Absolutely agree. I think part of “mistakes happen” is taking the time to address the issue. If a business does this, like individuals, I’m all for second chances!
Google and others don't play fair either. I am always torn between f'em and do it and let's not run SEO for rank, run SEO for value, for users, and for the kind of visibility that aligns with both business goals and human trust.
Keyword stuffing, DMOZ back in 2000 and Reddit/Quora now, aggressive link schemes, bought links, PBNs, expired domains, thin content, spoofed redirects, PR manipulation, shadow websites... all are designed to trick engines rather than serve people and deliver real value. And yes, they often worked… for a while. But ranking quickly isn’t the same as ranking responsibly.
And I've done all of the above... now, I believe you should not bend content to fit SEO rules. You design SEO around good content so it travels better across search systems.
I've only ever looked at it from the helping an underdog get some skin in the game point of view.
This has made me think 🤔
Maybe I need bigger clients 🤣
Ethics in AI-powered search isn't optional anymore. When algorithms amplify what we optimize, responsibility follows intent.
The question shifts from can we to should we.
Exploring this tension in my writing: https://vivander.substack.com
Ideally yes… But who really applies it.
It depends. :)
Epstein, I would say no. But there are companies that might have made a mistake and are trying to be better.
Absolutely agree. I think part of “mistakes happen” is taking the time to address the issue. If a business does this, like individuals, I’m all for second chances!
Google and others don't play fair either. I am always torn between f'em and do it and let's not run SEO for rank, run SEO for value, for users, and for the kind of visibility that aligns with both business goals and human trust.
Keyword stuffing, DMOZ back in 2000 and Reddit/Quora now, aggressive link schemes, bought links, PBNs, expired domains, thin content, spoofed redirects, PR manipulation, shadow websites... all are designed to trick engines rather than serve people and deliver real value. And yes, they often worked… for a while. But ranking quickly isn’t the same as ranking responsibly.
And I've done all of the above... now, I believe you should not bend content to fit SEO rules. You design SEO around good content so it travels better across search systems.