PLEASE READ AND COMMENT Is it wrong for the virtual cruise threads to have lots of links?

Has anyone else been targeted in the last few minutes?
Here’s mine. Literally less than a minute ago.

www.rolcruise.co.uk/cruise-deals/scenic-the-2022-2023-all-inclusive-5-star-river-cruise-sale.
This is what it’s about. Feeding the advertisers.

What about the ‘Wordle’ threads Casdon? The New York Times is a commercial site, do you construe those posts as advertising too?

I honestly don’t see the problem and I don’t think anyone has said they have a problem on the virtual cruise threads. Whether we choose to open the links us our choice surely ? I know quite a few posters didn’t open one of mine ! Not sure why this has to be brought up and reported? There are no GN rules about it as far as I’m aware.

What meryl Streep said ….

I don’t have any problem with the links to virtual tours, they are from a wide variety of sources and people can follow them or not as they choose.
I am uncomfortable though about the constant references to Duolingo, which is a commercial site, given that there are alternative ways of learning languages. I think some would construe that as advertising.

I believe what Stardreamer is referring to is the fact that another poster pointed out that everytime you click on a YouTube link Google are gathering more data on your personal likes and dislikes. Which it then sells on to advertising companies to target you

I generally find your links useful and interesting StarDreamer. If it’s a subject that’s not for me then I don’t click on them,

I don’t think they’re wrong at all, we can all choose which threads we contribute to and join in, carry on SD.

agree with above posters

I think the virtual cruise threads are an excellent idea and it's clear that many people enjoy them.
I think it would make Gransnet poorer, for its members, if you were prevented from having those threads.

I haven't been going on the virtual cruises but occasionally drop in, though don't click on links as I haven't time. However, if I was older and home more, I would use links as they are an integral part of the experience.

Posters have the choice whether to click on links or not, so I don't see the issue.

I don't see why StarDreamer. Admittedly I haven't been on any of them but if those on the threads are happy with the number of links posted I don't see a problem.

Anyone who doesn't like the threads for whatever reason, doesn't have to go on them. I'm sure that there's nothing in the guidelines as to how many links can be posted on any one thread.

'Happy Cruising' .

I have reported the above post to GNHQ with the following comment.

I am self-reporting this post as an issue has been raised and I feel that, now that I am on awareness of the reasoning presented, that a ruling by GNHQ is needed please.