HP links directing them away from our articles.

1. 96

   Peggy Wposted 6 months ago

   Of late, I have noticed many instances when the editors link our articles to related content in the text capsules, if a person clicks on that link, instead of opening it to another page, it directs the reader AWAY from our article. This happens no matter where the locaton of the link is. It can be near the start of the article or further down.
   
   This current method of interlinking is a PROBLEM!  I know there is a way to open links to a separate page and let the reader continue with what they chose to read. This situation must be as frustrating for the readers as it is for us.
   
   Please, HP editors...take notice and correct this ASAP. Should we start deleting those links that direct traffic away from our pages?
   What are you HP authors doing about it?

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      Joshua Crowderposted 6 months agoin reply to this

      At the very least, it would be nice if the links opened into a new window by default. I've been directing people to links by saying find it here. I may start asking them open this link in a new window for reference.

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   2. 82

      Venkatachari Mposted 6 months agoin reply to this

      This is something new. I haven't noticed it could be done by the site owners. Is it on network sites?
      If they are doing like that  they should make it to be opened in a new tab by default.
      In Blogger sites we have the option to get links opened in a new tab. So, the readers can click those links only if interested and return back to their original article.

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   3. STAFF

      Angel Jenningsposted 6 months agoin reply to this

      Hi Peggy! Interlinks to the same site open on the page, while links to different sites and interlinks to other sites automatically inserted through our linking software open in a different tab. We appreciate the feedback and are actively considering all suggestions to enhance the platform.

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   4. STAFF

      Matt Wellsposted 6 months agoin reply to this

      Links to the same site open in the same tab. Links to different sites open in a new tab. It does not have any negative impact.

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2. 96

   PaulGoodman67posted 6 months ago

   I think the new linking strategy is driven largely by the Google algo changes and Google's EEAT approach. It means more links to pages that Google likes, both internal and external. HP have automated the process of adding links in many cases.

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3. 96

   Peggy Wposted 6 months ago

   I have started checking articles, and if an in-text link opens in a new window, I leave it alone.  If it directs one away from my article, I have started deleting them.  I see no other option.

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      Kenna McHughposted 6 months agoin reply to this

      Peggy, I do the same.

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4. 96

   Peggy Wposted 6 months ago

   Oh no!  I checked an article in which I deleted 4 links that directed people away from the page.  Today they are still there!  Even worse, when I go into edit form, they do not appear as links to be deleted. What can be done about this?

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   1. 95

      greenmindposted 6 months agoin reply to this

      Probably nothing! As Paul suggested, it's a calculated move by HP to cope with Google's constantly evolving algorithm. And since HP's bottom line is basically the same as its writers, it's probably in our best interest to simply put up with it.

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   2. STAFF

      Matt Wellsposted 6 months agoin reply to this

      When you edit your article it takes some time to update. The links you removed are not showing anymore.

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      1. 82

         Venkatachari Mposted 6 months agoin reply to this

         Luckily I didn't notice any links in my network site articles.
         
         But, one thing bothers me a little. Is it necessary to place an ad immediately after the first sentence of the article? I hope there are already so many ads at the top of your article and all through the midst, the sideways of it, and the bottom of the article.

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5. 96

   Peggy Wposted 6 months ago

   If Google is doing this, readers would have to quickly learn never to click on a link because they would never get to finish an article with the link directing them off the page.  It is no problem if the link opens a new window.  That should be the standard, not the exception.  I hope the HP editors answer this.  I have also emailed them about this problem.

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6. 91

   Jodahposted 6 months ago

   Another shocking change to make reading our articles here a chore.

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7. 83

   psycheskinnerposted 6 months ago

   It's not Google doing this, it is Hubpages. So reporting it to them is unlikely to have much effect.

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8. 96

   Peggy Wposted 6 months ago

   Thanks Matt.  Those 4 links to other sites are indeed gone.

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