Linking to other sites

[meredith]

Is it legal to link to other sites without their permission?

[Argentice]

I think it's as legal as giving someone directions to a shop.

[epiphany]

Is it legal to link to other sites without their permission?

Well I guess only a lawyer can tell you that for sure but if it is illegal then there are hundreds of millions of people breaking the law right this second :P Why do you ask anyway?

[Enigma121]

I think it's legal as long as the link isn't damaging the business of the site you are referring to.

A link such as "for low quality cheap clothing click here" would be an example of a damaging link.

It's also possible to create less than favourable links with a view to sabotaging your competitors search engine ranking (a black hat technique). This would also be viewed in a similar light if you were caught doing it.

[TWD-Tony]

I think it's legal as long as the link isn't damaging the business of the site you are referring to.

A link such as "for low quality cheap clothing click here" would be an example of a damaging link.

It's also possible to create less than favourable links with a view to sabotaging your competitors search engine ranking (a black hat technique). This would also be viewed in a similar light if you were caught doing it.

I thought that Google had always stated that these Black Hat links actually had ZERO effect on a site's ranking?
Maybe things have changed since I last looked at Google's blurb but I'm sure that it stated that a 3rd party could not interfere with a site's ranking...???

Anyway, I am presuming that the normal rules of "print" apply to this situation - basically anything bad that you write about another person or business (if you cannot prove it) whether it be as part of a link or not would be liable. (or is it slander... :roll: )

If what you write is not slanderous / liableous (SP?) then you are fine

Tony

[DuaneJackson]

I thought that Google had always stated that these Black Hat links actually had ZERO effect on a site's ranking?
Maybe things have changed since I last looked at Google's blurb but I'm sure that it stated that a 3rd party could not interfere with a site's ranking...???


That's always been the official line, but it's not true.

Do a search on "Google Bowling".

[Kyotee Matt]

I think that should be "Google Bombing":

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Google_bomb

There have been quite a few instances of this sort of thing - Prescott, Bush and Damon Albarn are some such 'victims' that immediately spring to mind.

[SillyJokes]

http://www.geocities.com/spamtheengines/

[DuaneJackson]

No, I meant what I said. google bowling.

http://www.searchengineguide.com/senews/featured/005976.html

[Agri-Hire]

SillyJokes

That link you put up is a disgrace!

I am outraged by this service it's immoral and unethical.

However, this is great, I would certainly use the service, even pay for it.

:lol: :lol: :lol:

[Enigma121]

SillyJokes

That link you put up is a disgrace!

I am outraged by this service it's immoral and unethical.

However, this is great, I would certainly use the service, even pay for it.

:lol: :lol: :lol:

Dear me, this is all sounding very, very familiar....

[SillyJokes]

It may be an old link but it is relecvant to Google Bowling.

If competitors can sink you so easily that is a potential nightmare.

Where do I sign up?