Steer clear of the dark side!

Linking Responsibly

How to avoid overly-promotional linking

Linking is one of the most important and empowering aspects of the internet. As online writers, linking allows us to provide beneficial, informative, and supplemental information to our readers easily and quickly. But linking is a little bit like the Force in Star Wars. It is a great power that can be tempting to misuse. Part of the problem is that the guidelines for avoiding the "Dark Side" of linking are not always clear. Overly-promotional linking isn't just a devious practice of spammers (the Storm Troopers of the internet, if you will). In fact, excellent Hubbers with good intentions often unknowingly engage in overly-promotional linking practices that can result in moderation (like Anakin Skywalker's tragic downfall). Here are a few simple guidelines for linking like a perfect Jedi and avoiding the temptation of the Dark Side:

• Put yourself in your reader's shoes. This is the most important good linking practice. If you landed on your Hub from a search engine, what additional information would you want provided? What information would you definitely not care about or want? It may be tempting to promote your personal blog or site, but always choose links for your reader rather than yourself.
• Be sure that all your links are directly related to your content. Never include unrelated or loosely-related links. A person reading your pizza crust recipe may also be interested in your pizza sauce recipe (since it is the next logical step in pizza preparation), but he/she will probably not be interested in your cupcake recipe while searching for information on how to make pizza.
• Include few links. Less is more. The more links you include in your Hubs, the more likely it is that those links will distract from rather than enhance your Hub's content.
• Don't post large blocks of links. Blocks of links look unattractive and tend to be overwhelming to your readers, rather than helpful.

May the Force be with you!

Christy Kirwan
Editor & Web Content Manager

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These links definitely aren't useful or helpful!

How to Decide if a Link is Beneficial to your Hub

So you've read the linking guidelines above and you're ready to become a link Jedi. Awesome! If you're thinking of including a link, try this simple Force meditation technique before making up your mind. Ask yourself these questions:

1. Am I linking for my reader's benefit or my own?
2. Is this link from a reputable source (not containing spam, spyware, scams, keyloggers, or other shady stuff)?
3. Does this link enhance my Hub?
4. Does this link provide helpful supplemental information or is it intended to draw the reader away from my Hub?

If you're confident that your link is valuable and helpful to your reader and that it enhances your Hub, then by all means, use the Force!

For more information on proper linking, check out the Learning Center:
http://hubpages.com/learningcenter/HubPages-Style-Guide-and-Helpful-Writing-Tips#txtd_23576288

This Week's Rising Stars

Below you'll find the latest   Rising Star winners. There was stiff competition this week in the Politics and Social Issues, Personal Finance, and Health Topics. The Rising Star competition is only for new writers during their first 60 days at HubPages, so the winners represent our brand new talent. Why not read their Hubs?

Don't forget to visit the Forum every Friday and read the Rising Star Nominees and Promising Topics thread to vote for your favorite Rising Star Hubs each week!

Christy Kirwan

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Lyndsay Gamber, From California, 9 Fans, 5 Hubs, Joined 2 months ago

Christy Kirwan Interviews Lyndsay Gamber

Insights from a Disneyland Veteran

You've only been a member of HubPages for about 2 months, but your Hubs demonstrate that you've picked up the format perfectly. Well done! What resource was the most helpful for you while learning to write Hubs?

Thank you! I have a degree in Graphic Design so I am familiar with formatting text. The most helpful resources that I use are the HubPages Templates and the Goals that are provided. I always try to get check-marks across the board and go beyond what is suggested.

You mention in your profile that you've been visiting Disneyland every year for over 13 years. What is it you find the most magical and compelling about the park? What keeps you coming back every year?

I have had an annual pass to Disneyland since I was in fourth grade! Throughout the years I have seen the park change so much. I remember Disneyland before Downtown Disney and California Adventure. It is really cool being in the park and seeing all the things that Walt Disney built and created that are still around today. It is also special seeing all the changes unfold; it is like watching history in the making. Everything about the park is magical! I love going back time and time again because there is always something new to experience.

Your profile also mentions that you take all your own photos for your Hubs. Is photography an important hobby in your life?

I love taking pictures and capturing moments! I have taken some photography classes and I love how expressive you can be with it! I take all my own pictures for my Hubs because I want everything to be original and from my point of view. I want my readers to experience what I see at the parks.

How did you find out about HubPages and what made you decide to start writing with us?

I found out about HubPages through a listing on Monster.com. I decided to start creating Hubs because I have always had an interest in writing. Although I had never written for a blog before, HubPages seemed like a fun opportunity!

When did you first take an interest in writing and what inspires you to continue?

I first had an interest in writing in the sixth grade. We had a creative writing assignment where we were given a picture and had to create a story around it. I have been hooked ever since. My biggest inspiration is reading. When I read well-written books it not only inspires me but pushes me to be better.

Do you have any advice for the HubPages Community?

My advice is to write about what you know and what interests you! Make your Hubs easy to read and don't underestimate the power of good pictures and videos.