http://weblogs.hitwise.com/robin-goad/2008/04/how_long_does_it_take_to_recover_from_a_google_blacklisting_gocompare_update.html

Haha

If you’re in the ‘do not buy links’ camp, have you achieved any success or note? What are your tactics – concentrating on content, news syndication, link bait etc. or just settling for niche key phrases.

‘As for link buying, yes I have purchased quality, relevant links in the past when this was deemed to be the correct way forward, who didn’t?’

‘have purchased’ not do and ‘who didn’t’ not who doesn’t. All in the past tense

Yes Ernest, I am very old so it was rather a long time ago.

And yes, I did read your header. I was referring to the many posts you’ve added in the last few days. But, despite all the handbag throwing and pigeon holing, I think we agree on the reality but disagree on the way we both approach this SEO game. Would you agree with that Rex?

As BDi are still ranking no.1 for life insurance, that will indeed be very lucrative. That partly why it’s a point of interest. Whereas GoCompare got hit from the domain upwards, the BDi penalty appears to be more selective. Well, that and they’re not a big consumer brand either – whether that makes a difference or not.

As for the poll. Your request wasn’t ignored. In fact, I’ve been off doing some research and my findings are quite conclusive …I can’t be arsed! I think we pretty much know the reality is that most people buy links. Still, I’ll see if George can be bothered. Might find out something useful.

Dave, unfortunately I’ve got to pick you up on this (or at least I’m interested in what you’ll say): “when this was deemed to be the correct way forward” – when was it deemed the right way? I may be naive in this respect or it must have been a long time ago.

Buying links eh. Against the TOS but we do it.
So do ALL the major firms.

Sometimes we get cought, sometimes we don’t.

A bit more solidarity from SEO’s would work wonders IMO.

Anyway…wonder if Ernie’s hangover has kicked in ; 0 )

I have to disagree regarding GC being no1 for 2 of the busiest months of the year, just to be picky Dec is dead so the 28 days at no1 in Jan is not really that wonderful (IMO)

As for link buying, yes I have purchased quality, relevant links in the past when this was deemed to be the correct way forward, who didn’t?

As for BDI, no Ernest the site is no better and neither is the service or lack of that they provide.

Morning mate.

1) Please READ my title header. It was to **DAVE** I was answering some of his points. You are not the only opinion on your blog ; 0 )

2) You should be the last person assuming people’s position or identities chap. (you are wrong I am neither Latitude OR a BIG budget SEO firm) I bet latitude want this story to die down not liven up pal!!
Apologies Latitude for my new mate Ernie’s jibe.

3) Im glad you agree with me regarding this is commercial not an ethical crusade/jihad (depending on yr religion of course)

4) BDi – i have had a look at their service, you are right its average at best (subjective).

5) However they do rank Number 1 for “Life Insurance” – I’d argue thats quite lucrative.

6) How about that survey then? (something I posted, that you ignored again to conduct a lengthy rant ; 0 )

7) Now my turn for an assumption: stay of the beers before you post on your own blog eh??!

(or invite me out for a few next time)

Rex, you will notice if you manage to listen to anything I’ve written over the last few days that you’re writing exactly the same points are I’ve outlined. I’m agreeing with you that it makes complete commercial sense to spam the search engines. If they’re not clever enough to pick out paid for and natural links, they’re the ones not providing the service. You make money by ranking highly and the punishments we’ve seen don’t deter people enough.

PLEASE LISTEN/READ a bit before you wade in.

On the other hand, I have also outlined that this is bias towards those with larger budgets because they cannot compete against the large companies when it’s a “how links can you buy” sort of game. This is not ethical and goes against Google’s principles. It makes it hard for any of the small guys to compete – with or without link buying.

Just to set the record straight on your comments about Best Deal Insurance – they aren’t ranking for their best key phrase and they definitely don’t offer a good service. From memory, they either use rebranded Endlseigh products or sell your data into a lead generation network where you’re spammed to high heaven. I must stress that I haven’t used the site for a good few months so that last opinion may be unqualified.