Forums

[Cheryl James Company: Talk Fusion Global Contribution Level: 3]

I have not been active on Better Networker for a while. But I am now ready to throw my hat back in the ring. But first, I need to get this off my chest...

When it comes to Search Engine Optimization (SEO) there are methods that are referred to as black hat. Google, as much as I don't always agree with them, does a pretty good job of punishing people when they manipulate the search engines using unethical (black hat) strategies.

During the recent Holiday Shopping season, JC Penney was holding the number one spot on Google for many different words. Almost anything that you could think of to buy, when searched in Google was showing JCP ranking #1. Until the New York Times took notice, notified Google and then JC Penney got slapped. You can read all about that here http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/13/business/13search.html?scp=1&sq=dirty%20little%20secrets%20of%20search&st=Search

I am sad to say that I see the same type of things happening here. Many of the top ranking articles and the ones that are being featured in the newsletters are not deserving of this prestige. The articles are being used in the same way that black hat, so called SEO experts are using dead forums to build backlinks. The very same thing that got JC Penney punished by Google is happening here.

In addition, it looks like the syndication that is responsible for hyping up this content has itself been manipulated.

So this is my warning to those of you that are just beginning to learn the ropes of internet marketing... use your head. You are intelligent. Decide for yourself who is a trustworthy and valuable contributor. The truth is all around you. Ask yourself the question 'does what I am reading make sense?' 'Can I believe this person?' and 'Is their any proof to back up what they are saying?'

[Joyce Penner Company: Life Force International Contribution Level: 8]

Good view point Cheryl. I have trained myself and recommend others to question everything: if you are seeing a post/forum topic/article that has some controversy in the comment section, step back and do your own research. There are people who are unscrupulous within the "training" they provide and often they are the same ones who don't hesitate to manipulate the rankings.

Be careful !! Research ! Not only what you are reading or hearing but also the people behind the message.

Thanks for bringing this point up Cheryl.
Joyce

[Nathan Isaac Company: SendOutCards Contribution Level: 3]

The biggest problem with blackhat is you always have to bounce to a
new niche every time Google finds out your manipulative methods.

So it's such a pain in the butt

I like to think of it like Star Wars,

You can use your powers for good and become a Jedi,
Or you can fall to the Darkside only using your powers for evil...

[Joyce Penner Company: Life Force International Contribution Level: 8]

I like to think of it like Star Wars,

You can use your powers for good and become a Jedi,
Or you can fall to the Darkside only using your powers for evil...

Good quote there Nathan ! And you are right, in the end, most people eventually get what's coming to them.
Joyce

[Cheryl James Company: Talk Fusion Global Contribution Level: 3]

I have to admit that these tactics are tempting, because they do get results. However the results are short lived, an the consequences drastic.

Nathan, I have noticed that you have taken the time to point out some indiscretions. I am glad to see you replying to this topic as well. If only Anakin could have been strong enough to resist....

Joyce, I want to thank you also. Better Networker is a much better place with you here in it!

[Cheryl James Company: Talk Fusion Global Contribution Level: 3]

Here is another Big Google slap... Overstock got slapped for .edu links
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB1000142 ... sNewsFifth

Don't Mess with Google

[Shawn Brooks Company: Organo Gold, Inc. Contribution Level: 2]

Excellent write up Cheryl,

The Internet is a valuable resource but its also a dangers source of information in the same sense. Colleges all around America allows information from the Internet for papers and research but you have to validate the information from several sources. Dates, time, author, source where the information was retained must be listed and verified.

People must remember to due their diligience. Not everything flashing on that first page or in visible areas are good. Money drives bad tendencies for some, like JcPenny the temptation was there and they grabbed it. The Google slap will hurt more in the long run which they should have thought about. Management showed their desperation and it might have been because of all the brands that died off now but that's no reason. People that do wrong never win, they may win a race or two but they never win the entire marathon.


Shawn

[Cheryl James Company: Talk Fusion Global Contribution Level: 3]

Hi Shawn,

It is true that there is a lot of mis-information out there. I got my Bachelors degree three years ago from a private college that was extremely writing intensive. We were not allowed to cite anything off of the Internet. I am surprised to hear that is not standard practice.

Oh, and I love this...

People that do wrong never win, they may win a race or two but they never win the entire marathon. Shawn

Excellent Insights!

[Charles Amith Contribution Level: 2]

The biggest problem with blackhat is you always have to bounce to a
new niche every time Google finds out your manipulative methods.

Not necessarily true. Some people stay in the same niche. They know that they can use BH sites for the short term, so they use those sites for that specific purpose. So If somebody wanted to aggressively target a niche for a few weeks, they can be extremely aggressive using a site that was designed to be thrown away.

[Nathan Isaac Company: SendOutCards Contribution Level: 3]

The biggest problem with blackhat is you always have to bounce to a
new niche every time Google finds out your manipulative methods.

Not necessarily true. Some people stay in the same niche. They know that they can use BH sites for the short term, so they use those sites for that specific purpose. So If somebody wanted to aggressively target a niche for a few weeks, they can be extremely aggressive using a site that was designed to be thrown away.

Very true, I guess I meant to say that your website that you use is short lived.

You can definitely stay in the same niche but need a different website