Can I post a self-link in a comment?

July 20, 2006 8:01 AM

I'm fairly new to MetaFilter, and really only ever read the Ask section. I know - and respect - that I'm not supposed to post a self-link anywhere. But in a question I read yesterday, I saw that a lot of people object to websites that play sounds (as do I). I've found a program that lets me mute the whole browser window, and would like to put that info somewhere as I think a lot of people would like it. But I do run a site that gives discounts on software, and will have one on that program next week.

So I guess I have 2 questions - can I politely post a link to the program at all? It's not news, just something it sounds like people want. And second, can I post that my site will be discounting it next week?

Thanks,
posted by EllenC to Etiquette/Policy at 8:01 AM (14 comments total)

I would have no objection to your posting that link and information in the original AskMe thread.
posted by Faint of Butt at 8:07 AM on July 20, 2006

Appropriately labeled and on-topic self-links are generally permissible in the comments, just not on the front page.
posted by monju_bosatsu at 8:20 AM on July 20, 2006

Yeah, I generally have no problem with self-links in AskMe threads, as long as they're explained.
posted by muddgirl at 8:21 AM on July 20, 2006

Yup, it's in the FAQ, even: "Including a link to your own site in a comment is okay provided that it has some relevance to the topic being discussed."
posted by Gator at 8:32 AM on July 20, 2006

If you feel any qualms about linking to it via your software-discount page, you could simply offer a direct link and sidestep that whole dilemma.
posted by cortex at 8:40 AM on July 20, 2006

Yeah, I wouldn't post "and you can get a discount at my site!" or you're going to get some unpleasant responses.
posted by languagehat at 8:52 AM on July 20, 2006

Oops, I did the post before seeing the last 2 responses.

I'm not trying to promote myself (here, I do it other places), but it seems like since there's a discount coming, why not let people know about it? But I mostly wanted to let people know about the program - I'd been looking for one like that for so long, and it's clear that other people would like it too.
posted by EllenC at 8:58 AM on July 20, 2006

You did well coming to MetaTalk for clarification. Carry on.
posted by sciurus at 9:17 AM on July 20, 2006

I think it's pretty much okay, at least you covered your ass by asking first. It might've been better if you had said, "You can get a discount at my site, which I posted to Projects last month," or something, but it's probably okay as is. (Damn, twenty-five bucks for the program, though? Yow. I'll stick with the volume control on my speakers, which is free.)
posted by Gator at 9:17 AM on July 20, 2006

I'm impressed by your earnestness. You could inline a goatse if it were up to me, never mind just make a polite mention of the program/site.
posted by Mayor Curley at 9:19 AM on July 20, 2006

I'm impressed by your earnestness.

Yeah, but you're on record as being a big Jim Varney fan.
posted by cortex at 9:22 AM on July 20, 2006

I kind of liked his kid's show, at least in theory, even though he, sir, was no Pee Wee Herman.
posted by y2karl at 2:24 PM on July 20, 2006

That, sir, is a given.
posted by cortex at 3:08 PM on July 20, 2006

I'd say that you would be best served by including a link to the program, and a link to your site indicating the upcoming discount. Because after the discount is gone, people will probably be running across the AskMe question and looking for answers.
posted by MrZero at 4:38 PM on July 20, 2006