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April 5, 2005
Required Reading For Quixtar
By QBlog in
If you work at Quixtar, or are directly or indirectly involved with the Web Reputation Task Force, you need to read the Waxy.org exposé on Wordpress Website's Search Engine Spam.
Specifically note Google's reaction (Google temporarily de-listed WordPress from its search results), the coverage in the Media and the generally negative reaction by the Web community.
Here's What Happened
Matt Mullenweg, founding developer for the popular open-source blog tool known as WordPress, was "quietly hosting at least 168,000 articles" on the WordPress Web site. The articles were specifically designed to manipulate Google with keyword-loaded articles written by a third-party company (Hot Nacho) "that pays freelance writers to generate 300-800 word articles about specific topics." ("Want Ad" for article writers)
Admittedly, the "WordPress Fracas" is different from Quixtar's search manipulation efforts but there are also many similarities. The question for the WRTF folks to consider is whether or not Quixtar is prepared to deal with the potential fallout and negative publicity that could result once their efforts receive similar media attention? I'm betting that the answer is no, Quixtar is not prepared.
A Matter Of Time
It's only a matter of time before the media notices Quixtar's search engine spamming. Don't believe me? All it took for WordPress was one post on a highly visible blog. The WikiPedia definition of Google Bombing now has a section devoted to Quixtar's efforts. Other bloggers unconnected to the "Quixtar Discussions" are noticing those actions. Again, it's only a matter of time.
The smart thing for Quixtar to do is to simply stop the campaign. End the spam and start publishing quality content. Is that so difficult? Why is that concept seemingly so foreign to the WRTF folks? Believe it or not, I'm just trying to help.
Help Quixtar
And for the average Joes who want to help Quixtar improve its public relations the best thing you can do is practice a bit of tough love. If you notice any Web site or blog that doesn't meet Google's quality guidelines, please report it immediately. Google has a helpful submission form that makes reporting spam a cinch.
Be sure that you're fair. If you find some "anti-Quixtar" Web sites that engage in spamming, tell Google about them as well. Report them for the good of the Web. Report them to keep Google's search results relevant.