No I Won't Sell Links, Sponsored Reviews Or Pay Per Post

I did get a polite email off someone wanting to buy some text links on this site - so I can't complain about the method of approach. But I'd thought I'd let everyone know that I don't offer advertising on this site (other than the occassional bit of Adsense or affiliate offering).

The reason I do this is not me being big-headed. I think people read this blog for my unfettered opinion and to see if my views can help their affiliate business.

I see others plastering their blogs with advertising, pay per posts and dropping paid links all over the place and I feel that the blog owner is taking their readers for granted - you even say treating their readers like mugs.

If you take Fraser's blog, however, I feel he get's it right. I know he's concerned about annoying his readers so keeps the advertising to a minimum. My view is Fraser offers some fantastsic information and puts in a lot of hard work with his podcasts that he should really be renumerated for his time and effort.

There's another reason too. We all know that if people try and buy links to game the Google system, and not purely as tradtional media buys, then we'll both suffer the consequences. This blog may be no more than a sounding board or vent for my frustrations, but why should I get risk getting excluded for a few extra quid?

So no buying or selling links for me, no pay per posts and paid reviews.

p.s. how much cash am I missing out on ;-)

Some posts about buying / selling / building links:

Google: Don't Worry About Links Sales - Just Get The Basics Right
DMOZ Found To Be "Selling" Links?
Selling Links? You've Gotta Label Them as Such
Reporting Paid Links To Google
Why Kieron Has Got His Blog Marketing Strategy So Wrong
Google to Hit "Hidden Links" Sites Harder
SEO Tip Of The Week: Advanced Link Building