I recently read an account of John McElborough’s talk at Brighton SEO 2011, wherein he advocated some ethically questionable SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) tactics involving creating a private network of fake blogs.
I don’t know John or his work, but this entire side of internet marketing and promotion makes me sad — and a bit angry. I fully acknowledge the value of, and need for, actual SEO; I just think that in many cases, the tactics employed under that title would better be described as Search Engine Manipulation or even Abuse.
I periodically check my blog’s referrers, and there are a huge number of sites out there containing duplicate content and links, some of them extremely convincing when viewed in isolation. It’s sleazy, it’s pathetic, and it damages the internet for everyone.
I’m asked sometimes for advice on building an internet presence, and I usually have to fumble for an answer — because I haven’t pursued any particular strategy beyond the glaringly obvious: create original, relevant content repeatedly — via redwolf.newsvine.com
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