On: How Expedia Buys Its Way To The Top Of Google

[com2kid]

It is sad that an article with actual content towards the end has so much filler to start with. I think this post would be a lot more impactful if it started out as

"Hey, you want to know who else pays bloggers to link to their site? Expedia.com, here is some proof:"

I can understand the author's frustration, and he brings good points to the table, but the first quarter or so of the article is neigh unreadable.

[milsorgen → com2kid]

I personally enjoy the 'squeeze page' aesthetic used.

[davemel37 → com2kid]

I see no proof or mention of paying bloggers for links.

[MichaelTieso → davemel37]

Do you honestly think they are not paying bloggers? They've paid PLENTY of bloggers. I get these emails all the time.

[aptwebapps → davemel37]

Why did they do it then? The links weren't topical and they weren't affiliate links. Is it that hard to figure out the motive?

Edit: Are they using http referrers so reward the correct affiliate?

[mesozoic → aptwebapps]

Unlikely and besides it wouldn't even work because they're guest posting on other domains than the one they own or would have registered.