is a line I use sometimes with my clients.  I have to explain contracts and always add a disclaimer, "Despite having a rejection letter from Harvard, I am not an attorney. "  It is amazing  how many people are somewhat impressed by this, before they start to giggle a little (the giggle is the intended effect).   I had acceptance letters from a few schools also, but decided to follow my ex-husband to his fabulous new job (notice I said ex).   I have a delightful 12 year old child instead of a law degree and a different career I enjoy immensely.  All this being said, the purpose of this post is to explain a key element of internet marketing that is being used by a few "bloggers" on OS.

I am in a business that is heavily marketed on the internet and blogging for search engine optimization has been the buzz for several years.  Incoming links to a website from other websites are a major factor in getting a higher rank.  So, when someone reads a blog on OS and clicks on a link to the blogger's website, the search engines pay attention. 

Referring links from quality websites that are active communities are even better for generating ratings.  Keywords, backward links, fresh content and posting on a community oriented, active blog are all factors the search engines are looking for.   The "quantity" of the links is important, but so is the "quality" of the referring site.  OS would be considered a quality site as opposed to setting up multiple websites and linking back to your main website to generate traffic.

How do we know, when reading a post, if the blogger is really a participant in OS, or simply trying to rise to the top of a Google search?

Here are some popular bloggers on OS that we can test using this criteria (keywords, backward links, fresh content) to see if they are real bloggers or simply peddling a product:

1. Freaky Troll :  I LOVE Cake
2. Umbrellakinesis :   What a Glorious Feeling!
3. Dr. Amy:   Discussion or Debate?
4. Odetteroulette : Red or Black?
5. The Squirrel :  nuts to you
6. Bob Keefer :  Tales of a Reckless Driver
7. Tequilaanddonuts:  My Night on the Town or Mom and the Police
8. Catamitebastard:  Christmas Boxes

Upon closer examination, we might be suspicious that some of these posters have ulterior motives.  (Hint: #3 and #6)

Some of the "bloggers" generating complaints on this site are, in fact, just trying to drive business to their websites using the latest techniques for search engine optimization.  Some of them have paid advertising on their websites, so driving traffic and then having people click on the ads actually generates advertising revenue for them.   It is a tough virtual world out there and search engine optimization is everything.  If OSers would not click on the posts, and absolutely not click on any links, this might be a deterrent, although the benefit achieved by posting original content is still probably worth their efforts.

Interestingly, some of the fake "bloggers" are not willing to engage in the communty by participating in discussions, while others engage and thrive on the controversy.  I have decided to generously offer myself as  an  OS  "expert".  Don't click on the fake "blogger" posts because that will encourage them.  Just send me, the fake "expert", your questions.  After all, I have a rejection letter from Harvard Law School.  I hope to be receiving the rejection letter from Medical School soon, and will be available to answer those questions as well.

In the meantime, perhaps we can focus our attention on the things that matter in the world:  the incoming administration; the world economy; the state of the planet; the creative and artistic talent that overflows on Open Salon.  Attention to the fake "bloggers", good or bad, is just what the search engines are looking for.

(Disclaimer:  I swear I am not peddling an internet optimization business, I am just providing a reference.)