dtgreene: Website that I was reading an article unexpectedly sttarted playing audio. Web developers, please *never* do this!
(When I see that, I instantly close the tab, even if the article was otherwise interesting. Also, I will downvote posts here that link to such sites, except maybe if the URL is explicitly visible and it's to a well known site, or the post explicitly states that it's linking to video or audio. Note that this includes youtube links.)
GameRager: 1st bit: Agreed
2nd bit: So you'd downvote every youtube link? That seems a tad harsh. :\
(Also one can right click a link iirc and see where it goes, so no need to worry about going to a site with such audio accidentally or needing to unduly punish some for posting such)
(Also also there are browser extensions which can stop yt videos from autoloading or playing audio/ads/etc)
, if that helps you any.)
Currently, my general rule is this:
* If the link is left bare leaving the URL in the main post window, I leave the post alone.
* If, however, one puts in some custom text, *then* I am likely to downvote it. (Exceptions may be made if it is clear from the post's context that it is a video.)
(Also, not every device has the capability to right-click. Smartphones, for example, can't do this. (Lynx *technically* can't, but you can just push shift-G to edit a link before you follow it, and the default configuration won't play video or audio even if directly linked to it, I believe.)
(Also, sometimes the use of browser extensions is not an option, for example if on a public computer, someone else's computer/phone, or an iOS device.)