You know how there's the (Video) next to threads in the video section?

[Duer 157099]

I think there should be a similar category for threads that start with a post that contain ONLY a link.

Example:

"The most fantastic thing you'll ever read!!!" (Link)

Then I'll know in advance to not click on it. Or at least, that clicking on it will just provide me with a link to something.

Edit: In fact, I can imagine a semi-automated system where there's a button, similar to the "Alert" except that it automatically sends the thread to the Section called "Links"

I'm not saying that people cannot post a thread that contains only a link, just that I'd like to be aware of it before I spend the time looking at it, knowing that I rarely click on links out of DU.

It would be comparable to putting "n/t" in the subject line, where it tells people that they've already seen what they need to see.

[pacalo]

1. Those are annoying! I've occasionally posted something I've seen on tv, but I always

post a short summary of what I thought would interest DUers.

It would be appreciated more to get something more than just, "Wow, Rachel/Keith is on fire tonight!"

[hvn_nbr_2]

10. I sometimes unrec those threads.

After all, an OP with zero information content and that doesn't even say what the heck it is about can't possibly be a "greatest" thread.

I can think of another site where a thread with zero content would qualify as "greatest" simply for lack of offensiveness.

[pacalo]

11. They're a good example of why there's an "unrec" option. They serve no vital purpose

other than to give the poster attention.

[hlthe2b]

2. I would agree... This is getting increasingly irritating...

and even long term posters are doing it. I'd really like to nip this trend in the bud. I'm glad we can link to videos, but this is a discussion forum. What good is it to send everyone off the website to watch and discuss?

I think back to our beloved, late Khephra (in DU's earliest days) and how he used to scour the world news to bring us information most of us would never see or have the time to seek out. He meticulously cut and pasted the "meaty" secions, often adding a comment of his own. For a long time in DU's history those kind of posts, as well as original writing and debate were the rule. Now we are more often stuck with useless lists of links in countless threads. Why are some DUers so lazy as evidenced by this practice?

[pacalo]

3. Getting one's OP up on the board seems to be more important than taking one's

time to think about it, then write a paragraph about why it's worthy of posting.

[Kurovski]

7. Because I have to text, type, listen to the TEEVEE and Wii bowl all at once.

Mercy please I beg!

Link: http://www.democraticdumpingground.com/discuss/2busy.php?=439x212844

[hlthe2b]

8. Your linked thread doesn't work....

gotta correction?

[Kurovski]

9. Noooooooo

u wr just suposed 2 read it

[Sinistrous]

4. I would welcome a rule that requires that any post of a video or link

(in any forum) include at least one complete, coherent sentence that at least attempts to summarize the main points of the video or what there is about the video that makes it potentially interesting to DUers or how it is relevant to the political discussion.

[hlthe2b]

5. Kick for others....

[Angry Dragon]

6. YESSSS!!

[Sinistrous]

12. Kick in hopes this will result in changes.