Buying text-link-ads?

[George]

Might want to do a google search for "text-link-ads"

They don't even rank for their own name.

SO if google is upset with them and penalizing the domain itself. I can only imagine that they plan to or already are cracking down specifically on text-link-ads sites.

Thinking about removing them from my site. Sucks cause they bring in high $xxx per month across my network of sites. :(

[NYCBORN]

acck... Google's definately up to something. Been ages since last PR Toolbar export.

[omen]

I read about this on DP. I've purchased a couple links from there but am weary to purchase alot in the case of wearing some TLA Penalty. It was due to them saying on their front page "boost your google ranking" or something similar, and google doesn't want people gaming their system..

Then I read about Google not being able to penalize sites who buy links using TLA as who's to say you're buying the links for SEO purposes anyway, What if you're using them for traffic..?

[SlickEddie]

Then I read about Google not being able to penalize sites who buy links using TLA as who's to say you're buying the links for SEO purposes anyway, What if you're using them for traffic..?

If you're buying "just for traffic" then Google suggests the "no follow" link....otherwise, G! will assume that the intent is to pass PR juice.

[Benahue]

If only TLA had spent more on adwords, they could have avoided this. Google's not gonna punish big contributers doing the same thing...(business.com comes to mind)

I think getting punished as a publisher for using TLA could def. happen. It's luck of the draw. Probably safest to avoid being associated with TLA in any way for SEO purposes these days.

[minnseoelite]

Never purchased links from there but I have sold links using TLA

[worlddom]

I think that they specifically banned the TLA site from their SERPs virtually from it's conception. (must be a nice earner for adwords)

I use TLA as a publisher on half a dozen sites and get some pretty heavy hitter advertisers that must outsource to cutting edge seo companies. Just had directline .com take a spot today so they must still put some value on TLA links.

[rescreatu]

If you're making $xxx from your sites, then why remove them?

[Ad disengaged]

Dont sell TLA. Very stupid.

[mrbrantley]

Shoemoney says it well

http://www.shoemoney.com/2007/10/29/fun-numbers/

Scroll down a tad when you get to the page...

[Benahue]

Google to mission control: Assignment bankrupt TLA is almost complete.