We allow links to almost everything except things that would violate our other rules (for example: pornography, advertising, instructions on how to break the law.)
In accordance with the Registration Agreement:
However, we have two policies (in all forums):
(1) Links should be described (in your text, outside the link itself), so that people know what they’re clicking on; and
(2) all direct links should be “workplace safe” (the “two click” rule)
In more detail:
(1) LINKS SHOULD BE DESCRIBED
When posting links, please be courteous to your fellow posters: describe what you are linking to. It does not have to be a lengthy description, but “See this political cartoon” is better than “This is funny!”
If your link is primary to the topic when starting a thread, please explain not only what the link is, but why you are linking there. Don’t just post a link to a news story or video and expect people to start a conversation about it.
INCORRECT: “Ain’t this cool?”
CORRECT: “This looks like the coolest electronic cat-feeder ever!”
(2) LINKS SHOULD BE WORKPLACE-SAFE
This means in terms of sounds as well as visual content. A site that is not safe for workplace is sometimes called “NSFW.” Note that being “workplace safe” doesn’t just mean that there’s no nudity or explicit visible sex. A page with a flashing banner in large, bright colors that says “Hot Nubile Young Teens” would NOT be workplace safe. The criteria is: if your boss walked by while that was on your screen, would it cause her/him to stop and stare, and would it potentially cause problems at work? If yes, then don’t provide a direct link.
Please understand: we’re not trying to impose censorship. We just don’t want anyone inadvertently clicking on a link to something that could be career-limiting if their boss happens to walk by. Lots of our members read the boards during work hours, and it’s easy to accidentally click a link when you’re scrolling or mouse-over-ing or whatever. We basically don’t care where you link as long as no one can get there accidentally.
The goal is to set things up so that no one gets to such a website unintentionally; it requires TWO clicks, rather than just one click, to get to a site that is not safe for workplace. That’s our two-click rule.