Bloggers dislike removing spam, but they also want to give commenters linklove as a thankyou for their efforts.
Both considerations are valid! But they seem to oppose each other. I still see many discussions about using Nofolows or not. But they all revolve about this basic dilemma: spamfighting versus user friendliness / linklove. So it seems that both sides are in a stalemate.
Why?
Because they can’t compromise.
Introducing the Dutch model
The Dutch are known for the way they handle opposing interests. In politics, opposite factions sit together and talk about their differences. They won’t stop until they’ve reached a compromise. It’s tiresome, but works rather well and the Dutch model is named the ‘poldermodel’. I’m not a sociology professor, but I think it has something to do with an old heritage in trading, capitalism, and above all: making money. Making money is all about seeing win-win situations. You give me and I give you.
There is a win-win situation in using Nofollows. Let me explain it with a metaphor.
Protect your house, and invite friends for dinner
Just like my weblog, my house is my territory. I lock the doors when I’m away, but that doesn’t mean I don’t want the world to taste my delicious pumpkin soup! If you happen to be at my house and I have it ready, I will probably let you have a taste (to all my friends who’ve never had my soup yet, it’s just a metaphor, but you’re welcome to come over and try the real deal ;)).
But one thing I will NOT do, is leave my door and windows open so that everybody can just grab some without asking me. I have no idea who it is. Maybe they’ll use my soup to sell it to others!
No soup for you!
CHOOSE when to give linklove
But I do invite friends to come and eat, drink, maybe play some Wii games, watch a good movie, talk about life, politics, the web, etc.
And that is exactly the same with my weblog. I close the doors, but let friends and other people I like come over and have a good time. With searchwritten, I Nofollow, but provide linklove to people I like. If I like your blog, I’ll let others know. If you don’t have one, I’ll sphinn/Digg/whatever your submits. I’ll let people know you have an interesting Twitter acount, etc, etc.
As ar as I am concerned, this is common sense, and not even worthy of such a polemic discussion.
September 23rd, 2008 at 2:45 pm
I agree with what you are suggesting, that you should link to those who link to you and comment on your blog etc. I don’t think this is always relevant to the nofollow debate but you make a good point.
The thing is, if you remove nofollow to repay your visitors many other people will just turn up at your house for a free meal anyways :)
September 23rd, 2008 at 3:06 pm
@Kevin: we have consensus :)
September 25th, 2008 at 9:30 am
[quote]
The thing is, if you remove nofollow to repay your visitors many other people will just turn up at your house for a free meal anyways :)
[/quote]
This is true, but a little moderation and with askimet or other antispam plugins can be solved easily.
Regards
September 25th, 2008 at 9:37 am
Hi Sacx, thnx for your reply!
Moderation ofcourse is possible, but I think that your words ‘a little moderation’ and ‘easily’ are worth a discussion ;)
But to stay with the metaphor of a house: if you do provide follows on comments, you’d probably be mc donalds, where everybody comes to eat. I prefer pumpkin soup, though. I think btw that the people who receive it, would rather have pumpkin soup than an addictive cheeseburger :p
October 2nd, 2008 at 7:50 pm
I like your analogy about your site being your house and not wanting unwelcome guests, makes sense, but what about the Dutch? Maybe they don’t leave anywhere before they’ve made a decision because they’re all stoned, and last one who can stay awake or eat a full 500g bag of crisps gets it his/her way?
Refreshing read, be back soon, cheers