Filed under: Black Hat Marketing, Black Hat PR, Black Hat SEO, SEO, SEO and SEM, Search Engine Optimization, Search Engine Reputation Management, Search Engine Strategy, Search Reputation Management

Strumpette has an article on “Black PR” called WARNING: Beware the Dark Side of PR 2.0 by Ivana Kalay. It is a fine article because it finally echoes something I go on and on about: the essential nature of an SEO strategy — both offensive and defensive SEO — any time you decide you need an Online PR or Online Marketing strategy.

“Web 2.0 is without doubt the most innovative approach to technology. However, due to its flexibility, modularity and easy of use, it perfectly suits black public relations practices. The future is within the information, the single most valuable resource in the digital world. Black PR needs indefinite supply of it and Web 2.0 is here to make that happen. You’ve been warned.” Via Strumpette

As an SEO expert, I am always trying to make my clients aware of the importance of covering your ass online because people aren’t just racing you in this competition, they’re also trying to stick branches in your spokes as well.

And, like I said in Don’t Be Seduced by the Lure of Astroturfing,

“You may be attracted to covert online marketing: special ops, black ops, spycraft – “fifth column marketing,” if you will. Don’t be.”

The same can and should be said about Black Hat anything online.

Thanks, Ivana, for exploring the issue of what we in the SEO field call “black hat SEO.” I am happy to name the leveraging of this sort of thing as “black PR” although I think “Black Hat PR” or “Black Hat Marketing” might be a better term to coin.

You’ve been double-warned.

4 Comments » Posted on August 20th, 2007 by Abraham Harrison

Filed under: Mainstream Media, Wall Street Journal, Web 2.0, Web Applications

I love the Wall Street Journal newspaper as it is, on my porch, every morning. I also love it on XM Radio. The only reason I support the purchase of the Wall Street Journal by Rupert Murdoch is because the online Wall Street Journal really sucks, even as a paid member. It makes Jesus cry. It makes me cry. I am crying right now. I should post a photo.

Read more…

No Comments » Posted on August 20th, 2007 by Abraham Harrison

Filed under: Facebook, Facebook Apps, Viral Marketing

Facebook Apps are lowest-common-denominator. They’re generally not smart at all, but they are fun. They are what we want, not what we need. When you consider building one, think about the “getting to know you” games you played at summer camp or play at corporate OD bonding sessions… that’ll get you started.

“Bitten by a zombie lately? Had a plate of spaghetti thrown at you? Figured out your porn-star name? No? Then you obviously haven’t been one of the 30 million Facebook users who’ve downloaded 80 million such applications on the social-networking Web site since May.”

“As frivolous as these software functions appear, they’ve become a cornerstone of the Internet firm’s success and have attracted huge buzz — and not just among the geeks of Silicon Valley. Last week, Barry Diller’s Expedia, the $8 billion online travel agency, paid $3 million to acquire one of them. “Where I’ve Been,” developed by a Facebook denizen, allows users to display a map detailing all the places they’ve visited.”

Via Wall Street Journal

Folks who launch serious apps — apps that try to get our money, our feedback, or our sympathy, has better be flirty and playful as well. The only worse thing than not producing a Facebook App for your product or service is producing one that is earnest, serious, and a downer. Lameness or intentional guilt-flinging is not accepted.

No Comments » Posted on August 20th, 2007 by Abraham Harrison


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