Is it self promotion if you don't provide a link?

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   MelRootsNWritesposted 6 years ago

   I was contacted by an editor about one of my hubs that they would like to include in one of the sites.  It's an old Squidoo lens that I edited when the lenses were moved over and I haven't really touched it since.
   
   I was told that I need to remove a section because it's self-promotional and against the rules. 
   
   I want to be clear about the rules though.  Originally this was an "I am an expert at..." article (it was a theme "I am expert and I will show you how to...").  In the first section, I lay out what my expertise is and, then, I write about the website I created to help others researching in that area of genealogy.  It's the only website for this area of genealogy.  I go on to give tips on how to start your research.
   
   Before I delete the section, I want to be clear, is the inclusion of information on the website self-promotional without a link out to the website?  I do not include a link to the website, but do mention the domain name, and have a screen image.  Can I get by with removing the mention and screen image and saying "start with the blah blah blah website"?  Or, is that still a violation of the rules?
   
   I have no problem following the rules.  I will remove the section to bring it into compliance.  I just don't want to delete the whole section if I don't need to.
   
   Thanks!

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      galleryofgraceposted 6 years agoin reply to this

      You can't get free advertising here! If you are professing about what an expert you are the you are self promoting. They won't allow it.

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         MelRootsNWritesposted 6 years agoin reply to this

         Thanks for the response!  I am surprised it made it through QAP the first time.  If I'd known, I would have removed it.  Will be cleaning it up tomorrow.

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      Christy Kirwanposted 6 years agoin reply to this

      The place to include your expertise is in an About the Author Bio, not in the body of the article (there you may discuss things like your certifications, experience in the field, etc). Promoting your website is indeed against the rules, even if you aren't linking.

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