We all know that things like PR(X) page links for sale, etc. are out there. Then there's always people who want to buy signature links or some other forms of forum advertisement (don't worry here, I already know Tim doesn't like this, but I'm just using it here for the sake of argument).

Even though we know that these forms aren't very effective forms of internet marketing, SEO, etc. There's still people out there who will pay you money to get these spots, even if they don't know any better, and you tell them it's not a good idea.

So, what do you guys think on making money off of these people? Would this really be considered taking advantage of them? What's everyone's opinion on these sorts of business dealings?

I don't remember if it was Heinlein or P.T. Barnum who said, "It is morally wrong to allow suckers to keep their money."

I think it's up to you and how you want to portray yourself as an individual/company.

Originally Posted by VirtuosiMedia

I think it's up to you and how you want to portray yourself as an individual/company.

What do you mean?

Are you saying if I were to choose to sell things like "PR4 Links", sig sales or whatever (Not saying I want to here, but), it might give me a bad reputation?

Basically how does it affect how I'm portrayed?

I would say doing business with suckers could definatley damage your reputation, to quote another saying: "How can you soar like an eagle when you work with turkeys"

Originally Posted by jamestl2

What do you mean?

Are you saying if I were to choose to sell things like "PR4 Links", sig sales or whatever (Not saying I want to here, but), it might give me a bad reputation?

Basically how does it affect how I'm portrayed?

It definitely affects how you're portrayed. It just depends on what kind of customers you want to have, I guess. If customers know better than to care about PR, etc., if you are also advertising other "legitimate" services, I think they'd be less likely to use you. They'll either, a) think you don't know what you're doing, b) think you are a scam artist and whatever you do is a scam, or c) both. The only customers you would get are the ones who don't know any better. Would you use a mechanic who charges for blinker fluid?

To each his own I'd say. There are things I won't do, but I won't hold it against someone else if they want to. I do think it does reflect on you. Everything you do or say goes can affect how people view you and see your brand. If you consistently sell sig links you'll get a reputation for it. You'll get more requests to purchase that space, but maybe less requests for something else.

Then again who's to say what works and who's taking advantage of who. I get a significant amount of traffic to my site each month through the links in my sig. It would stand to reason that someone purchasing the space would get similar traffic. Selling the space wouldn't necessarily be taking advantage of someone.

Though, before anyone asks, no I'm won't sell you space in my signature.