Do you actually look at signatures?

[Cedric]

A lot of us use signature links to advertise on other forums. I actually think it's a pretty effective method of advertising - but do you personally ever click on those links? If not, why?

For me, I usually only notice a signature if the post itself is quality. But if the signature is flashy or obnoxious, I tend to ignore it completely, even if the post was decent.
So, what about you? What makes you look - or not look - at signature links? Do you think they’re actually effective?

 

[Senkusha]

I'll usually check out signatures when I have some idle time. I've reconnected with old ...lost friends because I followed a signature link that led me down a rabbit hole.

 

[InMyOpinion]

I do click on some signatures if I find them interesting or I'm feeling curious. Other signatures just don't peak my interest so I don't end up clicking them or checking them out.

I think having a signature is definitely beneficial as even if only 1 or 2 people click that still 1 or 2 more exposures than I would have had. I must say though if people have too cluttered of a signature or it looks poorly done I won't click on their signature.

 

[Ravenfreak]

I do click on links in signatures from time to time if the url catches my eye or the image they're using to promote their website looks cool. I always tend to read members signatures on every forum I post on.

 

[Shawn Gossman]

A lot of us use signature links to advertise on other forums. I actually think it's a pretty effective method of advertising - but do you personally ever click on those links? If not, why?

For me, I usually only notice a signature if the post itself is quality. But if the signature is flashy or obnoxious, I tend to ignore it completely, even if the post was decent.
So, what about you? What makes you look - or not look - at signature links? Do you think they’re actually effective?

I think it depends on the niche, really.

Most of us are probably looking at each other's signatures here, on AAF, on AJ, and other admin/webmaster forums. That's because we're community and website creators and always interesting in what other people are doing.

But on a general forum that has random people, probably not so much. My guess if most people on general and other narrow niche forums aren't even noticing the signature links because it's not a common thing to notice on those forums.

 

[Senkusha]

But on a general forum that has random people, probably not so much. My guess if most people on general and other narrow niche forums aren't even noticing the signature links because it's not a common thing to notice on those forums.

That's because most people see signatures as part of the identity of the poster, like the Avatar and screen name. The signature wraps up the poster into a neat little package.

 

[Shawn Gossman]

That's because most people see signatures as part of the identity of the poster, like the Avatar and screen name. The signature wraps up the poster into a neat little package.

I can agree with that.

I think making them stand out would only annoy people, too. I don't think people would like that change. It just means we have to get more creative about how we market our communities and we should because that's how marketing has always been when it first started and forward.

 

[Senkusha]

That's why I have two types of signatures. I have a full on graphic one (one I'm currently working on, and fairly pleased with), that advertises my fan fiction, and then my basic text only one, which is toned more for professional interactions and advertisement of my forum in general.