When you post something you want others to see, put the direct link to the article, website, Facebook page or whatever. I was trying to be nice and supportive of this person’s front page story, but it was impossible.
Don’t be this guy (actual conversation; name withheld to hide the perpetrator of this fiasco) and make somebody take precious time to search for your article or other information. Make it easy for them to find you by putting in a direct, clickable link that will bring them directly to it. Making them search to help you is asking too much. Yes, it is.
Help them, don’t give them work to do.
No-Link Lady: How ridiculous is this. My letter to the editor got us on the front page instead.
http://www.(websitenamehere).com/(moreinfo)/viewer.aspx
www.(websitenamehere).com
Me: I looked, but can’t find your letter amongst the many articles. Can you link to your letter directly?
No-LinkLady: should be an article not a letter. http://www.(websitenamehere).com/pressdisplay/viewer.aspx (She had originally said LETTER. ??)
No-LinkLady: Click on the ‘minor’ link rather than the big one and it should take you direct to the article
Me: What is the title of the article? That would be helpful.
Me: Either link brings me to a whole newspaper of articles. I have no idea what I’m looking for. I’m trying!
No-LinkLady: oh bugger. I see what you mean. When I did it, it went straight to the article. Okay if you do a search on …. (newspapernamehere) Observer….. it will take you to the online version of the paper, front page and you’ll see me there re (her story here) (italics mine)
Me: That’s too much for me right now. Give me a direct link and I’ll be more than happy to read it, but I don’t want to have to google for it. sorry. (italics mine)
