Hi, I am a new member and need a little help. I am having trouble understanding what exactly a "shop" is. I had posted a couple of links to a thread which ended up being split as they were considered a "shop". One was to an Archive, which I thought was okay. Can someone explain what is considered a shop and what isn't. I'm just not getting it. Also, if it is considered a shop, can I still post it, but split it...and d'oh how do I split it. Thanks, D
A shop is deemed as a site that has links to stuff they sell or external links to selling sites or ask for donations. Places like TNA (the National Archives) and ScotlandsPeople are ok. To split a link, say for example TNA www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/ if you go to the beginning of 'national' and hit return it will split the link like so www. nationalarchives.gov.uk/ This will stop it being a clickie. Sometimes it doesn't work (tuh computers) don't worry we mods and admin will sort it for you. That is what we are here for When we edit your post and split the link we leave a message telling you. This is not a reprimand, it is just a letting you know why we have done it. I still make mistakes sometimes in the rush I don't check to see if they are a shop.
Oh my, that was a quick reply. Sorry I am still scratching my head. I posted a link to B.C. Archives, they don't sell or ask for donations. Wow, look how simple that was to split the link...d'oh. www. nationalarchives.gov.uk/ So if it is a commercial shop, can I post a split link? Thanks very much Chimp,
Yes, split links are fine. It's a sort of 'they don't advertise us so we don't advertise them' situation Have also sent you a private message.
Thanks, now I understand "shop". And why I haven't noticed that before, well....that's a whole other matter. D
@demeler If you are ever not sure, then the best thing to do is to not post a clicky link. Either post it as a split link like Chimp has explained (people can then copy/paste it into their browser) or post it as a code. Using the National Archives as an example: Code: http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/ Just type [code ] (but without the space) at the beginning of the url and then [/code ] (again without the space) at the end. That will make it appear as the example but not clicky. Fret not - we are here to help.
OK, guys, now I'm confused, and I don't think it's just a senior(-ish) moment. (By the way, welcome, Demeler.) Surely BC Archives should be treated in the same way as the British National Archives (TNA)? And ironically when I clicked the Shop link at the top of the BC Archives page just now, I got File Not Found: Or am I missing something (other than a few brain cells and an increasing amount of hair) ?
Try just making a space after the www. works as well, but mention what you have done. http://www. genealogy-specialists.com/threads/commercial-shops-rule.6212/
I agree, Sis. I tend to break all links as saves me having to spend time checking whether a site has a shop or asks for donations. Also I am amongst the confused here as The National Archives site sells books; safest for me to break any links I post .