Proper protocol when providing links...

dan1ecu

If I wanted to point out a coin on a dealer’s web site by providing a link to that site, should I obtain the dealers consent to do so? I know that links to eBay auctions and Heritage auctions are provided all of the time, and I assume that they don’t have a problem with it. But if it’s a smaller dealer, would it be inappropriate to post a link to his site on this message board? I wouldn’t say anything negative - I’d just want to point out a coin and discuss it. What do you think?

Dan

kranky

Link away, no problem. I see nothing wrong with that.

airplanenut

I agree with Kranky- I have linked small sites before (and plugged them about a great job ) If you have something to say, say it... we may post about start-up dealers on eBay... and the experiences (good or bad) can greatly help a fellow forum-member... Link Away!

JLW

The idea of a commercial web site being.........to get as many "hits" as possible, I would think most administrators would be grateful. They just better be on the "up and up" under the watchful eyes of the "posse numismaticus" of this forum or there will be a lynchin'.
Joe

dan1ecu

Thanks, guys, for the reassurance. I’ll go ahead and post my question with the link included.

Dan

stujoe

I can't imagine anyone having a website publically accessible on the Internet and then having a problem with someone linking to it somewhere. What you say afterwards might be a problem but not the linking. I think linking to a site is a 'right' of the Internet.

The only problem I can see someone having is if you attached a picture or embedded a picture of theirs in a message without permission. I don't know copyright law (and am not a lawyer) but doing that is not something I feel comfortable doing with other people pictures.

sinin1

Dan - just don't try to sell it like some of the scammers on ebay/yahoo

Yeah - maybe that would work - keep inventory really low, list items you don't have for a higher price than the other website, and then if you do sell it, scramble to buy it fast, would that be legal?