I think their problem with links is that it raises the score of the linked sites in Google. Most people know to just use sku numbers which is kind of a pain, but not too bad (except at KD where the sku numbers don't match the product ID numbers in the URL). And they're right about the hot-linked images. At least the moderator explained why the content was being removed. I've seen the same one just delete stuff from newbies with no explanation.
I think hot-linked photos kinda tip the scales over there, but their link policy is a little loose and arbitrary anyway. If the link is part of a comment that's more about the flashlight than the company selling it, the link will usually pass muster.
The Super Moderator is easily painted into a corner, though, if engaged logically. Then he'll just start pasting rules. I *almost* feel sorry for the kid.
. . . and I bet anything if he had asked about AW batteries instead, the thread would be open and people would be singing the praises . . . even though there are numerous threads, etc.
Here's another one which I thought was funny and was going to comment on but when I got to the bottom, it was closed. He was just showing something funny and did not even mention who the business was but most would have been able to figure it out.
Note the key words in the reply which are all about the money as usual.
"
The policy was established some time back primarily because of shills posting "hey look at this". "Has anyone seen this light?" Before long some threads had become virtual shopping experience threads with members joining in and posting every new light they found. The links primarily pointed to two sites which turned them into advertising threads inviting more shills from those sites. It wasn't until after the policy went into effect that those sites started actually supporting CPF. Their own customer service issues eventually (mostly) halted their forum participation."