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DazzlinDonna’s take on SEO news, tips and theories.
Ouch That Smarts
The smackdown has been laid upon everyone’s favorite SEO, Rand Fishkin, and he’s been called to task over his spin tactics (not to be confused with sphinn tactics). When is reputation management not successful? When it skirts the issues rather than tackling them head on. As Ricky Ricardo used to say whenever Lucy would get in yet another bind, “Looocy, you’ve got some ’splainin’ to do!”. Now, I consider myself a pretty good friend of both the smackdowner and the smackdownee, so I’m hoping everything ends well all ’round, but I have to wonder just how deep this quagmire will get in the meantime. My money is on the smackdowner at the moment, but the smackdownee could land the final blow with the right spin move. 
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August 6th, 2007 at 11:57 pm
Donna - does this mean that you think the criticism is mostly warranted?
I’ve always wanted to be someone you respected… Gotta admit this makes me pretty sad.
August 7th, 2007 at 12:11 am
I have tons of respect for you, Rand. That doesn’t mean you might not get some things wrong now and then, though. The criticism is certainly compelling and pretty difficult to dismiss out of hand. I do think you need to counter the claims if possible. Either way, I’m happy to call you a friend. And if you win this battle, you can stick your tongue out at me and call me out for not placing my bet on you.
August 7th, 2007 at 1:05 am
I addressed his points the best I could. Still really sad that I haven’t been able to earn your trust yet… Actually much more upset about that than the post.
August 7th, 2007 at 6:10 am
Aw, Rand, I’d trust you with my life. Haven’t read your answer to his post yet, but that’s just a given. Sorry to have upset you. But even people I trust aren’t perfect. (Neither am I, btw).
August 7th, 2007 at 7:13 am
It’s so much easier sitting in the stands rooting than to be either the gladiator or the lion!!!!!
August 7th, 2007 at 9:15 am
@ep LOL …
August 7th, 2007 at 9:16 am
Ohh, that breadcrumb trail of links lead me back to 2004 when Rand did things I’d never expect him too.. You were there too, DD! (Is it a long-term affair? :P)
I read a lot of “main-stream” SEO blogs and imho Rand writes some of the finest, most useful content about. I admire his most for his creativity, while delivering his points in a clear, easy to understand manner. I’ve never seen him display the arrogance that a some “celebrity” SEO types seem to sweat out by the bucket load nowadays.
I carefully read Rand’s original post, follow up post, video and various responses. Even though I have a great amount of respect for the guy (whom I’ve never met) I think you misfired, Rand. Personally, I don’t even think it was worth writing that much about directory submissions, but I guess that kind of volume blogging must be hard to stay on top of, even though the mozzers usually do a great job.
Rand was wrong, my point is: So what? Leave it be.
Who cares what I think anyway?
I could have spent this time SEOing!