More context - Facebook

Matthew Fox4 said:Please keep in mind that posting links to Facebook groups or pages that cover the same topics we discuss here on Reddit isn't allowed.

It’s also against the rules to direct other members here over to Facebook.

I fully recognize that Facebook serves as a direct competitor to Reddit, much like how social media platforms in general have essentially dismantled the era of traditional online forums, so I certainly won't be questioning these guidelines or debating the matter. I remember back when I was using Facebook to raise funds for Mattel, specifically for a little shelter kennel I was keeping until a pet could be adopted, and I actually found myself asking one of the moderators—though I can't quite recall which one—if it would be appropriate to include a link in my signature.

The way this post is written is honestly a bit confusing. First off, there’s a mention of Reddit, but our current community guidelines don't actually cover that, so I really think we ought to update the rules first. Until that's sorted out, we should probably... Reddit prepraviti u PetsThat would be my humble suggestion.

The reality is that sometimes you just have to deal with the situation at hand—for instance, if a specific pet food supplier can only be found or contacted through Facebook. Is it actually permissible to say something like, "I get my supplies from this particular brand; just look them up on Facebook," or would even a simple recommendation like that be flagged as a violation of the rules?

We really could use some more precise instructions to work with.

Thank you so much. 🙂

P.S. I’m so sorry to bring up such a trivial little matter here, but since the moderators over at the official help desk and through private messages haven't really gotten back to me, I figured I'd try my luck in this corner of the internet instead.

So, just to clear things up, the whole rule about not posting links to Facebook groups or pages? That’s strictly a call from the owner of Reddit.

It’s totally fine if you want to drop a link to a specific product that can only be found or bought through Facebook, though. It works the same way as when people share links to certain food brands or gear from Petco.

Matthew Fox4 said:So, just to clear things up, the whole rule about not posting links to Facebook groups or pages? That’s strictly a call from the owner of Reddit.

It’s totally fine if you want to drop a link to a specific product that can only be found or bought through Facebook, though. It works the same way as when people share links to certain food brands or gear from Petco.

First off, I really appreciate you getting back to me so quickly! 🙂 However, if the owner—or anyone else with the technical ability—wanted to make things crystal clear, they could easily just add that specific rule to the top of the Reddit guidelines. If someone like me enjoys having everything neatly organized and properly laid out, then I suppose I'm just being a bit particular.

I don't really follow the R&D threads because there isn't much reason for me to, but even in their rules, for instance, this specific policy isn't mentioned, yet I know at least two Facebook groups where moms definitely hang out and might mention things here and there.

So, until the owner's decision is officially published among the main site rules at the top, this post can really only be applied to the specific sub-forum or sub-forums that you moderate. That’s really the heart of my point and my suggestion that we tighten up the wording.

Linking to a product that can be viewed or purchased exclusively through Facebook is permitted, much like how it is with links to certain pet food products or supply stores.

I think we had a little misunderstanding. The dog food supplier I had in mind has a Facebook page, but it functions mostly as an advertisement: you order and get in touch via phone. So, you aren't actually buying things through Facebook; rather, it's just a place to find a phone number or send a quick message. They don't have a dedicated website, just like that incredibly wonderful local pet shop doesn't have one either, and it leads to the same dilemma: the rules don't specify whether we should provide a direct link to a Facebook page or simply write, "this specific item is sold by this person, just look them up on Facebook." As it stands, with the current vague wording, both seem like equal violations.

In my view, there is a significant difference between linking to a full website where you can browse a catalog and compare prices—"as is often the case with links to various pet food brands and supplies"—and simply posting an ad that exists solely on Facebook.

To be perfectly honest, it also drives me absolutely crazy when people post panic-inducing links to Facebook with captions like "poison found!" followed by three exclamation points and a link; it wouldn't be such a bother to search for actual relevant information or at least retype the core details you read on Facebook.

It would just be lovely if you could refine the wording of the rule a little bit to make it more precise. 🙂