Neofotography

September 2014

Hello, I'm Donner60. I wanted to let you know that I removed an external link you added to the page Wilmington, North Carolina because it seemed inappropriate for an encyclopedia. If you think I made a mistake, or if you have any questions, you can leave me a message on my talk page, or take a look at our guidelines about links. Thanks. Donner60 (talk) 04:40, 14 September 2014 (UTC)

I am removing the notice above, not because I think it was wrong or inappropriate, but because you apparently added the material in good faith without knowing the policies. I also put here the further explanation of these policies and particular guideline pages to see which I also put on my talk page.

Wikipedia's policies on advertising are spread out on a few different pages and come up in different contexts such as creation of articles and external links. The external links policy, while applicable here, and the article creation guidelines are incomplete unless you see the other Wikipedia policy pages. Your additions are clearly advertising. The very first thing that comes up is a solicitation for adding advertising to the page. The next item is a Buffalo Wild Wings ad. There are many ads below. I am not sure what you think you put up because it does not sound like the web page which is linked. That is full of advertising. See Wikipedia:What Wikipedia is not#Wikipedia is not a soapbox or means of promotion and Wikipedia:What Wikipedia is not#Wikipedia is not a manual, guidebook, textbook, or scientific journal. So I have to conclude that this link and the others on Carolina beaches pages do not conform to the policies on the pages I just cited. If you are unconvinced, we can ask the opinions of a few experienced editors or administrators if you wish. Donner60 (talk) 06:00, 14 September 2014 (UTC)

Response: Donner60 the slides at the top of the page show up in random order so the first thing that "comes up" isnt a solicitation for advertising each time. Yes there are slides promoting local businesses in the top which is kind of how most every page on the internet works including the local area guides also listed on the wiki pages you reference above. Beyond that the "many ads below" you mention below are specials listings. They are unique content blocks offering information on specials listings hand sourced and hand added. They are the equivalent of a list of local restaurants and bars in the area except they are listed through a searchable specials format. Again it seems like you are equating this to a landing page with a bunch of google ads on it. This isnt the case, its unique, relevant, area content that has value to locals, tourists and visitors to the town.

My site is at least usable, unique content for this area...

Examples from the Wilmington Wiki External Links: B.C. Brooks Writer's Hiding Place <--- is a page selling people writing help on their history papers for $40 (why is this one there? Wilmington and Cape Fear Visitor's Bureau <--- im sure they sell advertising however currently that page doesnt even resolve.

Examples from the Carolina Beach Wiki External Links: Carolina Beach Surf Report <---- domain expired and its a park page Carolina Beach Lifeguard Stand Locations & Beach Information <--- domain expired and its a park page Carolina & Kure Beaches Chamber of Commerce <---- domain expired its a godaddy park page

As you can see on the policy pages, the fact that other bad links have not yet been removed is no excuse for putting up others that violate the policy. You do prompt me to check those other links for deletion.

You admit that you are linking to "my site." I cannot accept your reasons for self-promotion as well as business advertising. Again, Wikipedia is not a travel guide and not a forum for promotion or advertising. I think this, and your self-interest in attempting to promote your web sites, are perfectly clear now and there is no need to ask others for opinions. Donner60 (talk) 06:28, 14 September 2014 (UTC)

Whether the site is mine or not has no bearing on anything... someone owns every site listed in every wiki external link. Yes the site owner is looking to get their site listed and out there. The end result is whether the content is relevant, usable, and value to wiki users. Owner is irrelevant. You yourself referenced a policy that had nothing about the link I posted. Then your rebuttal was oh, well theres other policies to read to... Best of luck, im done wasting my time with the back and forth. Congrats on cleaning up the actual "mess" after deleting relevant data (while leaving the junk there) you've done everyone a great service.

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