Any URL shortener rules for sigs, avatars, or the personal text field?

[AB de Royse777]

I have a question. Did you check with any of the mods if that shortened link in your personal text is allowed? Shortened URLs aren't allowed on the forum, but the rules might be different for sigs, avatars, or the personal text field.

This was asked by a user privately and I realized that I never had a thought about it but assumed that it's fine to use a URL shortener on personal text. I am still confident that it's absolutely okay to have it on the personal text unless any mod suggest otherwise.

Looking forward to know the exact rule.

Cheers,

PS: If I recall correctly then I have seen shortened URL in many signature campaigns.

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[JeromeTash]

Your shortened link is more than OK. What they don't want are those shortened links that first force users to view Ads. They can be so annoying.

5. No link shorteners that require users to view an ad.

[bL4nkcode]

I guess its fine to use link shortener as long its not required to view an ad base on forum rules, seen lots of campaigns use such bitly on their pm and signature link. Its much more reasonable on pm text since the required characters are too limited.

[Charles-Tim]

It is called personal text, anything about you can be there, so far the link is not about ads or is not a link to malacious site, it is perfectly fine. Or maybe you are thinking or the person is thinking that you are using it to advertise yourself as a campaign manager, you can use it for that, you are reputed on this forum, the link is even taking viewers to a link on this forum, nothing will be malacious about that, you are good to go. The reason why such ad links are not accepted is because there are many of such links that will later direct or lure someone to malacious site which can lead to scam.

[dkbit98]

There is nothing wrong with shortened URL's in signatures, in personal text or anywhere in your profile, just avoid using it in posts for sharing ref links.
My suggestion is to use custom bit.ly links, for example change 3cRVjFi to Royse777 or something similar.

[UserU]

Unless the Campaign Managers decide to check every participant's signature which is time-intensive, I'm pretty sure there might be some cases of using those paid ones.

[JohnBitCo]

I have a question. Did you check with any of the mods if that shortened link in your personal text is allowed? Shortened URLs aren't allowed on the forum, but the rules might be different for sigs, avatars, or the personal text field.

This was asked by a user privately and I realized that I never had a thought about it but assumed that it's fine to use a URL shortener on personal text. I am still confident that it's absolutely okay to have it on the personal text unless any mod suggest otherwise.

Looking forward to know the exact rule.

Cheers,

PS: If I recall correctly then I have seen shortened URL in many signature campaigns.

You're using the URL shortener yourself in personal text and it does not show any ads too, so its perfectly fine.

Since referral links are not allowed in the forum, some people use URL shortener which points to the referral links to get away with it. Those are infact not allowed.

[Pmalek]

Since referral links are not allowed in the forum, some people use URL shortener which points to the referral links to get away with it. Those are infact not allowed.

It depends. If the URL is part of your signature space or personal text, it is allowed even if it is a referral link. If the URL shortener is posted in a forum post, it shouldn't be allowed. All users seem to agree that Royse777's unique URL should be allowed, but hopefully someone from the admin team can remove all doubts once and for all. 

[Lucius]

Since referral links are not allowed in the forum, some people use URL shortener which points to the referral links to get away with it. Those are infact not allowed.

It is not true that they are not allowed, because there are still cases in which they are allowed, or rather, according to the moderator's interpretation, they do not violate the rules of the forum. If you want a concrete example, here's a ref link hidden behind a short link - don't even bother to report because it will stay unhandled forever.

[miningsetup]

It is not true that they are not allowed, because there are still cases in which they are allowed, or rather, according to the moderator's interpretation, they do not violate the rules of the forum. If you want a concrete example, here's a ref link hidden behind a short link - don't even bother to report because it will stay unhandled forever.

So as long as my short URL will not have milicious ads I will be fine to use it even if this is a referral link?

Question remains to check if the URL has malicious ads, someone has to click it and that will infect their device. Isn't it risky for the member who will report it? I assume they will report it after checking the URL.

It's also risky for moderators if they do not verify the reported post by visiting the URL before deleting the post.

[OgNasty]

As others have said, so long as it isn’t a malicious link or forwarding you to somewhere that would be against forum rules to post here then I doubt anyone would have a problem with it, outside of maybe whoever complained. Honestly, someone out there will hate anything you do no matter what. Just use your best judgement, try to be a good person, and don’t give a fuck what other people think. You’ll be happier.

[examplens]

I guess there is no problem if you use a URL shortener to track traffic statistic. I think it's even desirable to do that, to better track the effectiveness of any campaign.
of course, as long as there are not used shorten URL to "earn" by ads. It is most often pure spam, the visit is not direct to the webpage. and you can often find advertisements for fraud services or malicious links.

[AB de Royse777]

Turns out my assumption is the very common one. Till now no one thought otherwise and assuming the mods will have the same understanding. However, if there is any mode who have a different opinion then you are welcome to PM me about it. I am locking this topic.

whoever complained. Honestly, someone out there will hate anything you do no matter what.

No one complained. Honestly speaking 99.99% users on this forum so far are very nice to me.