Usage of Affiliate Links in Forum

I rarely post rules at the start of a forums life. What I do is wait until it's a bit active and then create a rules/guidelines page and update it as the forum grows; as each forum encounters different kinds of problems.

I've run forums before though and have dealt with the affiliate link issue on a few occasions. The thing is, I don't mind those who contribute to the forum on a regular basis every now and then.

Unfortunately, problems can arise. It encourages members to post affiliate links frequently. Some members may not post affiliate links whilst others will take any opportunity they can to use their affiliate links in posts, even when it's not relevant or helpful.

How do we then treat a new member who signs up and posts affiliate links? Is it fair to regard them as a spammer if a regular members are doing the same thing?

This is why a zero-tolerance policy on affiliate links and spam is needed. It saves problems in the future, stops people posting affiliate links constantly and doesn't look like we are picking favourites (by allowing some people to post affiliate links and not others).

I'll add rules as and when they are needed. I don't think the forum has any problems just yet that needs to be addressed.