The Mission of WebmasterWorld

why all the limitations?

[dvduval]

I want point out that WebmasterWorld is extremely limiting on posting domain names, pictures, avatars, signatures, etc.
I guess that's what you guys are all about, but I think you are certain to lose a segment of people who aren't necessarily all that bad (i.e. NAMELESS manages to be extremely informative and allow domain names, pictures, avatars, signatures, etc.)
I'm not really sure that I understand the policies here. It would be nice if the reasoning behind the policies and the mission of WebmasterWorld were more blatantly explained. I'm going to start a thread in hopes of finding the answer.

Why not have more places for people to advertise?
If I'm looking for hosting or an ecommerce solution, what would be wrong with being able to ask a question and get honest answers with URLS from the members?
What would be wrong with signatures to highlight the sites of members, many with incredible talents? Why all the anonymity?
What would be wrong with design contests where members can post pictures of their art? Heck, why not interview some of these incredible people and post it right here?

The point is...there is so much talent (and resources) that is being hidden by limiting policies. Google displays images. Yahoo allows URLs in all group forums. Nearly every forum out there allows signatures and most allow avatars.

So what makes WebmasterWorld different?

This may sound like a rant, but the purpose is to bring out the mission and driving force behind WebmasterWorld.

[bateman_ap]

The only one I would agree with is the loosning of URL's. Due to copyright issues etc you can't copy and paste articles etc into a web page from the source, you have to link. And deep linking is a whole different kettle of fish that I tried to address but my link was deleted.

How about thinking of something like you can't post a URl until you are over a couple of hundred posts. And then if you post a blatent self advertising url then you get a url ban for a month or so? Constant ignorance of the rules get you a total url drop ban?

[lorax]

If you'd like to personally subsidize a "spam police" salary for me, I would be perfectly happy to single-handedly monitor the appropriate use of signatures and URLs here.

Mivox,
I'd almost be willing to pay to read the results! :)

But seriously, while no Board is perfect this one is the closest I've had the pleasure of participating in.

Gregg