New rule on link Aggregators/Forwarders:
New rule on link Aggregators/Forwarders:
We've had some trouble recently with posts from aggregator links like Google Amp, MSN, and Yahoo.
We're now requiring links go to the OG source, and not a conduit.
In an example like this, it can give the wrong attribution to the MBFC bot, and can give a more or less reliable rating than the original source, but it also makes it harder to run down duplicates.
So anything not linked to the original source, but is stuck on Google Amp, MSN, Yahoo, etc. will be removed.
As someone who raised this issue, I want to thank the mods for addressing this. The MBFC bot aside, I think this will also cut down on dupes, as I’ve seen numerous times where an article was shared twice- once from the OG source and then another version from MSN or Yahoo news.
And for users who want to check the source of something, it does make it easier to fact check for yourself.
Who knows, it might even slow down certain profligate posters who obviously just take every link in a news aggregator and share it (and then brush off every comment with a “I didn’t write the article…) 😉
Accounts have been spamming MSN, amp and yahoo links?
Yes, mostly MSN and Yahoo
People usually link to sites like MSN and Yahoo because the content is no longer locked behind a paywall. 🤷♂️
Many of the articles I’ve seen are not in fact behind a paywall but obviously YMMV
Yep, that was a big reason. I subscribe to a few sites, but I realize not everyone does. And MSN links came up on my newsreader, but I have no problem just posting from direct sites. I do expect people will complain about the paywall though, but oh well.
I don't want to assume who you are referring to, but for me personally, I don't think it'll slow anyone down. Why would it? Posting is a simple cut-and-paste of web addy and article title. Takes exactly the same time regardless of source: just a few seconds.
So it's just as easy to post from original sources, but now not all people on Lemmy will be able to read the article because some sites paywall.
I have lots of news subscriptions (I love political news), so not an issue for me personally, but I can see how it may frustrate some readers. But it doesn't bother the person posting at all, because they've already read the article.
I think the new rule is perfectly fine though, and I'm happy for anything that will remove some of the criticisms I see regarding false accusations of trying to hide sources.
So I think you had a great idea and I'm happy they implemented it! Thank you! :)
…so sayeth the main character who can only relate or talk about things as it relates to them personally.