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MNHQ

Skimlinks on Talk

462 replies

AmyGMumsnet · 03/02/2017 18:54

Hi folks,

Some of you might have spotted a few more links in discussions across the site - this is because we're testing out a programme called Skimlinks, which auto-converts some of your brand mentions into links.

This makes it easier for you to have a look at products that other MNers happen to mention on the boards, and, if you decide to make a purchase from one of these links, Mumsnet benefits from a small commission.

Thanks all - let us know if you experience any issues that you think might be related.

MNHQ

OP posts:
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12
RainyDaisy · 21/02/2017 22:54

Find the skimlimks annoying, intrusive and controlling. I've decided to resign from the site as it's just too annoying.

MsAdorabelleDearheartVonLipwig · 22/02/2017 10:08

It's not even specific brand names. This took me straight to Vodafone. Who I detest.

Skimlinks on Talk
MsAdorabelleDearheartVonLipwig · 22/02/2017 10:08

And so did this one.

Skimlinks on Talk
MsAdorabelleDearheartVonLipwig · 22/02/2017 10:09

And now I've done it myself. Hmm

MNHQ
AmyMumsnet · 22/02/2017 14:51

Hi folks,

We've passed on the Doctor Who linking problem to Skimlinks and this should stop happening shortly. We'll continue to look out for any other over-zealous linking and block those phrases from the system.

Tardis
peukpokicuzo · 22/02/2017 17:43

Hadn't spotted these links at all until today when I saw a thread full of references to the supermarket that I shall henceforth call ASAD.

Skim links may be a good idea for some sites with a target audience that fits with the adverts. The average MNer is of above average intelligence and of above average cynicism and it's just not a good strategy for us. It is crass and offputting.

I would be very much in favour of a subscription-based advert-free option. We are all in favour of Mumsnet paying its way but it doesn't have to be all through advertising.

DesolateWaist · 22/02/2017 18:40

It also makes mn look a bit desperate and 'low rent' IMO

I agree. It makes it look very low rent. I also agree that brand names is one thing but linking phrases like mobile phone to a provider is very underhand.
I also think that the line about it making it easier to find stuff is treating us like dumb asses. We are not stupid. If someone recommends a brand or company then I can google it myself.
If MN had said 'look the bottom line is that it makes us money and means we can keep going' I wouldn't mind. Don't make out like it's doing me a favour.

BoomBoomsCousin · 22/02/2017 18:47

I don't like the skim links, but appreciate the need for revenue and I have found the advertising many of the other sites are resorting to even more annoying and obtrusive. So overall it's not my least favourite way for MN to survive!

I would say that I haven't found a single one remotely useful yet, I don't know if that's because I'm too far outside MN's main demographic or because whatever algorithm the skim links use is poorly targeted for MN readership. But you're presumably looking at the click through rate etc. and concerned about that yourself. Also, the light blue isn't enough of a distinction from user included links and I think, if you're not clearer about it, people are going to start coming up with their own misspellings and code words for phrases that are skim linked to avoid it looking like they are endorsing whatever advertising is layered on top of their post. Or they're going to start being quite rude about the companies advertising or stop providing content at all by not posting. No one wants to feel they are being used in that way.

DesolateWaist · 22/02/2017 22:26

I am using an ad blocker on my browser and they don't show up.

tribpot · 22/02/2017 22:38

They don't - but your posts are generating them, DesolateWaist, see link to the Vodafone shop.

Skimlinks on Talk
DesolateWaist · 22/02/2017 22:46

I'm sure my posts do the same as anyone else, but I can't see them, which is battle won for me.

Moreisnnogedag · 23/02/2017 08:52

I'm glad it wasn't just me who thought they'd got malware on their laptop. I hate it. I get the need to make money I do but I've been on a few fora/blogs where I've just stopped visiting because it became so ridiculous.

I don't mind the banner ads at all and occasionally chuckle when they are thread appropriate.

olderthanyouthink · 23/02/2017 09:02

It's this kind of thing that I don't get. Who's going to click on the link to a shop that it's been listed as the worst of a bunch of others?

Skimlinks on Talk
ItsAllGoingToBeFine · 23/02/2017 09:05

The thing is as well, now that MNHQ has helpfully made the skimlinks a different colour, no-one is going to click on them therefore they won't actually generate any revenue...

drspouse · 23/02/2017 10:00

I have found myself now NOT including links to sites I'd recommend, because I'm not sure what else in my post is going to be linked to and I don't want my post to look ridiculous.

Saucery · 23/02/2017 10:30

I saw someone yesterday signpost their own links in brackets and disclaimer at the bottom that all others were not recommended by them.

Total faff to do every time though.

I get that some people don't like change and that sometimes MNHQ have to do things with their site that fit their business model and revenue needs etc. But once you've clicked one 'mobile phone' and it's taken you to one provider who may or may not be a bit shit anyway or one ridiculous 'doctor who' or 'waltons' then you are going to stop clicking, surely?

WorraLiberty · 23/02/2017 10:53

Exactly Saucery

Well said.

peaceout · 23/02/2017 12:05

If I post a link I always post the whole link rather than embedding it in the text

That way my link is transparent, people can see what they are clicking on and hopefully cant be confused with the clickbait links that mnhq is infecting our posts with.

I can put up with adverts but having my words used to mean something I didn't intend is taking the piss.
What next, an algorithm that edits your post if you mention certain words or phrases?

DesolateWaist · 23/02/2017 12:41

What next, an algorithm that edits your post if you mention certain words or phrases?

I've seen places that do that. If you post a swear word it could replace it. So if you wrote 'cunt' it would replace it with cupcake. Problem when you are talking about Scupcakeorpe

peaceout · 23/02/2017 12:51

Im thinking more you mention say television and some text is added in to say that x TV is on offer with x retailer

I don't want my posts to be converted into spam and that's what is happening here

olderthanyouthink · 23/02/2017 13:34

peaceout the problem with posting whole links is some of them are really looooooooong.

KikiDeliversCakes · 23/02/2017 13:45

I've found these links to be very intrusive and after clicking on one out of curiosity (before I read this thread) I now know not to ever click on another again.

There's already advertising on the MN site, I don't like this style of sneaky endorsement. It does not help or encourage me to visit the endorsed company - it just devalues the MN forum for me.

Waltons · 23/02/2017 18:50

one ridiculous 'doctor who' or 'waltons' then you are going to stop clicking, surely?

Thank you, Saucery I had a brief moment of hope that HQ might have taken the time to add my name to the excluded list, but I'm not so sure.

Testing: Waltons

Waltons · 23/02/2017 18:55

Bugger.

Thanks for nothing, MNHQ.

I've only been watching/here since the first day you were announced in the national press.

New name required, but I shouldn't have to!

Saucery · 23/02/2017 19:07

Oh no, Waltons! Shock It's not like you called yourself Asda or Boden or owt, is it.

So if someone replies to you on a thread it will look like they are advertising sheds.