TopSEO's has been around for a long time, and it has always been a given they were listing paid-for listings - pretty much how webhosting affiliates work with their listings.

I really don't get how or why the SEO community has suddenly realised this is happening - how long have you people been asleep?

I need to visit Sphinn more often for iBrian's snarkiness! How are you?

@iBrian

Yep seen them around for ages and lets be honest, the business model is hardly surprising. It only seems to be this year though that people generally gave a cr+p. Either that or everyone is working angles I'm unaware of.

I'm guessing this has a little to do with Rhea's victory. Nothing highlights the complete apathy in industry better than a 25yr old spending her time and $17'000 of her own money defending it. I think that's kicked off a little activism.

Still brings a little drama to Sphinn and best of all, it's got you back here commenting. As Lee says, your snarkiness is much missed. So overall, a result. Now where's my pitchfork....

Heh, wasn't trying to be intentionally snarky. :) For some reason, I'm a happy fun-loving person in real life, but as soon as I get involved in SEO discussions my fundamental British cynicism hits high gear. Anyway, nice to see you both around, but too busy to linger at the moment. :)