
I think it would make Gransnet poorer, for its members, if you were prevented from having those threads.

agree with above posters

I don’t think they’re wrong at all, we can all choose which threads we contribute to and join in, carry on SD.

I generally find your links useful and interesting StarDreamer. If it’s a subject that’s not for me then I don’t click on them,

I believe what Stardreamer is referring to is the fact that another poster pointed out that everytime you click on a YouTube link Google are gathering more data on your personal likes and dislikes. Which it then sells on to advertising companies to target you

I don’t have any problem with the links to virtual tours, they are from a wide variety of sources and people can follow them or not as they choose.
I am uncomfortable though about the constant references to Duolingo, which is a commercial site, given that there are alternative ways of learning languages. I think some would construe that as advertising.

I honestly don’t see the problem and I don’t think anyone has said they have a problem on the virtual cruise threads. Whether we choose to open the links us our choice surely ? I know quite a few posters didn’t open one of mine ! Not sure why this has to be brought up and reported? There are no GN rules about it as far as I’m aware.

What meryl Streep said ….

What about the ‘Wordle’ threads Casdon? The New York Times is a commercial site, do you construe those posts as advertising too?

Has anyone else been targeted in the last few minutes?
Here’s mine. Literally less than a minute ago.

www.rolcruise.co.uk/cruise-deals/scenic-the-2022-2023-all-inclusive-5-star-river-cruise-sale.
This is what it’s about. Feeding the advertisers.

I see what you mean Casdon but it's a fact duolingo is free and many, many people use it.
It does contain adverts, tho, which I manage to ignore.

I dont think adverts are a bad thing though perhaps that's where we differ.

And blossoming s point about wordle is a good one.

Blossoming
The New York Times is not a data gathering company: Google is. Why do you think Google paid $1.6 billion for YouTube 15 years ago: advertising = money.

Not sure why this has to be brought up and reported?
Because someone on another thread was complaining bitterly and StarDreamer wanted clarification from GNHQ, which we now have.

I use Google and you tube multiple times a day. I am able to decide whether I need to worry about that or not. I am glad we have advertising, it provides a platform for alternative views.

But farnorth is right this has been thrashed out on another thread and GN have clarified their position.

Galaxy
Nothing wrong with advertising. It’s the way it’s used = psychology.

Blossoming

What about the ‘Wordle’ threads Casdon? The New York Times is a commercial site, do you construe those posts as advertising too?

I was thinking more of the constant references in posts to Duolingo and the intricacies of how it works, rather than the odd mention of it Blossoming. I don’t think the Wordle threads do that, but I may be wrong because I don’t go on them, people seem more focussed on the result they get each day. It’s a fine line between saying you use a particular tool/site, and others thinking you might be promoting it because of how frequently it’s mentioned. I’m not suggesting that’s happening, I just think that’s how it could be construed.

How about links for sea salt clothing, et al..?
Are they ok?

MichaelGransnet

Hi all, we're fine for Gransnetters to share interesting links on the boards.
Of course, if you have any concerns - for example, a post might contain a spam link - then please report to us and we'll take a look.

Thank you for clarifying.