View Full Version : Google Me - Returns UKBF
stugster
26th July 2007, 22:54
I just thought I'd bring this thread from another one.
After about 24 hours, any posts you make on UKBF are likely going to appear on Google under a search on your name/business. Especially if you do a UK search on google.
Now, herein lies the problem:
All posts that I would want to make about my business now would have to be made in the Private Forum for members only. Because I don't want to have my customers googling(?) my questions/advice.
Should the forums have a more restrictive robots.txt file?
Debate away!
asonda
26th July 2007, 23:24
Most people are here to get those links on google!
Thats what the Private area is for!
Matt1959
26th July 2007, 23:28
I don't think the majority of posters are aware of this issue. Not only is your latest UKBF offering on page one Google within a week, because this forum has a 'search all posts facility' anyone curious to suss out how someones mind ticks can read ALL their posts on here straight away. Two reasons why my business name and website etc doesn't get anywhere near here;)
dan_moore
26th July 2007, 23:34
Would it be such a bad thing if customers saw what you posted in these forums?
Gillie
27th July 2007, 00:19
If you don't stand by what you say ... don't say it!!
estwig
27th July 2007, 01:33
If you don't stand by what you say ... don't say it!!
"I hate all the punters"
Let 'em 'ave it!!!!
;)
me is p****ed off!!!
1:30 in the morning, can't sleep for worrying, I 'onestly cannot stand the punters, death to 'em all!!!
Why do I bother, try and help people and all they do is s**t on you!!!
'ave that Mr Google Spider!!!
estwig
27th July 2007, 01:34
Sorry Darling not you, just everyone else.
asonda
27th July 2007, 01:49
Hey Keith??? Whats wrong?
An Oasis
27th July 2007, 02:06
...All posts that I would want to make about my business now would have to be made in the Private Forum for members only. Because I don't want to have my customers googling(?) my questions/advice...
Bloody hell matey what the hell are you thinking about saying? As Gillie says... stand by what you say or don't say it. Or though there are a few comments that I have made after a hard day and too much to drink that I would like to either delete or reword.
Personally if a client doesn't like what I say on these forums then we probably don't want that client.
To put your mind at rest I doubt that any forum thread unless a rather obscure topic would actually rank that highly in the SERP's, certainly I have never come across a thread in our SERP's.
Toni Q
27th July 2007, 06:30
I see that as a problem only if you're posting sensitive information, although I think that it should be clearly advised somewhere on the forum that it is Google-searchable.
Interesting conundrum.
coxadmin
27th July 2007, 06:39
I've known about this for some time and that's why it's important to remain professional at all times. As Gill says, don't say it if you don't want to stick to it.
estwig
27th July 2007, 07:57
I don't really hate all the clients, just the one who is trying to screw me at the moment.
99% of my clients are decent people, but sometimes when I have one who is trying to screw me, I have to be very careful not to get into an 'us versus them' scenario with all our clients.
Off to see a decent client this morning who appreciates our efforts, just to remind myself that they are not all monsters.
This is a 'public forum' and posts made here will get indexed in Google just like posts from Shell-Livewire and other forums are indexed. It's main focus is that of business so when you post in here, how that post is evaluated by others in business may well reflect on you as a business. For members who value their business name/image it makes sense to make responsible posts that don't come back to bite you.
I see no reasonable case to robot out posts that are already public by design which no doubt plays a role in why we have so many members.
Gillie
27th July 2007, 08:35
Back peddling r0x Keith ... but yes me dear, you are in one particular game where you will fall over those who you wish to strangle ... as I said to you once before, its why my old boss just did commercial and not residential ... it was in, work and out, no changing of minds and expecting you to foot the bill etc!! And no complaints as the skip waggon flattening someone prize flowers on the front garden etc!
estwig
27th July 2007, 12:36
Yes caught me darling, bit of a back pedal!!
Got to remind myself that just cause one customer is out to screw me, doesn't mean they all are.
We are soldering on with the residential but we now have T&C's and our quotes are very specific about what we will do for the money. With a comment at the bottom of the quote to the effect of,
We have only allowed for that which is stated here.
stugster
27th July 2007, 14:38
Keith, is that inclusive of your cup of teas? :p
Matt1959
27th July 2007, 15:06
working for business is a joy compared to working for joe public. Same point of contact, a chance to build a working relationship, ongoing work often without advertising cost. The major downside obviously is that one day you may not see the money which is no small problem!
Ozzy
29th July 2007, 21:51
Just to add a small note on this, which kinda repeats what Ray said. These forums are public by their nature, and many people want their links and business name to be found on Google and see these forums as a way of promotion.
There are those who want to ask something and dont want that question or topic to find itself into Google et all, and that is why the paid private forums were introduced. So it is best to behave on the public forums and say on the public forums only things you dont mind your customers seeing, and if you want a rant about someone or ask something contentious do it in the private area :)
digipromo
30th July 2007, 06:13
Google is really wonderful, and powerful search engine!
Did you try other seach engines like Yahoo, Live or Ask?
DotNetWebs
30th July 2007, 09:09
...if you want a rant about someone or ask something contentious do it in the private area :)
But don't ever discount the possibility that the person you are ranting about could see your post. He might join UKBF or have it pointed out to him by somebody who is a member. Your rant will not likely remain a secret forever. I have seen similar faux pas made on other forums. The results can be a bit messy.
Regards
Dotty
I can totally understand where the OP is coming from. I appreciate you should stand by what you say, however there are an awful lot of personal issues discussed on here - and I dont think the time out is private ??
An example could be the Knowing the mind of God (http://www.ukbusinessforums.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=27105) thread. This thread has members giving their inner most beliefs. In some cases, this may persuade or dissuade a client who googled their names.
However I want to just to add - I strongly disagree with the views of one of the major contributors on that thread however that didnt factor in one bit for me to do business through his company.