For a little while I’ve been running a comment policy on this blog that denies the right, or even the value, of following (in contrast to no-follow) comments. Now I have created a plugin to spread the word.

The gist of the comment policy is this. On my blog you know up-front that there is no benefit from Google to be had by commenting. I will not provide a search engine readable link to your blog if you comment on my blog.

I will provide a javascript generated link that real human people can use to check out your blog because that is the reason for including it.

Of the people that voted on the comment policy page most seemed to dislike it. The most common argument not to do this is the same as the argument for deciding to follow comments: Why not reward commenters by giving them a link?

My reasoning is simple. It isn’t a reward, it is a bribe. Participate in my conversation and I will put in a good with Google for you. I don’t feel that anyone should care whether it exists or not.

If what you have to say is of so little importance that you won’t say it because you won’t get a link back then I imagine my readers are better off not having to read it.

If you don’t feel you are getting sufficient value from participating in a conversation alone, then perhaps it isn’t the conversation for you.

At best the link is a free CD from your bank for openining a student account, a triviality that is as persausive as it is valuable and memorable.

Finally, if Google does take notice of these links then I honestly believe the search results suffer as a result.

If you’re still reading then check out the plugin. It is called Comment for Humuns; for the first time I have left out the fun.

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