I now use Yandex for my 98% of my searches. If you can't trust the Russians, who can you trust? I only use google for maps. And maybe Startpage once in a great while.
Thank you, Bill, for including my submission as part of the 7 things worth knowing today about unclaimed monies from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). I will say that my cheques do not go uncashed, ever, so I'm not expecting a windfall email from the CRA. It will be sweet for those that do.
Nestled away as the seventh of seven other things was an eye opening article about kids wearing hoodies all year long. My youngest does this and we have harassed him about it all summer (it has been 100+ for the better part of the month).
I now need to step back and reevaluate my attitude on this, so thank you very much for making me see through a different lens today.
A number of years ago a friend of mine who sold sailboat rigging and supplies left his job. He told me he was going to start a company selling the same items on a website that he was having set up. He felt that his connections with not only the boat owners, but the the manufacturers and distributers of the rigging equipment, put him in a good position to succeed.
Coincidentally I had recently read an article about "meta tags" and told him I thought he may want to bring the subject up with his web designer. Assuming the term "meta tag" is even still valid, (the scenario I described is close to 20 years ago) in this case he came back to me 4-5 months later and was telling me how his test Google searches were providing results showing his company as one of the top 3-4 "hits". My guess is a meta tag is perhaps a component of the SEO process. Regardless, the inclusion of the right key words in the right places payed off for him.
I find it interesting how often manipulation is used to coerce others into buying or using a product or service. Your description of your work sounds very much like a used car salespersons pitch to get someone to buy a product they may not even want. Another profession that comes to mind in the same way is lawyers, those people you love to hate because they play so fast and loose with the truth to win their cases. As a witness you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, but lawyers don't let you do that as they are looking for "their" truth to prove a point, not the whole truth, which may actually disprove their point or case. I wonder what's wrong with just being up front about things and stating what something is or does, instead of trying to manipulate someone into taking some action that may well be misleading. Or are you going to fall back on the concept that you aren't twisting anyone's arm, they can still not buy or participate. That's a bit of misdirection there as well. I find it intriguing to what extent people will go to in order to get someone else to do something, or quote "statistics" that are inaccurate or poorly done to prove a point. After all, 75% of dentists choose Crest - however, since they only talked to four dentists, and three of them liked Crest, technically their statement isn't wrong, but it sure is a manipulation and leaves a tremendous amount unsaid. I kind of see that as being some of what's behind the current situation the US finds itself in now, telling just those parts of the topic, whatever it might be, but leaving most of the topic out. Leads to huge misunderstandings, as many people never bother to actually check out whether something is true of not, they find it easier to let someone else convince them instead of doing their own homework.
Can't say I'm a big fan of the type of work you do as you describe it, I see it as misleading so often, and a form of manipulation that I don't like. I can certainly appreciate a well turned phrase and a well written treatise, on any number of levels, and the effort and work that goes into writing a book is usually much more than most people realize. While I can appreciate what you do as a writer overall, what you described in todays column, isn't one I find myself favoring. With what you described today, all too often, the reality of what you are selling or advocating, is often lost in the rhetoric that describes and expounds on certain parts of it, but not the whole. To me, it smacks of manipulation and coercion as I mentioned earlier, and I find both of those things distasteful and bordering on untruthful.
Sorry not to agree with so many of the others who have commented, but that's the way I see it. It was however, an enlightening article, hopefully others will begin to see how easily, and often, they are manipulated.
When I was in Middle School, I think 6th grade, we had a course in marketing. We learned all about tv and radio ads, print ads, and politics. I’ve never seen the written (or spoken)word the same again.
Collaborative column covering covert SEO communication creates clients crazy to consume your creative wares including creams that have a spicy, slightly camphoric undertone of tea tree; goat milk soap soothes irritated skin while food grade olive and coconut oils moisturize like a boss.
Results would have created more clicks than it took to get Dorothy home.
I appreciate your interpretation of what Sharon does. That is, admittedly, different than what I had written. As I mentioned in my comment, I can certainly appreciate a well turned phrase, and the appeal that it has, as it does present a much more vivid picture than what otherwise would be presented. This is something I can really appreciate. I did not mean to "pick" on Sharon as I can see a real benefit to her job and the way she does it. But let this not blind you to the other side of that same process that is aimed at manipulation and a covering of what may be the cold hard reality that is left unsaid. While Sharon seems to have a knack for presenting things in a very pleasing way, there are all too often, many others who do the same thing with a totally different intent. Just look at our politicians as a prime example.
I can certainly appreciate what Sharon does, and applaud her efforts, I still tend to be more of a "what is being left unsaid? or what is behind all the flowery speech?" It sometimes brings to mind a comment heard long long ago, "methinks the lady doth protest too much!" Even you mentioned that she does algorithmic manipulation. I guess I'm just a "boring" person who likes to let things stand on their own merit. Having done my share of research and writing, I find that overstating things, is often not in the best interest of the product itself.
I appreciate your position and the way you presented it. I also like the way you approached it as I see it as a very refreshing way to disagree with someone's point of view. You did a fine job of presenting you position in a very clear manner that allowed for opening up new lines of communication without attacking my point of view. Very well done! I appreciate your comments and also what you demonstrated. Too bad out politicians, and other groups won't take a lesson from the way you approached the subject. My sincere compliments.
And to let you know, I really don't have a problem with what Sharon does, if it as you and Bill Murray describe it. Though I do tend to be a skeptic about most others in that line of work. Though I do differ with you position that many of us would be stuck in a gray, tasteless, boring world - accepting the common Google search. I, probably like you, rarely use Google search as an end point in my research. It is usually a starting point to gather ideas that I can follow up on my own as I too, find Google to be pretty simplistic in many things and failing to look beyond the first four or five suggestions of Google searches is, to me, a lazy way of doing things without verifying whether it is factual or not.
Thank you for a different point of view. I appreciate it, and will certainly consider it as an alternative to my own comment.
Agreed Glenn! We probably could sit down and have a meal together and carry on a wonderful conversation. It is nice to know that sometimes, people can have different perspectives and still maintain a civil and friendly attitude toward another with a different point of view. A refreshing thing to come across today! Kudos!
Also appreciate Bill Murphy, Jr's comment. You do a good job Bill, even though I occasionally disagree with some of what you write. Keep up the good work!
I now use Yandex for my 98% of my searches. If you can't trust the Russians, who can you trust? I only use google for maps. And maybe Startpage once in a great while.
Thank you, Bill, for including my submission as part of the 7 things worth knowing today about unclaimed monies from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). I will say that my cheques do not go uncashed, ever, so I'm not expecting a windfall email from the CRA. It will be sweet for those that do.
Bill, Sharon, thanks for this fun and informative piece. As always, I appreciate the devotion to the craft of telling a story well.
Nestled away as the seventh of seven other things was an eye opening article about kids wearing hoodies all year long. My youngest does this and we have harassed him about it all summer (it has been 100+ for the better part of the month).
I now need to step back and reevaluate my attitude on this, so thank you very much for making me see through a different lens today.
A number of years ago a friend of mine who sold sailboat rigging and supplies left his job. He told me he was going to start a company selling the same items on a website that he was having set up. He felt that his connections with not only the boat owners, but the the manufacturers and distributers of the rigging equipment, put him in a good position to succeed.
Coincidentally I had recently read an article about "meta tags" and told him I thought he may want to bring the subject up with his web designer. Assuming the term "meta tag" is even still valid, (the scenario I described is close to 20 years ago) in this case he came back to me 4-5 months later and was telling me how his test Google searches were providing results showing his company as one of the top 3-4 "hits". My guess is a meta tag is perhaps a component of the SEO process. Regardless, the inclusion of the right key words in the right places payed off for him.
Can you provide me with Shannon Best's contact info please? I'd love to hire her as a freelancer!
The same dad joke 2 days in a row? Torture!!!
Excellent!
I find it interesting how often manipulation is used to coerce others into buying or using a product or service. Your description of your work sounds very much like a used car salespersons pitch to get someone to buy a product they may not even want. Another profession that comes to mind in the same way is lawyers, those people you love to hate because they play so fast and loose with the truth to win their cases. As a witness you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, but lawyers don't let you do that as they are looking for "their" truth to prove a point, not the whole truth, which may actually disprove their point or case. I wonder what's wrong with just being up front about things and stating what something is or does, instead of trying to manipulate someone into taking some action that may well be misleading. Or are you going to fall back on the concept that you aren't twisting anyone's arm, they can still not buy or participate. That's a bit of misdirection there as well. I find it intriguing to what extent people will go to in order to get someone else to do something, or quote "statistics" that are inaccurate or poorly done to prove a point. After all, 75% of dentists choose Crest - however, since they only talked to four dentists, and three of them liked Crest, technically their statement isn't wrong, but it sure is a manipulation and leaves a tremendous amount unsaid. I kind of see that as being some of what's behind the current situation the US finds itself in now, telling just those parts of the topic, whatever it might be, but leaving most of the topic out. Leads to huge misunderstandings, as many people never bother to actually check out whether something is true of not, they find it easier to let someone else convince them instead of doing their own homework.
Can't say I'm a big fan of the type of work you do as you describe it, I see it as misleading so often, and a form of manipulation that I don't like. I can certainly appreciate a well turned phrase and a well written treatise, on any number of levels, and the effort and work that goes into writing a book is usually much more than most people realize. While I can appreciate what you do as a writer overall, what you described in todays column, isn't one I find myself favoring. With what you described today, all too often, the reality of what you are selling or advocating, is often lost in the rhetoric that describes and expounds on certain parts of it, but not the whole. To me, it smacks of manipulation and coercion as I mentioned earlier, and I find both of those things distasteful and bordering on untruthful.
Sorry not to agree with so many of the others who have commented, but that's the way I see it. It was however, an enlightening article, hopefully others will begin to see how easily, and often, they are manipulated.
When I was in Middle School, I think 6th grade, we had a course in marketing. We learned all about tv and radio ads, print ads, and politics. I’ve never seen the written (or spoken)word the same again.
Sharon should have written your title today!
Something like:
Collaborative column covering covert SEO communication creates clients crazy to consume your creative wares including creams that have a spicy, slightly camphoric undertone of tea tree; goat milk soap soothes irritated skin while food grade olive and coconut oils moisturize like a boss.
Results would have created more clicks than it took to get Dorothy home.
The way of the world anymore.
Well done Sharon! If I were clever, I’d leave a comment that you could work your magic (skills) on. But all I have is Enjoyable and informative!
I appreciate your interpretation of what Sharon does. That is, admittedly, different than what I had written. As I mentioned in my comment, I can certainly appreciate a well turned phrase, and the appeal that it has, as it does present a much more vivid picture than what otherwise would be presented. This is something I can really appreciate. I did not mean to "pick" on Sharon as I can see a real benefit to her job and the way she does it. But let this not blind you to the other side of that same process that is aimed at manipulation and a covering of what may be the cold hard reality that is left unsaid. While Sharon seems to have a knack for presenting things in a very pleasing way, there are all too often, many others who do the same thing with a totally different intent. Just look at our politicians as a prime example.
I can certainly appreciate what Sharon does, and applaud her efforts, I still tend to be more of a "what is being left unsaid? or what is behind all the flowery speech?" It sometimes brings to mind a comment heard long long ago, "methinks the lady doth protest too much!" Even you mentioned that she does algorithmic manipulation. I guess I'm just a "boring" person who likes to let things stand on their own merit. Having done my share of research and writing, I find that overstating things, is often not in the best interest of the product itself.
I appreciate your position and the way you presented it. I also like the way you approached it as I see it as a very refreshing way to disagree with someone's point of view. You did a fine job of presenting you position in a very clear manner that allowed for opening up new lines of communication without attacking my point of view. Very well done! I appreciate your comments and also what you demonstrated. Too bad out politicians, and other groups won't take a lesson from the way you approached the subject. My sincere compliments.
And to let you know, I really don't have a problem with what Sharon does, if it as you and Bill Murray describe it. Though I do tend to be a skeptic about most others in that line of work. Though I do differ with you position that many of us would be stuck in a gray, tasteless, boring world - accepting the common Google search. I, probably like you, rarely use Google search as an end point in my research. It is usually a starting point to gather ideas that I can follow up on my own as I too, find Google to be pretty simplistic in many things and failing to look beyond the first four or five suggestions of Google searches is, to me, a lazy way of doing things without verifying whether it is factual or not.
Thank you for a different point of view. I appreciate it, and will certainly consider it as an alternative to my own comment.
Agreed Glenn! We probably could sit down and have a meal together and carry on a wonderful conversation. It is nice to know that sometimes, people can have different perspectives and still maintain a civil and friendly attitude toward another with a different point of view. A refreshing thing to come across today! Kudos!
Also appreciate Bill Murphy, Jr's comment. You do a good job Bill, even though I occasionally disagree with some of what you write. Keep up the good work!