We’re trying to somewhat standardize the different descriptions we use in post titles to make things easier for you as a reader. Our goal with a title is always to convey as much useful information as possible so you can decide if a post is worth reading. I hate click bait and I try to value my readers time highly, because I know I hate having my own time wasted with pointless titles that only exist to drive additional clicks. I thought I’d just quickly discuss how we will be using the different descriptors going forward.
YMMV Vs Targeted
- Your Mileage May Vary (YMMV). This will be used for deals that aren’t publicly accessible to everybody but there is a log in link or similar that allows readers to see if they are targeted. For example Groupon gift card deals are often available to people even if they did not receive the targeted e-mail regarding the offer. This United spending bonus also lets you login to see what offer you have if any.
- Targeted. This is used for deals that aren’t publicly accessible and require receiving the targeted communication to be eligible. For example a bank account bonus that requires a mailed out flyer would be considered targeted. The point of posting targeted offers is to:
- Provide historical context. This is especially important when targeted offers are frequent. For example the Chase United MileagePlus Explorer frequently has a targeted offer. If it’s 40,000 one month and then 70,000 the next people receiving the 40,000 would be advised to wait for the higher offer to come around.
- Evaluate the deal. If you’re targeted for a deal, it can be useful to reader our thoughts on the deal (much like it is when it’s a public offer).
OOS Vs Expired Vs Dead
- Out Of Stock (OOS): Used when a deal is out of stock and might come back in stock in the future. If you see a deal tagged as out of stock and it’s purchasable/available again then please let us know in the comments so we can update the post.
- Expired: Used when the deal has expired based on the date in the fine print. For example this Hilton transfer bonus will expire on December 15th, 2017. That deal is unlikely to be available again unless it’s extended.
- Dead: Used for deals that expire before the expiry date listed in the fine print and also when the deal doesn’t have stock. For example a gift card deal will be out of stock, but a credit card bonus won’t be.
Final Thoughts
We’ve already been using all of these title tags/descriptors but we’re going to be making more of an effort to apply these descriptors as specified above going forward. Obviously this is a pretty boring post, but hopefully the use of these types of tags and descriptive titles in general means that you’re only clicking on articles that actually interest you rather than clicking on an article to find out what it’s actually about. One thing that is really helpful is when readers let us know when something is OOS, expired, dead or even working again. I really appreciate all readers that help out with those simple comments.
doc, you also need something for clear UPDATE posts.
not to be a dickless wanker, but i hate it when i see reposts again with updates and I have NO damn clue wtf is new. many times you put it up on the top, but you dont outline it. no date. no timestamp. nothing.
you should at least have something like [UPDATE], then within the body of the post, put UPDATED 10/26/17 11AM EST. or whatever so I know what is new.
FYI.
Good idea, will try to do this going forward