Paying Money For Blog Comments
Written By: admin Posted On: July 11, 2007 Tags:
Jon Warass has stirred up some poo in the blogosphere with his service that allows bloggers to pay for comments on other people’s blogs in the name of SEO. John Chow and Problogger are two of the bigger blogs that have picked the story up and had something negative to say about the idea.
Personally, I’m on the fence about the issue. On one hand I think if the comments are on subject and aren’t spammy, it’s not a bad idea. On the other hand, I know I will be upset if my blog turns up in Jon’s ‘database’ for commenting. Some are saying this works out both ways because the generated comments will make blogs seem more lively. Honestly this just takes away from the community and personableness of blogging. I think the stir stems from the fact that we’d like to think there is merit and genuine interest behind those commenting on our ideas.
This also puts up warning signs for blog owners and has undoubtedly turned up some controversy in the gray/blackhat SEO community. If I was SEO’ing my sites via blog comments and some guy turns up some service to automate it, I would be a bit upset. This was something a lot of folks did behind the scenes and Jon has brought it to the forefront for everyone to really see what is going on.
Either way, Jon has created a magnificent piece of link-bait and buzz for his new service, which will undoubtedly generate some business. So, will you be taking any measures on your own blog to monitor this type of service? What do you think about it?
In my own opinion, I don’t think that the number of comments tell how much a post/blog’s worth? Most comments on a good post are merely thank you for the read or that was a nice read . So should one consider value, I mean in terms of the post’s worth by looking at comments?
But on the other way, comments are content, generated content by the user and more content gets the machine running and running, that’s is, links coming in and going out.
I even thought some times back to turn off comments on my blog for numerous reasons but I later got them on since that was feeling just like a static site which didn’t feel good.
Hans,
Comments can create a feel of community. The real question is: Is it okay for a commentator to have a hidden agenda when posting a comment (SEO purposes)?*
(*this is not a paid comment)
Your blog is probably already in John’s database. On the website he states clearly that he is going to target “dofollow” blogs…. The bad thing about it is that I am already second-guessing every “first-time” comment on my blog… I will not be surprised if you would think “Wait a minute! Who the hell is Vlad? Did he pay John to post this comment?”
Am I wrong?
Hey Vlad,
I agree. John is getting lots of back-links with the anchor text “buy blog comments”, so the first part of his mission is complete.
I know you aren’t being paid since I see your icon on the MBL applet, but I agree with you about turning on first comment moderation.
I will also probably implement a rule about commenting with a URL to a specific post, since that is likely what will be happening.
But on the other hand we had something to write about lol right?
I generally allow deep linking from the comments, but you bring a valid point, more deep linking- more likelihood that comment was paid for.
Although I don’t agree with the service as with most people. I think it’d be worthwhile to setup a new blog or use a relatively new blog and drive traffic to it via his service to see how worthwhile and effective it really is to pay for comments.
Following what VLad said, services like this could push back or even reset the “Do Follow/You Comment – I Follow” movement. Personally, I think this is a bad thing and takes away from the spirit of blogging and commenting – The true exchange or original ideas. This is a very bad omen.
And like someone else said, (I think on ProBlogger), sure this guy is getting buzz about his new topic. But now his name will be ever linked with all these posts about how he’s possibly dismantling the blogosphere.
Another point I would like to make that Jon Warass, or his “employee” may have hard time fulfilling the “orders”- I am sure that many comments will get through even on my blog, but I bet many of them will get moderated. I just wonder how will he report to his “clients”. Will he offer a prof that comment was made? What if the comment is deleted two days later? I really think the his “business model” will not sustain itself.
Erik,
That would be a good idea. If I wanted to blow $100 I would do just that. But, again; the real test is SERPS.
Bush,
I agree. Jon’s name will be linked with this service, which was a silly idea on his part.
Vlad,
He claims to give out a .txt file with all of the blogs he has commented on. But, you’re right… whose to say the links will remain or spidered?
I think that all the controversy that Jon Waraas creates is just for attention and a pretty good marketing strategy. For everything there is always a niche. Even though I am against his newly launched ‘business’ there are always going to be bloggers out there who would pay for a service like this.
Just think of it, he’s earning 30 dollars every sale. What does he do? Nothing, a script does all the work for him. So the only thing he is gaining is..money.
John Chow and Problogger may be against it as well as many others, but when you think of it there is no way to stop this or even really distinguish the difference between a real and paid comment perhaps.
Oops forgot to add something.
The only real way to possibly stop this is to add captcha’s on your comments. So that robots or scripts will have to punch in randomly generated numbers/letters.
Hi, My name is chris. Please visit http://www.sitename.com
that is all,
chris
_______
sounds like i really want to get to know him.
Glenn (or is it Gregg?),
I don’t think Jon will be using a script to perform the duty, it sounds like he’s enlisted someone on his payroll to make the comments personally. A captcha would make it a bit harder for his employees but it would also make it more difficult for legitimate comments to get through also.
I can only imagine how much it would hurt a site’s traffic if word got out that you paid for comments.
If a real live human is doing this and the comments are on topic, I’m not going to spend a lot of energy worrying about it. If the comment is trash, I just delete it anyways and the link never occurs.
Once I receive 500 comments per day, I’ll worry about the moderation portion (LOL).
My intial reaction was I don’t like it, but I think I understand the counter-point as I think some more. It’s interesting to see where this will lead to.