obfuscating URL's

RodG:

There's also a very good chance that even if the store URL is posted in the forums it may not even show up in a Google, etc search anyway.
But it's not just search.

The forum moderators get requests every few months saying "our google webmaster tools shows us having diluted link value because we've got links on your site", or some variation of that depending on which so-called SEO company is telling them they need to "get those links removed".

I make this comment not to merely mention that un-obfuscated links make for more forum moderator work, but also that there is some belief (whether you or I or anyone else agrees with the 1000 different SEO strategies being pushed out there (let's NOT get off on a tangent about that)) that link-juice can be diluted by having incorrectly-posted backlinks.

DrByte:

But it's not just search.

The forum moderators get requests every few months saying "our google webmaster tools shows us having diluted link value because we've got links on your site", or some variation of that depending on which so-called SEO company is telling them they need to "get those links removed".

I make this comment not to merely mention that un-obfuscated links make for more forum moderator work, but also that there is some belief (whether you or I or anyone else agrees with the 1000 different SEO strategies being pushed out there (let's NOT get off on a tangent about that)) that link-juice can be diluted by having incorrectly-posted backlinks.
EXACTLY.. and if my client says "I DON'T want this", THIS is simply NOT one of those things I need to beat them over the head with.. I don't care, and it's not WORTHY of an argument/discussion to change their minds.. The benefit isn't that significant enough IMHO.. there are frankly BIGGER issues I need my client's onboard with (ex: getting an SSL cert even IF PayPal Express is their only payment method..)

I obfuscate the links I post here by habit and move on..

:laugh:> DivaVocals:

there are frankly BIGGER issues I need my client's onboard with (ex: getting an SSL cert even IF PayPal Express is their only payment method..)

It's entirely possible RodG may have something to say about that, too ...:laugh:

stevesh:

:laugh:

It's entirely possible RodG may have something to say about that, too ...:laugh:

of course he will..:yes: it's RodG!!!!

my bad DrByte for "POKING THE BEAR":laugh:

DivaVocals:

my bad DrByte for "POKING THE BEAR":laugh:No worries. His bark is worse than his bite. I imagine he's just a big cuddly teddybear. :wow:

DrByte:

No worries. His bark is worse than his bite. I imagine he's just a big cuddly teddybear. :wow:I think so.. I dig RodG.. So I don't mind the occasional bite mark.. :laugh:

DrByte:

The forum moderators get requests every few months saying "our google webmaster tools shows us having diluted link value because we've got links on your site", or some variation of that depending on which so-called SEO company is telling them they need to "get those links removed".

I think it goes without saying that neither I, or most other forum participants aren't aware of these requests, as such, this can't/won't be the reason that so many people obfuscate their URL's.

DrByte:

I make this comment not to merely mention that un-obfuscated links make for more forum moderator work,

Like anyone cares. <big grin>

DrByte:

but also that there is some belief (whether you or I or anyone else agrees with the 1000 different SEO strategies being pushed out there (let's NOT get off on a tangent about that)) that link-juice can be diluted by having incorrectly-posted backlinks.

I had to go look up to see what this 'link juice' was all about before commenting further, <smiles> , and I agree, its not worth going off on a tangent about it, BUT, I will say that IMO any link to a persons store/site, no matter where the link is located has to be better for "SEO" than no link(s) at all, and I'm sure that a solid argument could be made that links to a ZenCart store, posted in a ZenCart forum couldn't really be considered as an "incorrectly-posted backlink".

If the claims were true, wouldn't it also have the same results in the opposite direction, and that those of us that keep the links to the ZenCart site in the footer of our stores would actually being doing ZenCart a disservice?

Thanks for your input Dr, and I trust that you (and others) realise/understand that I'm not in any way trying to encourage folk to spam the forums with links to their stores, nor is it my intent to cause more work for the moderators (heck, just keeping an eye on my posts could almost be considered a full time job <g>).

I also have no intention to have an ongoing argument or debate about any of the points and issues raised (by you, or anyone else). It is a personal decision (well, at least until such a time the moderators insist that un-obfuscated URL's are no longer permitted), and I'm not even trying to get folk to change their decisions and/or beliefs.

I do believe that posting unobfuscated URL's is generally good for "SEO", and it certainly makes it easier for us to help people that are having a problem with their stores, so in my opinion it is a win-win situation.

Until now, I never thought there was any downside to it, but armed with the knowledge that it creates more work for the moderators perhaps I should just consider this thread closed. I think enough information has now been posted for most people to make an informed decision as to whether they should or shouldn't, and for me, that is what is most important.

Cheers
RodG

ps. I loved the 'poking the bear' comments (from all concerned). Best giggle I've had all day. :)

RodG:

I loved the 'poking the bear' comments (from all concerned). Best giggle I've had all day. :)Glad you took the comment in the spirit in which it was delivered.. :smile:

I'm here all week..:laugh:

RodG:

(heck, just keeping an eye on my posts could almost be considered a full time job <g>)
Indeed :P

DrByte:

RodG:

(heck, just keeping an eye on my posts could almost be considered a full time job <g>)Indeed :P
:laugh::laugh::laugh: