PM privileges, links, and full URLs - Newbies please read

[imke_j]

Hi all, shrimpnow is a forum dedicated to the shrimp hobby; we don't support any selling-buying activities or shop ads here. That is why you won't find any WTB/WTS sub-forum any longer.

All new members must collect 20 posts, until they are able to use our message system. Besides, full URL writing and linking to external images is restricted until you have enough posts:

Why I can't use some of the functions or post links?
The portal is setup with the aim of information exchange in shrimps hobbies. This aim can be achieved only when members interact with one another by postings. Regular posting members are rewarded with more functions and features of the portal and forum like use of Private Messaging and others. In addition, the system uses internal reputation system to promote members so as to allow/disallow use of more features. Adding of hyperlink to an external site is not allowed by new members to prevent signup with the intension of spamming. We do not wish to disclose the number of post relates to use of more featuers to prevent post count spamming. If you have any urgent issues, you can contact use at: http://www.shrimpnow.com/forums/sendmessage.php

source.http://www.shrimpnow.com/forums/faq....ew_faq_item_38

Trying to bypass newbie restrictions can lead to an infraction, please read our rules carefully.

[imke_j]

We are happy if you post pictures of your shrimp and tanks in shrimpnow. However, please do not label them

- with website URLs, especially if a website is up for selling purposes
- with company or shrimp store names and logos
- with any remarks as 'my aquabid id is..." or similar

Same is valid for profile pictures and avatars.

For sure, you can watermark all files with your shrimpnow nickname or real name.

And please keep in mind: Your are no t allowed pictures which are not yours! This is copyright violation.

[hedge_fund]

I don't sell anything nor do I have a website but I'm wondering why such a rule? I think there would be even more members if people were allowed to sell things. Did you guys have problems in the past or do you own a site that sells shrimp?

[imke_j]

As we are an international forum, a marketplace would encourage illegal shrimp shipments in the first place. There are enough sites for sells and buys, so no need to have it here.

[hedge_fund]

As we are an international forum, a marketplace would encourage illegal shrimp shipments in the first place. There are enough sites for sells and buys, so no need to have it here.

That makes perfect sense, I didn't even think of that.

One more question since I'm a little bit confused on the usage of URLs. I am part of multiple forums for different hobbies that I have but I am not a fan of attaching pics the way everyone does it here. I have an app on my iphone and I automatically host to Photobucket and then just link the picture to the forum. Is it against the rules to host pics on photobucket? One of the negatives from attaching pics here is that if a guest checks out the forum they cannot see pictures unless they are hosted somewhere else. My one friend refuses to sign up for forums and just likes to browse....he's not a fan of this forum since he cannot see the pics.

thanks.

[imke_j]

For sure, we are totally okay to post imagines you uploaded on Photobucket or other hosts. However, you cannot link them inline until you have full URL rights. The URL rule is done to prevent spam posts to other websites, especially porn.