On what may very well bring the death of the Book Blogs Ning

[Maw Books]

SPAM! Lots and lots of spam.

[Patricia]

When i run a book contest I usually make announcements on 3 ning blog. And I also send an announcement to my ning friends which mayb I shouldn't do. Not sure now.
Blogging Books
This book for Free
Paranormal and Fantasy Addicts

Never occurred to me to post such information here.

It's important to make and enforce rules without alienating users.
That can sometimes be a fine line.

[Tricia]

Oh, I just learned something else very useful. I believe the group admins have an option to "Edit Group". In there, you should see an option to "Allow members to send messages to the entire group". I would suggest group admins make sure that box is unchecked.

[Alison Rotich]

Ok, I am definitely learning right now. When I joined this ning I saw the everyone posted their reviews on their groups and also their giveaways. I thought that was part of what this site was about. I have done it. I don't do it every time, but I thought I was supposed to. Oops! Now I know. I, Alipet813, promise to only post my giveaway to the related group or on my ning page. I will post book reviews in allowed areas as well. Sorry guys!!! I had no idea I was sometimes a spammer. I do agree that clarifying the intent of the group would be very beneficial to new members. I only followed what I saw when I joined as many others have pointed out.

[Harvee Lau]

As I said before, I only hope that the discussion groups are not going to dry up from want of entries!

[Deborah]

I think if anything discussion would increase more if there was less spam. Instead of having to wade through all the giveaway and review posts, there would be actual conversation posts. as it is even now, the main discussion board on the front, real discussions get bumped off the main page due to people posting their giveaway and reviews right there.

also more people would be inclined to participate if they didn't have to worry about authors spamming them wanting book reviews

[Tricia]

This is where you need to be really careful about who you accept as friends. My rule has been that if an author contacts you who is not your friend, I will send them a warning email. If you notice this happening, please let me know.

[Deborah]

i've seem to notice that everytime as soon as someone new joins ning, there are certain authors that immediately message them asking if they want to review their books. would that be considered spam?

[Anastasia]

Yup, especially if they don't review whatever genre the author writes in. Of course, if the author thinks that new member would LIKE to review their book because it's a good match or whatever, then it's not spam.

It's complicated. ;D

[Deborah]

lol true...except i've seen them message people that have absolutely nothing on their profile, no blog link, nothing about their interests.

so unless they are psychic *wiggles fingers*

[Linda]

I guess rules are in order as I am totally confused now. I now have no idea what this ning is for! I have been posting a link for each review I write on my blog, once in the forum and once in a group. Sometimes for a specific topic I may post in another group. Now I'm spamming?

[Amy]

I see the ning as being more for behind the scenes support for each other and not necessarily an advertising tool for our own blogs. It's a place to discuss our issues with blogging, learn from each other, and also share about books. I think via contributing to discussions, people will want to check out your blog and see your reviews that way! :)

[Deborah]

i agree with this. there are over 3000 people on this ning. many of us post reviews every day. if everyone was to post on here each time they reviewed something, it would be totally cluttered and extremely hard to wade through.