LinkXL
I agree with JMorris - PR, and links are part of the backbone of their algorythm. Until they change this and put more weight on other aspects paid linking will continue. This is why LinkXL continues to flourish.
Great post - thanks for showing where Google fails to penalize themselves for paid linking. PR: wait... I: wait... L: wait... LD: wait... I: wait...wait... C: wait... SD: wait...
Now with BlogRoll links program it will be interesting. However in regards to Paid Links in general this is nothing new to WordPress users. WP has had the ability to utilize programs like LinkXL.com (who offer automated contextual links with DO or NO follows) and allow site owners numerous opportunities to monetize their traffic and ranking.
Great article- poor title (sorry!) True to the end- SEM’s and SEO’s are hard to find, but automation and consumer / business awareness in the near future will make these people cost-effective and eventually in-house like a graphic designer is today.
A few years ago back at SES NYC I was at a session and I cannot remember who, but a woman from Google and I were talking and she stated that they did a test years ago and that when they removed the "I’m Feeling Lucky" button there were a ton of complaints. Most people inquired about something that changed on the site- but could not point out what it was....
It’s obvious that Google does not like competition nor do they like the manupilation of their search algo to be used to gain profit for others than themselves. There are other alternatives out there that are unseen and still achieve the success of building your link popularity. Anyone going to PubCon? Hit me up to meet up.
I’ll be there, and at our booth too. We got some great swag- so please if you get a chance stop by 620, learn about LinkXL and introduce yourself (not shameless promotion- honestly) - I’d love to personally meet all of you!
Story: Matt Cutts, If This Paid Link Were A Snake It Would Have Bitten You In The Ass