I’m a newbie blogger.
Like any newbie blogger, I’m interested in getting visitors to my blog.
In addition to having a nice looking site and writing interesting content, one of the best ways to attract visitors and interest in your blog is to network, comment and interact with other bloggers in your field.
A Few Great Bloggers…
By searching out and commenting on other blogs, I have been fortunate enough to get some great folks visiting my blog, including (but not limited to) Karl Foxley, Beginner Blogger, Ben Lang, Infopreneur, LifeNotion, Chuck Lasker, Heidi Cool, Kikolani, Robert Bravery, John Sullivan, AussieSire, Rose DesRochers, Fly Free Biz, ExtremeJohn, Jordan Cooper and many others who I will be acknowledging in a “Conspirator’s Page” (coming soon!). Thanks folks – and thanks to the folks I have yet to mention!
…And One Bad One
So today, I was shocked when one of the newer bloggers I have been following sent out an Email update outlining how he deliberately AND FALSELY accused a reputable blogger – Extreme John – of plagiarizing one of his blog posts.
It turns out that the blogger in question (who will remain nameless so as not to generate any more traffic to his blog) KNEW ALL ALONG that there was no plagiarism. He accused Extreme John simply to generate a controversy and to generate traffic on his own blog.
His post, and the subsequent efforts to promote it through a feeble attempt at controversy only goes to show that this blogger has no respect for his community of fellow bloggers or blog visitors.
If he is willing to sacrifice visitors for traffic, he has already written his farewell post as a reputable blogger in this field…
An overstatement?
I don’t think so. Even though I’ve only been at this blogging thing for a very short time, I keep seeing many of the same faces in many of the same places. I am slowly building a rapport and reputation as a SINCERE blogger – who is interested in building my success by promoting other people’s success at the same time.
If blogging had a Golden Rule, that would be it!
Now this blogger risks being blacklisted by his peers because of a stupid, traffic generating stunt.
He may get excited over the temporary storm of “traffic” his ill conceived stunt generates.
But he has sacrificed respect from his peers.
He has sacrificed any willingness on behalf of other bloggers to help him out (remember the boy who cried wolf?).
In short, he has ruined his reputation in one easy step…
What do you think about this tactic? Do you think there is a difference between visitors and traffic – or is all fair in love and blogging?
Let me and others know what you think by leaving a comment below. And if you liked this post, please click the ‘tweet this’ button and share the post via your favorite social media icon below.
The web is a vast and fascinating place. And for choosing to spend some of your precious time with me, I sincerely thank you!
- Don
UPDATE: Dec. 28 – Added ExtremeJohn and Jordan Cooper to the list of Great Bloggers in the original post!
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You know, after watching this all unfold I feel that the ‘blogger’ used this traffic generation tactic as an excuse because he had dug himself into a hole and couldn’t see a way out. The trouble is that he appears to be continuing to dig rather than just saying, ’sorry, I got it wrong’ which would, at least, give him back some credibility; after all, we all make mistakes.
I always enjoy reading your posts Don,
Karl
Karl Foxley´s last blog ..How To Mask Your Affiliate Links Using PHP
I agree with you – this was a deliberate stunt and the longer that blogger refrains from saying “I’m sorry” the worse off he’s going to be.
I still can’t even believe that a blogger, even a newbie blogger would consider such a stunt worthwhile.
As for me, well, I’m glad to have established bloggers like yourself and others who have commented here, to interact with me for the RIGHT reasons and not simply as a reply to controversy.
Thanks for your comment Karl.
There are so many new posts from you I’m eager to read!! I still have to send you that technical question too! Such is the life of a newbie blogger – hahah!
Oh – Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and yours!
- Don
Don when it comes down to it everyone makes mistakes which is exactly what Karl said, but there is a lot to be said for admitting your faults and moving forward vs making it worse… which Karl also said.
Being a newbie blogger myself it’s easy to make mistakes, one of the biggest mistakes is thinking that blogging is a sprint…. it’s not, blogging is a marathon. Sadly a lot of newbie bloggers take the fatal bait, or in iwoodpecker’s case they peck at the poison tree.
Thank you for stopping by my blog, I added your blog to my reader. I will be back and I look forward to you going Do Follow, if you need any help don’t hesitate to ask. Thank you for the support.
Extreme John´s last blog ..Cheddar Bob the Blogger
blogging is a sprint…. it’s not, blogging is a marathon
Hey you frickin stole that! I read that article this week somewhere…I am unfollowing you on twitter John!
Keith´s last blog ..Permalink Structure for SEO
Hey Extreme John!
♪ Mistakes? I’ve made a few… ♫
Thanks for your comment and all the link luv! I’m happy to say that http://www.donpower.ME is now a DOFOLLOW blog!
I know you have tonnes (that’s metric tons!) of great resources and promotions on the DOFOLLOW experience on your blog, so I’ll be participating heavily in your blog right after the Christmas break.
Thanks again for everything man – I really dig your style!
- Don
Glad to see you join the “Do-Follow” movement. I just wrote a post on some other WP plugins (should be in the commentluv here) if you wanna look at some other stuff I like to add to my blogs and maybe share some of yours.
I gotta split and head over to see family, see you Saturday in the B-hood.
Keith´s last blog ..17 Must Have Wordpress Plugins
‘There are so many new posts from you I’m eager to read!! I still have to send you that technical question too!’ well that’s always great to hear.
Merry Christmas to you and your family and I’m sure the New Year will see this blog climb and climb in the popularity stakes.
Karl
Karl Foxley´s last blog ..Possibly The Greatest CommentLuv Update To Date
Very perceptive, and true, however some bloggers operating from a self created sense of religious indignation will never understand, or change their behavior. Honest reputation is of no value to them, traffic is king.
And I know this how?
By being the victim of a directed attack aimed at stirring up a mob reaction over a difference of opinion.
Branedy´s last blog ..Nokia N900 to be locked to Vodafone network.
Hey Branedy!
Thanks for your comment!
I’d be interested to find out more about the difference of opinion issue you mentioned…
I checked out your blog and your post about no such thing as bad pressseems to be motivation for iwoodpecker in this case.
Thanks again for taking the time to visit and comment on donpower.ME!
- Don
Just reading that something made you feel like a victim pisses me off, sorry I’m a pretty straight forward person. Where do people think that any of that makes sense, to attack someone for no reason.
Extreme John´s last blog ..Cheddar Bob the Blogger
Wild, that’s the first time I’ve seen someone purposely accuse someone of plagiarism knowing that it didn’t happen. I did poke around to get the full story and read the post from each. (I think it would be OK for you to link to him, just include a “rel=”nofollow” in the link – since that was the topic of the articles in question anyway, it seems a good way to handle it. This way you won’t pass on link juice but people can still read the post.)
One of the commenters on his post brought up the very valid point that this may be more than a matter of ethics. Slander is a civil offense. I’m not an attorney, but if the false accusation caused measurable damage to the accusee, he could potentially sue for damages. Hopefully his reputation remains unharmed, and I’m sure the admittance by the accuser helps demonstrate his innocence, but this could have gotten really out of hand.
Some people found it funny, which I don’t understand at all. He could have seriously harmed the other person’s reputation and as you mentioned he has certainly tarnished his own. He explained that he was doing it as a PR stunt for linkbait, but it’s not even good for that. He may see a short-term spike in traffic, but if that happens at the expense of greater growth in the long run, he’s done himself a disservice.
Short-sightedness is a common problem in search engine optimization, social media and business in general. We’re constantly inundated with people trying to game the system to get some quick backlinks, a million followers on Twitter, etc. But they don’t work in the long-run. If you try to cheat at SEO, Google will figure it out and penalize you. If you build followers on Twitter and don’t contribute anything worth reading no one will pay attention. There are many examples I could use, but I’m sure we’ve all seen them.
Linkbait is a perfectly legitimate marketing technique, but it needs to be used carefully, and provide value to readers. Falsely accusing a fellow blogger of plagiarism/copyright infringement is not what I’d call using it carefully. I’m still astounded that this fellow still doesn’t get how wrong this was.
Heidi Cool´s last blog ..Blogging as the backbone of a social media strategy
One of the most intelligent comments I have read on the entire thing throughout the day, your comment alone should be written as a post and targeted at newbie bloggers. Not as a warning, as an educational tool to see brighter and LONGER running paths.
Extreme John´s last blog ..Cheddar Bob the Blogger
Hey ExtremeJohn!
Thanks again buddy. Your comment confirms that as a newbie blogger, I must be doing something right. And that is a big deal for me.
When you start out, (not unlike Twitter) you are shouting into the wilderness and there’s nobody there. But if you are persistent and you don’t just blast out the same message over and over again in a monotone drawl, sooner or later someone from town is going to be strolling through the woods and they’ll hear your message. And if your message is good, perhaps they will return to town saying good things about you.
And if you’re fortunate (not lucky!) enough to be invited into town – maybe someone will even be gracious enough to buy you a beer at the tavern!
But if your message is harsh, or if you trick people, you will be lucky (not fortunate!) if the townspeople don’t come back with fire and pitchforks and run you out of the forest…
Wow – all that and I haven’t even had my coffee yet this morning – not bad
I’m sure you get the analogy and I’m very fortunate you guys seem to have invited me to come into town and join the party. Let the woodpecker stay in the wilderness where he belongs!
Cheers!
- Don
Hey Heidi!
Thanks for weighing in on this.
From an experienced web marketer like yourself, I’m sure these linkbait tactics are laughable – because you have the experience of seeing OVER TIME what really works.
And your message is consistent across all of your online platforms – good, honest, meaningful, useful content trumps all. Everything else is just smoke and mirrors!
I’m so glad you’ve taken the time to become part of my forray into this wild world of blogging!
Cheers and thanks!
- Don
Don, I left numerous comments about this on Johns blog, and the more I think about it the angrier I get.
The funny part is, he is trying to put the fire out now that he started!
PS: When are you going to move over the “do-follow” movement? I see your comments on many do-follow blogs with commentluv and all, but yet yours here are no-follow….. Just asking not trying to stir anything up.
Keith´s last blog ..7 Articles You Must Read!
Keith I appreciate the support and especially your genuine comments in regards to the situation. I share a lot of the same feelings about it that you do.
Why stop now? You wanted the excitement and attention remember? The spotlight is on you now.
Extreme John´s last blog ..Cheddar Bob the Blogger
Hey Keith!
Thanks to your motivation (and implication of “what are you waiting for?”) I AM NOW A DOFOLLOW BLOG (we’ve replied to each other on extremejohn’s blog but I owed you a reply here too!).
I plan on really capitalizing on and promoting this link luv movement in a big way on this blog (and another one I have in mind) in the New Year.
I am SO happy and encouraged that established bloggers like you and all the others who have commented here are “endorsing” what I”m doing by taking the time to comment. I know it is a privilege and I don’t take it lightly – like one peckerhead that I know!!!
Cheers and thanks Keith!
- Don
Hi Don, I agree. Some might think this blogger’s behavior is black hat…. I dunno. Not the hugest fan of blogging for internet marketing, but it is an important part, and I do have a blog myself. I am not as prolific as some mind you.
Anyway, Enjoy reading your blog, and have yourself a Merry Christ(X)Mas.
Thanks Dominic!
Your name links to your business webpage – Repeat Until Wealthy (now with DOFOLLOW
but where can I find your blog?
- Don
Thank you for including me in your list of “great folks!”
I believe any benefit of controversial promotions, such as the one you’ve referred to here, is short term, and simply not worth it. I have almost done business with several people, then searched them on Google and decided, based on reputation-damaging results, not to continue with them. One of them is one of the biggest names on Twitter. It shows that Twitter follower numbers don’t mean anything as far as reputation/integrity/success.
Blogging, and promotions of said blog, should be long-term oriented, as you have been doing, Don. Maybe I don’t have massive traffic to my blog, but I have a solid reputation online, and some very successful people know who I am and that I’m legitimate. Give me ten people who believe in me over a million who simply read a blog post any day.
Chuck Lasker´s last blog ..Deck The Sites, a Christmas Font Song
Hey Chuck!
It’s my pleasure to be associated with you!
As a new blogger (and having just passed the 1K mark on Twitter) you’re always trying to think about how you can build an audience faster. But as cliche as it sounds, slow and steady seems to win the race – at least for people who don’t want to pack up their snake oil tent and move every other week!!
Time will tell but in the meantime, I intend to take Heidi Cool’s lead and build an honest reoutatio nbased on hard work and compelling content!
Cheers and thanks! I’m loving your comments on Keep X in Christmasby the way!
- Don
Don,
I have to agree this was a stunt and a bad idea. I had read several of his articles and I use to go back weekly to read his work. Now after this, I won’t be back for a while, if ever. Blog promotion should be long-term. I haven’t been reading either blog long t I would never have done this to John or any other blogger its just wrong.
element321´s last blog ..How to add Delicious Daily Auto-post To Your Blog
Thanks for your comment element321!
I mentioned on extremjohn’s post that I was one of 3 subscribers to woodpecker’s blog (I unsubscibed yesterday). Several other bloggers, including yourself, acknowledged that this guy had potential.
And he still might have potential if he wasn’t so DAMN arrogant and unrepentent! He doesn’t think he did anything wrong. PERIOD.
Well, in my book, falsely acusing somebody of something – no matter WHAT the venue is – is simply WRONG. If there is an objective standard on TRUTH, then surely FALSELY accusing someone is in direct contravention of TRUTH and I have absolutely no respect for that!
Geez, I’m getting angry all over again…!
I’m in it for the long haul – and I think I saw you on another blog stating that you’re new to the blogging game too. So I’m happy to promote people of integrity and I’m glad you took the time to stop by!
Before you take off, you might be interested in a related post – Do you Really Know What it Means to be Sincere?
Cheers!
- Don
This is just wrong, on so many levels .. ethical, legal, moral. And some of the posters state that the offender doesn’t think he did anything wrong? Truly has his head screwed on backwards.
Thanks for the post Don! This has been a lesson to me, as a brand new blogger, to keep my head up and not be blindsided by somebody who only has their selfish interests at heart, no matter whom they hurt.
Wishing a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and yours!
R
SHAZBUT!
I knew I was going to overlok someone in my initial “great bloggers” list above. I’ve edited this post, and included Fly Free Biz on that list! Thanks Randy for following me here, on other posts and on the other social media plaforms too!
I agree with you – this guy is tarnishing the idea of a newbie blogger. We all don’t want traffic at the expense of visitors!!
So let’s keep doing what we’re doing – helping ourselves by helping each other!
Thanks again, Randy. Sorry about my initial oversight!!
- Don
This guy wants to use my blog for the week to dog out Pecker all week he already has some snazzy post titles
Anyway just finished up a post about John’s blog see link above. It’s nice when a whole bunch of bloggers come together and support each other 
Thanks so much for the mention but as a full blooded Irish man pls have my name first next time LOL 
LOL just kidding it’s all GOOD Merry Christmas everyone 
Welcome aboard new people if your looking for some cool people to network with check out some do follow bloggers, it’s not just about page rank. I found MOST do follow bloggers are actually cool people and the others, not so much
Hey John!
Thanks for stopping by, mate! I’ll respect the Irish a little better next time, eh? hahaha!
I got the DOFOLLOW plugin installed now – gonna get more involved in that community in the New Year so I’m sure I’ll see you around the posts!
And try and stay upright till at least they sing Auld Lang Sine, ok buddy?
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
- Don
This sure has made a wave in our pond… Funny stuff, I was actually googling for running and fitness blogs and your post comes up. Go figure.
I’m also Anne from b6s.net btw.
Anne @ Fitness-Notes.com´s last blog ..My Running Shoes Tips
Hi Anne!
I have a feeling that your comment here came in from ExtremeJohn somehow – because even if I wanted to I have no idea how to snag Google traffic for fitness blogs. But as for ExtremeJohn, well he appears to have a lot of “fitness buffs” and buff fit people at his parties, so…you do the math – hahaha!
In any event, if you get a ping back on this, welcome and thanks for weighing in – whether here or at ExtremeJohn’s blog!
Cheers!
- Don
This comment is from Kikolani. For some reason her comment went to a blank page (anyone know how to fix this?)
Anyway, she was kind enough to follow through via Email to send me this comment:
I think there is a good way of causing controversy for traffic, and this blogger apparently did not go that route. You don’t accuse another blogger of doing something that you know they didn’t do just to get attention. I think the fact that it was done for self-promotion is just wrong. I get (after reading his explanation post) that he might have considered this an experiment, and the experiment might have worked in his favor… but at what long-term cost? And what kind of example are you setting for newer bloggers – that it’s ok to accuse them of something falsely to get some attention? Bad, bad, bad.
Also, thanks for the mention.
- K
Hey Kikolani!
Thank you so much for following through and making sure you comment got through.
You raise a really good point about newbie bloggers – and I think that was the main thing that compelled me to write this post right after I read the offending post from ‘pecker.
I think there will be newbie bloggers who will read pecker’s post (I’m deliberately misspelling his name so as not to inadvertently give him any additional publicity) and think – “hey this might work for me!”.
And before long, you’ve got a bunch of newbie bloggers accusing established bloggers of all kinds of ridiculous BS – just to get some page views.
And what happens next? Well the same thing that happens on Twitter – “newbie snobbery”… ie: “That guy is a newbie, reading his/her stuff is going to be more trouble than it’s worth”. And legit newbies will have to work all the harder to be heard among the noise…
Now I know that it’s a bit of a stretch to assume pecker’s post wold have this kind of power – and it doesn’t – but if newbie bloggers get the idea that this kind of thing is acceptable because it goes UNCHALLENGED then I think THAT is a real problem.
So kudos to ExtremeJohn and all of you folks who have made an effort and commented on his blog and here, on mine. For not just laughing this off and forgetting about it. The message is spreading far and wide that this type of thing holds NO QUARTER in the legitimate blogging community.
And pecker’s message? Not so much (last I saw he had 8 comments including mine!).
So thanks to you, Kikolani, and to all people who still believe in Truth over Traffic!
Cheers!
- Don
Truth over traffic, that should be the rule before anyone posts, whether they are new or seasoned bloggers. Sure you may get “instant hits” but you will not gain loyal readers that trust you. I hope that other newer bloggers see how wrong this type of tactic is and continue blogging honestly to build a great following, even if it does take time.
Kikolani´s last blog ..Fetching Friday – Resources Mashup, Old City Bar & Happy Holidays
Thanks Kristi!
From the new bloggers that I have been associating with, I’m happy to say that all of them (except pecker!) are building their blogs the old fashioned way, (as the John Houseman used to say in the commercials) – they are earning their followers through great content and hard work!
I would have it no other way!
Thank you for your comments, Kristi and thank you SO much for listing this post on your Fetching Friday Resources Mashup. It’s a real privilege!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
- Don
donpower´s last blog ..Keep X in Christmas
First allow me to wish you a Merry Christmas. Thank you for linking to me in this post.
I had to surf over to both blogs & see what was happening. It was ridiculous of the wood-pecker to accuse John of copying his idea. It’s not like the subject hasn’t been written about a zillion times before.
Also so what if two blogs give a different perspective on a subject.
Too much drama.
Rose´s last blog ..Taking a break due to health issues
I just want to add if the woodpecker did this just to create controversy I think the best thing to do is state the facts and move on.
Rose´s last blog ..Taking a break due to health issues
Erase if- I see that he did do this just to create traffic to his blog, which he did succeed in doing, but it was wrong and his reputation in the blogophere was tarnished in the process.
Rose´s last blog ..Taking a break due to health issues
Hi Rose!
Thanks for your comments!
I wrote a comment on ExtremeJohn’s blog that pecker’s motivation was NEVER about plagarism. He admits it was SOLELY for linkbait.
Now while I don’t think pecker has gone so far as Glenn Beck, for example, the basic tenet is the same – when you’ve sold your soul to the devil – there ain’t no such thing as bad press!
(but some of us have grown pretty attached to our souls…;)
- Don
Don, was it really about link bait or the pecker jumping to conclusions then looking like a fool.
I have not had an opportunity to read the background posts related to this aforementioned episode but would like to make a few points and comments.
First, I agree 100% that blogging is a marathon and not a sprint. Sure it can be frustrating when just starting out to not get any traffic but that is no justification for obviously unethical behavior.
Second, one of the best pieces of advice I read many months ago when getting started (I am just over 6 months in now) was to be yourself and be honest when you write. I am not a flashly or even entertaining writer. But I simply enjoy teaching and sharing information. I will tell it like it is.
Third, the internet is huge. There is plenty of room for many of the bloggers out there. The best way to succeed is to help and be helped. It is obvious to me that most bloggers are honest and hard-working. There is no need to stoop to deceptive tricks and tactics.
Kidgas´s last blog ..In the Top 1 Million!!
Thanks Kidgas! And thanks for voting for this post on BlogEngage!
I agree with you about being yourself and being honest. As Shakespear wrote “To thine own self be true and thou canst be false to no man”.
And, since ExtremeJohn is being himself, then I want to part at his house!! Hahahah!
Cheers Kidgas!
- Don
donpower´s last blog ..How to Ruin Your Reputation in One Easy Step
Hey thanks for including me in the list of great bloggers I really appreciate it! As for your guest post I should be posting it sometime next week since I’m off skiing in California
Happy holidays!
Thanks Ben!
You may be still in school but you have to teach newbie bloggers like me! You deserve to be on any great bloggers list!
Thank you for the opportunity to Guest Post on your blog –
How to tell What Theme Your Favorite Blog is Using.
hopefully it will be the first of many collaborations!
Talk to you when you’re back from vacation!
- Don
donpower´s last blog ..How to Ruin Your Reputation in One Easy Step
I would erase this whole case from my mind….or else…I could remember it and store in my memory as a rule- a rule that you should not use this kind of strategy for blogging. I guess “his”/Blogger who accused Extreme John reputation and his blog will be largely affected by this case…it will be a black mark on his blog. I read his point of view, which now reveals all secrets- secret behind him accusing Extreme John. Anyway, Great Blog you got there buddy. Welcome to Blog Engage Community…..Hope to see you soon
Hey Jeevan!
Thanks for your comment. I haven’t checked out ‘pecker’s blog since the beginning of this whole thing. I can only assume from his many comments on ExtremeJohn’s blog that he is holding firm and will not aologize for his actions.
He may have his stubbornness – it’s not a virtue, it’s a curse!
By the way, I’m still learning how to navigate blogengage – I’ve added you as a friend there – I’ll keep an eye out and vote for some of your posts! Sorry it took me so long to reply to your comment – such is the life of a newbie blogger!
Thanks!
- Don
Hi Don,
Firstly – sorry for the super late reply on my blog! I wanted to have a real post ready before I started with the commenting
. My replies will definitely come faster now!
And this is the first time I’m hearing about this news – I’m pretty shocked that someone did that. How did he possibly think he could lie his way to success?
An´s last blog ..8 Obstacles to Action and How to Overcome Them
Hm, I did some searching out of curiosity. Found the blogger in question, as well as his post on why he did it. Confusing – seems as though he’s pretty proud of his strategy?
Hi An!
Thanks for your comment – I also apologize for my delay in responding. I think we’re both realizing that blogging is hard work!
And unlike our nemesis – ‘pecker – we accept thath building a relationship with people takes time and effort – not deceit and dirty tricks!
I am so glad and proud of you to see that you are moving forward and taking action with your new blog! You can see a whole host of generous, community minded bloggers here that are great folks to get to know.
So here’s a little more incentive for a visit – Blogging Success is 90% action!
Thanks An!
- Don
Hi Don,
Thanks for visiting this topic. I wasn’t able to read all of the comments here, but I just want to add that sometimes all you can do is pray for a person. I mean when you see someone behaving in such a strange manner you have to realize that there is an issue behind this that we don’t have knowledge of.
So my request to you and your readers is to say a prayer and let it go.
Thanks Don.
@Ileane
ileane´s last blog ..Video Podcast Tutorials – Ms. Ileane Speaks Podcast
Hi Ileane!
It is so nice to see you here! You are a testament to hard work and honest effort in building a community – I see your posts, comments and replies everywhere! – including on my blog, on Twitter and Youtube (I think I owe you a reciprocal subscription if I can ever find the time to navigate back over there – hahah!).
I’m not alone in despising injustice, I am sure…But like someone you are probably familiar with from the bible
– false accusations are among the most heinous of actions. Taking someone’s honesty and good name and deliberately dragging it through the mud…No-No!
ExtremeJohn never had anything to worry about, of course, and ultimately, justice prevails. Of course, there are other more serious injustices in the world but this one just happened to land on my plate and I felt I had to voice my objection publicly!
Whew! OK – thanks for allowing me to vent! (hahah!).
See you around the posts!
- Don
LOL. So nice to see that the publicity stunts a la Hollywood are coming into the blogging business. Say something evil about the likes of Ms Spears and the tabloids will lick it up and turn their attention on you for the details.
I wonder what kind of message his trying to pass across to his readers. What if a law suit had followed? Would his defense be “I’m a starving blogger in need of heavy traffic”?
Udegbunam Chukwudi´s last blog ..A Quick Look @ Chargebacks and 2CheckOut
Yah – let’s hope a newbie blogger’s hot air balloon doesn’t crash into the headquarters of ProBlogger.net anytime soon! (newbie bloggers…don’t even THINK about it!).
I am pretty pleased with the resulting ’self correction’ in the blogosphere around this issue though…Seems a lot of folks have some really strong opininons on how NOT to become popular and I certainly agree!
Thanks a lot for your comment Udegbunam!
See you around the posts!
- Don
Hey Don,
I have just read that article, The guy that accused John of doing this just to score hits is completely done for now, even on his comments section people have suggested so.
Massive mistake, I don’t understand why people think of attacking another site to score cheap traffic, you’re not Perez Hilton so don’t even try it!
Good post, well worth a re-tweet
Hey James!
I had recently read a post of yours where you detailed how integrity is your guiding principle for blogging and it was (is) very inspiring. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find your original post (you’re publishing such great content it’s hard to move backward!). Feel free to post a link to it here in the comments if you have time…
As for Perez Hilton – you remember when he tweeted for someone to call the police when some other dude ["allegedly"] punched him in the head?
Talk about grandstanding.
But like I’ve repeated many times (though usually in reference to Glenn Beck
once you’ve sold your soul, there ain’t no such thing as bad press.
Well, you know what, I’ve grown pretty darned attached to thishere soul and I ain’t tradin’ it for no baubles, nohow!
Thanks for your comment James!
- Don
UPDATE: I see you have a guest poster who is writing about this very thing today Authentic bloggers win every time. Good on ya, mate!
Check it out folks!
- dp
I remember this unfolding a few days ago. It’s funny, I like probably many others did – went to his site to see what he had to say, realise he made a complete asshat of himself and I’d totally forgotten about him till I saw your RT for this post right now.
Extreme John on the other hand has a great reputation among the blogging world and still is that great blogger
So in the end all that guy did was score a heap of traffic where most were probably annoyed at him or upset that he had a go at Extreme John
*Insert picture of mob with flames from the Simpsons episode where Bart steals the head of Jebediah Springfield.*
That’s what his traffic spike was!
Sarge | BeginnerBlogger.com
Sarge | BeginnerBlogger.com´s last blog ..Christmas Prize Winner is….
Hey Sarge!
A lot of folks have echoed the same thing you have – they know ExtremeJohn and his reputation and I guess I should actually thank ‘pecker – because now I know ExtremeJohn too and I’m a better blogger for it!
And as for the Simpsons, well man, you must know you’ve opened the floodgates! Every comment from me on your blog from now on is going to have some sort of Simpsons reference – hahaha! SO many references – SO little time (hahaha!).
Thanks for following up on this one. So far the discussion around it – and the participation from like minded bloggers like yourself – has been just fantastic!!
Cheers mate!
- Don
I’m not familiar with either of the bloggers in question, but by goodness it’s a bit silly that, isn’t it? Reputation (unlike a balloon) isn’t particuarly easy to ruin. If say Darren Rowse popped up and said something like that was controversial & borderline insulting, and then apologises or justifies his actions, then his reputation won’t be harmed that much.
Of course, if there is a genuine case there (not saying there would be), then sure say something. But do it privately.
Rhys´s last blog ..Merry Christmas 2009
Hey Rhys!
You know, when I started blogging oh these long 4 weeks ago
I thought I’d have to wade through hundreds of dishonest bloggers just to get in on the party.
But I’m SO happy to say that ‘pecker is the 1st and ONLY blogger I’ve encountered so far who has been trying to engage and build an audience through “bait and switch”. It gives me a lot of hope and encouragement that I’ve stumbled on something really good here! And I’m glad you are a part of it!
A couple of other items related to your comment:
1. Just read your Merry Christmas 2009 – well done! Your a poet and you didn’t even know it! But you might want to consider keeping X in Christmas
2. I owe you a guest post. If you want to consider a video post for something different, check out my first ever guest post on ben-lang.com – How to Tell What Theme your Blog is Using. You too can have the benefit of Don at 25 frames per second!!
3. As for Darren Rowse’s reputation and how he feels about this kind of thing, well, you can see what he has to say about it, below
Thanks again for your comment and have a Happy New Year buddy.
Oh, and
4. Where were YOU on Y2K?
Sorry Rhys – I missed putting this link to your excellent Merry Christmas 2009 poem. Cheers and thanks again!
- Don
Sorry for the shortness of this but I am
on my iPhone
Don’t know the full background on this but sadly this type of thing has been going on for years, I have seen many bloggers think they will launch themselves to stardom by attacking other bloggers, sometimes with false claims and other times with just plain old snark.
I can’t think of any blogger who launched this way that is still really blogging or that has their reputation in tact.
A few more thoughts:
- the way you blog in every post either builds or destroys your brand and reputation.
- Accusations of things like plagiarism can have legal implications.
- the tone of your blogging will be reflected in the way people react to you and the type of reader you get. Start a snarky attacking blog and you will build that kind of readership and become known for it.
- this kind of thing can not only hurt ones online reputation but offline too. Future employers, friends, partners googling you can see what you did – not good.
I can’t think of a much worse way to try and establish yor blog. Not admitting the mistake and coming clean just makes it worse.
Apologies for spelling mistakes: blame the iPhone
Thanks for your comment Darren!
(I never tested this blog for the iPhone – BONUS – it works!)
The very fact that you have commented here is proof that newbie bloggers can attract the POSITIVE attention from A-list bloggers without having to resort to dishonesty and dirty tricks!
I appreciate your feedback, as I’m sure other readers do as well!
Cheers and thanks!
- Don
Thanks Don, not sure I am an a-lister or if there is such a thing really but for me it all comes down to being useful and constructive. If you can solve a problem for readers rather than tear down ppl you are on the way to building a great blog.
Darren Rowse´s last blog ..How to Make More Money From Your Blog in the New Year : Best of ProBlogger
Ok – I’ve already developed a bad habit – referring to “us vs. them” – hahah!
I guess blogging really is the great social equalizer – or at least it can be. See my reply to Rhys above, regarding my surprise that there are so many HONEST bloggers out there! It is unexpected – but very affirming!
My promise to you – I’ll never refer to you as an A-lister again (haha!). I should know better. Besides it’d be rude to refer to myself in such an aggrandized way once I’ve made it, wouldn’t it?
Thanks again for adding to the discussion, Darren!
- Don
Don’t stress – I just never got the A-list thing. I guess the reality is that there are bloggers with more influence than others but in my experience it varies so much from niche to niche and from person to person. I am lucky to have a family who keeps my feet on the ground most times
Darren Rowse´s last blog ..How to Make More Money From Your Blog in the New Year : Best of ProBlogger
Yes, my family is my grounding in life too Darren. I think it’s a necessity to keep reminding oneself of that, every day!
Cheers!
- Don
Too few bloggers realize our reputation is basically the only asset we have. Our brand our content, everything about our little corner of the web is tied into our reputation and how we’re percieved by others.
In the end I suppose it’s practically Darwinian, only the strong will survive and in blogging your reputation is your strength.
Michael @ Monetize Your Life´s last blog ..What’s more important what’s Right or getting caught
Thanks for your comment Michael!
You know, when I started this blog I was at a loss to what I should focus on. Although I have 20 years of experience in IT, I have not specialized in any particular facet or niche over the years – I’ve done it all!
In every job I’ve ever had, my bosses always knew they could count on me – not only to get the job done – but to get it done well – in every sense of the word.
And that was the key…
My reputation is my brand – and thus the name of this blog – donpower.ME
It’s not about blowing my own horn, or self agrandizement – it’s simply about me being myself, with integrity – knowing I have a LOT to learn and letting the chips fall where they may.
And I’m happy to report, I’m still blogging and we’re headed into Round Two!
I’m digging your blog by the way. Just left a comment on What’s More Important – What’s Right or getting Caught.
Cheers!
- Don
We are always going to have the “quick buck” merchants around and they will fly in and out in the wink of an eye.
It is the race between the tortoise and the hare. I rather be the tortoise and still be here in 10 years. I have a lot of sites and hopefully they will be here in many years to come.
Value your reputation and knowing that all you do all that is right keeping it allows you to sleep at night…peacefully.
Bonnie´s last blog ..Old Fashioned Ginger Beer Recipe No. 5
Thanks for your comment Bonnie!
Have you noticed that one of the soft drink makers of Ginger Ale is marketing the pop as being made with “real ginger”.
Ginger seems to be making a comeback. Could be good for your business:
“Our gingerbeer ALWAYS had real ginger”.
Thanks for stopping by!
- Don
Hey Don. Sorry for getting in late mate, especially after graced me with so linkluv and all. My only excuse is that it appears my trackback is working. I would never have found this post if it wasn’t for a comment you left on Allyn’s blog.
I actually left a comment on that persons blog, and while I was slowly building respect for him, the way he treaded John shot that all to hell. If he had admitted the error of his ways, rather than trying to cover it up with some cock and bull story, I may have actually followed him again. Not anymore.
You should really get a Tweet this button, I recommend Tweetmeme, now I have to do it the hard way
Sire´s last blog ..Embracing The Difference In Fellow Bloggers
Thanks @AussieSire! ‘Pecker was absolutely deliberate AND unrepentant about lying about @ExtremeJohn. He admits it fully in his post. What an a-hole!
The story sure got a lot of traction though and I’ll bet ‘pecker is wishing he hadn’t done this (although he’d be the last to admit it).
RE: ‘Tweet This’ – I do have a ‘tweet this’ button at the bottom of every full post (not on the summaries). I guess I might need to make it bigger or something. Or maybe the tweetmeme button at the top of the post would be more standard with what folks expect (I think I’m not using that button at the top of the post because I’m using a gravatar at the top of each post and it got a bit crowded. I think maybe I need to rethink which is more important – my mug or an easy Tweet – hahah!).
I also have a ‘Send To Twitter’ link, about 3cm below this comment box where you can send your comment (at least the 1st 140 characters of it ) to Twitter. Works nicely if you make your 1st sentence something “interesting” to Twitter users…In fact, I’ll send this comment to Twitter and use @AussieSire so you can what that plugin does!
I’ll be tweeking a bunch of stuff here for the New Year – now that I have SO much experience about what’s working and what’s not – haha! Thanks for the heads up!
Thanks for your comments too. (I just joined in on Allyn’s blog. Interesting dude…)
Have yourself a Happy New Year, mate!
- Don
Oops, didn’t see that button at all. My bad.
Either way, whatever reason peckerhead did it for it was wrong and I’t gonna haunt him for a long time. All he can hope is that none of his new readers will read his archives.
Sire´s last blog ..Happy New Year Everyone
Damn, I forgot something very important!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
Sire´s last blog ..Happy New Year Everyone
Cheers mate!
Thanks so much for adding to the discussion.
Happy New Year to you too, bud!
- Don
Wow! If someone had told me this was a strategy they would take to generate traffic for their blog I would think they were either joking or an absolute idiot.
Just a horrible, horrible, idea I would think….
But, on the other hand, I can’t help but notice that we’re all talking about the event and, even though there was no mention of the blogger’s name or URL, we all know the name and URL and have probably gone to see the train wreck for ourselves. So, in a way, the tactic did in fact work though I’d wager not in the way the blogger intended.
I must say though, it is going to be fun to watch all the upcoming backpedaling (if he’s smart).
Eric Lamb´s last blog ..Get Rid of HTML Templates With HAML
Hey Eric!
I commented on the jerk’s blog – which is what inspired me to write this post
once the guy CONFIRMED he was doing it as an experiment.
I visted his blog once or twice since to see if he would change his tune and apologize (he didn’t) and based on some raw observation, I see that he got about 1/100th the amount of comments as ExtremeJohn got.
So, although this guy’s little experiment had a very clear, measureable result, I’m certain that ExtremeJohn and me have MUCH more friends and follwers now and that ‘pecker dude has much less!
But above ALL of the numbers – what got me most is an unrepentant FALSE ACCUSATION. That kind of thing just makes my teeth grind!
And now, you’ve got a new follower too! Thanks for stopping by bud!
-Don
donpower´s last blog ..How to Make Fire from a Block of Ice
You know it’s sad when someone does this because to me it shows that the person would rather not work smart at getting what he’s after the right way. Instead he chooses to do something stupid to try a “quick fix” and in the end it’s only going to hurt him.
Everyone knows that a successful blog takes time and consistent effort. That’s basically it when it comes to building something up. You do need traffic to your blog that is loyal and is going to comment on what you have to say. However, without content and promoting what you have you’re not going to get there.
Eric´s last blog ..Social Media Training Lab Wasn’t Too Good To Be True
I don’t think quick fixes work in this business IF you are a blogger with integrity!
Nice to see http://www.bluepop13.com coming along!
Thanks for your comment!
- Don
Don Power´s last blog ..Then They Came For Me – a Cautionary Tale
I’m sure “they” had a few beers and thought it sounded good at the time. Ha. I could think of much better ways to drive traffic and interest in a site that actually benefit the community as a whole vs trying to start a flame war. Its the same reason debating sucks, you never convince people that your way is right by beating them over the head with your point of view. Drama rarely works, and never ends well.
The Real Josh´s last blog ..Develop A Story In Order To Sell More Products
Hey Josh!
I read somewhere a long time ago – probably from Seth Godin – about the power of storytelling in marketing. I like this apporach. And now that I’ve finally got my own blog, I think what ties my otherwise disparate topics together is that I try to tell a story…
The really cool thing about blogging (that I didn’t count on) is that it makes you a better writer and a better story teller.
And stories have been with us since the dawn of man.
Thanks for your comment here – and on James’ Guest Post too!
See you around the posts!
- Don