NO non-RFD Referrals & NO Free Money Threads-Freebie Guidelines & Suggestions [Archive]

Scooter

Mar 26th, 2004, 11:53 PM

I felt like writing this little FAQ because every now and then I see threads that aren't really freebies, so hopefully this post will explain what is considered a freebie and what isn't.

What IS a freebie?
Something which a person can acquire with zero cost to them. The deal could be ordered online, by phone, or in person, but there must be no charge for the item or for the shipping of the item. The only exception is transportation costs of getting to the deal if it is an in-person deal.

What ISN'T a freebie?
- deals that require a SASE (self-addressed stamped envelope)
- free with purchase
- only pay shipping
- contests
These "almost free"bies are better posted in the Hot Deals forum, and contests have their own dedicated forum now.

FREE PRODUCT COUPONS are acceptable to post in the freebies section.

Freebie posting tips:
1. Make the subject of your post as descriptive as possible. This is not only helpful for people to understand what the freebie is about before viewing the thread, but also helps people searching the forum either to see if something has already been posted or just looking for freebies that still work.
2. If a freebie that you posted is dead, it is appreciated if you prefix the subject of your thread with "DEAD:".
3. When you receive a freebie, it is preferable to post that you received it in the original thread. Although you can link to the old thread from a new thread, that doesn't allow people viewing the old thread to be aware of the new thread. Having just one thread is easier and reduces forum clutter without harming your precious post count. :D
4. If a freebie is specific to a certain region, use the appropriate post icon (American flag, GTA, GVR).
5. Before posting a freebie, check to see if somebody has already posted it. If you are certain that the freebie is still valid, it's alright to bump the old topic, and again it reduces forum clutter.
6. You don't need to include the word "Free" in your subject line as it is redundant.
7. If you aren't sure if the freebie will come, you can prefix your thread subject with "UNVERIFIED:".
8. If you know the freebie will come because you or someone else has received it, you can prefix your thread subject with "VERIFIED:".

IMPORTANT NOTE:
Since this web site is intended for a Canadian audience, Canadian freebies are preferred. However, there are some people who can take advantage of American freebies. When posting freebies, please check whether or not it is US-only, and if you really MUST post US-only freebies, use the American flag post icon so that you don't waste people's time.

runamuck

Apr 21st, 2004, 05:24 PM

good stuff..

i think there should be a special forum strictly for "online contests"

cheers~
:)

Scooter

Apr 21st, 2004, 09:42 PM

Thanks to Ryan for pinning this.

runamuck

Apr 22nd, 2004, 08:07 PM

just a thought

i notice threads getting moved from the HOT DEALS section to various other areas such as Buy/Sell, Off Topic.. but I'm wondering do mods ever move FREEBIE related threads from HOT DEALS to FREEBIES?....

most people either post a very "hot" freebie in HOT DEALS and then a duplicate ends up being made in the FREEBIES...

all in the name of getting the word out to as many ppl as possible i suppose.. -_-

sj_444

Jun 20th, 2004, 08:34 PM

does "Illegitimi non carborundum" mean " don't let those bastards grind you down" ?:?:?

actng

Jun 20th, 2004, 10:08 PM

people should also title the thread "CONTEST: xxxxxxxx"

goat

Jun 29th, 2004, 05:10 AM

does "Illegitimi non carborundum" mean " don't let those bastards grind you down" ?:?:?
yes it does

zenbunny

Jun 29th, 2004, 01:59 PM

good stuff..

i think there should be a special forum strictly for "online contests"

cheers~
:)

I second the motion for a contest forum. ;)

runamuck

Jul 5th, 2004, 09:24 PM

does "Illegitimi non carborundum" mean " don't let those bastards grind you down" ?:?:?

yuppers.. a nice line to keep in mind when you or someone you know is getting screwed..stand up and fite back! ;)

Ryan

Aug 16th, 2004, 08:40 PM

Hellfire

Aug 16th, 2004, 09:28 PM

Might want to sticky this for abit.

b0ne

Aug 16th, 2004, 09:56 PM

Might want to sticky this for abit.

They'll make it a sticky after a day or so.. ppl tend to not notice stickys as much, so they let the thread be "normal" for a bit. ;)

Arrow

Aug 16th, 2004, 10:11 PM

Good call.

stevethewheel

Aug 16th, 2004, 10:27 PM

There are no outside affiliate links allowed on the RFD forums and this includes ING Referrals. No "PM for a referral code" or anything of that sort either.

We have to draw a hardline on this otherwise SPAM will quickly overrun the boards.

If you have any questions, you can PM me.

OK on this I am a noob. Gonna ask you the question right here in the forum...

What's an outside affiliate link?

Is it like a link that says "click here for an incredible deal on full-service widgets" that gives a gain to the person who posted the link?

If this is in the FAQ just send me there.....

actng

Aug 16th, 2004, 10:30 PM

ING Direct rocks! What other bank gives new customers $13?

Kerer

Aug 16th, 2004, 11:20 PM

On one hand, I can see why RFD's doesn't want this forum to turn into a giant advertising fiasco. On the other hand, I don't see what's wrong with helping others out.

People make money on the Internet, people make money off of others on the Internet. So, why not have fellow RFD's benefit, rather than someone who you don't know?

There are a lot of great deals and freebies out there (like ING Direct's offer) that get even better when 2 people can benefit, versus just one. Companies have affiliate programs for a reason, so why is it wrong to be compensated when you advertise for them for free?

I really do think that this whole situation is a "toughie", and I really only have one suggestion: start another forum that allows affiliate links. Of course, you'll have newbies who register and will post their affiliate links, and will never be heard from again, but right now, they do that anyway. Maybe this is something to be explored?

By the way, I will admit that I am also guilty of online affiliate marketing. However, as much as I have been successful doing it, I certainly don't mind helping others out and clicking on their affiliate links too, making them successful as well. Without affiliate links, this simply wouldn't be possible - downstreams, upstreams, and proper compsensation simply wouldn't exist.

Ryan

Aug 16th, 2004, 11:29 PM

What's an outside affiliate link?

Is it like a link that says "click here for an incredible deal on full-service widgets" that gives a gain to the person who posted the link?

If this is in the FAQ just send me there.....

That is correct. It can include things like Amazon links, poker links, etc. They are usually pretty easy to identify because the will include things like "&affid=245435" or "amazon.ca/redflagdeals-20" in them.

There are of course RFD links that you can use, they don't cost you anything but they help pay for the site. There was a post with all the RFD affiliate links, but I'm having trouble finding it. I'll update this when I do.

Found it: http://forums.redflagdeals.com/showthread.php?t=10162

v00d00

Aug 25th, 2004, 01:17 AM

You mean like in my signature, I can't have an outside link? Or just a "affiliated" outside link? Or just an "affiliated" outside link that isn't:

1-800 CONTACTS
Amazon.ca
BarnesandNoble.com
BookCloseouts.com
CanadianTire.ca
Chapters.Indigo.ca
Compgeeks.com
eBay.ca
eBay.com
eCost.com
FlowersCanada.com
GameStop.com
Half.com
Merconnet.com
MP3PlayerStore.com
NCIX.com
OfficeDepot.com
PlayCentric.com
RadioShack.ca
SportMart.ca
TheShoppingChannel.com
TigerDirect.ca
VFXWeb.com
VisionDirect.com

Am I following this correctly?

Derek

Aug 25th, 2004, 01:51 AM

You cannot have an affiliated outside link.

If you would like an ING referral, I can send you one as well.

Nefarian

Aug 25th, 2004, 04:12 PM

So it's fine to post an outside link, as long as it's not "affiliated", i.e. as long as the poster doesn't gain anything from it. Correct?

dealforme

Aug 25th, 2004, 04:27 PM

So it's fine to post an outside link, as long as it's not "affiliated", i.e. as long as the poster doesn't gain anything from it. Correct?

You are correct.

daisyville

Sep 1st, 2004, 09:01 AM

phew, I used to have one of those in my signature line. Glad I took it off!

BestOffer

Sep 18th, 2004, 08:19 PM

ING Direct rocks! What other bank gives new customers $13?

i think VanCity give out $10

d_jedi

Oct 1st, 2004, 02:00 PM

What about in your sig? Doesn't contribute to any spam or anything..

Ryan

Oct 2nd, 2004, 02:43 AM

No, not in sigs either. That can lead to spam too.

runamuck

Nov 4th, 2004, 06:28 PM

just noticed the FREEBIES section got upgraded to FREEBIES AND CONTESTS

good stuff

now dont be shy...share some of those contests folks!!!

:razz:

Scooter

Nov 4th, 2004, 11:23 PM

I have updated the FAQ to reflect the new dedicated contests forum.

eBuddy

Nov 11th, 2004, 11:52 PM

You are correct.

Originally Posted by Nefarian
So it's fine to post an outside link, as long as it's not "affiliated", i.e. as long as the poster doesn't gain anything from it.

So why was the thread about Citizens Bank's $100 offer locked? The mods should just edit out the links they don't like instead of locking the whole thread. What is the proper way for RFD members to read about the excellent deal to earn $100 just for opening a bank account?

runamuck

Feb 15th, 2005, 10:02 PM

suggestion:

also doesn't hurt2do a search using the "search" feature

theres been times when i do a search using the "basic" words but it doesnt yield any results because the OP didn't use any sensable keywords (lack of info)

and when posting a freebie try and post item-brand /location/date in the subject if applicable, just helps make things more structured.

*no im not the freebie nazi* :twisted:

Scooter

Feb 16th, 2005, 03:17 PM

I have added a "Freebie posting tips" section to the FAQ with your suggestions as well as a few ideas of my own.

Scooter

Jun 2nd, 2005, 03:26 PM

Added two more posting tips for thread title prefixes "UNVERIFIED:" and "VERIFIED:" inspired by Runamuck's celebrity fanmail thread.

runamuck

Jul 4th, 2005, 11:30 PM

starting to think those "recieved" threads are useless...especially when the OP doesen't link the actual freebie from the original post..

just a buncha people who wanna show off their skore..

*myself included* :o

/rant

Scooter

Jul 5th, 2005, 03:13 PM

To me it makes more sense to note received in the original thread.

runamuck

Jul 5th, 2005, 09:38 PM

To me it makes more sense to note received in the original thread.

i concur

i do however find it rattling when someone bumps a dead freebie for the sake of saying they got it

i've bumped threads from months back only because either i got it or found out that its still active (accepting new signups)..courtesy bump for the noobs :lol:

slice

Jul 26th, 2005, 01:54 AM

What ISN'T a freebie?
- deals that require a SASE (self-addressed stamped envelope)
- free with purchase
- only pay shipping
- coupons
- contests
These "almost free"bies are better posted in the Hot Deals forum, and contests have their own dedicated forum now.

It seems more and more people are posting coupons in this freebee section. Sure the coupon may be free however most are worthless unless you spend money on the coupon item. paying $'s does not = freebee.

Scooter

Jul 26th, 2005, 03:35 PM

Exactly why it's on my list of what isn't a freebie. Currently there aren't enough to warrant a separate coupon forum, so technically they should be posted in Hot Deals, but the moderators aren't interested in enforcing that.

Password

Aug 21st, 2005, 01:40 PM

The realistic issue here is that RFD is a business. They provide a service (these message boards) and make money by delivering our eyeballs to their advertisers. They also make money through their referral links.

Everytime a user posts a referral link, that takes money out of RFD's account. I think they're perfectly within their rights to deny affiliate links.

Arrow

Aug 24th, 2005, 04:08 AM

How did you manage to dig up this old thread?

Password

Aug 25th, 2005, 04:38 PM

Oops. Sorry. /me blushes

It's a sticky. Guess I need to pay better attention to the Last Post date! :razz:

bunnylove

Nov 16th, 2005, 03:49 PM

Ok doke, but what is an 'affiliated outside link'?

could you post the definition? Thanks a bunch

yuprules

Nov 16th, 2005, 03:50 PM

Ok doke, but what is an 'affiliated outside link'?

could you post the definition? Thanks a bunch

This company is a good example:

http://www.linkshare.com

slice

Nov 16th, 2005, 09:17 PM

I really question how many people read this thread. Coupons and other non-freebee offers are always being posted. Its clear these sections have been set up for a reason.

Irb

Dec 27th, 2005, 08:40 PM

Can I say "use my rfd username as a referral" and not provide any link?

5up3r0wn4g3

Feb 28th, 2006, 11:14 AM

good stuff
thanks

5up3r0wn4g3

Feb 28th, 2006, 11:37 AM

but we dont get nethin for refferin ppl i think.

runamuck

Mar 19th, 2006, 08:07 PM

I really question how many people read this thread. Coupons and other non-freebee offers are always being posted. Its clear these sections have been set up for a reason.

true

GamerG

Apr 15th, 2006, 01:02 AM

Thankyou For the Info.

aZnDeViLbOi

Jan 5th, 2007, 06:37 PM

i would like to get a mod to close repost, and old treads because there are to much of the these lieing around this section... also waste of server space

ladybug193

Jan 13th, 2007, 06:26 PM

A few helpful tips
*Copy and paste, the first rule of RECEIVING freebies.*

If you check out this link for a free dog toy freebie (which may or may not be legit but doubtful), you will see how they are tracking where you come from.
http://www.akpetcare.com/free_dog_toy.html

In the lower left corner you can see three coloured blocks. If you click on it, you will come to this tracking page which gives the company every detail of the people visiting the site (their IT guy really messed up eh?, lol)
http://www.mvtracker.com/stats.php?l=akpetcare&pp=1

More often than not, when a company sees these results, they will not send out to those who have come from "freebie" sites as they are usually offering promotions to entice new paying customers to buy products in the future.

For newbies who may not know how to copy and paste...go the to the beginning of the link and left click...holding it down. Drag it to the end of the link (it will highlight), release. Right click and "copy". If the link is too long(you see .... in the link), you will have to "copy shortcut" instead. Open another browser page (eg. Google). Right click in the ADDRESS bar and "paste" the address into the fresh browser, then click go or search.

One additional tip...if a company emails you and asks where you heard of their offer, NEVER tell them from a freebie site. Instead, its from a friend, relative, tv etc.

Editing to add links offered throughout this post. Thanks!

When you click post reply, scroll down past "Submit Reply" and under Additional Options. Uncheck Automatically parse links in text. Now links will appear as just text, not hyper links.

An easier thing for us Firefox users is to just install the RefControl extension:

http://www.stardrifter.org/refcontrol/

Just disable referrer altogether. If you every run across a site you like that needs them, add it to the white list. Very simple to do - and not many sites actually need referrer headers for anything legitimate.

While filling out those freebies , why not simplify it with roboform . One click and all your info is added .....http://www.roboform.com/
With the new version, you are only allowed 10 saved passcards. With the older version, it is unlimited...you can save as many as you'd like. Here is the link for anyone interested.
http://www.321download.com/LastFreeware/page7.html

~Cheers~ Make the freebies last~and Good Luck~. Hope everyones mailboxes fill up:cheesygri

digidaze

Jan 13th, 2007, 07:44 PM

A few helpful tips
*Copy and paste, the first rule of RECEIVING freebies.*

For newbies who may not know how to copy and paste

In IE6:
just left click the link in the address bar, cntl-C, then cntl-V to paste.

dodiefire

Jan 13th, 2007, 08:43 PM

great advice for the newbies who may not realize by clicking the link directly can ruin it for the rest of us. Thanks Ladybug:!:

guyarchangel

Jan 13th, 2007, 10:36 PM

great tip, thanks ladybug193;)

GoW

Jan 13th, 2007, 11:22 PM

wait is it for every freebie site? like that get a free wii, ps3, nano etc... or just for that site? i nearly considered trusting these sites but thanks for the heads-up

HowEver

Jan 14th, 2007, 12:00 AM

No, no. You'll get so many free wiis, ps3s and nanos you won't know what to do with them.

Wow.

wait is it for every freebie site? like that get a free wii, ps3, nano etc... or just for that site? i nearly considered trusting these sites but thanks for the heads-up

HBP

Jan 14th, 2007, 12:11 AM

wait is it for every freebie site? like that get a free wii, ps3, nano etc... or just for that site? i nearly considered trusting these sites but thanks for the heads-up

Those sites are legit (most), this thread is talking about freebies for the little toys, like pens...

tazi

Jan 15th, 2007, 12:27 AM

Thx for the tip, ladybug. Next time I will know better.

Kwirky

Jan 15th, 2007, 03:20 AM

Anyone know how using something like http://tinyurl.com would affect this?

brunes

Jan 15th, 2007, 08:12 AM

A few helpful tips
*Copy and paste, the first rule of RECEIVING freebies.*

If you check out this link for a free dog toy freebie (which may or may not be legit but doubtful), you will see how they are tracking where you come from.
http://www.akpetcare.com/free_dog_toy.html

In the lower left corner you can see three coloured blocks. If you click on it, you will come to this tracking page which gives the company every detail of the people visiting the site (their IT guy really messed up eh?, lol)
http://www.mvtracker.com/stats.php?l=akpetcare&pp=1

More often than not, when a company sees these results, they will not send out to those who have come from "freebie" sites as they are usually offering promotions to entice new paying customers to buy products in the future.

For newbies who may not know how to copy and paste...go the to the beginning of the link and left click...holding it down. Drag it to the end of the link (it will highlight), release. Right click and "copy". If the link is too long(you see .... in the link), you will have to "copy shortcut" instead. Open another browser page (eg. Google). Right click in the ADDRESS bar and "paste" the address into the fresh browser, then click go or search.

One additional tip...if a company emails you and asks where you heard of their offer, NEVER tell them from a freebie site. Instead, its from a friend, relative, tv etc.

~Cheers~ Make the freebies last~and Good Luck~. Hope everyones mailboxes fill up:cheesygri

An easier thing for us Firefox users is to just install the RefControl extension:

http://www.stardrifter.org/refcontrol/

Just disable referrer altogether. If you every run across a site you like that needs them, add it to the white list. Very simple to do - and not many sites actually need referrer headers for anything legitimate.

knottykitty

Jan 15th, 2007, 08:56 AM

ladybug193

Jan 15th, 2007, 09:23 PM

An easier thing for us Firefox users is to just install the RefControl extension:

http://www.stardrifter.org/refcontrol/

Just disable referrer altogether. If you every run across a site you like that needs them, add it to the white list. Very simple to do - and not many sites actually need referrer headers for anything legitimate.

Neat program. As i'm sure you can tell then ....i'm still using good old IE:lol:

majesus

Jan 16th, 2007, 01:03 AM

Interesting thread. THANKS
What about opening in a new window? Is that like cutting and pasting?

ladybug193

Jan 17th, 2007, 11:05 PM

Interesting thread. THANKS
What about opening in a new window? Is that like cutting and pasting?
If your browser is set up to open a new link in another window when you click on it, it still gives the site the redirection information... so no.
If you mean pasting the website address into a new window, then yes it's the same...not quite sure if I understood correctly though:) .

M@rk

Jan 17th, 2007, 11:37 PM

I think it'd be a good idea if the freebie forum was set up to not allow working links so it never gets traced back here.

Certain sites add something at the end of the link (like an exclamation mark) so that they're not valid.

majesus

Jan 18th, 2007, 01:15 AM

If your browser is set up to open a new link in another window when you click on it, it still gives the site the redirection information... so no.
If you mean pasting the website address into a new window, then yes it's the same...not quite sure if I understood correctly though:) .

My mistake, the first one. Thanks ladybug :)

Desolatax

Jan 18th, 2007, 01:35 AM

No, no. You'll get so many free wiis, ps3s and nanos you won't know what to do with them.

Wow.
Exactly.

All these n00bs keep ruining my chance to have 1 bazillion Wii's!

Steveoph

Jan 26th, 2007, 08:25 PM

Worthy of a bump, especially for that firefox extension alone.

twotterdhc6

Jan 28th, 2007, 04:32 PM

Worthy of a bump, especially for that firefox extension alone.

Thanks for the bump.
That RefControl would be even more awesome if it has something similar to the Filterset.G addon for Adblock.

ladybug193

Apr 8th, 2007, 04:11 PM

Bumping for new members :D

onecoolloser

Apr 8th, 2007, 05:10 PM

ladybug, you're my hero!:razz:

halflife150

Apr 8th, 2007, 06:20 PM

rofl, I like how on the date you made this post the site had over 2000 hits, probably all from rfd. Just today I looked and of the last 20 visits, 19 came from rfd while the other came from another freebie site. Seems like the only traffice this site is getting is from freebie hunters.

Talon88

Apr 8th, 2007, 10:18 PM

:::

Make it stickly....!

:::

700mb80min

Apr 8th, 2007, 10:28 PM

While filling out those freebies , why not simplify it with roboform . One click and all your info is added .....http://www.roboform.com/

Pr0metheus

Apr 9th, 2007, 02:08 AM

While filling out those freebies , why not simplify it with roboform . One click and all your info is added .....http://www.roboform.com/

Thanks for that. I've been using Google toolbar to fill out forms, but this thing I can use for other stuff as well!

700mb80min

Apr 9th, 2007, 02:59 AM

Its great for form filling , one for my freebies ( make up a name ) and one for my contests !

...go to the identities option and fill out a few .

C0RM3GA

Apr 9th, 2007, 03:20 AM

:::

Make it stickly....!

:::

YES make it a sticky (not stickly, lol ;))

mrsauga

Apr 9th, 2007, 06:55 AM

Thanks ladybug.. great tip...

mahjongmaniac

Apr 10th, 2007, 06:16 PM

good advice for the browser-rookies i suppose... but i think most of us know this already.

thx anyway LadyBug!

--------------

I think it'd be a good idea if the freebie forum was set up to not allow working links so it never gets traced back here.

Certain sites add something at the end of the link (like an exclamation mark) so that they're not valid.

good idea

mahjongmaniac

Apr 10th, 2007, 06:20 PM

An easier thing for us Firefox users is to just install the RefControl extension:

http://www.stardrifter.org/refcontrol/

Just disable referrer altogether. If you every run across a site you like that needs them, add it to the white list. Very simple to do - and not many sites actually need referrer headers for anything legitimate.

interesting program... thx4da info/link :D

-----------

Worthy of a bump, especially for that firefox extension alone.

if it wasn't for bumps, i would've missed the RefControl....

this thread should be stickied!

dokechi

Apr 11th, 2007, 02:19 AM

Admin: Why don't we just disable links for the freebies forum? Wouldn't that force everybody to copy/paste?

ladybug193

Apr 12th, 2007, 07:19 PM

While filling out those freebies , why not simplify it with roboform . One click and all your info is added .....http://www.roboform.com/

Roboform is definately a must have for freebie and contest forms, agreed:cheesygri . I think the older version is much better though. With the new version, you are only allowed 10 saved passcards. With the older version, it is unlimited...you can save as many as you'd like. Here is the link for anyone interested.
http://www.321download.com/LastFreeware/page7.html
Thanks very much for the reminder 700mb80min

ladybug193

Apr 12th, 2007, 07:26 PM

Admin: Why don't we just disable links for the freebies forum? Wouldn't that force everybody to copy/paste?

Great idea dokechi. I don't know if that's possible but I'll try to find out.

jyaniv

Apr 12th, 2007, 08:00 PM

This is how you do it

Make http and https bad words, make also www a bad word

Do not allow hyperlinks to be created, disable the insert button

therefore, the link will be on the forum, test.com/freebie

and the user cant click it. ;-)

Daf

Apr 12th, 2007, 09:18 PM

I like it why not just dl the firefox extension

do not disable links

LuuC

Apr 14th, 2007, 05:13 PM

wilson.311

Apr 16th, 2007, 06:02 PM

wow... I never know that they check the referral sites until this second!!
Thanks OP !! Next time I'd copy & paste the link instead of clicking it :cheesygri

ladybug193

Apr 21st, 2007, 12:29 PM

I'm sorry but I think I'm really slow right now...are you saying that we shouldn't open a new window and past the website address?
If not, then what should we be doing?

I think you misinterpreted the question that I was answering.
You are right....open a new window and paste the address into it:D

clawedcougar

Apr 24th, 2007, 03:00 PM

With freebies you can put in whatever you want for your name name right? But what about with contests? :confused:

wilson.311

Apr 24th, 2007, 03:06 PM

would these company share your mailing address to others..
and you would end up getting lots of junk mail in your mailbox?
is it save to give them your home address and let them mail you the free magazines? :confused:

abu_sme

Apr 24th, 2007, 03:15 PM

holding down the CTRL button when clicking on stuff works too.

jeeva86

Apr 25th, 2007, 10:29 PM

Perhaps when posting links make them not clickable.

scottyyy

Apr 26th, 2007, 02:31 PM

ladybug this post was stolen by frugal shopper >:( and no proper credit to red flag deals was given

http://www.frugalshopper.ca/phpbb2/viewtopic.php?t=72259

Kasakato

Apr 26th, 2007, 04:27 PM

ladybug this post was stolen by frugal shopper >:( and no proper credit to red flag deals was given

http://www.frugalshopper.ca/phpbb2/viewtopic.php?t=72259

Go site them for plagiarism! Saying its from 'REdFlag' is not valid.

scottyyy

Apr 26th, 2007, 04:57 PM

Go site them for plagiarism! Saying its from 'REdFlag' is not valid.

yes i agree :mad:
red flag is not the ethical way of giving credit and no link too! :mad: :mad:

Apr 28th, 2007, 12:14 AM

While filling out those freebies , why not simplify it with roboform . One click and all your info is added .....http://www.roboform.com/

This has got to be the most HELPFUL post I've ever used ... I just downloaded RoboForm, and I feel like I won the lotto!!! It's so great not to have to fill out (or edit the Autofill) forms. THANKS SO MUCH!!

mahjongmaniac

Apr 28th, 2007, 07:02 PM

wow... I never know that they check the referral sites until this second!!
Thanks OP !! Next time I'd copy & paste the link instead of clicking it :cheesygri

i'm sure every website uses sth similar to track/audit....

it's the same w/ FS/BB/stooples.... ;)

ladybug193

Apr 29th, 2007, 09:31 PM

The first post has been updated with the helpful links given by members throughout this thread. If you find another program or tip that you think would be beneficial, please post here or pm me and I will add it.

Thanks very much :D to Poppa for the copy/paste solution given in the RFD Comments and Suggestions area.

When you click post reply, scroll down past "Submit Reply" and under Additional Options. Uncheck Automatically parse links in text. Now links will appear as just text, not hyper links.

quanvon

May 17th, 2007, 03:25 PM

thx OPS, interesting to know!

chimp69

May 21st, 2007, 11:29 AM

so the program saves you the trouble of entering info in all the forms. the program fills out what you type, all you personal information, and it spits it out on any form you wanna fill on the computer(name address, etc)?sounds a little weird. Doesnt anyone else wonder if a program like that is safe?

thecoolguy_sony

May 21st, 2007, 02:54 PM

i dont think i completely understand u.... do u mean that the freeby links people post in the "freebie" forum - u have to copy and paste them in another browser window to actually get the freeby!?!?

and HOW COULD U GET A LOT OF Wii as many are saying -- or even one ! ?

ladybug193

May 25th, 2007, 10:28 PM

With freebies you can put in whatever you want for your name name right? But what about with contests? :confused:
You can have multiple "identities" with Roboform.

so the program saves you the trouble of entering info in all the forms. the program fills out what you type, all you personal information, and it spits it out on any form you wanna fill on the computer(name address, etc)?sounds a little weird. Doesnt anyone else wonder if a program like that is safe?

It is very safe, no worries. There is absolutely NO spyware with Roboform. It simply fills the empty spaces :cheesygri

i dont think i completely understand u.... do u mean that the freeby links people post in the "freebie" forum - u have to copy and paste them in another browser window to actually get the freeby!?!?

and HOW COULD U GET A LOT OF Wii as many are saying -- or even one ! ?

You are more likely to receive a promotional product/sample from a company if you're NOT redirected from a freebie site. Think of how many times you've clicked on a link here only to see that it's 'dead' after a few hours..
Copying and pasting allows more consumers to benefit....as well as the company sometimes. Many people decide to purchase once they've sampled a product.

About the free Wii's.......I don't think you'll find any here. I'm fairly sure those were sarcastic comments ;)

jerrytoyer

Jun 8th, 2007, 07:22 PM

i feel the same

Scooter

Jun 9th, 2007, 11:43 AM

Last time I suggested it to Ryan and Derek, they didn't see the need for it. They feel that the freebies forum is not active enough to warrant a dedicated moderator, and they weren't keen on the idea of doing more than what the existing moderators are already doing in here. There's certainly a lot more that could be done.

angiek

Jun 10th, 2007, 12:13 PM

I probably should read stickey's more often.
Now that I read them got one more question.
I know right-clicking on the link and "opening in new window" , is bad. They can trace you back to RFD.
But there is another option and that option is "open in new tab" when you right click on a link.
Can they trace me back to RFD using that option?:o

OverDriveAdamJ

Jun 10th, 2007, 10:40 PM

runamuck

Jun 17th, 2007, 10:53 PM

its up to fellow members to REPORT POSTS!

feel free to click on the "Report This Post" link found in the post and send off a note to the mod team. If stating "REPOST" in a thread you should back it up with a link to the original thread ;)

and when starting threads you should always do a search, this should be a prereq. It also helps when the original poster puts useful searchable keywords in the title and body of the posting.

cheers

fredflinstoned

Jun 20th, 2007, 05:57 AM

What about in your sig? Doesn't contribute to any spam or anything..

What about in your sig? Doesn't contribute to any spam or anything..

Well I'm new here and attempted to post information that sure I would benefit from but thought also many users of the forum would benefit also from.
Currently there is a massive vigilante crusade going on in the web forums whereas contributions to members are based upon bias,I think maybe a better way to go about this was to simply prevent anyone from posting affliate links until after they have posted like 100 posts and replies,this is to insure that they will more than likely stay around for awhile,and so that the community forum members could get better acquainted with a user,and get the feel of them whether or not they are just a spammer,or if they are legit in trading referral links.
At the current rate many forums are going to destroy themselves out of the fear of saving the forums.
Forums themselves contain elements that add to their success,and members are the priority to satisfy that success,additionally forums depend upon third parties for their success,a product or service has to exist.
The internet is one massive library of information some good,some very bad,and defining links as spam is misleading,because the value is again in the eye of the beholder,and should not be subject to any particular definition as such.
I could simply read a post in the forum and could define it as spam by using the same definition as you have.
If I have no use for the post.
And again a user can just simply choose to ignore a thread.
I remember when blogging was the in thing on the net,and now a days many usually forum owner's cry blogs are dead no one reads blogs any more,but it couldn't be further from the truth.
The biggest problem with most forums is the fact that they allow the forum posts to become so large with so much out dated information that most user's when they sign up may not come back for the simple reason that they index the page in reverse,I haven't seen that problem here.
Another thing to remember is when a forum allows referral links it helps the major search engines to index the forum,so in essence the forum gets much more exposure than it normally would without links.
Watch the page counts start to decline,once the web crawlers start deleting referances to links to the site.
However this is your site,and it is only a privilage to be a member,and such an opinion as I have is to less concern of most.

td0t0

Aug 6th, 2007, 02:37 AM

am i allowed my sig???
edit: looks like it got deleted :S

kinderss

Aug 10th, 2007, 03:27 PM

I'm new to this freebee forum and really appreciate this info... I wouldn't have had any idea that clicking the link would make a difference.
Thanks!

dealsoftheday

Sep 4th, 2007, 08:13 PM

It always happens to me. I give personal info, and I subscribe to whatever the company wants and I never receive my free stuff!!!
:confused:

Safflon

Oct 16th, 2007, 04:40 PM

I'm trying to download the old version of roboform and get it to work with mozilla 2.0.0.7 (new version) I've installed the adapter, but it says it is an unsupported browser?? Do I have to upgrade the roboform?

ladybug193

Oct 16th, 2007, 04:54 PM

Unfortunately, Roboform doesn't work with Firefox>:(

Safflon

Oct 16th, 2007, 04:56 PM

Unfortunately, Roboform doesn't work with Firefox>:(

Thanks for the response. I'll download the new version of Roboform then :(

WindowGirl

Nov 5th, 2007, 06:37 PM

Thank you, this is really helpful

kuqdew

Nov 5th, 2007, 07:59 PM

wat about the moola thread

lazy_prodigy

Nov 27th, 2007, 01:59 AM

Thanks everybody!

MC25

Nov 27th, 2007, 02:33 AM

Thanks for the informative post.
Just a question about clicking the links vs copy paste.

Can i just right click and go "copy link" or copy link address?

fjanicki

Dec 12th, 2007, 02:50 AM

why not using this ?
http://anonym.to/

bubble.tea

Dec 19th, 2007, 12:59 AM

i scooped up a freebie retention license for my roboform on my pc....TONIGHT I was chillin' on the new laptop and came across this thread.

I installed that link for the old version of roboform...and it is really old. It says it won't work with IE7 :(. Kinda useless...updates are an important part of life., stability, security issues. I don't want to be using any important keys on this older version fwiw.

Anyway., interesting read.

amyk15

Jan 12th, 2008, 02:42 PM

I had NO idea!! :-0 maybe now i will be able to get some freebies!

skoops2181

Apr 25th, 2008, 01:43 PM

I'm one of those newbies who didn't know, so I just wanted to say thanks!!

runamuck

May 14th, 2008, 11:39 PM

great tips, thanks everyone!

Pedro Noypi

May 15th, 2008, 10:25 PM

You can also get freebies if you become a regular customer to your favorite store. Try scouting for the best store and stick to them.. in time, they will recognize you and shower you with lots of freebies.

vee_one

May 27th, 2008, 01:48 PM

thanks everyone

bodsonap

Jun 16th, 2008, 04:30 AM

As a newbie, I do believe I have been guilty of a few infractions myself, but, now that i've been in the swing of things, it can only get better, and if we all work together on this one, this thread can run a little smoother.
Must admit though, that when a newly registered member makes a post, there is a lot rudeness on the part of the more experienced members if a mistake is made, and sometimes even nasty. A better approach would be to help and guide them through a little, it can only work in your favor if these people know, or can post a lot of good freebies.There is no need for the rudeness.
Good post scooter, will will keep following this thread.

poonam3123

Jul 15th, 2008, 03:09 PM

The best tip I have to recieve freebies is too always carry around the coupons in the back pocket of your jeans , you can just forget them there till your at the cashier and use them

mcdullgamer

Jul 29th, 2008, 10:55 AM

Nice tips

runamuck

Sep 7th, 2008, 05:02 PM

Nikita

Sep 7th, 2008, 05:41 PM

reminder: coupons for $x.xx off purchases belong in Hot deals not Freebies..according to this faq, thou not really enforced.

For those who have a 'freebie' to giveaway, post it on the BST Freebie forum for fellow RFD'ers!

http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=99

I agree with the first part about coupons, but using your own logic, freebies should go in freebies, whether they're freebies given away be a person or any other way. You do know that those who frequent the freebie section are 'fellow RFD'ers too, don't you?

Originally Posted by Scooter

What ISN'T a freebie?
- deals that require a SASE (self-addressed stamped envelope)
- free with purchase
- only pay shipping
- coupons except for full value or free product coupons
- contests
These "almost free"bies are better posted in the Hot Deals forum, and contests have their own dedicated forum now.

Fixed.

It seems more and more people are posting coupons in this freebee section. Sure the coupon may be free however most are worthless unless you spend money on the coupon item. paying $'s does not = freebee.

Again, except for full value or free product coupons, which IMO DO belong in the freebie section. Whether the product is sent to your house or the coupon for the product is, it all the same, freebies, therefore the freebie forum IS the appropriate section.

runamuck

Sep 7th, 2008, 06:02 PM

I agree with the first part about coupons, but using your own logic, freebies should go in freebies, whether they're freebies given away be a person or any other way. You do know that those who frequent the freebie section are 'fellow RFD'ers too, don't you?

Those who frequent freebie section are not 'fellow rfd'ers' in my opinion..many people don't login/post/contribute. The 'Free Stuff' forum long with the rest of the 'BST' forums require interaction with RFD user accts.

Free Stuff could be suggested as a subsection of the 'Freebies' forum..

Nikita

Sep 7th, 2008, 06:28 PM

Those who frequent freebie section are not 'fellow rfd'ers' in my opinion..many people don't login/post/contribute. The 'Free Stuff' forum long with the rest of the 'BST' forums require interaction with RFD user accts.

Free Stuff could be suggested as a subsection of the 'Freebies' forum..

Hmm, an RFD BST snob who doesn't frequent freebies enough to know that you're so wrong in your assumption that we/they don't login/post/contribute. And if you do frequent BST or even the comments/suggestions forums, you'll see just how often the same is said about people who frequent BST...ie that they're are lurkers who don't contribute but only take advantage of the deals offered by active members there.

Anyway, like I said, full value or free product coupons ARE freebies so they belong in the freebies...pretty simple concept dontcha think?

BTW, are you actually suggesting that there's a valid distinction between 'free stuff' and freebies' that warrants one being a subforum of the other...cuz if so I'd be really interested in knowing how you justify such a distinction....free is free in my books...and I'm sure in most people's books.

runamuck

Sep 7th, 2008, 07:56 PM

Hmm, an RFD BST snob who doesn't frequent freebies enough to know that you're so wrong in your assumption that we/they don't login/post/contribute. And if you do frequent BST or even the comments/suggestions forums, you'll see just how often the same is said about people who frequent BST...ie that they're are lurkers who don't contribute but only take advantage of the deals offered by active members there..

you seem quite passionate about your stance..that is fine, i'll go with what we have here on rfd as the status quo..general practice...and facts...

check the number of freebie threads ive posted over the years, i frequequent well enough (perhaps too much). judge by fact not by assumption.

RFD Hotdeals/Freebie lurkers: yes they exist.
Dont take personal offense to that statement because you contribute. Judge by fact,not an assumption and take offense to the fact that lurkers dont. Check the hotdeals and freebies stats during daytime hours to see how many users are viewing forums vs those who are not logged in. its well known that theres a large community who dont login rfd forums, but rather leach off the latest hottest deals and freebies. Also check thread view stats vs responses to see how deals/freebies tend to get rfd'ed within the first hour of posting.

BST lurker?? someone who just buys but doesnt contribute to sell items..fine by me. your view suggests to me we beg lurkers to contribute more to post items for sale in BST..

maybe its just me, but truth is if i post something to sell on BST its not cuz im looking to share a great deal with a fellow member.. its cuz im looking for someone who will take it off my hands for cash...its to the posters discrection to sell it to a member whos been around longer then another or someone with a high post count, though that just makes it harder for noobs to get into the game.

Best offer = sold in my books. Best offer includes the $/exchange location/credibility rep ..etc

Anyway, like I said, full value or free product coupons ARE freebies so they belong in the freebies...pretty simple concept dontcha think?

completely 'free product coupons' should belong in freebies, i agree and suggest it be updated in faq and enforced as general practice.

BTW, are you actually suggesting that there's a valid distinction between 'free stuff' and freebies' that warrants one being a subforum of the other...cuz if so I'd be really interested in knowing how you justify such a distinction....free is free in my books...and I'm sure in most people's books.

Free Stuff threads are a spinoff of Freebies where fellow users can give away really limited quantity items to other members. The existence of this forum section can be debated, everyones input in welcomed im sure... till theres change, go by fact: see these two threads arenas to help youself distinguish and possibly grasp this difference which currently exists on rfd:

FREE STUFF http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=99
FREEBIES http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=12

do you also propose RFD merge BST Items for Sale into HotDeals?..what a mess that would be ..dontcha think? :)