Should you link to JavaLobby?
Rick Ross, sorry, I must say Respected Mr. Rick Ross (if at all need any introduction, the founder of JavaLobby.org, a site with more than 100K registered users. A man who has served for Java developers since a decade and helped fuelling the Java technology adoption).
Recently, in his newsletter of March 2005, he requested java community for help by linking to JavaLobby. The copy of the newsletter can be found at the title of this post. Although seems quite geniune, I am sorry, but I have negative thoughts for linking to JavaLobby. Not that JavaLobby does not deserve it and even not that JavaLobby is not a good place for my visitors to go and visit. And, even not that it is not serving me and other 1000s of java developers. But, if I had to link to all such good sites, I would have to rename my blog as Xyling Linking Blog, as I cannot find any space for writing. There are many good sites around and linking to all of them is either not possible or not feasible.
Then why am I linking to JavaBlogs.com? or ProgrammersHeaven.com? or hey, Yenra.com?
Well, the answer is very simple. They all are linking back to me and/or linking to my posts. Linking is a one way process. I feel, the best way Rick would have requested linking is through Link-Backs. A page in the javalobby could have been dedicated for the link-backs. Of course, linking back to millions is not possible, but surely, a filter could be used there to make atleast the top sites linked back.
Top ranking on search engines does not come merely through a link from site/blog but also through proper link backs. Search for "Java Blog" on any search engine and you will find Xyling Java Blog to be in the top 10 if not in top 5. In fact, most of the major search engines have this blog on top 3. The reason is not that many are linking to this blog, in fact very few are linking, but interesting part is that, the number of link backs are sufficient for that position.
I am sure, there are going to be varied thoughts about my post. Those who do not go with my thoughts, please link to javalobby.org :)
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5 Comments:
Rick promotes open source java. He asks sun to open source it. Rick produces closed source software (jdocs.com) and makes money from advertising on his site. he wants others to link to his site to make more money.
Rick: Open letter - make all your products open source and maybe we will support you!
11:32 AM
Rick is out for #1 here. He just wants to promote his products. He doesn't care about Sun's copyrights or anything. Money money money. That's it.
I don't think he deserves a link.
Rick, when you get that ego under control, then you might gain some support.
11:50 AM
Dear All,
Please do not post your comments anonymously.
Also, please note that comments using excessively abusing words would be trashed.
Thank you very much for your support.
12:36 PM
Goldy, I hear you, and we will quite likely create a link-back program just because it is a good idea. To hell with the search engines. Most of the stuff in the SEO business seems like snake oil anyway.
Over the years (through various iterations of the Javalobby site) we have linked to hundreds of Java resource sites. Our left margin column held nearly 100 such links for years, and 5-6 years ago we were among the first sites to syndicate headlines from other sites with XML. We have always supported members pointing to their sites in postings and announcements, and always for free without requirement for reciprocal treatment. Javalobby announcements are one of the most potent channels anyone can use to get the word out to Java developers, and the self-service system has always been free.
But Javalobby actually offers something which works much better now than margin links, and it works best for community participants, whose input is what makes or breaks the whole site. Every member is welcome to design a personal signature that attaches to each of his forum messages, linking to his preferred sites, projects & products. These links get embedded in useful content, and you can have as many links as you have postings. Its a system that works pretty well, and it rewards the people who help build the community.
Anyway, your point is well taken, and I hope you'll consider mine. Despite the hissing of your anonymous commenters, Javalobby is dedicated to helping all Java developers and provides a wide range of valuable free services used by people around the world. We asked for some help, and you're certainly as entitled and anyone is to decide not to help if you don't wish to. Think about it next time you post an announcement at JL, which I hope will be soon.
Rick
2:02 PM
Looks like rick is getting links to Java lobby by writing comments in blogs.
12:34 PM
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