Are there virtues in self-promoting spam?

Tom on May 29, 2008

Commenting on RealSelf.com has picked up steam every since we launched a feature that let's users get notification of new postings via email.  Commenting has increased 3-fold since the change.  I love features that actually drive engagement.

Not all comments fly.  We don't allow personal attacks and personal email address postings.  We block spam.  But is it a knee jerk reaction to take down self-promoting spam?

Case in point is the message, below.  Bria is pushing a cosmetic procedure called hydrogel that's controversial in both form and means of distribution.

ALL LADIES LOOKING FOR HYDROGEL BUTT INJECTIONS WITH THE NURSE HERSELF EMAIL ME ....@AOL.COM (LOWER CASE LETTERS) MAKE SURE YOU HAVE YOUR MONEY RIGHT AND YOU ARE READY! I AM SCHEDULING FOR ALL SOUTHERN AND NORTHERN STATES! THIS IS A VERY PURE FORM OF HYDROGEL AND IT IS PRICED VERY REASONABLE BUT NOT DIRT CHEAP BECAUSE OF THE GREAT QUALITY! NO REFERRAL FEE~ EMAIL ...@AOL.COM! THANKS LADIES~ BRIA

My concern is that removing these comments doesn't preclude them from reaching our users in other ways.  In 5 seconds I found the posting here. So, isn't it better that we show the comment and educate the audience by getting our network of active physicians to respond?  Or are we better off never giving these posters a chance to reach more individuals?

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Ithamar Hernandez
unregistered guest

23 Mar 2009

I am interested in the silicone injections procedure for the buttocks, please advise asap...thanks!

Anna aka Lola
unregistered guest

3 May 2009

I cant get ur email so please email me at anndiamondprincess@yahoo.com thanks

you will be sorry!!@!!! THIS IS INSANE??
unregistered guest

17 Aug 2009

DO NOT DO THIS TO YOURSELF. IN THIS CASE, THIS QUICK FIX IS A BAD FIX. DO NOT RUIN YOUR LYFE WITH THESE ILLEGAL BUTT INJECTIONS!!!!! I KNOW DANG WELL IF YOU CAN SEE CLEARLY FROM THE POSTS THAT EVEN THE DOC'S ALLLL SAY NO TO THIS AND YOU WANT TO DO IT ANYWAY? GO AHEAD AND DO IT-- CAUSE YOU WILL SEE IT COMING, TRUST ME. AS MY GRANDMOTHER USED TO SAY "A HARD HEAD MAKES A SOFT BEHIND".....THAT'S SO LUDACRIS.

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Last modified 2008-May-29