Conflicting messages for self-promoters?

I just looked at the group page for "Hobnob with Authors" and saw that it says:

Hobnob with Authors
This is a group for readers and authors to connect.

AUTHORS:
DO introduce yourself in the Author Introduction Thread, and then sit down and chat. Join the on-going discussions (they'll offer you plenty of opportunities to talk about your writing). Once we feel that we know you, then we're more likely to be interested in taking a look at your books.
DO NOT start a thread about your book.

Book promotion posts are allowed, but should be made in the appropriate threads:
Science Fiction and Fantasy Books
Romance Books
Mystery, Thriller and Suspense
Young Adult and Children's
All Other Fiction
Non-fiction
When you post a book promotion or special offer, please let the readers know if free copies are available in return for reviews.


But I thought self-promo posts were only allowed in Hobnob and Writers Brag and Rag. I've been flagging authors' self-promo posts that appear in those other groups. Have I been doing this wrong? Wasn't the point of all this to keep other threads from being flooded with promo posts?

Oh dear. I think that, in an effort to be encouraging, the description has become a bit confusing. Those are all specific topics *within* that group. Maybe I'll drop a note to LShelby and point out your comment, so that she can reword it.

I do point out that it says "in the appropriate threads:' though.

ETA: I just posted a comment on her wall, suggesting a rewording.

Where's the conflict?

But I thought self-promo posts were only allowed in Hobnob and Writers Brag and Rag.

Yes, that's true.

What in the Hobnob Group's description makes you think otherwise?

>3 lilithcat:

The list of thread titles within Hobnob sounds quite similar to a list of Groups, implying authors could post promos in those Groups rather than in the Hobnob threads.

>4 elenchus:

Really?

Seems quite clear to me. It says "threads", not "groups"!

>4 elenchus:

Yes, exactly this. I should have realized it meant "threads" but assumed "groups" -- saw the list and that's where my mind went. If longtime members can still make that mistake easily, I'm not sure it's realistic to expect brand-newbies to make the distinction.

>2 Lyndatrue:

Thanks!

I like LShelby quite a bit. I read most of the threads in those groups, and some of the people that post there are quite active, and I'm sure appreciate that they have a home to talk in. I left a suggestion for her on a slight addition to that line.

I'd say about 10%-15% of the drive-by authors we see end up being active there, and seem to quickly adjust to LT and to good behavior. It's interesting to see the development of nascent authors, and the different approaches to writing.

LT always has such interesting little pockets of people off in the odd corner, here and there.

>7 amysisson: You're quite welcome!

When you're in the group all the listed threads are links to threads within the group, so that might help newcomers to avoid LT groups at large where self promotion is a no-no.

I have changed the potentially misunderstood portion of the group description to:

"Although book promotion posts are not allowed elsewhere on LT, they are allowed in this group. Please post them only in the appropriate subject threads linked to below:"

Do y'all think that will cover it? Any improvements to suggest?

>10 LShelby: It seems clear to me.

>10 LShelby:

Thanks! It wasn't necessarily even unclear before, but I just happened on that page and that's the way it initially hit me. I think the revised wording is better.

Thanks again! ;-)

I appreciate having potential problems pointed out so that I can (hopefully) avert them. :)