An article by Chris Brogan caught my attention this morning and I just had to share it with you because I have really strong feelings on this subject: Links are good manners.
I was just telling Michael Long that I’ve seen parts of my post 75 reasons you didn’t get the job on a couple of blogs where – not only did the author(s) not link to my original post – they did not even give me credit for writing it! No mention of my name; no mention of the fact that it is not their original content. I know. It is appalling. And do not ask me who or which blogs because I am not going to tell you. Google it if you want.
In his awesome article Brogan writes, “If I write about Brian Clark, I should be sure to link his name, so that you can visit him and discover him. It also tells Google that I must have an opinion on Brian, and so I’m sharing a connection there. Conversly, if I add the code “rel=”nofollow”, that tells Google that I’m providing a link, but that I’m not saying I necessarily trust what comes next. It’s how advertisements should be framed, or so I learned from Matt Cutts a few months ago.”
Now I did not know that, did you? Very cool. And important to know! I am definitely going to use that “rel=”nofollow” code.
“If I write about the best WordPress theme ever, (which is an affiliate link for Chris Pearson’s THESIS theme, then by making the linked text say “best wordpress theme,” I’m telling Google that perhaps people searching for a WordPress theme using the terms “best wordpress theme” might be served well by these links.”
I did not know that either but it makes perfect sense and I’m going to start doing that too. Actually I already did. I said “In his awesome article” and I linked to his article. See how it works?
“Links are good manners. They signal intent. They connote sharing. They help your audience connect better. Link, even if it takes a bit more time. Fair?”
Thanks, @chrisbrogan. 
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