Mom + SEO Junkie = Burnt Toast

Recently we’ve seen a lot of controversy in the SEO world with people attacking Rand at SEOMoz for outing websites that have bought or sold links. (see here, here and here.) I think paid links is a hot topic right now, and everyone has come out with an opinion. But is sharing your opinion in an unconstructive -and negative - way the answer? Although I agreed w/ DazzlinDonna’s original point - we really dont need to be pointing blatant fingers - the uproar that ensued was almost overwhelming. Did he do it on purpose to create controversy? I tend to think no, but that’s just my opinion and that gets me back to my main point - Everyone has an opinion - and is it right to “share” your opinion and bash others in the process? I think sharing in a constructive way was great, and it was admittedly a poor choice, and he edited his post - but the attacks that happened afterwards seemed like they were completely unnecessary. I didnt really comment with a “hell yeah” or a “heck no” anywhere - and I felt somewhat like I was in the minority. Do you NEED to come out with an opinion on this stuff to be taken seriously in this industry? I don’t think so - but hey I’m the new gal here - what do I know.

So does one need to rock the boat to get the buzz? I guess because I’m not a huge fan of confrontation and I have no desire to fight it out with industry leaders I kept my mouth shut. Yet another reason I wont be a LinkBait Guru

It will be interesting to see the aftermath. Will there be “hard feelings” or will everyone get over it? The fact that people are willing to push the envelope is what keeps this industry moving forward, in my opinion. Calling someone out because you dont agree w/ them is great - if you can give reasons why you don’t agree other than - “I just think it’s wrong.”