Topic on User talk:MaxSem

Please don't remove links to sites that use extensions.

5
Sergey Chernyshev (talkcontribs)

Hi, I noticed that you removed links to sites that use Widget and Header Tabs. I actually verify every link posted in those sections and make sure that they do use corresponding extensions so please don't remove them.

MaxSem (talkcontribs)

I did this not due to lack of verification, but because these sections are abused heavily for SEO. I've consulted other developers and common opinion was that those lists serve no useful purpose. Of course, if you feel you can handle such links on your extensions' pages, don't hesitate to revert, but today I had to block yet another guy who spammed links to his 3-page wiki all around the site, and I will continue doing so.

Sergey Chernyshev (talkcontribs)

I was under impression that "nofollow" is effectively remedies SEO spam problem.

I think these links are the least we can do to promote use of the technology. Not all sites that use MediaWiki are as large or as "noble" as Wikipedia, but it doesn't mean that they should be regarded as outcasts.

I don't think it's in Wikimedia's interest to alienate extension developers or users and removing links to their sites is the easiest way to do that.

All that said, I am not a fan of spam either and do check every link that comes in to make sure that people actually use the extension they claim to be using. I don't judge their use of it though.

I'll be happy to participate in future discussions about it with other developers, please let me know where this discussion is happening so I can join it.

😂 (talkcontribs)

I would love us to have a way for installations and their extensions to register themselves with us here. That way we can get useful metrics on which extensions are used, which aren't, how many people still use obsolete extensions, etc.

In general, though, I find these "Users who use XYZ" lists to be mostly spam. I don't doubt you when you say you monitor your lists for active links, but similar lists may get less love.

Sergey Chernyshev (talkcontribs)

Sure, that's exactly why I try to monitor all links going into these lists.

I home someday the functionality of install base monitoring and extension inventory will be there. Improved version info on Special:Version already did a lot to help people debugging and so on.

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