[beagle90]

Please don't. If I follow one of those groups it's because I have an interest in that particular movie/film/book/sport/whatever. If your posts are no longer relevant I will unfollow you.

[jfoutz]

Really depends on the targeting. For a forum about a book, an affiliate link to by the book or an upcoming sequel makes perfect sense. Recommendations for other books seems pretty fair too. For example, an Ender's game discussion that references Honor Harrington isn't crazy.

Spam about cat litter is just spam.

But it can't be constantly off topic. finding the balance is delicate, and most people do a shitty job.

[londonstartup]

One of which groups sorry? Not sure which post you were replying to.

[jedberg]

OP is saying "please don't go into the business of shoving ads at me when the reason I'm following you is because you have interesting things to say."

OP is channeling the average user telling you that if you do this you will be unfollowed.

I'm not sure I agree with OP, it depends on the topic. The HN crowd is not indicative of the general public.

For example, the fashion people would probably be happy to see curated ads.

[londonstartup]

Buzzfeed's sponsored ads are pretty good for the Buzzfeed audience. I agree on the point yes, content links can be posted over and over as people get enojyment from them, posting products will soon lead to unfollowing, is why I'd like to find a good niche and something people want and build a community.