Posting of URLs Advice

MikePA · Mar 5, 2004

When you use the URL feature in the Instant Markup section you are prompted for two pieces of information. The first prompt asks you to 'Enter the complete URL for the link you wish to add.'

The second prompt asks you to 'Enter the title of the web page you wish to reference.'

Please do not use the URL in response to the second prompt.

Why? Because more often than not, the URL is long and using it as the title of the URL causes the entire thread to become wide which means many TBNers will have to scroll left and right to read any of the messages in the thread.

Thanks! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

JerryG · Mar 5, 2004

Mike, thank you

DocHeb · Mar 6, 2004

This information should be in the frequently asked question (FAQ) area of the site.

There should also be something telling the maximum size (e.g. 640 x 480) for images within a post (using the [image][/image] command). Oversized pictures will do the same thing.

Spencer · Mar 6, 2004

Mike, when I use to paste a link to a different post I use to do it like this.

See my previous post

When Muhammad upgraded TBN a while ago a lot of those links do not work anymore. Instead when you click on the link it takes you to the main discussion page.

So just to be safe, and make it easier for people to find an old thread, I now post links like this.

See Spencer's Pole Barn Project

If a link stops working in the future then at least the user will have the complete title of the thread to do a search for.

DocHeb · Mar 6, 2004

You're right, that is what the "URL" second dialog box (asking for "web page") is for, so you can enter the phrase "Spencer's Pole Barn Project".

Lazy · Mar 6, 2004

Hi
Is there anything wrong with copying a url and pasting it into the post? and is it ok to post a url of other forums?
Charlie

MikePA · Mar 6, 2004

Is there anything wrong with copying a url and pasting it into the post?
Depends how long the URL is. It's best to simply click on URL in the Instant Markup area and follow the instructions. For the reason why, please read my first message in this thread.

and is it ok to post a url of other forums? 
Yes.

DocHeb · Mar 6, 2004

( Is there anything wrong with copying a url and pasting it into the post? )

You can paste a straight URL into your message as long as it isn't long (should be less than 80 characters). If it is too long, it is perceived as a single word and bumps out the page width and causes scrolling. It is considered courteous to put it into a link so that people can just click on it to open another window for that site, and it stops the widening of the window.

( and is it ok to post a url of other forums? )

I've never read of problems with linking to other forums. I know that JPlan and Yesterday's Tractors have been referred to in the past. As long as you're not including copyrighted information into your post, or using copyrighted photos you should be OK. I will leave it to the moderators to correct me, if necessary.

DIYGuy · Mar 6, 2004

Posting of other forums has been tolerated quite well on TBN. The CTOA ran into serious issues several months ago. The chinese tractor section of TBN had a lot of postings keeping the CTOA forum up to date.

I for one was quite pleased with the professioal way that it was handled here on TBN and still contribute, and use this forum many times a week.

Just remember that posting a link should add to the current discussion not divert away from it.

There are other tractor forums that any mention of other forums gets nasty sarcastic responses. Here' there's a much greater degree of civility.

shoppintractors · Mar 6, 2004

There are other tractor forums that any mention of other forums gets nasty sarcastic responses 

Not only that, if a link is posted to 'TBN' it gets deleted.

Don