Something smells very fishy about this LinkyLoveArmy idea, though I can’t yet put my finger on it (thanks to NyQuil…). This program is coming from Brett Bumeter of performancing.com.
The LinkyLoveArmy (LLA) is not only a crummy name but it sure seems like yet another system mostly out to game PageRank etc.
Just a few thoughts - I will have to think some more about this tomorrow:
There is a lot of military lingo in their material (combat support, wedge bloggers, marines etc.).
Something tells me this program is about at the level of PayPerPost and probably aimed at the same type of clientèle. The term LinkyLove comes out of the PayPerPost milieu, too, where PPP bloggers add each other to each other’s blogrolls to artificially enhance their PageRank.
There is also a certain “us vs. them” theme that pervades most of the thinking at LLA (lots of talk about collective, army etc.).
Update: Brett left a comment here explaining the idea in some more detail.
Technorati Tags: linkylovearmy, linkylove.payperpost
Thanks for the critique. I do understand your doubts and concerns. They are well founded as these programs have historically gone.
First, I’m not trying to win over the hearts and minds of people, you either will go for the idea or you won’t.
Second, most of the concepts came out of things that were lacking or possibly failing in other companies that help bloggers earn just a few bucks. This is building on the premise that bloggers can have more collective voice and influence working together with out having to give up their individuality (very tough goal but we are going to try!)
Third, I like the name, but I recognize it won’t be for everyone. It definitely doesn’t have that Web 2.0 insightful buzz about it nor does it have that Web 1.0 ridiculously techno ring. It does hint at the power of collaboration among bloggers and a way to share the love, which leads to four.
Four, I was in the Army in the early 90’s. I am definitely more of the variety than I was gung ho, but I was uniquely very effective at learning and getting things done. Just like Jan Michael Vincent in the movie was weirdly able to meditate his way through boot camp. Basically, the military lingo has to benefits. One it points out that we can work collaboratively towards a common goal and it can be a fun theme like Halloween in Savannah that aspect of the business model is basically a costume party.
But don’t let the window dressing fool you, we are hoping to help bloggers become more effective. Our business will flat out fail if bloggers don’t improve, write better, and learn how to run their blogs more effectively.
If the blogosphere improves, we will be wildly successful. If it degenerates, this may be the last post you read on the subject, in which case it won’t matter much to either of us. I’m hoping and betting on the ability of bloggers to do better and I’m putting my money where my mouth is!
ps sorry about the a tag
I’d edit it if I could . . .