Official "I've Linked Free Speech" Thread

[DJilla]

You could have hardly missed the many active threads now going on about porn, politics, censorship, labeling, online protection, Washington, and more representation within the FSC.

Many are contributing to sculpting a position statement and others have considered whether to host a "save porn" type site. While these debates work themselves out to a concluson there is something you can do right now, easily, and FREE!

Many have called for an improved FSC website presence and for improved FSC interest in the website community. So lets "kill two proverbial birds with a single stone".

We're all link whores anyways, so the least we an do is make sure that :

http://www.freespeechcoalition.com/

is a link on our index pages. Let's send them some traffic so they feel the need to upgrade their site is a real one and also that WM's can marshal a solid base of support.

So upgrade your sites with the text link and tell us about it here.

[SandWalker]

Good idea, while you're at it link some of the others...

F.O.X.E. - Fans of X-rated Entertainment, which is more fan-based.
www.foxe.com

FOXE is run by Bill Margold, who also works with FSC and other free speech/porn rights organizations.

Any more?

[Halfdeck]

Links are up on my biggest domains

[Preacher]

Not sure how much it will help, but I've added their button to my linklist.

I like shiny buttons.

[MrYum]

Excellent idea DJ

I'll get a couple banners up on my larger sites tonight!

[virgohippy]

Thanks for making the selling point, and driving it home. The link is going up on my rinky-dink lil site.

Would "exit" links on warning pages be a good idea too? I know a lot of people send their exits to search engines without getting any kind of return... why not the FSC instead? Maybe list owners could make a suggestion on their rules and submissions pages?

|badidea|???

[MrYum]

Originally Posted by virgohippy

Thanks for making the selling point, and driving it home. The link is going up on my rinky-dink lil site.

Would "exit" links on warning pages be a good idea too? I know a lot of people send their exits to search engines without getting any kind of return... why not the FSC instead? Maybe list owners could make a suggestion on their rules and submissions pages?

|badidea|???

Not a bad idea at all Virgo...and good thinking on your part to even consider it

But, as a reviewer...if there is an exist link, I prefer to see it go to something completely non adult related. Whether than be an SE, or Warning Pages, or some non adult site the submitter has set up to handle that traffic. I've seen ring tones, tshirts...etc..

While the FSC certainly isn't an adult site, it is a site that represents adult entertainment. I treat exit links as an exit for those either under age...or those that don't want to see adult entertainment. Sending either of those groups to the FSC would be pretty fruitless anyway. Just mho of course

[virgohippy]

Originally Posted by MrYum

Not a bad idea at all Virgo...and good thinking on your part to even consider it

Thank you.

Originally Posted by MrYum

But, as a reviewer...if there is an exist link, I prefer to see it go to something completely non adult related. Whether than be an SE, or Warning Pages, or some non adult site the submitter has set up to handle that traffic. I've seen ring tones, tshirts...etc..

While the FSC certainly isn't an adult site, it is a site that represents adult entertainment. I treat exit links as an exit for those either under age...or those that don't want to see adult entertainment. Sending either of those groups to the FSC would be pretty fruitless anyway. Just mho of course

I see. Good point - it shouldn't be tricky business.

[DJilla]

Originally Posted by MrYum

Not a bad idea at all Virgo...and good thinking on your part to even consider it

But, as a reviewer...if there is an exist link, I prefer to see it go to something completely non adult related. Whether than be an SE, or Warning Pages, or some non adult site the submitter has set up to handle that traffic. I've seen ring tones, tshirts...etc..

While the FSC certainly isn't an adult site, it is a site that represents adult entertainment. I treat exit links as an exit for those either under age...or those that don't want to see adult entertainment. Sending either of those groups to the FSC would be pretty fruitless anyway. Just mho of course

Virgo: "Exit links" was a great idea. Personally, I don't see the problem and think Free Speech is not the same as porn access on an exit link. BUT, there are a lot of LL's out there each with their own reviewers and tastes and you shouldn't have to lose a listing because of the exit link.

Here's A Solution: Just include the FSC link in your regular recip table. That way people can click it who are truly interested. Lots of Free Site links are a great way to further improve the SE ranking of FSC in addition to getting them some traffic.

Maybe LL owners could even encourage it on their submit pages too!

This is a great start folks but lets get even more links to FSC going and tell us about it here. Its important that FSC can see we are committed and capable of real results oriented action.

I'm starting to feel good about the future of WM's and FSC

Have a Great Day!

[Surfn]

I agree with Mr Yum

[Useless]

Though I honestly can't see anyone including a link to the FSC on every free site, if they do, I believe it would be far wiser to use the exit link strategy. The exit link, frankly, is bull shit anyway. I can't foresee a startled surfer coming upon your free site and sifting through all the other shit in order to find your exit link which is probably 20px smaller than any other link on that page. They'd simply go back from where the came. Click. The exit link is only clicked by truly curious cats and those are the fuckers you want to target. Most porn surfers won't care or most likely don't believe that their porn will be taken away anymore than the folks thought there'd ever be a prohibition.

If you place a non-recip link in your recip table, you are much more likely to get that site declined. The recip table is hallowed ground. Don't bury your dead dog there and expect the gods to look favorably upon you.

[DJilla]

Originally Posted by Useless Warrior

Most porn surfers won't care or most likely don't believe that their porn will be taken away anymore than the folks thought there'd ever be a prohibition.

Too True!

Originally Posted by Useless Warrior

If you place a non-recip link in your recip table, you are much more likely to get that site declined. The recip table is hallowed ground. Don't bury your dead dog there and expect the gods to look favorably upon you.

Really! I woudn't have thought. I stand corrected!

[Useless]

Originally Posted by DJilla

Really! I woudn't have thought. I stand corrected!

No, not really. That was just my opinion and I often find that some of my thoughts and opinions are not the general consensus. You never know what everyone thinks until you hear more angles. Hell, someone may pop in this thread and say something that will make me rethink it and do a 180. I'm glad to see this being discussed.

[MrYum]

Yea, I don't think the recip table would fly either. But, for different reasons. The few surfers who do hit the recips are looking for more porn...they're going to hit the FSC site and click back immediately. There's not really enough room in a recip table to give any idea of what the FSC is about. If we're going to do this...let's do it right...TARGET the traffic to the FSC...at least try to get them the folks that 'might' be interested.

Oh, and while it's rare...I disagree with UW on the exit links...already stated why

However, I am a supporter of the FSC...as is evidenced by the prominent spot I gave them on the root of FPP

So, let's try to send them some targetted traffic that might actually be useful. To do my part, I'm willing to ignore a link to the FSC on entry pages. That way you can have a bit of explanatory text as to what the FSC is about...and why it's important. Don't know how many other link list owners will jump on board with this option. So, another possibility would be for free site builders to give up one of their sponsor links on entry pages. Either of these options allows us to send the FSC not only linkage, but hopefully a few targetted surfers too.

A word of caution on some of the FSC banners. The first couple I checked were HUGE. The one I chose to use was over 80k for a standard sized banner. By removing half the frames, I got it down to about 40k. If anyone would like to use that banner, feel free to harvest it from the root of FPP

[Halfdeck]

I grabbed that big banner on the bottom and put it here:

http://www.playgirlsclub.com/

Yeah...not the smartest thing to do, but I'll keep it up till I get tired of looking at those hotties.

[virgohippy]

Personally, I have a hard time believing many freesite builders would be willing to give up one of their links for a FSC link. The motivation just doesn't seem strong enough to me. Just my opinion though.

The only option which seems simple, and effective in allowing submitters to easily spread the word, without a potentially noticible sacrifice, is for LL owners to allow a free link to FSC. Unfortunately, I don't see this happening on a wide enough scale for it to be really effective either. Same reason as above.

I hate to disagree with you on this UW, especially cuz I'm still a nothing newbie, but I think a really well crafted recip might be a good way to go. As mentioned earlier, a surfer looking for more porn is exactly the kind of person we're looking for. Something like:

Excercise your right to see this smutt!
Free Speech Coalition

And if someone comes up with a good graphic recip we can all share, maybe the LL owners won't consider it too much of a disgrace on the holy recip table? I mean, if reviewers see it over, and over again... they'd be more likely to trust it, right?

[RawAlex]

I don't think that inviting surfers into the back office of our business is a really good idea. FSC and others might want to develop a site more oriented towards informing the public rather than the industry about what is going on, and that might be an acceptable place to send surfers. The current FSC site isn't exactly ready for a public closeup.

I have the same feelings about the number of surfers hanging around on the zoo. I feel that this really isn't good for business. People should see the show, not the dressing room.

Alex

[virgohippy]

Originally Posted by RawAlex

I don't think that inviting surfers into the back office of our business is a really good idea. FSC and others might want to develop a site more oriented towards informing the public rather than the industry about what is going on, and that might be an acceptable place to send surfers. The current FSC site isn't exactly ready for a public closeup.

I have the same feelings about the number of surfers hanging around on the zoo. I feel that this really isn't good for business. People should see the show, not the dressing room.

Alex

You make a good point, but maybe by giving the FSC more traffic it'll put more pressure on them to make the kinds of changes/accomodations DJilla was describing. If they've got more traffic maybe they'll get smart and figure out how better to use it.

And personally, I don't think it's that big a deal if the public gets a bit of an insiders peek. Just so long as it means more information is being passed around. Afterall, the FSC isn't only out to help webmasters, right?

[DJilla]

Originally Posted by RawAlex

FSC and others might want to develop a site more oriented towards informing the public rather than the industry about what is going on, and that might be an acceptable place to send surfers. The current FSC site isn't exactly ready for a public closeup.
Alex

RIGHT! I'm informally trying to drum up some support over there to broaden that website content toward something that would be more consumer oriented. I've proposed informally something like the "History Of" Or "Dangers of" censorship type page that I've mentioned in other posts. Other ideas are welcome. At this point its on me to develop a work up and submit it for someone to kick around.

Originally Posted by MyYum

A word of caution on some of the FSC banners. The first couple I checked were HUGE. The one I chose to use was over 80k for a standard sized banner. By removing half the frames, I got it down to about 40k. If anyone would like to use that banner, feel free to harvest it from the root of FPP

Good Deal. Nice of you to do. Another example of how the web work could be improved. Nice banners but did anybody care about speed? By the by, for those of you that didn't see the big banner at the bottom of some very nice ladies raising the American flag... hot as hell even with some clothes on... good photography!

Another idea occured to me as we're discussing exit links and stuff:

All the BLOGS could certainly afford to put a link up and maybe even put an an occasional boiler plate paragraph in every once in a while. So how 'bout it you bloggers? Are you in? Let us know here.

[Toby]

Originally Posted by DJilla

RIGHT! I'm informally trying to drum up some support over there to broaden that website content toward something that would be more consumer oriented. I've proposed informally something like the "History Of" Or "Dangers of" censorship type page that I've mentioned in other posts. Other ideas are welcome. At this point its on me to develop a work up and submit it for someone to kick around.

Aren't we getting the cart before the horse here? Sending surfers to a site that's not yet ready to handle surfer traffic isn't going to accomplish much. Perhaps an FSC link on your webmaster page is far more appropriate.

[DJilla]

Originally Posted by Toby

Aren't we getting the cart before the horse here? Sending surfers to a site that's not yet ready to handle surfer traffic isn't going to accomplish much. Perhaps an FSC link on your webmaster page is far more appropriate.

I agree. Perhaps it is. Have you, will you, give em a link on yours?

On the other, I would respectfully suggest that the idea of giving FSC links and traffic is being encouraged not so much to educate the public but to serve as a incentive for them to IMPROVE the site and respect the volume of people that can be reached with a more meaningful message and responsiveness to us on the internet side of things. Also, that we Adult WM’s want to be part of the crafting of that message. Fact is, I come across the FSC banner in a number of surprising places AND anyone doing a free speech or related search is likely to come across their SE listing too and probably visits so they are getting surfer traffic now.

I think we just want to show our willingness to put out some effort. IMHO, if you want a seat at the table you have to bring something with you OR be capable of generating a positive. Help us out if you’re feeling that your interests have not been well served in the past by the FSC. They have shown an initial willingness to have dialogue and incorporate our concerns. We need to show them why they should do so ASAP. What do you think?

[walrus]

Dj,

Thanks for dropping down to "bloggers world" and reminding me that this post was up here. I had seen it initially and had dismissed it. Having read what I had missed lately, while I wont post a link on my surfers blogs, I can see the merit in adding it to my webmaster blogging tools site and will post the link later tonight!

The Walrus

[Toby]

Originally Posted by DJilla

I agree. Perhaps it is. Have you, will you, give em a link on yours?

I will be including a link on the submit pages of my TGP's.

Originally Posted by DJilla

On the other, I would respectfully suggest that the idea of giving FSC links and traffic is being encouraged not so much to educate the public but to serve as a incentive for them to IMPROVE the site and respect the volume of people that can be reached with a more meaningful message and responsiveness to us on the internet side of things. Also, that we Adult WM’s want to be part of the crafting of that message. Fact is, I come across the FSC banner in a number of surprising places AND anyone doing a free speech or related search is likely to come across their SE listing too and probably visits so they are getting surfer traffic now.

I think we just want to show our willingness to put out some effort. IMHO, if you want a seat at the table you have to bring something with you OR be capable of generating a positive. Help us out if you’re feeling that your interests have not been well served in the past by the FSC. They have shown an initial willingness to have dialogue and incorporate our concerns. We need to show them why they should do so ASAP. What do you think?

I'm not confident that there's anyone at the FSC offices at this point that's is paying any attention to how much traffic the site gets, let alone where it's coming from. I think the offer to assist technically and financially with the improvement of the site has a far better chance of getting results.

[virgohippy]

Originally Posted by Toby

I'm not confident that there's anyone at the FSC offices at this point that's is paying any attention to how much traffic the site gets, let alone where it's coming from. I think the offer to assist technically and financially with the improvement of the site has a far better chance of getting results.

Very good point. Given that, why not offer both to provide assistance, and offer more publicity?

Tell 'em, "Hey, I'm(we're) giving you even more public awareness of your organization, and I'm(we're) offering to assist in helping you to better utilize that awareness."

A pincher approach would be more effective than two single approaches. They only serve to make each other more valid, and worthwhile, imo.

[Tom Hymes]

Hey. I'm sick as a dog so I'm going to make this brief for now.

We are in the middle of completely rebuilding our website and backend from scratch. When I came to FSC, they were still inputting all member signups and data by hand into two databases. Very 20th century. Lots of other problems that will hopefully be solved by the new website. The backend is almost finished, and I am starting to transfer content from the old site to the new, but there is still a good bit of design work and section development to do, and a beta testing period, but I'm hoping to go live within the month.

The main problem with the old one was that I could not do with it the sorts of things that are being discussed here, so hopefully the new one will be seen as an improvement. But it is still just creating the structure upon which a ton of as yet created content will be placed. We have in fact very ambitious plans that include providing content that speaks to all the people that visit our site, including members, surfers, attorneys, academics and researchers, legislators, congressional staffers, sister organizations, journalists, and yes, even government types like the DoJ and law enforcement. They visit too.

We are developing not only policies (finally!) but also tools, but let me make one thing very clear. We can only move so fast. We must be deliberate. There is a lot of attention on us, and we have many enemies. There are minefields all over the place, and we have to make sure that when we develop a policy, that it is solid and can't in some way be used against us. I have already learned the hard way that a position that seems simple had very potentially serious unintended consequences that could have caused a whole area of the business a world of pain.

We are going to be polling our entire membership very shortly about these issues, to find out from them what is important to them and where they feel we should be putting our attention and energy. We will be investing in research tat will help our DC lobbyists immeasurably, and asking for data from our members that we will aggregate into a more accurate picture of who they are and what they do.

Out of all of this we will be able to develop policies that really reflect the needs of our membership, but I am not waiting for that. I am already pushing for policy development in obvious areas, but without a consensus from our membership in hand, I must proceed more cautiously than I normally would.

This is a great thread. I apologize for not posting more often, but I am so busy on a daily basis responding to media calls and working with the lawyers on litigation and policy issues, and then of course working to get the site done, and I have no staff to do this for me. So please be patient. We are working in the same direction.

Tom