What is a discussion?

I agree that certain post belong in certain sections, that's probably why there are more than one section. I am fairly new to Biznik and had made a post in what I considered to be the wrong section but was unable to find the delete button. I am not as active in the forums as others but I often find alot of useful and interesting discussions here.

The reason I am doing it is that I have found getting info out needs a little extra effort. I also contribute to the dialogue where it makes sense. One reason I title it as an Event listing is that readers can easily identify what I will be talking about. Those that are interested will read it (I check who's look at the post)

So I am one that has done it, but I certainly do not make it a habit or a constant post. Then I would be going way over the line.

Bob,

I totally agree with the POV you've put on the table. The system is separated into sections and categories for a very specific reason: to help the system run more efficiently and effectively overall.

There's always going to be some grey areas of crossover, but to post things where they obviously "don't belong" only serves to bog down the system and make the things that DO belong in those areas more difficult to surf.

One universal pitfall of BB's is multiple postings of the same topic. This usually happens when someone doesn't take the time to search their topic prior to posting, but often the idea is so prominent in their mind that they feel as if it should be a stand alone thread.

In many cases, a quick search for prior to posting has provided me with a lot of helpful feedback instantly. I think the option to search a BB system is an invaluable tool.

One other worm for your can It's also helpful if requesting for someone to add you to their network to provide at least some reason to connect within the request. If I receive a request to connect from someone who'd never commented on anything I've posted, never received a comment on their postings from me, or never engaged me in any interaction within the system; I'm left pondering the purpose to connect. -Just my thoughts-

I think search engines for BB systems are an invaluable tool and I'm so glad that Biznik has one going.

Yeah... maybe "connections" would be a stand alone topic of sorts, but since you asked; I think I connected with you and with Judy after exchanging comments within the BB system itself.

That led to some private discussion about the things you do with WP and some of the things she does to help bloggers become more effective with their efforts.

Since that time, I've followed both of you within the system as far as comments and articles posted.

Do I always chime in? Obviously not, but I know enough about the two of you to understand that it's worth the time invested to check and see what discussions the two of you are keeping alive.

I follow most of the people that are in my network in much the same way.

Sorry about throwing a worm of a different color out on the sidewalk. LOL

I saw this discussion this morning and nodded in agreement with Bob. There have been a lot of blatant promotional postings here. In fact earlier today someone merely posted a link (that did not work) to a ClickBank product. The other habit of these posters is they comment on their own promotions to keep the post at the top of the home page discussion list.

It's seems to me there is less frequent use of the discussion area over the recent past. Maybe this mis-posting is one of the reasons.

I should note this sort of behavior is hardly unique to this venue. It happens all the time in LinkedIn and other forums. Some of it is being unfamiliar with the "rules" some of it is simply ignoring the "rules". Either way it degrades the experience for everyone.

I like Mark's point about finding folks to join your network in the discussion groups. I do this frequently in LinkedIn where there is a substantially greater range of discussions. I've joined some very interesting people's network by finding them in a good discussion.

When I see posts peppered with links, I go no further. I haven't seen much of this, but I'm surprised when I do. I didn't think it was allowed although it is unmoderated. People can do what they want if they put themselves and their needs ahead of everyone else's legitimate use of the site.

Richard,

I think just ignoring such posts, as you've indicated, is the best possible way to allow them to filter out of the system.

Many times threads that would die of their own from lack of response are kept alive for weeks by those responding to say that the thread is either in the wrong place or is inappropriate content.

I do like the signature links that you and Bob have listed. And, I'm all in favor of making use of those; even to the point of linking a recent article or promotion.

Signature links seem to be good marketing tools as opposed to and all out in-your-face-marketing blitz.

Anytime the originator of a post is also the only person leaving comments on the post, it screams for moderation (particularly if it's daily).

And I think that Biznik does an excellent job in staying on top of that kind of thing.

By contrast, I am drawn to look at a post in greater detail if the thread has a broad number of site users offering feedback.

I love it when something along those lines gets a little bit of a heartbeat going and becomes an interesting discussion to follow as more opinions come on board.

I also like it when someone sees a thread that they think may be of interest to me and takes the time to send me a note along the lines of: "Hey Mark, Did you see this discussion on ____________ ?"

@Richard Gabel & Richard Geasey, this forum is moderated, and we count on folks to flag people who are abusing the forum by only posting links or commenting just to put them back at the top.

Occasionally when we find posts that are nothing more a promotional announcement, we move it to a more appropriate forum.

To flag someone, simply click on the link to their profile and scroll down to the bottom left corner of their page. They will not be notified that the flag was made. We are looking for patterns.

re: the ProVIP signature line

If you are a gold-star ProVIP and have not set your signature line yet - go to the 'Preference' page under the 'Account' tab on your profile.

Bob... I sort of like seeing the blatant self-promos and comments that have absolutely nothing to do with the discussion. Sometimes I'll make a personal note of the poster who so clearly shows his/her ignorance.

This is a great way to discover who I DON'T want to do business with or associate with. ...Howard

...all of this proves once again that you are your word, so use your words wisely.

Which brings me to one of the things I love about social media: The persistence of the data... I can research anyone's past activity, and decide whether they are someone I want to do business or not.

@Christian... Yup, no more forgiveness for past mistakes when we "put our foot in our mouths", huh? So many past statements that I wish I could delete. Am I the only one? ...Howard

(hahaha. @howardhowell you crack me up!) LOL Bob, way to go on inspiring some bold conversations around shameless plugging!

I am with you, I come here less and less because it seems that we have to wade through a lot of 'stuff' to get to collaboration.

When I talk about Biznik, I always highlight the desire for folks here to contribute first. It's what I feel sets us apart.

Let the discussing continue!

I think Tammy brings up an interesting point that really influences the overall experience of the community.

I've made Biznik a part of my morning for months now and always found insightful articles that piqued thought and in many cases opened me up to ideas, trends and principles that helped me develop in a variety of areas, both business and in some cases personal.

I'm still looking for those articles and discussion threads, but not finding them as easily.

I come here to learn and grow, to be inspired and challenged. I want to be forced to think about my principles and concepts as I am exposed to the principles and concepts of others. I'm searching for new ideas and POVs.

I don't come here to be sold something.

Hey, look some one is doing it now. They just posted an add in like five different places. You know the best thing to do is just ignore those posts. they get a lot less if no one posts on their adds. Art T.

@Arthur, and flag them. When we see those ads, we delete them.

@Mark, you've got some great quotes in there about what Biznik is. Mind if I use them in some of the education-about-Biznik material I'm creating?

Art - You're so right about that. Any kind of response at all just keeps things like that afloat near the top of the latest activity. Ignore and they sift right through the system and out of site.

Lara - If I've said anything useful in Biztalk, feel free to use it as you'd like.