My personal opinion is that you can't be an SEO "expert" without understanding the black hat side of the debate - the techniques that are working, those that don't, how money is made in that sector, and what the latest in hijacking, link spamming and automated content looks like.
Lucky for us, there's a new addition to the black hat blogger team, namely my good friend (of Newsweek fame), Earl Grey. Earl's promised to keep an eye on Matt, let his detractors know they can bugger off, and give us a glimpse into his world. I'm looking forward to it.
p.s. I wonder if, by linking to Earl, I'm putting SEOmoz in danger of losing rankings. I'm not the only one - check out the sorry gang at Boston.com.
Zac, while I admit that Earl's writing may not be the most professional out there, there is a reason Newsweek wrote about him. He's not just a friend, he's also very good at what he does... That activity just doesn't happen to be wordsmithing - but we can forgive him that, right?
Someone just pointed me to this and i am truly laughing so hard my ribs are hurting. I could be offended if i know what a `verb` or `wordsmithing` was. I think it is in reference to the way i just hit the keyboard and hope it makes a sentence. Ironically i actually typed a page of content today to front a small autogenned site and someone spotted it was mine from the typos.
"I wonder if, by linking to Earl, I'm putting SEOmoz in danger of losing rankings."
You have more guts than me! haha
This is a mistake that will hurt your brand and make it more difficult to sit across the table from fortune 500 companies. And for what? Mic couldn't put two sentences together without tripping over the verb.
DaveN or JasonD I could see taking on board - but "earl"? I think you might be letting a friendship cloud your judgment on this one.
better put a nofollow on that link ;)
Wow, didn't see this team-up coming! You sure it's a good idea Rand?
"Earl.Grey" remember where you came from and don't be giving up too much. I'd hate to see your own kind turn against you.
Although I don't agree with this move, it will make some interesting reading. Good Luck to all!
Great news isn't it?
I will be keeping a close look on all three of you, just you wait.