WordPress needs a clearer advertising policy

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  michael56j · Member · Nov 29, 2013 at 10:58 am

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  I am planning on running my own business and I want a dynamic website to manage it. I believe that WordPress is probably the best option for this as it allows me to easily update my blog at any time.

  However, if I have read the rules properly, I cannot advertise my business.

  Specifically precluded are blogs that are obviously selling their get-rich-quick schemes. Yet I have had a number of comments on my posts from those who are promoting their paid-for video about earning enough so that you barely have to work. AWOL, or Another Way Of Life is the most common. I have not looked into this as I am averse to such claims. Unles it was through inheritance, no one ever had that way of life without a lot of hard work and long hours.

  So my question is, if I these people can advertise this on WordPress, why can I not advertise my products or services? I am allowed to refer to my Amazon page showing my new book, if I have one, but can invite people to take advantage of my bookkeeping service?

  The rules also say that I can advertise on a self-hosted blog. But that means it is run through WordPress.org which does not link to Reader in WordPress.com. So I can only advertise my services through Facebook, Twitter, etc. But I cannot advertise through what I consider to be the best blogging interface, WordPress. Is there any point in using WordPress to run a self-hosted blog if I cannot get an income stream from it?

  Please could we have some clarification on this.

  Thanks
  Michael

  The blog I need help with is: (visible only to logged in users)

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  raincoaster · Member · Nov 29, 2013 at 11:03 am

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  You have not read correctly. That’s the problem.

  You can use a WordPress.com blog for self-promotion. You cannot use it to market things or services you yourself do not produce.

  You say you have had a number of spammy comments. Mark them as spam and be done with them.

  If you provide a service, you can use your blog to promote it.

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  michael56j · Member · Nov 29, 2013 at 11:22 am

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  Excellent. Thank you, Raincoaster.

  That makes much more sense. I think the problem is that there is so much on this that it gets confusing for a newbie like me!