Wordpress does NoFollow - Shame on Them!
In a recent post on My Affiliate Journey, Vlad tells the story of how Wordpress automatically adds the NoFollow attribute to links in the comment field. Vlad explains:
During the last two weeks I discovered that although I allowed both comments as well as trackbacks on my blog, every link in the comment area was “marked” by “nofollow”.
[...]
So why did I have “nofollow”? The answer is simple, I did not know better. I actually did not realize that WordPress out of the box had “nofollow” in comment area and in order to overcome this you need a DoFollow PlugIn.
Now this is particularly troubling for two reason. First, in 6 Simple Steps to Blogging, I openly endorse Wordpress. Secondly, I have spoken out extensively in favor of the NoFollow tag because I think that bloggers should have such a choice. But its the choice that's important.
Basically, I agree with Carsten Cumbrowski that a link is a pointer, not just a vote, and I think that bloggers should have a clearer choice on whether people can vote for themselves when commenting on their blog. When Google implemented personalized search results, I though it was to be expected that they'd be so sneaky about it. But I expect better from the providers of an open source blogging platform. After all, blogging is all about communication and transparency!
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Comments
You do realise of course that every comment and trackback on this blog is also nofollow don't you?
Posted by: Andy Beard | February 13, 2007 4:27 PM
I'm just glad there's the Nofollow plugin to take care of that problem, because I agree, it should be something you think about, rather than having it just be by default.
Posted by: Stephanie | February 13, 2007 4:34 PM
Andy,
After reading about this, we realized that and are looking into rectifying it.
Posted by: Chris | February 13, 2007 4:54 PM
Based upon previous comments, the no follow issue seems to be successfully resolved :)
This is rather important point that should be definitely taken into consideration. Thanks.
Posted by: Vitold | February 13, 2007 6:16 PM
Chris,
Thanks for metioning. I still believe that WordPress is great blogging tool and would endorse it anytime. I believe "nofollow" was probably an "aftermath" of combating spam. Am I naive? Probaly, I just love WordPress even if it is not persfect.
Posted by: Vlad | February 13, 2007 9:42 PM