A while ago Rentals.com paid bloggers for reviewing their site (which is against Google’s guidelines).
I know I shouldn’t be a cry baby about it just because Rentals.com has millions of dollars and can afford to pay $11 to $14 a blog post and I don’t. But I ran across something today that adds a little twist to the issue.
WordPress does not allow you to use PayPerPost on their blog software - here it is:
“the Content is not spam, and does not contain unethical or unwanted commercial content designed to drive traffic to third party sites or boost the search engine rankings of third party sites, or to further unlawful acts (such as phishing) or mislead recipients as to the source of the material (such as spoofing);”
One quick look at all the new links that Rentals.com bought from bloggers shows that just about all of them use WordPress. Hmmm, very interesting…
You might find this thread on PayPerPost interesting.
Here is an example of a paid post for Rentals.com. Boy when you read that post, you just feel like they are dragging it out to fit in the minimum word quota. Do these types of post add any value at all to the internet?
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5 users responded in this post
Actually Dave, I think you got the Wordpress think a bit mixed up. Wordpress.com does not allow any advertising, including sponsored posts, on their free blog hosting service (they cover the cost, they set the rules). However, that is different from their paid hosting service and Wordpress.org blogging software which do allow advertising, including sponsored posts. It confused me the first time too…
Well, it looks like I owe those bloggers on their own domain an apology.
I was wrong for saying that all WordPress blogs that do PPP were violating the WP TOS. To clarify it is just the blogs located on the WordPress.com site.
No hard feelings. I was confused about the wordpress rule myself at first, also.
And I’ll admit that my rentals post linked above is not one of my best, I’ve been trying to improve my writing skills. (making them more interesting and related to my own life, and to my readers)
Alan,
How can you actually post an article that is a complete outright “LIE” ?????
Just to get paid a measly 14 bucks! You have got to be kidding me! As this kind of “blackhat” tactics get out..You “Bloggers” credibility will eventually go right down the drain.
What ever happened to “honesty” and “integrity” ????
I have read many post since dave posted the original post about the blogger issue…I think it is completely rediculous.
You say:
“(making them more interesting and related to my own life, and to my readers)”
How in the world does your writing relate to your readers when you are telling a flat out lie about a website you have never had an experience with????
If you can answer my questions with a “real” answer…I would be willing to learn more…Otherwise nothing else said.
Sorry Dave, I just had to vent about this blogger issue.
Robbie
Let me clarify…You did say on your post:
“I’m not currently in the market for renting a home”
Your post has more truthfulness that any other blogger posting for rentals.com.
So my questions and words are directed at the bloggers whom have never used there service unlike yourself as you clearly stated in your post on your blog.
Just wanted to make sure I was clear.
Robbie
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