How can I Show Topic Authority if...

1. 68

   ILoveLegosTooposted 8 years ago

   Here's the problem I ran into recently, I was providing a list of places to buy replacement parts for a particular toy (see my username).  In the list, I pointed to a shop I have on one of the sites, as an example, in order to show that I have some experience in the area I was writing about.  It was the only link in the article, however, the moderator decided that this link was unacceptable.  I don't get it.  As an article writer, I want to share information about things I have learned with others, and provide examples, and use the ones I've created.  Otherwise, it's just another piece of @#$% on the internet.

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   1. 83

      Solarasposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      They are very strict on the idea of not linking to a shop or other site where things are sold.  I had a similar experience where I linked to a unique item not available on Amazon.  It was unfeatured for that link, although it had made the leap to a niche site. I published it elsewhere to spite the editor and myself.

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      1. 100

         DrMark1961posted 8 years agoin reply to this

         I was thinking the same thing. If the OP is so angry about the link not being accepted, perhaps he would be better off starting his own blog/website just about Legos. He can share his info all he wants, and no one is going to come along and tell him no if he wants to link to a shop.

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         1. 87

            Marisa Wrightposted 8 years agoin reply to this

            I don't agree.   If the Hub refers to the item and the reader might want to buy it, it shouldn't be "illegal" to link to it.  It's relevant and useful.   
            
            I've had a similar problem with a Hub about real estate.   One of my major sources is a book written by an agent who feels passionately about cleaning up the industry.   He makes the book available as a FREE download on his website.  It's a reputable site, there's no redirects or other shenanigans, yet HubPages has twice snipped the link (and I've put it back twice!).  There's no other way to get the book, apart from walking into his office (not practical for most readers).  By snipping the link, HubPages is denying readers an extremely useful resource - and it sounds like the same applies in Solaras' case.

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            1. 100

               DrMark1961posted 8 years agoin reply to this

               Marisa, life is short. As you have pointed out so often, this site does not belong to you, nor me, nor to the OP. Instead of sitting around and developing an ulcer in anger at not being able to do what he wants, he is better off setting up his own specialist site.
               Read the last sentence in Solaras´ comment. And as Will points out, there is a lot of joy in spite. Maybe the OP will even feel better.

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               1. 87

                  Marisa Wrightposted 8 years agoin reply to this

                  I didn't read his post as really sngry, just a bit p***d  off, as I would be. Surely he's entitled to vent.

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            2. 89

               Sherry Hewinsposted 8 years agoin reply to this

               I guess they feel too overwhelmed to judge these things on a case-by-case basis. It does not always seem fair, but they put on filters that usually work.

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      2. 0

         Will Apseposted 8 years agoin reply to this

         lol. Spite is one of the joys of life.

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2. 68

   ILoveLegosTooposted 8 years ago

   Not angry.  Just annoyed.  I disagree with the linking policy as I believe there would be a lot more success with more outbound links that have been described in this post.  A lot of sharing opportunities are lost by not allowing these unique type of links.  I know when I share an article, it's usually because it has great content and a great link that is not easily found.

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   1. 87

      Marisa Wrightposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Unfortunately, HubPages has a history of being over-sensitive about things.   I liken it to the person who reads that too much coffee or salt or whatever is bad for you - and proceeds to eliminate every trace of it from their lives.  It's excessive, unnecessary and may even have some unforeseen consequences. 
      
      At one time, it was worth visiting these forums to make a reasoned case for why single links like this are useful and that the policy should be reconsidered:  staff were very active on the forums and open to ideas.  In the early days, many improvements were made to the site due to feedback from members.  That hasn't happened for years so all you can do is have a good moan, get it out of your system and move on!

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3. 70

   makingamarkposted 8 years ago

   The simple fact is Google has got nothing against links to other sites which are commercial - so long as the link is highly relevant and completely in context. If it adds value they are fine with it
   
   However HubPages interprets things differently - and that's why hubs run into problems.

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