Problems could be solved MUCH more quickly if we could post URLs!

Does this drive anyone else crazy?

[Benek]

There have been numerous times when I've wanted to post a link to my site to show I live example of the problem I'm having. At times I've seen threads where 90% of the thread is the poster trying to exmplain whats happening to no avail, when that could be accomplished in no time with a simple link. It's my opinion that allowing us to post our URLs would speed up the help process here ten-fold. In most cases seeing the problem is WAY more effective than reading someone's description of it, especially when the poster is inexperienced and has trouble describing the issue with proper terms.

Does this annoy anyone else or is it just me?

[eelixduppy]

It may bother others, including yourself, but it is something that is necessary for the integrity of this community.

If you would like to share a "working" example of your problem you are free to sticky anyone who is willing to help.

Mods "err of the side of caution". :)

[Brett_Tabke]

> There have been numerous times when I've wanted to post a link to my site

Honestly? There have been times I have wanted too also post urls.

And so have every spammer on the net. Also, your competitors could be showing your url here to get you in hot water with your affiliate programs and/or search engine. The system only works - and you want to ask your fellow webmasters opinion - if the system has respectable integrity. That can only happen if we play by a clean playing field.

> when that could be accomplished in no time with a simple link

The number of "do my homework - solve my problem - get me my raise" posts would skyrocket. We would rather educate one another to solve our own problems that 'fix your one time' bug or project.

Read the classic: Professional Forum Spammers Thread [webmasterworld.com...]

thanks
brett

[coopster]

Posting a URI also creates another problem and that is for future readers. I have been to other sites where a "Here is my problem: http://example.com" link has been dropped. Clicking the link returns a 404 Not Found or more often than not, a defunct domain. Then the ensuing discussion is all about a problem which may or may not pertain to what I want to read. It is very frustrating.

Although it takes time to develop the problem when a "link drop" would save us so much investment, the return for future readers with similar issues is priceless.

[jcmoon]

While it would be helpful many times to be able to post URLs, it's next to impossible to prevent abuse of the system. I fear the mods would revolt, go find Brett and, well, I dunno.

What this does do, however, is give people an incentive to put their problem as concisely as they can, within these limitations.

Also, don't forget that there's a mail system here at WebmasterWorld. If you've got a problem, hunt through some threads until you've found a couple people who you think could help guide you, and then PM them. In there, links are just fine.

Of course, you have to be careful who you're talking to ain't a SE rep (if you're misbehaving) or a competitor (if you're on to something). Them's the breaks ...

[jatar_k]

to explain a problem the person has to understand it

to post a link they only need to be able to cut and paste

having to verbalize an issue so other members can understand without seeing it will educate the poster more and help them be able to further their knowledge instead of just having someone else do their homework

this way we the poster does the homework but gets a bit of tutoring

[Benek]

I agree with all of these good points. I understand it's necessary for the itegrity of the forum. I just think that there are many cases where giving a link is much more effective than describing the problem, no matter how well you can describe it. But, I had forgotten about PMs, which does allow sharing URLs.

I just wish there was some way to not limit the geniune users and still keep the spammer away.

[jatar_k]

so do I