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I think affiliate links should be banned or restricted from this instance (self.main)

submitted 2 years ago by SymbolicLink to c/main

33 comments fedilink hide all child comments

I noticed this Wealthsimple Community pop up in my "active" list today.

Clicked in and noticed its empty, but the sidebar contains a sneaky affiliate link for the moderator of that community.

Same thing with the Wealthsimple Trade Community.

I think this sort of activity should be banned from here tbh, definitely at the mod level.

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[–] mxwarp 10 points 2 years ago (1 children)

I sincerely apologize for posting affiliate links in both communities. It was an oversight on my part and I did not intend to violate any rules. I have removed the links as per your request. I appreciate your feedback and guidance on this matter.

Thank you, everyone!

[–] Shadow 5 points 2 years ago (1 children)

Thanks! It's not a rule yet, but that's what we're all here to discuss.

[–] SymbolicLink 5 points 2 years ago

Yeah and I just want to make it clear I am not arguing that no one should post anything that benefits them. We all gotta eat, get that bag 💰, etc.

I think if affiliates are allowed, the rule should be that the proper disclosures are in place so anyone viewing the community knows who is benefiting. Then the community can decide if they are okay with whatever is happening, as long as the users know exactly what's happening.

I posted in a reply below but here is the FTC’s stance

You should disclose your relationship to the retailer clearly and conspicuously on your site, so readers can decide how much weight to give your endorsement. You could say something like, “I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.” In some instances – like when the affiliate link is embedded in your product review – a single disclosure may be adequate.