The War Against Blog Commentors Who Use Keywords as Names
A couple months ago, I followed an interesting discussion at Remarkablogger related to a new comment policy that Michael Martine posted for his blog. It seems that Michael had become frustrated with the increasing number of comments on his blog that appeared to be more interested in plugging their websites keywords than adding to the dialogue. After some very interesting and thoughtful comments from his readers on the new policy change, Michael posted a slightly modified policy.
It was fun to be an observer looking in as Michael worked to resolve this problem, but now I’m more than an observer. It seems that BloggingStartup has also entertained more than a couple comments that appear to be more about promoting someone’s website than adding valuable comments. Take, for instance, the last two comments on my April 6th post. The names given for the two commentors were “baccarat” and “Internet Advertising”. I have also had comments from individuals named POS Software, Hairstyles and EPOS in the last couple weeks. They each left comments specific to the post, so I left them alone.
So now the question is, should I continue to allow comments with these names, or should I enforce my policy of no keyword comment names. Hmmm, a real dilemma.
First, let me make a couple points. Number one is, I value each of my readers, including those that push keywords in their comment names. I don’t want to alienate anyone who takes the time to visit my little blog and read my posts. I particularly appreciate each individual that shares their thoughts through commenting. Also, I understand the desire on every bloggers part to promote their blog…and commenting on other blogs is a valuable means for doing this.
But ask Michael said on his blog (and I summarize), when you leave a keyword for your name, it means: “•It makes it difficult for me to respond…•It makes you look like a cheap spammer…•It makes me look cheap….•It simply isn’t appropriate.” So that lead me to make a decision. I decided that I can no longer allow comments to be left with a name that is mearly a keyword to promote your website. The names left on comments must somehow represent who you are. So let me share specifically what I mean and, at the same time, try to be as fair and flexible as possible.
If you use a personal name followed by a branding title, that is fine. For example, I often leave comments using the name Jim|BloggingStartup. This give my personal name and the title of the brand I want to promote. I specifically do not separate the two words in Blogging Startup because I do not want this interpreted as keyword plugging. Other acceptable examples from comments left on this blog include Gina Jackson Personal Fitness and Alex Top 10 Web Hosting Reviews. Although Alex’s name is a borderline example, at least I have a name.
If the name is the FULL name of your blog or website, that is acceptable. I know, this means that individuals will still be able to plug keywords if they are part of the blog name. But I will accept the premise that a blog or website name IS a personal identifier. Acceptable examples I’ve seen on this blog include ABlogContest, IndoContest, EWDirectory, and ExecutedToday. But adding spaces between words and .com on the end only makes it appear to be more advertising then commenting. By the way, I reserve the right to edit your name to comply with this expectation.
If your name is just keywords and not the full name of your blog, I will remove the comment or change the name. This is what I have done with comments in the past and those that I had recently allowed. I have also sent emails to each of the commentors to let them know of this action. If they send me an alternative name to use, I will repost their comment. But in the future, I can’t email everyone about this policy. Besides, any regular blogger should recognize that just using keywords for a name is not appropriate.
One final thing, I almost pulled Aaron Cook’s comments when I found out that he doesn’t even know where the kitchen is in his home. But I’ve decided to leave his comments as an act of solidarity with my blogging brother. Despite the suspect name, the blog is worth a visit.
And if you want to promote your blog (and if it’s no more than a year old) send me an email and ask for a review. There really is no need to stuffing your comment name with a bunch of keywords.
[PhotoCredit:Cambodia4KidsOrg]
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Comments
Followed this from Remarkablogger’s tweet. This is a totally responsible policy; I can’t imagine why anyone would have a problem with it. Except, of course, the same people that don’t add value to the conversation and use the keyword names.
That’s what it really comes down to with commenting and comment policies, right? Adding value, adding supporting points, providing an example, constructively disagreeing, whatever. But not blatant promotion on somebody else’s blog.
I’ve wondered about some of the names of those commenting on my blog, but my strategy so far has been to visit the commenter’s blog before publishing their first comment. If I find a blog on the other end of the link, great. If it ends up on a shopping page, I mark it as spam. I think all of the keyword phrase names end up in that second category - at least that’s been the case so far.
What strikes me as especially stupid about keyword-as-name comments is that they don’t work - all WP comment links are rel=”nofollow”-ified.
Good on ya!
Jim
I’ve picked up your blog (again!) through a Google Alert around the term “keywords” as I’ve been studying the affect of keywords for some time now.
What you’re saying makes sense - especially from the point of view of Keyword BLOG Spam.
I’m not too sure, however, about the affect of the no follow rule with blog comments. It seems that there is a split between the top bloggers whether this is dropped by the search engines in terms of getting rankings.
I’d value your comment (or email) about this, because I’ve been leaving constructive comments on blogs (as I’ve shown with my name link above) for a while now, trying not to cause keyword SPAM on the blog post.
So … is there proof that the no-follow rule is not credited towards Page Rank ?
Hoping you can clarify 
Brad Smith
Michael - It’s funny how I remember following the events on your blog and respecting the way that you handled it. I was also impressed by your readers, most of whom made really intelligent remarks about the policy…some in support, some not. But in the end, I think this is necessary for the entire blogging community. We need to set a standard and enforce it. BTW, I see you are still using Blog Consultant after your name…a result of your own experience. I like it!
Chris - I’m with you on this one. But there are those who strongly disagree, and I don’t just mean the obvious spammers. Some quality bloggers still feel it is okay to use only keywords as their comment name. Like you, I just don’t get it.
Shari - Yeah, one of the comments I pulled was from a blogger I respect in many ways. But I felt I had to be consistent with the policy and enforcement. That’s why I wrote each of the commentors and gave them the opportunity to give me another name to use. Of course, as Michael points out, I won’t be able to do this on all comments. So future comments with keyword names will simply be dumped.
Geektronica - Now this is obviously a spamming name if I’ve ever seen one! LOL Love the name…and the blog. You make a good point, but remember that bloggers can easily change the links to follow. I am looking at making the change on this blog, but wanted to address the keyword problem first. It would be another way to reward my visitors who add real value with quality comments!
[…] The War Against Blog Commentors Who Use Keywords as Names A couple months ago, I followed an interesting discussion at Remarkablogger related to a new comment policy that Michael Martine posted for his blog. It seems that Michael had become frustrated with the increasing number of comments on his blog that appeared to be more interested in plugging their websites keywords than adding to the dialogue. After some very interesting and thoughtful comments from his readers on the new policy change, Michael posted a slightly modified policy. […]
If you dont want comments get rid of the comment box. Its just that simple. I have so few comments I will take any spam I get. Send them to me I will thank you for any traffic. I just want to make money online and do not care if its a few cents or thousand.
Greg, it’s not the comments I want to get rid of, it’s the blatant self promoters looking for a free link. Comments are a vital part of most blogs, including mine. As for sending you my spam, I just wish I knew a way to do that.
Nice to see the idea is catching on. If you get enough of them, you won’t feel like changing anyone’s name. You just want to delete them. Some of them should be marked as spam. Most are trying to leave a genuine comment, but it backfires on them when they leave only lame keywords for a name.
One guy got so pissed that he started leaving harassing phone calls. I figured out where he lived and called the police in his state and town. Hopefully nothing like that will happen to you, but be prepared to deal with people who don’t read the policy and then get irate with YOU.
Good luck. I’d love to see more bloggers doing this.