Many among us write copy for companies. Due to a recent event/opportunity I was offered I would love to see how others would think/react.
As an intro, I blog 200% pro disclosure and have several times written about full disclosure on several blogs (also at Jack of All Blogs). But then again, I never had to deal with the real temptations either.
Some days ago I was offered to help and do some (long term) SEO for an infomercial star in the US. The aim of the SEO was simple : right now most SERPs are full with negative pages about that person. At least the 2-3 first pages.
I was asked to get some blogs on the first 2 pages with positive opinions about the star. And that for a very considerable amount. Recurring and the possibility to start future campaigns for even more money.
I hear you... of course no one would do this, because it is 'illegal' (contra argument : I even don't know the person and would write the info they provide me)
SEs right now have almost 2 years nothing about that person anymore and I am not able to determine if said infomercial star is honest nowadays or not.
The negative entries in SERPs all are several years old already and of course he tries to polish his image now.
How would you react (we speak about $+3k/month for maybe 2 entries/day - monthly payment upfront - at least 6 months, possibility for new campaigns).
No need to use any of your own sites, or even disclose your name. Just optimize code and hit the keyboard.
I think my decision is made. My fiance and I share different opinions on the matter.
I'd love to know how other would people react.
I will disclose my decision (and the exact offered amount) in some days. Please do me one favor when/if answering : don't come just with the ethics/moral. I know the ethics/moral and have blogged about that several times. And if I wanted to get a lesson in ethics I'd ask Jason C. ;-)
But I've never had such a payment waiting to be accepted in my PayPal.
Hmmm. That's a tough one. To
Hmmm. That's a tough one. To be honest I'd feel like I was whoring myself, but I can understand the lure of the cash for such a simple job gaming the engines.
I think it's one thing to help a company to attain good search engine rankings (despite an in-depth knowledge of their company). It's another thing entirely to write completely anonymous - and seemingly false - posts about an individual just to boost their rep in the search engines.
As a matter of fact, if there is negative feedback and it it justified, you might ask yourself why? And is that feedback justified? And by helping to 'cover up' that feedback, would you be guilty of aiding this person in frustrating/ripping off potential customers?
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