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Link Dropping Pisses Me Off

This post was most recently updated on July 30th, 2016

Lik-Dropping Pisses Me off

Did you ever put up a post on a social site and BAM… someone comes in and just drops their affiliate sales link on it?  To make matters worse, the sales link probably has nothing at all to do with your post.  This is why “link dropping” (as I like to call it) totally pisses me off!

Social media is just that… social.

Yes, it is fine to link to your blog post on your social sites.  Post your pictures with clever sayings, share some photos of your pets and kids.  Fine.  Social media is a place you can visit to express yourself, after all.  Other visitors may even come on over to like and comment.

Sometimes the wittier we get, we can ignite some interesting conversations.  That’s the point of social media.

Sharing and conversing.

But when someone comes over and just link drops, what do you do?

You can delete the links, obviously.

You can spam block them.

You can even go as far as being kind enough to get in touch with them and explain why link dropping is not appropriate.  But will they listen?  Usually not.

Link Dropping on Blogs

I personally would never allow spam links on my blog, although I know a lot of people do.

I use CommentLuv to manage my blog conversations, and Akismet to weed out spam.

If someone ever tries to drop their link in a comment, it immediately gets deleted.

Those kinds of comments simply scream “I don’t care what you are talking about but I want to get in front of your readers so that they can see me!”

Like my readers care… lol.

Link Dropping on YouTube

I don’t police my YouTube much, but I got in there the other day to share something.

I found some comments, some thumbs up so I ventured to see what they were.

I found one guy, who I don’t know, had dropped his link into a comment.   Not only on one of my videos but many.

This Link Dropper Pissed Me Off!

So I did what I had to do and reported him.  Sometimes you just have to catch those guys and put them in their place!

Link Dropping on Facebook

I have a pretty great crowd I hang out with on Facebook.

I love to see what my friends are up to and like and comment.

I get into conversations with them and we go back and forth with each other.

It can be light and fun to break up the intensity of my busy day.  Yes, there are some complainers and bashers out there.  I usually just ignore them, shake my head and tell myself “They just keep running their brand into the ground with that stuff,” lol.

There are times, though, that someone who I’m not friends with… like a friend of a friend… sneaks in, doesn’t comment at all but just drops a sales link.  Or even worse, they jump into the middle of a conversation and say “I can help you with this, just join me at this L I N K!”

Now, that really pisses me off!

So I delete them, and even block them when they pull this kind of nonsense.

By the way I asked the question of Link Dropping  on Facebook and here is what some of my friends had to say about it.

link droppingLink Dropping

The Link Dropper Personality

To me, the Link Dropper is like the guy in a car who beeps his horn at you and whistles or shouts “hey baby” and really thinks he will get a reaction, or even a date.  Ha.

This is delusional behavior in my book!

Instead of beeping his horn, the Link Dropper might put up a quote, and you get a completely irrelevant link to heaven knows what.

The Link Dropper thinks that if they drop their links everywhere imaginable, people will click on it.  What people?  No one knows this guy, they don’t trust him, so why even click the link.  It’s just spam!

Is The Link Dropper A Narcissist?

So, I’ll play pop psychology, here.

Why not?

If they can spam my blog and my Facebook page, I can spam their brain!

For fun, at least.

So, a narcissist is someone totally self absorbed, and all the psychology I’ve seen says he’s the self-proclaimed center of his own universe.

Now, I don’t want to get into infantile experiences and Mommy-Daddy issues, but suffice it to say, he’s not a happy camper unless he’s center stage, facing an adoring audience, or back-stage signing autographs for them.

OK, I understand that we must live with narcissistic people in this world, but we do not have to let them rule the roost.

If you have an online business, and these folks are strutting around trying to upstage you at every turn, I think you need to set up a strong boundary to keep them on their own side of the fence.  My boundaries are set.

On a kinder note, I will admit that there are Link Droppers who just don’t know any better, maybe they’re total newbies who have gotten some bad coaching… it happens.

So, OK.

I do understand this behavior, BUT…

The Link Dropper is still pissing me off.

 

Your Blog Is A Sales FunnelWhat do you think?

Am I ready for some therapy, deep breathing, or what?

Maybe the Link Dropper is neuro-linked into my subconscious so strongly that I have to get some EMDR Therapy (see one of my other posts about that… sorry, I’m not doing any cross linking today).

I’m working on it my friends and just wanted to share it with you.

Anyone that knows me fairly well understands that I just need to vent from time to time.

So, now, let me ask you… how do you deal with Link Droppers?

Does it Piss you off as much as me?

Or do you let it roll off your shoulders?  (Maybe you’re just better adjusted than me).

I appreciate your advice.

It’s been fun!

-Donna

Donna Merrill
Donna is a well known blogger and creator of "Blogging Magic" - an intensive guide to blogging. "Blogging Magic" is for beginners who are trying to figure out how to bring their blogs to life with tons of visits, comments and social media interaction. It's even for advanced bloggers looking to reach new levels of authority and engagement with their audience.

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107 Responses to Link Dropping Pisses Me Off

  1. Joy Healey
    Twitter:
    February 18, 2018 at 5:45 am #

    Hi Donna,

    Not sure how ended up on this old – but still so relevant – post. Well, I am…. the title caught my attention because it’s something that annoys me too.

    If the link in a comment is relevant and adds value, from someone I know, I allow it. Otherwise zap! What makes me really laugh (cry) are the “SEO specialists” who drop their link in comments – and I think… err is that their idea of SEO, and they want me to PAY for that?

    Sadly, CommentLuv doesn’t work with my blog theme and there is an impasse about getting the two to play nicely together. Even worse, writing this reply in 2018, I find that Akismet isn’t working on my blog either. It allows through the most appalling spam that I have to delete manually. And that is with the paid version of Akismet. I have had email conversations with Akismet support who agree it’s not doing a good job and said they’d monitor it, but that was several months ago and there’s been no improvement. I shan’t be paying next renewal!

    I’ve tried several anti-spam plugins with no luck, so I guess my blog theme may be the culprit, but it’s so embedded in what I’ve done I can’t face chasing it.

    The best solution I have found so far is adding the Google Captcha plugin. At least it’s manageable now. But what a waste of everyone’s time (spammer AND blogger).

    As Jacs says, something that annoys me even more is if people tag me in a Facebook post that has nothing at all to do with me.

    Finally, you really made me laugh as I remembered breaking into a happy dance when I got my first “Awesome post” comment.

    Great article that has really stood the test of time.
    Joy Healey recently posted..The Ten Most Demanded Skills For WordPress DevelopersMy Profile

  2. Jacs Henderson
    Twitter:
    June 14, 2015 at 6:52 pm #

    I have to say Donna that it does piss me off too!

    I tend to get them out of the blue usually on my personal profile, and usually just with a few words with them… not often… but I do feel a moment of outrage!

    Another thing that really pisses me off is when someone tags me in a photo and I don’t really know them!

    I straight away remove it, check their profile, and usually delete them as a friend..

    Now, this is my fault for having some friends who I don’t know, and I’m policing that quite carefully now and deleting… but even so, some of those tags have come from people dormant for often many years… a message to me!!!

    Link droppers range from the uneducated to the Narcissists… and they will always be there… I like to use those moments of outrage to empower some positive reaction…. like your blog post!

    That was a great result 🙂

    ~Jacs
    Jacs Henderson recently posted..Are You Missing This Surprisingly Useful Branding Option On Your Facebook Page?My Profile

    • Donna Merrill June 19, 2015 at 1:25 pm #

      Hi Jacs,

      Just the other day I got a Facebook message from a “friend” I don’t really know. Maybe I knew him years ago, but he gave me the selling pitch and why I need whatever he was selling. I replied “please don’t spam me” and he said It’s not spam.

      I just had a feeling to answer this one instead of just deleting him as a friend. So I told him the reason why.

      He told me I didn’t know what marketing was. Well…Delete, spam block and report. That’s all!

      🙂

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..5 Wise BloggersMy Profile

  3. Shahbaz Ali Sayyed
    Twitter:
    February 13, 2015 at 11:56 am #

    I thought i was the only one getting pissed off by these completely irrelevant links and comments on my blog. And Comment Luv actually attracted a lot of link spammers but then came the Akismet who is helping me still in the run. But when it comes to Facebook or any other social media we have to face it first, doesn’t matter if you delete or ban them.

    Anyways thanks for writing about it, i hope this post somehow gets to all the spammers trying to ruin our internet experience.

    • Donna Merrill February 14, 2015 at 6:44 pm #

      he he he… no you are not the only one getting pissed off by these irrelevant links and comments. I don’t get much on my blog because I won’t allow it. Thank goodness for CommentLuv and Akismet that we can have some control over it.

      On social media, there will always be some link droppers around. Even those who scoop up your content.

      I just had to write about it because it is not an ethical and smart way to do any business.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Email Marketing Is Not Dead, BloggersMy Profile

  4. Rohan Chaubey
    Twitter:
    February 9, 2015 at 9:49 am #

    Hi Donna ma’am,

    You are so right on this. I loved the tone of the post. You put your points pretty straight and I love it!

    There should be ZERO tolerance towards spammers because they are literally making our experience bad on internet.

    In the initial days, I didn’t understood their tactics but I am now pretty smart with their dirty tricks.

    I agree with you on all the points mentioned and that facebook screenshot was an added bonus to this post.

    Thanks a lot for writing this post because its the need of an hour to curb spamming and fight against them.

    I seriously enjoyed reading this. Have a fantastic day/evening. 🙂

    • Donna Merrill February 10, 2015 at 1:38 am #

      Hi Rohan,

      I do have zero tolerance for spammers. I just go about my day deleting them or blocking them. It doesn’t get to me, but it can at times be very annoying to have to police comments on social sites.

      I just had to write this one because I’ve been running into some lately and wanted to spread the word that link dropping will get you nowhere!

      Glad you enjoyed this post,

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Email Marketing Is Not Dead, BloggersMy Profile

  5. Aurelie Chazal
    Twitter:
    February 6, 2015 at 6:06 am #

    I hate those people. I actually strictly see is as spam and I never took the time to think about why spammers actually spam. I think it’s a quantity over quality mindset. They think if they can have their links posted on as many posts as possible, they’ll gain at least a little traffic.
    In my opinion these people are not narcissists, they’re just really, really lazy and just hope to gain money by doing tasks that won’t require much efforts or much thoughts for what it’s worth.

    It annoys me so much that anyone would think that’s a legit way to build a business or earn money. If you want to be rich and successful you’ll need to work like everyone else! Even if they do make money out of it (which I really doubt), that’s nothing you can be proud of.
    Imagine someone asking you “So what are you doing for a living?” “Oh just dropping links on popular posts”. Oh wow what an accomplishment :).
    Aurelie Chazal recently posted..[Use Case] Attract More Millennial Customers With Live ChatMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill February 10, 2015 at 1:35 am #

      Hi Aurelie,

      He He He.. I love the way you put it when you mentioned people asking you what do you do for a living and the reply is “oh just dropping links on popular posts” lol.

      Link droppers will always be there. All we have to do is delete them and/or block them. Never letting them get to us. I have no idea how they think or why they do this.

      If one wants to earn on internet marketing…it is just like any other business…it takes time!

      Thanks for your comment,

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Email Marketing Is Not Dead, BloggersMy Profile

  6. William Amis
    Twitter:
    January 29, 2015 at 11:12 pm #

    Donna, I live for spam!

    I learned that anyone visiting my blog. Is a real person. Those who drop links are not professional and I see it as a way of crying for help. I make contact with each person and work with them. Teach them the proper way to market a product.

    They lack experience in interaction on a level that is real. They, are thinking that if they put something in front of people. They, will jump all over it and make millions. That is what each one states to me.

    I find a new friend and contact. Then, walk them through proper ways to get their message to others. Finding their core reason why they are so challenged to make money. Then, showing them how to build relations.

    That makes a bad thing turn into a blessing. Just a way to look at everything with a positive end result.

    Hey Donna, thanks for this article. I was laughing all the way through it. I need this!
    William Amis recently posted..Guru, What Is The Truth?My Profile

    • Donna Merrill February 1, 2015 at 12:57 pm #

      Hi William,

      I’m glad you caught the humor here because people usually get so angry at link droppers. I wanted to express this to turn people’s mindset from anger to laughter. You caught it lol.

      I love the way you live for link droppers! You are a great and loving soul! As mentioned above, I do have a document I send some of them that explains why it is not a good idea to do.

      If they want to take my advice, fine. Otherwise I just go on doing business as usual.

      Now that this post is written, I can use this when someone is trying to “hawk” me or link drop.

      It happened recently on Twitter whereby someone said it was nice to meet me and look at this offer Now! I replied to them…”first read this my new friend” and gave the the link to this blog.

      They soon ran away. Sometimes these link droppers are on automation. So we do have to consider that too.

      Thanks for your wonderful comment,

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Earn More Affiliate CommissionsMy Profile

  7. Andrew
    Twitter:
    January 27, 2015 at 9:42 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    Great post and topic.

    Link dropping is really tacky. I remember many times when going through comments and I see someone putting up a link within their comment that leads to an affiliate page or something and I’m always like, “Nice try.”

    Then I don’t accept the comment.

    I’m fortunate that I don’t experience it that much I guess. But if I did, I know that I’d be pretty P.O’ed about it.

    Anyway, great post and topic here, Donna.

    – Andrew
    Andrew recently posted..The Secret to Creating Blog Posts that Grab Hold and Keep Your Readers’ Attention Every TimeMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill January 28, 2015 at 3:11 pm #

      Hi Andrew,

      Oh me too on my blog….they do try to sneak in there but thank goodness I have the necessary plug ins to prevent it. However if one tries to make it under the wire, I catch it…I dump them.

      I do find most of it on the social sites. Not all the time, but when they do there is that good old delete and block buttons!

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Earn More Affiliate CommissionsMy Profile

  8. Monna Ellithorpe
    Twitter:
    January 26, 2015 at 9:07 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    I don’t like them either and trying to educate them, as you said usually falls upon deaf ears. I just delete them and forget them. The right information is out there and I believe its up to them to use common sense and find out the right way to do things.

    Rant and vent all you need. It helps clear the stress.
    Monna Ellithorpe recently posted..PAC – New Phase Coming SoonMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill January 28, 2015 at 3:09 pm #

      Hi Monna,

      Sometimes it does fall upon deaf ears when we try to educate them. Sometimes I will reach out to help someone that honestly doesn’t know what they are doing.

      Most times, I just delete and block!

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Earn More Affiliate CommissionsMy Profile

  9. Leslie Denning
    Twitter:
    January 26, 2015 at 2:07 pm #

    Hi Donna. The account I have the most problem with link dropping is Skype. People are always telling me they want to be connected, and then they immediately try to sell me something. It makes me feel kind of betrayed.

    I’m just not that way. It would be like going to someone’s house and dropping your muddy shoes on their carpet – not polite and not a way to make friends.

    Thanks for venting 🙂

    All the best,
    Leslie
    Leslie Denning recently posted..3 Effective Ways to Decide Exactly What to Blog AboutMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill January 28, 2015 at 3:08 pm #

      Hi Leslie,

      I like the analogy you have given here: Link droppers are like going to someone’s house and dropping their muddy shoes on the carpet!

      Priceless!

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Earn More Affiliate CommissionsMy Profile

  10. Kyle Nelson
    Twitter:
    January 26, 2015 at 12:15 am #

    The good ole link droppers. No body likes them and they know it! Some of these people are turly ruthless and could care less (or dont even think about) how much it can tarnish a reputation and legitimacy of brand!
    Kyle Nelson recently posted..One Word That Will Close The DealMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill January 28, 2015 at 3:07 pm #

      Hi Kyle,

      You have said it so wisely! They don’t know how much they can tarnish their reputation and brand when link-dropping!

      Thanks for stopping by,

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Earn More Affiliate CommissionsMy Profile

  11. Dawn Golden
    Twitter:
    January 25, 2015 at 8:01 pm #

    Donna – You said it all so well!

    There was one blog that I liked to frequent… and being a blogger, I would then like to leave comments. They somehow had ‘hot words’ that would become links to their sales pages is I used them. To me, it was like I was endorsing their product directly just by using a common word like ‘success’ in a sentence. Not the exact same as dropping a link, but similar. I stopped going to that blog!
    Dawn Golden recently posted..Marketing Toolbox BasicsMy Profile

  12. Chery Schmidt
    Twitter:
    January 25, 2015 at 5:48 pm #

    Hello Donna, Wow this is certainly a touchy subject here, looks like you rattled a few cages with this one LOL

    I have never heard of this word “link droppers” before my friend, I call them Uneducated Spammers and Yes I also unfriend and BLOCK them as well.

    I love that you reported this guy, he deserves it..

    Great Post!! Chery :))
    Chery Schmidt recently posted..Little Known Facts About Network Marketing Profession!My Profile

    • Donna Merrill January 25, 2015 at 11:29 pm #

      Hi Chery,

      This sure did rattle a few cages. Guess it is because no one likes bad manners!

      Yea, I do delete them and if they persist, I block them….if they really are crazy, I will report them.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Earn More Affiliate CommissionsMy Profile

  13. Jenni Ryan
    Twitter:
    January 25, 2015 at 5:41 am #

    haha I saw the title and just had to read it! yes they annoy the crap out of me too . And sadlly, they don;t know any better, but you are right that they are also not ready to change. They will only do this when they work it out for themselves or most likely quit all together.

    • Donna Merrill January 25, 2015 at 11:27 pm #

      Hi Jenni,

      Glad you liked the title…I just had to vent I guess, or maybe bring to attention that no one likes a link dropper.

      Some don’t know any better, some were even taught to to that..go figure? But those are the ones that eventually quit. Maybe there is some hope lol

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Earn More Affiliate CommissionsMy Profile

  14. Christina Ervin
    Twitter:
    January 25, 2015 at 2:05 am #

    Yes Donna I get so heated when I see that mess! I see it a lot on Facebook ads. It is so beyond me why someone would think it is fine to hijack an ad that someone else paid for. Then I a take a moment and realize how horribly unsuccessful their business must be for them to be doing that. That said, sometimes I just can’t help myself but to let them know how uncool and tacky it is to link drop. I will say that I have noticed that many times I trace it back to one of those darn auto posting tools. Talk about making you mad. I HATE THOSE THINGS!!! It is Social Media for goodness sake. If you want to be successful marketing in social media…BE DAMN IT SOCIAL!!!

    *MIC Drop* ===> Stepping down now
    Christina Ervin recently posted..How to Grow Your Business FastMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill January 25, 2015 at 11:25 pm #

      Hi Christina,

      Good to see you here on my blog. Oh boy I can see that link dropping sure pisses you off! The thing is not to get heated as you go along. Yes, a knee jerk reaction is getting annoyed, but then we realize that we have the power to delete and even block those that are doing it.

      Facebook ads, done in the right way are fine..someone is paying for an offer and we can take it or leave it.

      But when someone tags you or comments on something you put up and drops their link…that’s a no no!

      Yes, we are here to be social, but also there are many people who are on social media to make money…that discussion all goes to their Business page and stays there. Even then, I see some pages that just sell sell sell. It is built for social interaction 80 percent of the time and a pitch 20 percent of the time…

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Earn More Affiliate CommissionsMy Profile

  15. Willena Flewelling
    Twitter:
    January 24, 2015 at 10:46 pm #

    I’ll add my name to the list of those who support your view on link droppers! My son Andrew says it’s like someone coming and setting up shop on the front lawn of YOUR home. Not cool. But I don’t think all link droppers should be tarred with the same brush. They are all offensive, but I think many of them have not received good mentoring, and are taught to do exactly what they’re doing. Sad.
    Willena Flewelling recently posted..Week 17 – Ease and Perfection are Gained by RepetitionMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill January 25, 2015 at 11:17 pm #

      Hi Willena,

      True..some of them have not received good mentoring or even worse, are still taught to do this.

      I like your son Andrew’s explanation on this! Thanks for adding value to this post.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Earn More Affiliate CommissionsMy Profile

  16. Siphosith
    Twitter:
    January 24, 2015 at 4:15 pm #

    I believe no one likes the link droppers. I would liken them to leeches, they are parasites, just want to suck blood and live off of someone else’s sweat. Good thing we can delete their posts.
    Siphosith recently posted..5 Tips on How To Create Squeeze Pages That ConvertMy Profile

  17. AJ Walton
    Twitter:
    January 24, 2015 at 4:11 pm #

    Link dropping is, of course, horrible, but sadly – like all forms of spam, the reason it continues is because it works at least some of the time. Or perhaps some people are just desperate. The good thing is that there are so many more great people than not. As you said, link drops are easy enough to delete in any case!
    AJ Walton recently posted..The $1 Million Charity Water ChallengeMy Profile

  18. Dylann Andre January 24, 2015 at 10:13 am #

    Some will not listen to your comments or suggestion to stop link dropping. Many bloggers pissed off because of this. I hope they can read your article to educate them. Thanks for sharing and I learned a lot from this post.
    Dylann Andre recently posted..5 Retail Marketing IdeasMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill January 25, 2015 at 11:09 pm #

      Hey Dylann,

      If there are link-droppers out there I sure wish they can come across this article and understand that it isn’t doing them any good. But in reality…there will always be those who come from the school of thought that link dropping is the way to go until……they realize it is not working.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Earn More Affiliate CommissionsMy Profile

  19. Nanda Rahmanius
    Twitter:
    January 24, 2015 at 6:15 am #

    Hi Donna,

    Hahaha..
    I liked your article, Donna. It was like representing my thoughts about link dropping. I was also annoyed by that kind of thing.

    As you do, I will delete any comments with the link in it. Comments with links look like spam regardless of nice comments. It will be treated the same. 😀

    You know, I laughed reading this article. I can feel your annoyance from this article. You really wrote from the heart, Donna. 😀

    Nanda
    Nanda Rahmanius recently posted..7 Great Tips How to Use Tags EffectivelyMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill January 25, 2015 at 11:05 pm #

      Hi Nanda,

      I’m so glad you got the humor of this post. It is an annoying when people link drop, but they will be there and always do it. So why not put a little humor on this topic and not get so annoyed?

      Glad you got a good laugh..you were supposed to 🙂

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Earn More Affiliate CommissionsMy Profile

  20. Annie
    Twitter:
    January 23, 2015 at 9:35 pm #

    Hi Donna! Venting is good! I love the honesty of your post, and the call to setting strong boundaries is a great way to close it. What could be healthier? I also like your take on bashers only tearing down their own brand. I never thought of it that way but will from now on – it only reflects poorly on the person who knowingly does things in a manner that is opposite of the spirit of giving. Thank you for sharing your perspective 🙂
    Annie recently posted..How Audio Books Can Help You Get Things DoneMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill January 24, 2015 at 12:07 pm #

      Hi Annie,

      I appreciate your take on this! Love it in fact. Yes those bashers are only tearing down their own brand. And it is a bad reflection on them.

      Hopefully they will learn this because our business is our brand. When it comes down to it all it is the YOU.inc.

      A little venting…a little shout out…just to help others that do link drop that they are ruining their brand.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Sales Funnels In 2015My Profile

  21. Erika Mohssen-Beyk
    Twitter:
    January 23, 2015 at 9:33 pm #

    This is the first time I hear this name :),but I know what it means
    and like all the others here, I do not like it and think
    it is not a good thing to do .
    I hope some of them read your post and think about .
    Thank you, Donna
    Erika

    • Donna Merrill January 24, 2015 at 12:04 pm #

      Hi Erika,

      Other names for “link droppers” are trolls, spammers, etc. It can be an honest mistake sometimes, but one can tell the difference out there when they comment and drop a sales link on things you post on the social media sites.

      Not social etiquette! Thanks for coming by,

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Sales Funnels In 2015My Profile

  22. Fabrizio
    Twitter:
    January 23, 2015 at 7:13 pm #

    Hi Donna, I totally appreciate your frustration, I’ve had idiots drop links in my Facebook group posts and YouTube videos in the past and it’s really annoying. I appreciate that newbies probably don’t realise that this is a bad tactic, but I’m sure the ones I’ve confronted with on my YouTube videos knew exactly what they were doing. What annoys me even more is that sometimes I don’t check to see and those links would have remained there for some time sadly.

    Great post, have a super weekend 🙂
    Fabrizio recently posted..Bloggers: I’m Launching My Services In Professional WordPress Blog DesignMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill January 23, 2015 at 7:40 pm #

      Hi Fabrizio,

      I know that quite well….I forget to police my youtube channel, but after I seen all the link droppers there, I have to pay more attention to it.

      Wouldn’t you know, just before I came here to check my blog I asked a simple question on my Facebook Page “If you have a blog of your own please leave your link below and I will visit you”

      Simple? Not!!! I got some crazy people dropping links to their Facebook Pages…ha ha ha

      Go figure?

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Sales Funnels In 2015My Profile

  23. Sherman Smith January 23, 2015 at 3:05 pm #

    Hey Donna,

    Ooohhh Snap i wished i would’ve gotten to this post much earlier LOL..

    But I do have to say for those that I can understand those that are just learning, or got into this routine that are willing to learn that link dropping isn’t a beneficial way of growing their businesses.

    But I have came across quite a few link droppers. I think you’ve seen some of my post of me venting a little bit about them. At first I I tried to “educate” them of why link dropping isn’t a good way to grow their business and of course as you mentioned, most of them didn’t listen. So it did get to a point where I was just straight forward with them. Some of them didn’t like it and tried to argue with me, but I had made my point and they ended up arguing with themselves because I had moved on.

    Hey Donna, it would be great if you would write another post on Social Media Etiquette for those who choose to do Online Marketing. Better yet, I think we should all write a post about it and share each other’s post for a week like there’s no tomorrow LOL

    Thanks for getting this point across Donna! I hope you have a great weekend!
    Sherman Smith recently posted..Why Aren’t You Getting Email Subscribers?My Profile

    • Donna Merrill January 23, 2015 at 3:39 pm #

      Hi Sherman,

      Thanks for sharing your share of dealing with those darn link droppers! They will always be there, and I had to write this especially for many new bloggers that will approve them on their blogs.

      I do deal with a lot of newbies and this is one thing I had to vent about for their sake as well as all others.

      Aha Social Media Etiquette for Online Marketers….You have my wheels spinning! Maybe we can do that in February. Lets put our heads together…this sounds like fun! I’ll be in touch with you and we can post like it’s no tomorrow! What fun!

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Sales Funnels In 2015My Profile

      • Sherman Smith January 24, 2015 at 10:58 pm #

        Hey Donna,

        This will definitely be fun and funny at the same time! But at least they’ll have a better idea of how to present themselves online whether it be on social media or on blog. In this case it’s all about being cohesive and setting a great example for future bloggers and social media enthusiasts!
        Sherman Smith recently posted..Why Aren’t You Getting Email Subscribers?My Profile

  24. Mark
    Twitter:
    January 22, 2015 at 1:49 pm #

    What a terrific post Donna!

    Well, thank goodness there is hope for some clueless “link droppers”,
    because if they get the right kind of coaching/mentoring and guidance, they
    can actually turn things around in big way!

    I know first hand, because without the expert guidance of people like yourself,
    I would have been destined for the clueless “link droppers” hall of shame!LOl!

    But still in all, they are so painfully annoying aren’t they?

    Thanks for sharing such a terrific article!
    Mark recently posted..So How Many Of These Seven Deadly Myths Are Preventing You From Starting A Blog?My Profile

    • Donna Merrill January 22, 2015 at 2:10 pm #

      Hi Mark,

      I couldn’t imagine you Mark being in the “link droppers” hall of shame! You are so educated in your business.

      I just had to write this for some that are the link droppers out there that may not even have a clue of what they are doing wrong.

      It’s me being a bit silly too.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Sales Funnels In 2015My Profile

    • Mitch Mitchell
      Twitter:
      January 23, 2015 at 1:07 am #

      On another note, my comment finally showed! 😉
      Mitch Mitchell recently posted..When Free Plugins Ruin Your LifeMy Profile

      • Donna Merrill January 23, 2015 at 11:19 am #

        Hi Mitch…

        I’m glad you had contacted me because somehow your comment was waiting for approval.

        It was approved and here we are lol

        -Donna
        Donna Merrill recently posted..Sales Funnels In 2015My Profile

  25. Mitch Mitchell
    Twitter:
    January 22, 2015 at 12:12 am #

    I hate link droppers also but I actually think they know exactly what they’re doing, just like the spammers. You see it everywhere, other than on blogs, especially on sites that get lots of comments where those folks aren’t moderating or responding to anyone. That’s why I think they know what they’re doing, trying to make their sites legitimate by hoping the links will stay, which they often do.
    Mitch Mitchell recently posted..Securing Your Online PresenceMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill January 22, 2015 at 1:59 pm #

      Hi Mitch,

      One has to moderate their blogs. My link droppers go right to spam but there are times when they do slip in. Then I have to remove them.

      On social media, we run into them more often. Not such a great problem for me, but when I noticed my Youtube account, gosh there were many…and that is because I didn’t moderate it.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Sales Funnels In 2015My Profile

  26. victoria
    Twitter:
    January 21, 2015 at 6:54 pm #

    Sometimes you just need to vent, and I’ve love the way you’ve done it. It’s in a very professional, yet “wtf” kind of way. hahaha. so I agree with everyone who has laughed through your post. AND I also agree that link dropping is kind of like “wtf? can we at least have a conversation before you sell me something?”

    Honestly, I feel like some people don’t know any better… being a good sales person takes finesse, and plastering a flyer of your company on your forehead, as Kim said, is not the way to go haha.
    victoria recently posted..The Most Important Tool to Make Your Dreams Come TrueMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill January 22, 2015 at 12:46 pm #

      Hi Victoria,

      I’m so glad you enjoyed how I approached this subject! It is meant to make people laugh because we have all experienced this kind of person that makes us say “WTF”

      Oh yes, being a marketer takes finesse and a great learning curve. One cannot plaster a flyer of their company on their forehead as Kim said.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Sales Funnels In 2015My Profile

  27. Rachel Lavern
    Twitter:
    January 21, 2015 at 6:02 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    I was laughing as I read your blog. No, I don’t allow things like that piss me off. But I do not let them pass either. I simply trash their additional and have had to go as far as block IP addresses on a few occasions. I have been a member of Facebook groups that I later learned allow link dropping fests and, before you know it, I have left the group.
    Rachel Lavern recently posted..An Entrepreneur’s MindsetMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill January 22, 2015 at 12:34 pm #

      Hi Rachel,

      I am so glad you caught the humor in this post. Oh those Facebook groups that allow those link dropping fests. I’ve had my share of them. Even when the rules are not to link drop, people just don’t care!

      It always makes me wonder – are these the folks that are the 97% that leave the internet? Probably lol.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Sales Funnels In 2015My Profile

  28. Ryan Biddulph
    Twitter:
    January 21, 2015 at 5:31 pm #

    Donna, link dropping doesn’t really bother me but I feel link droppers should be shot on sight….LOL joking! I’ve seen an influx of link droppers recently – or a few extra folks – dropping those links in comments. Some folks seem genuine and have no clue in hell that they are making a mistake, and others, well, they know full well what they do. I usually mark it as spam but if I feel benevolent and if said commentor left something valuable and I may edit the comment to remove the link from the post.

    No deep breathing necessary, this is just a vent post 😉

    Thanks for the share and hey, I’m loving your header Donna!

    Ryan
    Ryan Biddulph recently posted..How 2 Flamboyant Thai Lady Boy Prostitutes Taught Me (and You) 6 Clear Blogging LessonsMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill January 22, 2015 at 12:17 pm #

      Hi Ryan,

      I usually handle those link droppers the same way as you and no sweat of my nose!

      I had to address this issue – in a fun way – because some of my new blogging students were accepting all those spam comments. You know when you are new to the game, the first comment makes you beak into a happy dance!

      I had to teach them the deal. But as far as social media, I found so many link droppers on my Youtube account which is my fault because I haven’t monitored it. Gosh I just shacked my head!

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Sales Funnels In 2015My Profile

  29. Mi Muba
    Twitter:
    January 21, 2015 at 12:50 pm #

    Hi Donna

    For me a link dropper is just like a monkey on the back who never lets us do anything with full concentration nor lets other focus their attention on us.

    Once a person drops any link just below our share people gets confuse which is spam and which is genuine share at the timeline

    Secondly he starts an irksome trend and many other useless souls follow him and share their irrelevant links to make our entire sharing campaign a laughing stock.

    That is why it is said we need to take full care of while adding a person into our friends circle; otherwise he may be nothing but a monkey on the back on us.

    Your example of a person shouting at us hoping to get our undue attention is spot on for a link dropper. For mature type of online businesspersons it can never be an acceptable or even tolerable attitude.

    Thanks a lot for sharing this post on a very sensitive topic.
    Mi Muba recently posted..7 styles of blogging for money and which one is yoursMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill January 22, 2015 at 11:48 am #

      Hi Mi Muba,

      Thank you for adding such value to this topic in your comment. Yes, Link Droppers are like a money on our backs!

      I don’t have many, because they are all in my spam box on my blog. But on social media it can be a problem.

      It is pretty easy to catch when you post something and someone comments an irrelevant link. Just delete it and if it is offensive, block them.

      Although we are careful who we socialize with out there, it is an open book and just about anyone can come in and drop their link.

      Where does it get them? Beats me!

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Sales Funnels In 2015My Profile

  30. Merle Gibbins
    Twitter:
    January 21, 2015 at 11:43 am #

    This absolutely made me giggle Donna although it is nothing to laugh about but just your title and some of the things you put in the post, but yes I know what you mean. I also use Comment Luv and Akismet so not getting so many like I did a few years ago. Thanks for sharing.

    • Donna Merrill January 21, 2015 at 3:58 pm #

      Hi Merle,

      I am so glad you found the humor in this post. I wanted to lighten up things a bit.

      I too have akismet and CommentLuv Premium to avoid this on my blog. But sometimes, somehow they slither in. I just take them off and send them on their way.

      I am so happy I made you giggle!

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Sales Funnels In 2015My Profile

  31. ikechi
    Twitter:
    January 21, 2015 at 11:41 am #

    Hi Donna

    I can feel your pain. I don’t think there is anyone who likes engagement to be disturbed by link droppers

    When I started blogging, I suffered from the hands of these link droppers who spammed my blog and social profiles with links. What did I do? I just deleted them.

    When I see link droppers, I have a thought filter for them which makes me handle them without being tensed. Here what I think about them

    1. Link droppers are lazy who don’t want to learn about engagement and building relationships.

    2. I think they have low self esteem and are shy which is why they sneek a link in your blog space rather than knock on the door.

    3. Link droppers need help but are too egocentric to admit it. So they lie to themselves that there strategy is the best.

    With these thoughts, I try to help by having a conversation with them, if they refuse, then I quietly block them. You can’t change everyone.

    Thanks Donna for sharing. There is nothing wrong with you dear.
    ikechi recently posted..Why You Need To Be Led Out of The Darkness and Into The LightMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill January 21, 2015 at 3:57 pm #

      Wow Ikechi!

      Thank you for your wonderful comment. You have added so much value to this conversation.

      I do agree that link droppers are lazy, have low self esteem, and are too egocentric.

      But sometimes they are truly clueless. These are usually the new people coming in or those who are taught black hat marketing.

      Sometimes we can tell the difference and I too will reach out to have a conversation with them.

      If they refuse to listen, they do get blocked.

      Thanks so much,

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Sales Funnels In 2015My Profile

  32. Neena
    Twitter:
    January 21, 2015 at 11:05 am #

    Hi Donna,

    Sadly, some people just want quantity over quality. I honestly don’t know how they make it work for them – but it must for them to keep doing it.

    I think “link droppers” is too nice of a name. Something more sleazy would be better fitting.

    Your approach of deleting them is the right one, but it is very time consuming. My guess is that is what those link droppers are banking on – most people probably let it ride because they don’t have time to deal.

    Here’s hoping for a link dropper free day!
    Neena recently posted..Your Readers are Morons – Writing For the WebMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill January 21, 2015 at 3:36 pm #

      Hi Neena,

      He He Link droppers is a nice name isn’t it? Yes I do agree something more sleazy could be better fitting he he he.

      I doubt that this ever works for anyone that has done it. And if someone did opt into their offer, they probably wouldn’t last long.

      In any business, we want quality and people who will stay with us through the test of time. I rather have quality vs quantity.

      Thanks so much for the smile!

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Sales Funnels In 2015My Profile

  33. Atish Ranjan
    Twitter:
    January 21, 2015 at 5:22 am #

    I loved this post. Link dropping is becoming ubiquitous among the bloggers and marketers. I see many of Facebook posts are being spammed with irrelevant links. Even many marketers are nowadays full the FB feed with a lot of affiliate links on some events to get the maximum sales but they do this wrong as many of the users either block them or stop following.

    Glad you wrote the post Donna. Keep it up!

    P.S. Loved the Term used “Link Dropping”.
    Atish Ranjan recently posted..Top 10 India Born and Globally Successful WomenMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill January 21, 2015 at 3:26 pm #

      Hi Atish,

      On Facebook this is a huge problem. As a marketer using the Facebook platform, there is the “right” way to do it and it does work well once someone learns the ropes!

      Otherwise, when you see someone shouting out “Buy Me” it is a huge turn off.

      Then we post something on Facebook for engagement, there slips in a Link Dropper. So, you delete him/her, and if it does continue, spam blocking is necessary.

      Good to know you enjoyed it.,

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Sales Funnels In 2015My Profile

  34. Mayura
    Twitter:
    January 21, 2015 at 2:04 am #

    Hi Donna,

    First off, let me wish you a very Happy New Year, once again and coming here first time in 2015 🙂 Hope you’re enjoying the spirit of the New Year as well dear.

    Ha ha… Now I believe we should welcome every link droppers we have come across to read this, at least. Shouldn’t we? 😉 I think they are the best audience for your post. Very apt and if they are learners, I hope they will leave with a wonderful advice. But yeah, as you mentioned, many will still drop their links here and go 😀 lol…

    Actually, like you said, some are just too new and told them to do so. Among the many attempts, a few really did listen why I didn’t approve their comments and told they won’t do it again. But a few only.

    Since I strengthen the anti-spam measures and keeping comments with links in moderation (requires approval), I haven’t really had issues with spammers though. Yeah, they drop their links but never get approved. I recall removing bunch of spammy comments long time ago, so I don’t wanna go through that again either. I’m sure you know the feeling, Donna 🙂

    I wish if they could stay off our backs, but some people are just out there to piss off others. As long as they are get paid, I guess. We may not be able to teach them what’s right, but this kind of a post can make them, at least one or two, realize what they have been doing all this time 🙂 I believe so.

    Enjoy the rest of your wonderful week, Donna 🙂

    Cheers…
    Mayura recently posted..How to Add Smilies for Threaded Comments in BloggerMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill January 21, 2015 at 3:19 pm #

      Hi Mayura,

      A happy new year to you my friend and it is so great to see you here!

      Thank you for your awesome input as usual. Love those smiley faces! Yes, those link droppers never stand a chance on my blog. But sometimes they do slip in and I have to go to my back office and either delete them or take off their connection to their blog and remove the comment Luv.

      It all depends. Some new bloggers have no clue, and I do reach out to them sometimes so that they can learn the proper way of commenting on a blog and especially on social media.

      Gosh, I can’t imagine in my wildness dreams how they could ever do business that way. I did run into them on my Youtube account because I haven’t policed it.

      People were saying “great stuff..but I have a better way” and dropped their link. he he he

      When it gets down to it these things don’t really get to me, but for others’ sake, I just had to create this post.

      I am so glad to connect with you once again!

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Sales Funnels In 2015My Profile

  35. Reginald Chan
    Twitter:
    January 21, 2015 at 12:33 am #

    Hi Donna!

    I totally understand how you feel. Here’s what j think. Link dropping on blog is normal and in most cases, is okay as long as you have Akismet and stuffs. However, the social media spam on post..now that’s annoying!

    Recently noticed a few of such and I was like – seriously?!

    Thanks for sharing this and have an awesome day ahead dear friend!
    Reginald Chan recently posted..Top 5 Free WordPress Plugins For Bloggers In 2015My Profile

    • Donna Merrill January 21, 2015 at 2:11 pm #

      Hi Reginald,

      Absolutely, we do get all that stuff in our spam box. But on social media…when we see it we do shake our heads.

      This question had been raised by one of my students asking what to do on her blog. I told her the necessary plugins. Then again someone asked me how to go about the proper way to deal with these link droppers on the social media platform.

      I just had to do a post about it.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Sales Funnels In 2015My Profile

  36. Irish Carter
    Twitter:
    January 20, 2015 at 10:33 pm #

    Great article and you always have a way of getting me to giggle along the way when I am reading. I realized as I read this that there have been a few times that I accidentally link bombed on facebook. A few times I was scheduling on hootsuite and my brain worked faster than the fingers and I clicked the wrong media site to post….instead of getting my pages, they crashed on Brenda’s group….LOL Oooops. Boy did I laugh when I realized how silly that must have looked. At least it was with the girls and not in a group that I don’t frequent often.

    Good to connect Donna and thanks for sharing the great content you do. It was a really good read. Loved how you told it like it was and how so many of us really do think.

    Irish
    Irish Carter recently posted..Tips to Improve Your Emotional Health!  Be Motivated and Find Happiness!My Profile

    • Donna Merrill January 21, 2015 at 12:41 pm #

      Hi Irish,

      I like to make people giggle a bit while reading my articles sometimes. It lightens the mood of the subject at hand. This particular subject is one people “hate” so I had to lighten it up a bit.

      Thanks for your input because we all have accidents he he he. And that added so much value to this post.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Sales Funnels In 2015My Profile

  37. Adrienne
    Twitter:
    January 20, 2015 at 10:32 pm #

    Hey Donna,

    I guess I’m pretty fortunate, I haven’t really had this issue in quite some time.

    Now on Twitter I’ll have people every once in awhile drop one on me asking me to check out their stuff. I block them immediately because I know if they’ve done that once they’ll do it again. I use to approach them but most of them don’t pay any attention anymore.

    I haven’t had this happen on Facebook in ages so that’s a good thing. I still like to give some people the benefit of the doubt that they just have not been properly trained and are ignorant as to just how much this really does piss people off like yourself.

    I think others are just out there for themselves and could care less. It’s something that will probably never go away I’m afraid but glad you brought this subject to light. I have to agree with Barbara actually, this was quite a funny way to present it. Way to go girl. 😉

    Have a great week now.

    ~Adrienne
    Adrienne recently posted..Spread Your Wings: Leave Your Comfort Zone and Make Your Business GrowMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill January 21, 2015 at 12:21 pm #

      Hi Adrienne,

      I just had to add some humor into this subject because link droppers are everywhere. It can be a problem for those who don’t use a spam blocker on their blogs, or worse, some newbies that are so exited to get a new comment that they let them in.

      A new blogger had asked me how to prevent this and that is what inspired me to raise this subject. That and my Youtube account where I see Youtube blasting out my “private” videos.

      I don’t monitor that so much but when I got in…I just had to laugh at all the link droppers that I found.

      Where does it get them? Nowhere and you and I know that well my friend.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Sales Funnels In 2015My Profile

  38. Corinna
    Twitter:
    January 20, 2015 at 9:23 pm #

    I use Akismet to block spam too and I don’t think I’ve ever had any links fall into the regular comment section. I do my best to Google new user email addresses because usually the first search result will show whether it’s linked to a spambot or not. Then I just delete the users and avoid having a barrage of spam to delete. It’s worked pretty well so far but the Google searching can be tedious if I go a few days without deleting anyone. Thankfully I haven’t had any link droppers pop up on my FB page because I’d imagine that’s more annoying to monitor. Hopefully enough people have brushed up on Internet etiquette for this not to be a serious issue.
    Corinna recently posted..Ali & Shawn’s Winery WeddingMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill January 21, 2015 at 12:18 pm #

      Hi Corina,

      I too use Askismet and CommentLuv Premium to blog spam. But sometimes someone slithers in. he he

      When it comes to our FaceBook Page, I monitor mine every day. I do have a lot of activity there, and a spammer will come in now and then to drop their link. But it is usually someone that is new.

      If so, I will just delete it and PM them telling them it is not the proper etiquette to do.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Sales Funnels In 2015My Profile

  39. Angela McCall
    Twitter:
    January 20, 2015 at 9:21 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    I don’t think I have come across with a link dropper on facebook or other social media. However, I always come across them here on my blog but they get trashed into the spam folder and oftentimes, I blacklisted them.

    I don’t know what kind of benefits they can get from link dropping other than they really annoy people. Perhaps their brain is as small as a pea and so they are real FOOLS!!!

    The only stupid people I come across on Google+ (for instance) are those people who loved to ARGUE with me with their unsolicited comment when I try to leave a message on someone on YouTube. Oh sure, if I get link droppers on facebook, I wouldn’t like it either and that person will have to get banned and blocked from my facebook. Anyway, girl…I hope you have a nice weekend.

    Angela
    Angela McCall recently posted..My 2nd Blog AnniversaryMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill January 21, 2015 at 12:12 pm #

      Hi Angela,

      Happy 2nd Blog Anniversary to you!

      When it comes to our blogs, it is quite easy because they do go in our spam box. However, if they do slip in, we can easily monitor the problem.

      You have me hysterical when you mentioned that perhaps their brain is as small as a pea! he he he

      Oh Google+ can be another platform where they want to argue. Easy peasy: Delete, block, or if it gets too un-appropriate then spam them!

      When people want to argue, the best practice is to ignore them. Gosh, I guess they want negative attention, and that, as a business owner never will work.

      Thanks for stopping by,

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Sales Funnels In 2015My Profile

  40. Neamat Tawadrous
    Twitter:
    January 20, 2015 at 4:45 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    So glad you wrote about this topic. It is like a virus as you said and we all face it. I personally face it a lot in the comments in my blog.

    I feel the same way and it pisses me off but I don’t fight it as it falls on deaf ears. On social media, I delete it the first time and if it happened again, I block them. In my blog I just don’t approve the comment and I move on.

    Thanks Donna for sharing a great topic and venting with us. Have a great week ahead.

    Be Blessed,

    Neamat
    Neamat Tawadrous recently posted..10 Steps To Help You Reach Your Potential!!My Profile

    • Donna Merrill January 21, 2015 at 12:07 pm #

      Hi Neamat,

      Glad you enjoyed this topic! We all have to deal with these kinds of people and we can choose to do so wisely like you have mentioned you do. Or we can fuel the fire.

      I’ve seen people fighting online about this on social media. Where the heck will it get either party? Nowhere but ruin their reputation.

      What you are doing is so wise…delete them and if they do it again block them!

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Sales Funnels In 2015My Profile

  41. Deborah Tutnauer
    Twitter:
    January 20, 2015 at 4:00 pm #

    Donna,

    Have I ever told you how much I love your ability to take a serious topic and add humor that literally has me laughing out loud?!!

    Link Droppers.
    Narcissistic or Ignorant?

    That’s why I give them the benefit of the doubt when it’s the first time. I’ll even engage them in conversation on social media if I’m in a magnanimous mood (not on my blog – those just get trashed). After the first time they get blocked and then reported if they pop up again.

    I’m glad you did what you did on YouTube. I find link dropping there is an epidemic!

    We work hard on line creating value driven content and spending time consciously engaging in relationship building. I often feel link droppers are looking for a short cut and try to build something on the backs of others hard work. And they are naive enough to think we won’t notice – which I cannot for the life of me understand.

    Glad you vented Donna – and made it funny too.
    Hopefully it cleared some of that bad ju ju energy for you!

    Enjoy you day my friend!
    ~Deborah
    Deborah Tutnauer recently posted..Rant! Integrity Money SellingMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill January 20, 2015 at 8:07 pm #

      Hi Deborah,

      So glad you enjoyed this post. Sort of a rant but I just had to add the humor in it because link droppers are kind of a funny sort aren’t they?

      Yes, they are on the social networks all the time and it is easy to delete and blog…PESTO gone for good!

      No they don’t make it on my blog. I have had some complaints via email “Why won’t you let me comment on your blog” Well, I think you know me well enough that what I really want to say is because you suck! But I take the business approach, explain, and they go away.

      I’ve had a few that wanted to argue about it, but it is just not worth the energy. Who the heck wants to chat with an idiot? Not me lol.

      Thanks for your awesome comment and glad you caught the humor in this post!

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Sales Funnels In 2015My Profile

  42. Corina Ramos
    Twitter:
    January 20, 2015 at 1:06 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    The personality description you gave is right on. They’re like this greaseball. I picture a guy with his hair slicked back, toothpick hanging out of his mouth and gold-plated chains around his neck sporting one of those loud nylon shirts. LOL. Okay, I watch a lot of old TV shows :).

    I use Akismet too and I agree it’s a great tool for catching spam comments.

    I get link droppres on my facebook page. It’s mainly one of those “I can make you rich” job offers and since I’m not about that I delete it as soon as I see it and I get some on Twitter as well.

    I think a lot of us feel the same way you do. And you’re right, it’s due to bad coaching but at some point they should get it.

    Great topic Donna. I think we all needed to vent a little on this :). Hope you’re having a great day.
    Corina Ramos recently posted..Over The Counter Cough Medicine Is Still A Go-To High For TeensMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill January 20, 2015 at 2:44 pm #

      Corina,

      You have me hysterical about how you described link droppers….Yes like those TV shows he he he.

      Oh yea…Facebook will get us many link droppers showing us how to get rich quick but they are so easy to delete.

      Best to let it all roll off our shoulders.

      Glad you liked this topic I know we all need a little venting on this.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Sales Funnels In 2015My Profile

  43. Lisa Sicard
    Twitter:
    January 20, 2015 at 9:29 am #

    Hi Donna, love it! I’ve been getting some on Twitter for shirts with my name and the meaning of Lisa.
    It sure can be annoying when unsolicited.
    I haven’t had too many on my blog with CommentLuv, if so they end up in spam.
    Once in a while I see some on my Facebook feed – I do delete those.
    I believe too it can be rude to do. I usually let it roll off my shoulders though.
    Thanks for posting on this topic Donna and have a great day!
    Lisa Sicard recently posted..Email Marketing: How to Avoid Being Flagged as SPAMMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill January 20, 2015 at 2:38 pm #

      Hi Lisa,

      That Twitter thing is annoying, but can be ignored!

      CommentLuv does help with it so much but sometimes people do slip through and I have to remove the links or just take them off.

      Facebook sometimes those link droppers do slip in but it is so easy to delete them, and if it goes on, block them.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Sales Funnels In 2015My Profile

  44. Don Purdum
    Twitter:
    January 20, 2015 at 7:47 am #

    Hi Donna,

    WOW! Now this is an interesting post and conversation…

    Does it annoy, ABSOLUTELY!!!! I find them to be the worst in my personal experiences on Facebook. They just plaster stuff to my wall. Once I figured it out I started unfriending some folks and guess what happened, it ended. YEA!

    When I see it on my blog I do something interesting that I have found actually works to this point. I edit their blog comment and strip the link and leave the comment. Fortunately, it doesn’t happen very often and when I do that they never come back, lol…

    For this reason I really like DISQUS and that’s why I use it. They do a fantastic job of weeding out the spam and sending stuff to a spam folder that I can review first and then approve if it shouldn’t be there.

    I know there are pros and cons to commenting systems but that one is a real pro for me.

    Personally, I never post a link in a blog without asking permission first and my links are always applicable to the context and add value to the conversation. I think it’s rude and can give the perception we are trying to spam or take advantage of bloggers great reputation when someone just posts it.

    Tagging on social media should only be used when we are letting people know they are being included in an article or they are part of the conversation, and maybe if you want to get their attention appropriately.

    Awesome post Donna, I really am glad you posted this!!!

    ~ Don Purdum
    Don Purdum recently posted..3 Truths To Understanding Successful Internet MarketingMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill January 20, 2015 at 2:13 pm #

      Hi Don,

      Yep this turned out to be a pretty great discussion. I have sometimes done what you explained; strip the link and edit their comment. I’ve done this only if they are newbies and then send them a message why. I do have many new people coming to my blog.

      I use CommentLuv Premium and that throws those link droppers into my spam box. But sometimes they are pretty cleaver and make it to my comment section. On my blog I have control.

      But when it comes to social media, I do have to police that too. If and when I catch them, I just delete it. If they continue they are blocked.

      I had one guy pestering me about why I’m always blocking him. Thank goodness I have a pre-written reason on a document on my desktop. Copy, paste, BOOM! Never heard from him again.

      I’m glad you brought up the topic of Tagging on social media. Yes, it should only be done when we want people to know they are being included in an article or part of the conversation.

      It is another pet peeve of mine when someone tags me out of the blue for some ridiculous reason. I have to un-tag myself and block. Jeezzz

      Glad you liked this post Don. It is something that needs to be addressed, but I also liked the laughs some folks got out of it!

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Sales Funnels In 2015My Profile

  45. Enstine Muki
    Twitter:
    January 20, 2015 at 5:46 am #

    Hey Donna this is something we face a lot on the blog commenting section and Facebook to be more precised.

    I had one blog reader doing this for every comment he dropped on my blog. I got pissed off because his links had nothing to do with the blog topic or his comment. I removed all his links and replied in one comment, asking him to stop dropping the links. Since then, the guy has never shown up.

    I don’t think commenting on blogs is purposely for links. It’s a wrong approach. In addition most links in comment box don’t have any attractive SEO benefits. For most cases, these are nofollow be default.

    I think link droppers are just ignorant especially if those links add no value to the post. If they are meant to promote something, it’s stupid really 😉

    I had a blog post where a reader left a comment and dropped a link pointing to an article on a very popular blog. That article was closely related to my subject and I found the reader was honest in linking to this article. He had no personal gain from it so I happily approved his link.

    Though I don’t approve link dropping, if these links however extent to related content, I have no problem with them 😉

    Happy New Year to all your readers
    Enstine Muki recently posted..How to boost sales and make more money in 2015 ~ Guaranteed!My Profile

    • Donna Merrill January 20, 2015 at 2:00 pm #

      Hi Enstine,

      Thanks so much for sharing your experiences. Even with CommentLuv, sometimes those darn link droppers slip in on our blogs. Glad you got rid of him.

      I don’t approve so many comments on my blog because they are one liners that just want to drop their link. Sometimes they don’t even comment on what I write. When will they ever learn?

      Link droppers that try to promote something will never get the results as promoting effectively and having the knowledge about marketing.

      I can sure see your point letting that commenter leave a link pointing to an article on a very popular blog that was related to your article. I would do the same.

      Thanks again for adding value to this discussion,

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Sales Funnels In 2015My Profile

  46. Marquita Herald
    Twitter:
    January 20, 2015 at 5:08 am #

    Excellent rant Donna. So far (that I’m aware of) the only problem I’ve had with link dropping is on my FB page where occasionally someone will leave a comment that’s an affiliate link and of course I immediately remove it and report them. Like you, the spam filters on my blog do a good job of keeping them out of there, but I still prefer to manually approve every comment just in case.

    But I’ve seen it enough elsewhere to know exactly what you’re talking about and there’s no question it’s rude and unprofessional. Two of the FB groups I belong to in particular have to constantly police the comments for that kind of behavior and both have a one time and your out policy so you are definitely not the only one to find this behavior offensive.
    Marquita Herald recently posted..Do You Believe You Can Change?My Profile

    • Donna Merrill January 20, 2015 at 7:44 pm #

      Hi Marquita,

      I to like to manually approve my comments “just in case” Sometimes they are linked to a page I don’t thing is appropriate. So I remove luv and also their web contact…just leaving their comment if it is a good one.

      It amazes me how some FB groups clearly have those “rules” in place, it has to be policed because people will link drop. What the heck is that all about I wonder. Who would ever do business in that kind of manner?

      Beats me!

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Sales Funnels In 2015My Profile

  47. James McAllister
    Twitter:
    January 20, 2015 at 3:24 am #

    Hi Donna!

    I’d honestly like to know what the heck is going through these link dropper’s heads when they think it’s a good idea to spam somebody. Anybody who knows anything will know that’ spamming is not going to amount to anything.

    Like seriously, how do you expect to see any results from that? Who honestly sees a spammer and visits the link, let alone purchase whatever they’re offering? It doesn’t make any sense.

    If I somehow believe the person has good intentions (not usually the case) I’ll take the time to send them a brief email in hopes that they’re seriously misinformed, but this seems to be rare. Otherwise I’ll just ignore them completely and delete their comment.

    It’s 2015 and you’d think people would have learned by now but it doesn’t appear to be happening. Fortunately most of them will give up when they do not see any results – but of course, there will always be more spammers to replace them. 🙁

    For now I suppose we can hope that these networks come up with better spam detectors, because it sure is a chore to deal with all of these link droppers!

    Talk to you soon Donna!

    – James
    James McAllister recently posted..How To Quit Your Job To Blog Full Time (It’s Easier Than You Think!)My Profile

    • Donna Merrill January 20, 2015 at 1:02 pm #

      Hi James,

      One would think it’s 2015 and people would have learned by now that dropping links just doesn’t work! But they are out there and probably always will be.

      Sometimes I do reach out to them if they are new and honestly don’t know what they are doing. But then there are those black hat marketers…oops shall I really call them marketers? lol

      These guys will do just about anything to drop their links and I cannot see how it will ever work.

      I do know a few around the internet and avoid them like the plague.

      It sure can be a chore!

      Thanks so much and BTW I LOVED your last blog post!

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Sales Funnels In 2015My Profile

  48. Sue Price
    Twitter:
    January 20, 2015 at 2:57 am #

    Hi Donna,

    i am with Barbara it is a serious topic but I laughed most of the way through the post. I even laughed at the title. I love it! Of course it pisses everyone and you called it like it is. I have never heard the term “link dropping” before but it is a very accurate description.

    I get those on YouTube too. It is a place i do not check as diligently as I do my Facebook and yes I get them from people I do not even know with some totally unrelated comment.

    Go spam their brain – love it!

    Thanks for a great post and laugh.

    Sue
    Sue Price recently posted..Kalatu Blog – ENv3My Profile

    • Donna Merrill January 20, 2015 at 12:26 pm #

      Hi Sue,

      Yes, I wanted to bring some laughter into this conversation. We can either get pissed off, or we can use our humor and deal with those link droppers he he he.

      Oh yes, YouTube is one place I haven’t monitored and that’s where I found those darn link droppers. It came to my attention when I found that YouTube was taking my “private” videos and spreading them around. So to my surprise there were a bunch of people I had to remove.

      The things they were saying he he he. Oh well, it is all fixed up now and so is YouTube!

      Glad you found the humor in this one, I wanted to stir up some fun!

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Sales Funnels In 2015My Profile

  49. Emi
    Twitter:
    January 20, 2015 at 12:03 am #

    Hi Donna,
    I really don’t like the “link droppers”
    they are just not educated spammers who have no idea
    how to behave on social media.
    They have never heard of attraction marketing and
    have no clue how bad they look.
    Sometimes I want to reach out and help them, and sometimes
    I ask myself do I really want to talk to this person…
    not the people I want to surround myself with.

    My wish for you is may the new 2015
    chase all those link droppers away from you 🙂

    Have a fantastic day,
    Emi
    Emi recently posted..“5 Successful principles” To Succeed In Your Business!My Profile

    • Donna Merrill January 20, 2015 at 12:23 pm #

      Hi Emi,

      Although I don’t meet many, they do exist and come around from time to time. Yes, I like the question you ask yourself – do you want to reach out and help them? –

      I like to explain to them if they are on my social media or try to get on my blog that what they are doing won’t reap rewards. I have a document set up on my desk top and all I have to do is cut and past to tell that person privately.

      Sometimes they are new…sometimes even worse, they are taught that way. But if I find they are new to marketing, I do like to let them know. If they persist, well..then I just have to block them.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Sales Funnels In 2015My Profile

  50. Harleena Singh
    Twitter:
    January 19, 2015 at 11:54 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    I am so glad you wrote about this issue, as so many of us face it 🙂

    It’s not just about leaving their affiliate or sales link, you find such link droppers leave weird links to old posts of theirs, sometimes to even like their pages or profiles! We have people leave their links in the comment section of course, many do that – but because I always moderate my comment – I remove those, unless it’s really related to the comment, when I remove the hyperlink and approve it otherwise.

    At other times, people tend to leave their link in the URL itself – when they comment, and feel it would be approved! Gosh! To what all extent link droppers can go – but yes, worst of the lot is when they leave their links on your social media profiles and you aren’t there to check it, unlike your blog comments (if moderated), and you come to your profiles and see all such links!

    Yes, I usually reply to the person so that they know, and once they react or response, I delete their link and block them if they persist. Usually it doesn’t happen much, as I share less and generally quote to avoid conversations because of lack of time actually. But when it does, that’s just how I deal with it.

    Thanks for sharing this with us. Have a nice week ahead 🙂
    Harleena Singh recently posted..What Does The World Need TodayMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill January 20, 2015 at 12:13 pm #

      Hi Harleena,

      I do the same thing as you when it comes to link droppers. We always have to moderate comments. I too remove them and if it is in some way related to the comment, I do remove the hyperlink and approve it.

      Oh yes indeed the worst of the lot is when they leave their links on your social media profiles!

      I do the same as you, telling that person about it and if they do persist they are blocked!

      You are dealing with it so well. And I know it doesn’t happen much, but when it does my question is do we tell that person or not? I have encountered this at times and I do want to tell them, but don’t have the time.

      My secret weapon: I have a note on a document about how this isn’t effective. All I have to do is copy and paste to that individual and I don’t have to take time out as much.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Sales Funnels In 2015My Profile

  51. Sylviane Nuccio
    Twitter:
    January 19, 2015 at 10:59 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    I think you’re right!

    Link droppers are like a virus, sometimes they disguise themselves at first and you’re not too sure who their are (that often happens on blog comments), but then you also have those that are so obvious that you have to wonder how smart they can be. Really!

    I don’t understand how people can even think that in 2015 online world you can do business that way anymore. When online business was still new, maybe, but now? No way!

    Maybe they haven’t hit their head against the wall long enough, but hopefully after a while of doing so they might learn. That’s my hope anyways 🙂
    Sylviane Nuccio recently posted..Why Wordiness Kills Your WritingMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill January 20, 2015 at 11:58 am #

      Hi Sylviane,

      Link Droppers are sometimes in disguise. This is why before I let anyone comment on my blog, I do go to theirs and see what they linked to. Even if it is a blog about selling something, if it is done correctly, I let them in. However, if they just go to a sales page with nothing of their own writing they cannot be let in.

      When it comes to Social Media, another disguise I find is a FB Message that says “Hi Donna, its been a while, would you like to chat” Hmmmm…..

      My secret response is “I would love to chat with you and tell you all about what I’m doing” That usually turns off someone who is going to “pitch: me.

      But when I’m on social media, and someone just keeps dropping links on a conversation…they are gone in my book!

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Sales Funnels In 2015My Profile

  52. Barbara Charles
    Twitter:
    January 19, 2015 at 10:30 pm #

    HI Donna,

    First of all, although this is a serious topic, the article is absolutely hysterical. Everyone feels the same way you feel. I know it absolutely pisses me off ‘this dropping links.’

    When someone does this on social media, like FB, I ignore it. When they send me messages, I kindly relay to them the definition of spam and that they shouldn’t do that because they don’t know me. They usually de-friend me or I de-friend them. I try not to get into arguments with them as that has happened at times as well. Now, I just send them on their way.

    I definitely feel the same as you do.

    As serious as the subject is, thank you for making me laugh.

    Great posts.
    Barbara
    Barbara Charles recently posted..Healthy Late Night SnacksMy Profile

    • WILLIAM O'TOOLE
      Twitter:
      January 20, 2015 at 7:38 am #

      Hey Donna.

      It’s been a while. I know exactly what you mean. I have a few groups I have set up over the years online and people seem all nice and happy then you approve them in and all of a sudden BAM! Links everywhere. It’s not really the best way to gain traction. Sure if you have a blog then blog lovin will link to the last post that’s what it does. That is an acceptable way to leave a trail back to your blog post but if you use methods that annoy people you are going to lose friends before you even get the chance to say HI!

      William
      WILLIAM O’TOOLE recently posted..What is Unlimited Profits all about?My Profile

      • Donna Merrill January 20, 2015 at 11:47 am #

        Hi William,

        It sure has been a while and I am happy to connect with you once again. It must be a big job for you to train these people how to market effectively.

        I know what you mean. I’ve seen so many people in different groups link drop, even though there are rules set up. Gosh…when will they ever take the time to learn?

        I guess it is one of those things that they have to fail to learn.

        -Donna
        Donna Merrill recently posted..Sales Funnels In 2015My Profile

    • Donna Merrill January 20, 2015 at 11:39 am #

      Hi Barbara,

      Sometimes I just have to lighten things up and I’m so glad you found the humor in this one lol.

      I too usually ignore it. Most of the time those Link Droppers end up in my spam box.

      If it is on social media, I just delete it. Sometimes I will go that extra mile and let that person know that what they are doing won’t work.

      But if they keep trying, well, I’ll just block them.

      I am so glad to know you got a good laugh out of this one. 🙂

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Sales Funnels In 2015My Profile

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