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Reporting spam - what's spam?

5 replies

Bilbobagginstummy · 03/02/2013 11:39

I reported a post (promoting some MLM/snake oil business) and used report other because it was an advert.

MNHQ have chided me (v nicely & politely - but chided nonetheless) for not using the report spam option. But I didn't think it was spam. Isn't spam, well, mass bombarding of nonsense including penis enlargement or bank accounts ? Not annoying adverts for someone's business?

Have I been misinformed all this time? What is spam? Is there an Official Definition?

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LadyMaryQuiteContrary · 03/02/2013 11:49

I think posts and thread which advertise or promote a business in some way is spam but not your usual 'penis enlargement/buy a rolex' inbox spam. It's OK if someone asks for recommendations for a toaster and people post links to a variety of web sites though, but if someone posts and says 'hey, look at this!' and posts a link to one web site (they are less blatant sometimes), it's spam. Everything else isn't spam. [scratches head]

Hope this helps.

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Startail · 03/02/2013 11:51

I think MN count all advertising as spam.
As it can be deleted quickly as clearly breaking the rules. You don't need to type a reason. I guess it can go in anyone's inbox to fix.

If you are reporting a poster or a thread it needs more careful reading.
MNers get very huffy if you delete stuff too easily.

I got a lovely considered reply when some one took offence to a PM I sent them. MNHQ had obviously read the thread.

Had the idiot just reported the poster she was sparing with as spam she wouldn't have derailed very useful education thread.

The app won't let you split reports mobile and desk top do.

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Bilbobagginstummy · 03/02/2013 12:12

Thank you both. Thanks

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RowanMumsnet · 03/02/2013 14:05

Oh no, really sorry that our mail read as chiding - it REALLY wasn't supposed to. We're very grateful for all reports in whatever format.

And yes, you're probably right that we're using 'spam' pretty loosely: as the others have said, we basically mean any sort of self-promotion (of businesses, websites, petitions, Facebook pages etc) that isn't legitimate in the context of the thread, or isn't by a 'proper' MNer (by which we mean, we look more dimly on promo posts by people who've joined up specifically to post promo links).

We do still look at each report even if you use the 'report spam' option - nothing's ever deleted automatically - so if you're just not quite sure, do feel free to use 'report spam' anyway; a human bean at this end will still have a look and make a considered decision.

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Bilbobagginstummy · 03/02/2013 14:17

Thanks to you too - it was beautifully worded but it's still a little like being told off, however nicely. Blush Thanks.

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