Let me start by saying that I am not targeting any blog network in particular. This is just my over all opinion for those that are behaving unethically regarding link schemes.
I am sure you have all seen various articles about Google cracking down on the link schemes of blog networks. Personally, I don’t see why this is a problem. People are doing unethical things and their sites are getting penalized for it. This is the Google way and I think it is a step in the right direction. If you are participating in links schemes and unnatural linking practices you are taking a major risk. Loss is often a part of risk.
How long has Google been telling us what we should be doing and what we shouldn’t be doing? A long time. We know what is right and what isn’t and link schemes are not OK with Google. We all know that.
For years many of us have been trying to follow the “rules” and remain “ethical”. Others have not and many times those using “unethical” practices have prospered. What you allow you encourage and in the past Google has allowed a lot. These unethical, yet successful, practices have resulted in anger and upset by SEO’s who have been trying to do the right thing and follow the rules.
This latest move by Google is a yet another sign that they are moving in a direction where they will continually penalize those breaking the guidelines Google has provided, discussed and encouraged us to follow.
Is Google moving fast enough with penalties? Well that depends on who you talk to. They have a lot on their plate and it seems to me that they are trying to make sure they have all their ducks in a row before they roll out penalties and algorithms. However, I know changes and penalties are happening at a faster rate, just look at the history of their algorithm changes. I believe that we will see more cracking down on unethical behavior and the hope is that our search results will improve.
If you have been dabbling on both sides of the fence I think you should start moving to the right side. In the words of Yoda “…once you start down the dark path, forever will it dominate your destiny, consume you it will…”. This consumption will ultimately result in lost rankings, traffic and income. Choose carefully.
Recent Examples That Google Is Moving Quicker to Catch Those Breaking Guidelines:
There is a recent article by Joe Hall that is related to this situation, you may want to check it out – SEO Outing is Immoral.
