The NoFollow Comment Rule

Back in 2005, Google implemented the code of [rel="nofollow"] attribute on links found in the comments section of websites and blogs.  The idea behind this is to prevent comment spammers trying to  increase his page rank and exposure to his website.  The  nofollow code has been widely accepted since then and almost all  platforms use this code on almost all comment sections.

Another reason to use the nofollow code is to prevent being penalized on “Paid Links”.  Paid links are against Google’s guidelines and will penalize you if you do not add the nofollow code to tell the search engines that is is a paid advertisement.  The guidelines state that you can not buy and sell links only for advertising purposes and the only way to tell the difference is with the no follow code.

Currently there are highly advanced security measures like Askimet plugins that prevent the comment spammers from ever appearing on your blog in the first place.  Captcha word verifications are also very popular and effective in preventing spam.  This should of opened the flood gates with the dofollow rules again but unfortunately the nofollow rule is still very much a major factor still till this day.

Spreading Link Love

Your blog and website is a hub for your online readers to interact and engage with you and other readers.  The best way to show your appreciation back to your readers is have a follow back based on your readers comments, showing common web 2.0 courtesy and respect.

Below are 2 ways that I have implemented on my website to show my
support in the Spread the Link Love movement.

  • Do-Follow Plug-ins - An easy way to remove and disable the nofollow code on your blog or website is by installing a Do-Follow plug-in.  This is a simple and easy way to solve this problem
    right away.  A good WordPress plug-in I am currently using is Semiologic’s Plugin
  • CommentLuv - Is another plug-in that enables you to reward your readers by auto-populating the reader’s last blog post they have written in your comments section. The idea is basically the same as implementing a do-follow site, but CommentLuv move a step further by rewarding the commentators a link back to their latest post as well. 

CommentLuv currently runs as a WordPress or Drupal plugin, but they promised they will expand it to other blog host such as Blogger. You may click on the following link to visit CommentLuv’s website: http://www.commentluv.com/

 

The “I Follow” Movement

Yes, today I joined the “I follow” movement in helping spread the word in getting back the dofollow code back in the mainstream of thing.  I have installed both plug-ins on my website and have included the badges on my sidebar.  If you want a great badge too, follow the poster-child of the movement, Randy Clay at his website here to grab a great looking badge.

Please feel free in testing out the CommentLuv and the Open Do-Follow comment section below.  Please keep in mind I sill monitor my comments and will delete any spam if deemed necessary.

No related posts.