Flexbeta > Error links or intentional?

Dark_Knight

Aug 15 2005, 06:01 AM

My issue is with posts on the news section of Flexbeta that misdirect readers to Microsoft propaganda. Such as the news article "Windows and Linux on the Sony PSP" posted by GSurface. I'm puzzled as to why when I questioned that links in the article for the words "Linux" and "open source" takes readers to Microsoft "Get the facts" I was then modded by KelpFries with the following:

QUOTE

"If you dont have a comment about the news post then dont comment at all. All site feedback should be posted in the forums."

It was my understanding that the site is open to all OS not just Windows and any articles submitted for readers would be edited prior to getting the okay to post. If not then when a reader notifies the site about links in the article are misdirecting to false URL addresses a moderator would then either take action themselves or notify the site admin to fix the issue, not delete the post that's warning readers. I realize KelpFries may not prefer Linux (ie: see "Linux a worthless OS?" in Linux/Unix forum) but it's no reason to allow bad links to be allowed in news posts, especially if readers are to believe this site is open minded and not pro Microsoft.

Neoprimal

Aug 15 2005, 06:22 AM

I'm not defending the moderators of the site; they can be rather brash sometimes. Power, even at it's most minuscule can be too much for some people. In any case, I believe that the links that you're referring to are ad words or something, ad sense maybe...from google or some other ad serving service. In other words, the double underlined (in green) words are not purposefully linked by the news posters or moderators. So in essence your post (fears?) is (are) moot. I'm not sure why you were'nt given a more direct answer even by PM if necessary rather than a reprimand.

Gsurface

Aug 15 2005, 04:19 PM

QUOTE(Dark_Knight @ Aug 15 2005, 06:01 AM)

My issue is with posts on the news section of Flexbeta that misdirect readers to Microsoft propaganda. Such as the news article "Windows and Linux on the Sony PSP" posted by GSurface. I'm puzzled as to why when I questioned that links in the article for the words "Linux" and "open source" takes readers to Microsoft "Get the facts" I was then modded by KelpFries with the following:

QUOTE

"If you dont have a comment about the news post then dont comment at all. All site feedback should be posted in the forums."

It was my understanding that the site is open to all OS not just Windows and any articles submitted for readers would be edited prior to getting the okay to post. If not then when a reader notifies the site about links in the article are misdirecting to false URL addresses a moderator would then either take action themselves or notify the site admin to fix the issue, not delete the post that's warning readers. I realize KelpFries may not prefer Linux (ie: see "Linux a worthless OS?" in Linux/Unix forum) but it's no reason to allow bad links to be allowed in news posts, especially if readers are to believe this site is open minded and not pro Microsoft.
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Like NeoPrimal said above, those underlined links in green are ADS, not linked words by the news posters. We do not have control to which words are linked, the ad network does. Who is responsible for buying those keywords? Yup, MS is for buying them.

Singh400

Aug 15 2005, 07:30 PM

QUOTE(Neoprimal @ Aug 15 2005, 07:22 AM)

I'm not defending the moderators of the site; they can be rather brash sometimes. Power, even at it's most minuscule can be too much for some people. In any case, I believe that the links that you're referring to are ad words or something, ad sense maybe...from google or some other ad serving service. In other words, the double underlined (in green) words are not purposefully linked by the news posters or moderators. So in essence your post (fears?) is (are) moot. I'm not sure why you were'nt given a more direct answer even by PM if necessary rather than a reprimand.
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Brash? Us?! Oh!

!

warned.

j/k

@Dark_Knight, That is a form of advertisment - we have no control over what words are used to advertise.

Dark_Knight

Aug 15 2005, 11:23 PM

QUOTE(Gsurface @ Aug 15 2005, 04:19 PM)

Like NeoPrimal said above, those underlined links in green are ADS, not linked words by the news posters. We do not have control to which words are linked, the ad network does. Who is responsible for buying those keywords? Yup, MS is for buying them.

No control?

Then why is it that other sites such as OSNews, Technewsworld, etc don't have such an issue? If a company such as Microsoft wants to advertise their company or viewpoint then they normally pay websites to post their ads not pay to have control over words in articles that are not part of their registered trademark (ie: Linux, Open Source, etc). I know if I was the author of the article instead of just the reader I'd be a lot more upset over this than I currently am. Anyway I noticed the word "Linux" in the article no longer redirects readers to Microsoft's "Get the facts" propaganda which is good though "Open Source" still does. Some how I don't see the words "Open Source" equating to Microsoft. If the site continues with this manner I'll just get my news elsewhere and no longer recommend this site to others. I'd also be less inclined to recommend others post their articles as it would seem Microsoft has control over the site, not the site owner, Admin or moderators.

Neoprimal

Aug 15 2005, 11:59 PM

Hmm. Personally I think you're looking for a conspiracy where there is none or an argument where there shouldn't be one.
In any case, if you take a look around, there are MANY linux users on Flexbeta. I don't know if they share your sentiments, but at any cost - why are you taking it so personally? I like MS, and if every adword linked to Linux; I know I wouldn't give a rat's anus.
Flexbeta moderators and newsposters can't control the ads dispensed through adwords, so I doubt the 'manner' of the page will change any time soon, unless it's by pure coincidence....In which case, you'll be sadly missed.

KelpFries

Aug 16 2005, 12:20 AM

I cant believe what I am reading here. I honestly cannot believe what I am reading. Dark Knight, you need to relax, take a step back and relax. We all get the fact that you are a hardcore Linux advocate and that is great, but you are really sensitive about anything regarding Linux. You cant honestly think that we here at Flexbeta are conspiring with MS about anything can you? Come on buddy. To pay for this server we use advertising so that the site can remain free and so that good members like yourself dont have to pay to be a part of this community. We have only a limited amount of control when it comes to the content of the adverts and in this case this links that are shown and created via the advertising mediums we use.

And just to clarify, if you go back and fully read my posts on Linux, you will see that I have said on multiple occasions that I like Linux and that I run various distros on a couple of my computers. Hell, my last monthly desktop post was a screenie of my SuSE box!!!

MeowMixChad

Aug 16 2005, 12:29 AM

I'm surprised he didn't realise they we're advertisements. Chirst just mouse over them for a second lol.

axel_2078

Aug 16 2005, 01:53 AM

Dark Knight, I'm a linux advocate too. Don't let that stuff get to you. People bash linux everyday in some form or fashion. I've learned to try to ignore it. This statement wasn't directed to anyone here.

MeowMixChad

Aug 16 2005, 02:31 AM

How do you learn to try? Isn't this one of those you do or don't things?
Kidding but the point remains that this wasn't a Linux bashing session it was simply a misunderstanding on Dark_Knights part about how advertising works. He learned something today and the learning never ends at Flexbeta

Beside he just needs to understand what's already been said: There's little control over what advertisement is being advertised. I mean Microsoft is the one advertising, of course there not going to advertise Linux, that just wouldn't make any sense now would it lol?

It's just a basic mouse over advertisement that picks certain keywords and gives it an ad link.