No referral code

[SamReomo]

There's a rule to not add referral code or referral link as it's considered referral spam. I want to know that does that rule apply to everyone? Also, I want to know that is it okay to post referral code on some occasions or in some threads where there's possibility?

I've noticed that in various signature campaigns and some other threads where OP's sometimes post referral link of the platform that they're promoting with a message that if you've not joined the platform yet then you may join it by clicking this link, something similar.

I've noticed that, but personally I thought it might be fair use of referral link however in rule number 4 it's clearly stated that "No referral code (ref link) spam." that's why I want to know that something like that also fall into ref link spam or it doesn't?

4. No referral code (ref link) spam. [1]

[Little Mouse]

"No referral code" vs "Referral link spam" both are different. If you are putting the link here and there, every time you post will be counted as spam. On the other hand, if you put referral link in a thread which itself isn't spam, have substantial value, that won't be counted as spam. Example- efialtis BTCGOSU ANN thread.

In signature campaigns or ANN thread, we use tracking link. It may be a referral link but that's there on purpose.

[Nwada001]

There are always exceptions to that particular part of the forum rules.

I can recall searching and reading through about this in the past because it’s very common to see referral links on ANN threads of casinos, and campaign managers can also share such links.

https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5172343.msg52557780#msg52557780

In the thread above where 1miau discusses the ref link, there were exceptions pointed out.

I know it is against the rules to post referral links only.
-snip-

Correct, but it's allowed if it isn't spam.
The only exception is if you're the owner or representative of the gambling website
and you're posting it as the official thread of your casino, that's normally tolerated because it isn't ref code spamming.
Example: wetsuit's thread - with "?r=4" as his ref link.

However, the description of your "review" is one of the example of ref link spam.

Technically they're against the rules, but people kinda started to get a free pass in the Gambling Discussion sub a while back. Personally, I don't really care about them regarding users like tipsters who are giving their picks away for free and include a ref link if anyone wants to put the bet through them. At least they're putting some effort or at least thought into their posts, but I'm sure many others (including mods) would disagree. If someone just signs up to post a ref link though that would be a different story. Theymos will probably say take them on a case by case basis but I'm sure everyone has a different opinion on in what context they should or shouldn't be allowed (especially regarding tipsters).

Edit: From the conclusion which I can grab from the whole thing, the rules are to prevent spamming or, in the name of promoting referral links, if it's added in a well-detailed discussion, it won't be considered as spam, especially when there is a sense to what's being discussed there and not just a referral link that's being shared, and each moderator is left with the decision to decide if the post with the referral link is regarded as spam or if it's worth considering.

[Lida93]

There's a rule to not add referral code or referral link as it's considered referral spam. I want to know that does that rule apply to everyone? Also, I want to know that is it okay to post referral code on some occasions or in some threads where there's possibility?

I've noticed that in various signature campaigns and some other threads where OP's sometimes post referral link of the platform that they're promoting with a message that if you've not joined the platform yet then you may join it by clicking this link, something similar.

I've noticed that, but personally I thought it might be fair use of referral link however in rule number 4 it's clearly stated that "No referral code (ref link) spam." that's why I want to know that something like that also fall into ref link spam or it doesn't?

4. No referral code (ref link) spam. [1]

What I understand by that rule no.1 talking about no ref link spam. It doesn't say don't apply referral link where necessary especially if such like would bring to light or more clarification with better informations about the message you're posting. But just don't make it a repetitive posting of same ref link unnecessarily. That's where the word "spam" applies.

[Oshosondy]

"No referral code" vs "Referral link spam" both are different. If you are putting the link here and there, every time you post will be counted as spam. On the other hand, if you put referral link in a thread which itself isn't spam, have substantial value, that won't be counted as spam. Example- efialtis BTCGOSU ANN thread.

In signature campaigns or ANN thread, we use tracking link. It may be a referral link but that's there on purpose.

It is true that no referral code" vs "referral link spam are different but moderators do not see it with their meaning. What I noticed is that referral link is allowed if it is posted on announcement threads and on signature campaign threads that are legit on this forum, but not allowed on other boards, even if it is just one post. People do report it and get deleted.

[Pablo-wood]

I've noticed that, but personally I thought it might be fair use of referral link however in rule number 4 it's clearly stated that "No referral code (ref link) spam." that's why I want to know that something like that also fall into ref link spam or it doesn't?

4. No referral code (ref link) spam. [1]

This is a fair use of referral link just has you have stated. I rule no 4. refers more to random use of referral link to spam threads and all. But for a signature thread the link of the project that wants to be promoted on the forum must be shared and it's not out of place for the manager to include their own referral code, bonus just have to be earned and in the case of sig thread the managers deserves their credit.

In a case where a referral link is shared outside a sig, bounty, announcement threads I think then it will be defaulting the rule no 4. But as long as it isn't randomly posted then that can't be considered a spam.

[Peanutswar]

It tells that you cannot spam your referral code by posting in different threads or could be a direct message to the members just to gain accumulated invites. But I guess it doesn't mean that you aren't allowed to use a referral code in your signature.

[Despairo]

There's a rule to not add referral code or referral link as it's considered referral spam. I want to know that does that rule apply to everyone? Also, I want to know that is it okay to post referral code on some occasions or in some threads where there's possibility?

Anyone can post referral code in their own thread, we will know how important or not our thread. If our thread are important, the moderators won't delete our thread and vice versa.

I've noticed that in various signature campaigns and some other threads where OP's sometimes post referral link of the platform that they're promoting with a message that if you've not joined the platform yet then you may join it by clicking this link, something similar.

But it's just on the first or second post right? it's different if the @OP keep bumping his thread along with referral link message.

[EarnOnVictor]

There's a rule to not add referral code or referral link as it's considered referral spam. I want to know that does that rule apply to everyone? Also, I want to know that is it okay to post referral code on some occasions or in some threads where there's possibility?
I've noticed that in various signature campaigns and some other threads where OP's sometimes post referral link of the platform that they're promoting with a message that if you've not joined the platform yet then you may join it by clicking this link, something similar.

Note that rules are rules, there shouldn't be an exception for anyone. Anyone caught violating it should be warned/corrected, or punished.

However, the difference in what you pointed out could be linked to many people doing this unnoticed, or unreported, which makes them go scot-free. Again, some might be punished, but you might not know about it.

To avoid issues altogether, I think you should follow the rule as guided by the forum.

[lionheart78]

Is it really forbidden to post a referral code?

See the sentence below and identify the difference.

"No referral code (ref link) spam. "
"No referral code (ref link)"

I bet anyone will distinguish the difference.  The first one forbids the annoying mass posting of referral codes while the second one totally discourages or forbids posting referral codes. 
This rule

4. No referral code (ref link) spam. [1]

Does not forbid posting referral codes but restricts the spammy use of it.

I think it is as simple as that, now the thing with this is how to know if the post that contains referral codes is spammy. 

I think it is discussed on this thread: Bitcointalk and reflinks: don't produce refspam, please

[SamReomo]

Thank you everyone for your knowledgeable and kind words. So from the replies and by reading that old thread I understood that in some cases it's not against the rules to add referral code in some threads like "Signature Campaign Thread" or "Announcement Thread," but let's say if someone who makes a very comprehensive review of a service/site then in that case adding referral link is allowed or in that case it's some type of spamming?

Also if someone creates a thread where his/her intention is to teach someone about trading or a trading concept in the most comprehensive way then in that case the OP of the thread can include his/her referral link in the end of that thread? Will that be fair use and allowed or that will also fall into domain of spamming?

Once again, I'm thankful to everyone who shared their knowledgeable and helpful opinion about the concern that I had, and I hope I will get some more light about the topic or specifically about the above asked questions.

[Upgrade00]

<snip> but let's say if someone who makes a very comprehensive review of a service/site then in that case adding referral link is allowed or in that case it's some type of spamming?

This shouldn't count as spamming. For it to do, they'll have to be creating multiple reviews of services or sites and including a ref link in all of them. A single thread can hardly count as spam.

Also if someone creates a thread where his/her intention is to teach someone about trading or a trading concept in the most comprehensive way then in that case the OP of the thread can include his/her referral link in the end of that thread? Will that be fair use and allowed or that will also fall into domain of spamming?

I think same applies here. If it's limited to a single thread and not being spammed across the forum, it should be alright.
It's worth pointing out that the rules are down to the interpretation of the mods in the end,

[xLays]

I’ve reported several threads before in the games and rounds section that use referral links. Most of the time, the moderators consider them good reports, but a few were marked as bad.
The ones marked as bad are similar to what Little Mouse mentioned usually cases where referral links are used only for tracking purposes.

I also saw some old threads before with posts like this, which seemed to be allowed at the time but I’d still like confirmation if this is still okay today:

Example of post that include like this:

My referral: https://bitcointalk.com?r=8r9IJSokSE
Without referral: https://bitcointalk.com

[The Cryptovator]

An announcement thread or signature campaign, both of which are promotional posts. Since promotional posts are allowed, the board, team or campaign manager could add referral codes to track the activity. They aren't shilling the referral codes everywhere. They are limited to a post and certain boards. If you intentionally try to shill referral codes, then your post would be removed upon report, and repeating the same things would lead to getting a ban.

Moderators take action based on circumstances when you report a thread including referral codes. So they will verify what kind of post, and they will take the right decision. I never report any signature thread or announcement thread ever, but reported shilling posts include referral codes that are marked as good.

[Cryptohygenic]

Op keep listing these rules by numbers, what rules specifically if I may ask?
I think regularly reposting a particular link could be spamming because it is assumed the texts are repetitive.