Can we get some clarification for new members re what's acceptable for sig files?

There's one newcomer who has a huge obnoxious 8-line sig file, complete with red type that takes up 2 inches of screen space... an obvious case of forum spamming. And it looks like crap.

Let's get some agreement on standards for what's acceptable for sig files, it's probably already in the TOS, and this new person is just here spamming and self-promoting, detracting from the board.

I think a modest 2-3 line sig file w/links and No color or graphics etc is fine, but something that's a 2-inch advertisement will detract from the quality that this forum currently enjoys. Most professionals "know better", but now the board is being infiltrated by amateurs.


Thoughts?

Thanks,

Ken

I'll have to agree with you here Ken...

what's stopping anyone from simply putting there entire 5-page sales letter on every post they make.

The problem is that these newbie posters are only hurting their credibility as a professional marketer...

Most of the people here see right through it, wouldn't you agree?

I'm certainly in agreement with you guys here. As a longtime member at SitePoint : New Articles, Fresh Thinking for Web Developers and Designers I think they've got a great set of signature guidelines that we could use for inspiration of our own. Members need to know what is and what isn't acceptable so when they cross the line they can know what to expect.

I just read in the stickies where it said the signature line can go up to 5 lines.

9. Blatant Ads

Please refrain from posting blatant ads. There's a forum specifically for offers and articles, but don't spam it. Don't blast your affiliate link just for the exposure. What I mean is, a post with a mere URL won't get you any business -- let alone quality business. People will see right through it. Regardless, if it's a blatant ad with no content, it will be deleted.

Sorry, but those are NOT acceptable.

To avoid this, follow some of the rules above. Add content. Tell us why you think your link is important for this community. In fact, why don't you go the extra mile and make a special offer to forum members?

The more unique/special your offer is, and the more content you add (and the more relevant and helpful the content is), the more people will click on your ad... And the more will likely be in a the right mindset to buy whatever it is you're promoting.

10. Signature Files

Signature files should be no more than 3-5 lines deep, and shouldn't contain any large graphics. I've noticed some signatures seem to carry buttons or banners. If you plan on adding a graphic image to your signature, stick to a single one, please.

And best of all, any post with a signature that's visibly larger than the post itself will be deleted. (And keep breaking this and any of the above rules, and your username and IP will be banned, too.) It's as simple as that.

Ken, good seeing you here!