There are many advantages to leave a comment in the blog, you can get a dofollow backlink, you can drive more traffic to your blog, you can also build your brand, but the requirement is that you have to follow the comment policy and leave genuine and relevant comment to the blog post. Leaving a bad comment on the blog can simply ruin your blog or website, as well as your reputation.
Nowadays, people used to leave comment to get a dofollow backlink, they outsource it or hire people to leave comment for them, they use auto commenting software to leave comment in relevant blog, all they want is just backlinks. I don’t see that they’re serious with their blog and don’t even want to build their brand.
Spammers used to be more clever in Year 2010 when they leave a comment that doesn’t look like spam comment, their comment is very tricky and you may think that’s a legitimate comment, so you may approve it if you don’t check it properly.
Beware Of Comment Spammer In 2010!
As usual, I moderated all the comments from first timer yesterday, I’ll first read the comment, then look at the avatar, then visit the commentator’s website, then only decide whether to approve or reject. I’ve received few ’spam’ comments from a commentator yesterday and a few ’spam’ comments from another commentator today.
Here is how the comment looked like :
1) Case #1
Spam Comment from Commentator X
VS
Legitimate Comment from Stefan
2) Case #2
Spam Comment from Commentator Y
VS
Legitimate Comment from Davor Gasparevic
Can you see that? Spammers used to copy comment from other commentators, if you don’t really read and check on the comment, I believe that you would probably approve the comment. There is no way to prevent this but you can avoid this by yourself, I believe that you read every comments left on your blog, when the spammer copies other commentator’s comment, I’m sure you’ll know that.
Nowadays spammer becomes clever and they do have an avatar too. I’ve never seen spam commentators left comment in this way before, it shows that spammers are improving themselves and they will make their ’spam’ comments looked great in Year 2010! So, beware of clever comment spammer!
Have you experienced similar case in your blog?
Terrence
Kathleen@Legitimate Work From Home Jobs
Dennis Edell
Mathew Day
Imonli
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{ 57 comments… read them below or add one }
Good catch Lee. I believe the current best method to check if it’s a valid comment is simply to check the commentators website. If it looks alright, I approve the comment. If not, I’ll delete it even though it might be valid.
Stefan´s last blog ..The Don’t Quit Poem
@Stefan,
Yeap, checking commentators’ website is the essential step to moderate comments, usually I’ll check on the About page to see who is the author, then I’ll come back and check other things.
You are so great Lee! Sometimes, the comment is so tricky. I can’t even to differentiate the spam comment. Thanks for your alert and sharing!
Kok Siong Chen´s last blog ..Angelman Syndrome – Angel-like Genetic Disorder
@Kok Siong,
Yeah sometimes I was headache when it comes to moderate comment, I spent quite some times to find out which was legitimate and which was spam comment.
So a new kind of comment spammers have made their entry. Thanks. I will keep a watch on them.
Agent Deepak´s last blog ..I Will NOT Comment on Your Blog
@Agent Deepak,
Their intention is to get the advantage of the dofollow backlink, so they will do anything to make the comment looks “real”.
I rather have no comments than have spammy comments.
Just press Mark as Spam at askme Plug-in, it’ll do the jobs
@alantanblog,
But the blog is really bad without comments. Both sides have the risk, just take some times to read and moderate comment.
Hem… it seems that almost all of dofollow blog in which i comment, use moderation strategy to block the spammers.
Dana @ Blogging Update´s last blog ..The Right Website Design Company Can Help Your Business
@Dana,
That’s the only way I guess. But I only moderate commentator who is first time leaving comment in my blog, after that their next comment will be displayed automatically. Of course, I’ll read on every comment as well, if the comment is too short and without any meaning, I’ll just click “Delete” without any notification since I’ve stated it in the Comment Policy.
This is an excellent followup to a situation I described where someone copied Jan Geronimo’s comment on ProBlogger exactly.
Funny thing about that was there seemed to be a real person and a real web site backing the comment, some kid in Indonesia IIRC.
I’ll email you the link to that if you like, Lee.
Dave Doolin | Website In A Weekend´s last blog ..Help Haiti Blog Challenge: I’m Yours… All Weekend
@Dave,
People who did this definitely was not serious to blogging or online business, they didn’t treat it as a real business and they just did it for fun.
That would be great if you could email me the link.
Thanks for including my name as an example
For your question, I still get old-school (lol) spam comments, 2 days ago a dude actually wrote a comment with more letters and words than my blog post, which was quite long itself (700-800 words roughly), and it was full of pharmacy, viagra and other stuff of links (to make you d***k longer hehehehe).
But this is actually a good practical post. I mean spammers clearly realize that old tactics don’t work any more, so they actually try to look legit.
If I would ever be about to copy someone’s comment heh, I would at least change something, add a few synonyms or something. However, I still prefer to have 5-10 approved and original comments instead of blasting 2-3 thousand spam comments with only a handful of them getting approved.
I think it’s worth the time to show that you are a genuine visitor with an honest intentions.
This type of spamming is clever, but not enough if you keep track of all the comments.
Davor Gasparevic @ Internet marketing ebooks´s last blog ..The Internet Marketing Dictionary
@Davor,
In my point of view, rarely commentator will leave a comment as long as 700-800 words unless they are really good and have a lot of experienced on the subject, otherwise most of them are spam. Usually they’ll include a link in the comment as well. Normally they don’t success to get me approved the comment as I’m strict in moderating comment, especially comment with outgoing link.
Anyway, it’s a good practice to read and moderate every comments.
In your practice yes, but I just said what happened to me. I was so stunned that I even checked how many words it had with MS Word. I don’t remember exactly now, but it was well over 1000. It took me 6 or 7 times to make a full scroll with my mouse wheel to come to an end of comment.
And not only it had one outgoing link, it had dozens.
I know it sounds unrealistic and odd, but it just happened to me, I am not lying
.
Now I even regret rejecting it, I should probably approve it and show how far some people can go.
Hell, now when I look at that, I could make a whole post about it. It would certainly be something amusing and interesting.
Davor Gasparevic @ Internet marketing ebooks´s last blog ..The Internet Marketing Dictionary
Very Enlightening Lee.
I’m sure there is a plugin to prevent duplicate comment. I’d check the WP plugins database.
Meanwhile, it might be overwhelming to read every comment posted especially if you have a large readership and more than 1 blog. So how do you do it?
I know you meet both criteria. Are you a full time blogger now?
Got your email
Olusegun´s last blog ..Blogging 2010
@Olusegun,
I’m not sure whether there is a plugin to prevent duplicate comment, but I used to read and moderate every comments left on this blog. I do have few blogs, but only this blog have a large readership and comment, so I’m still able to do that.
No, I’m a part time blogger.
i agree. i got too many comment in one day. Not only at one blog. But at all my blog network..huh..
titan´s last blog ..New Target: Damak
I think, it’s more like a human based spam rather than bot based spam that can be done with any spamming software(like xrumer).
It’s all being done all because you have made the blog dofollow recently. So, some lazy commentators are just copying some/full part of some previously made comments on that post and publishing it again. They are doing so because there is a probability that most of the admin will count it as genuine comment.
By they way, it’s great you brought that hting out. Now those commentators who previously using this spam tactic will be more aware and will try some new trick ;0
(One of the future trick I am seeing that they can use is that, they will copy multiple comments rather than a single comment and will paste it as one commment with their website link for backlink)
Typhoon´s last blog ..Why Should You Blog Regularly?
@Typhoon,
That’s not impossible to see spammers copy multiple comments in one comment, but if you read and moderate every comments posted on your blog, I’m sure you’ll know the spammer copies from your previous comments. It takes you more time, but no cure we have to face it. That’s on of the disadvantages of making our blog a dofollow blog, but I don’t care, I’ll do the work and spammers’ comments won’t be successfully appeared in my blog.
Whenever there is a new black-hat’s tricks come out, sure there will be some software/solution created to overcome the problem…
Let’s see if anyone will develope ‘Copyscape’ alike application for blog’s comments…
Siau Hen´s last blog ..Known Issue For HP Elitebook 6930P Laptop – White Horizontal Stripe On The Bottom of LCD Screen
@Siau Hen,
I’m waiting for the software, that would help us to prevent spammers.
Commenting is a way to communicate with the readers but I feel very sad that this method had been misused for profit purposes.
I hate spammers. That’s it.
BloggerDaily´s last blog ..Becoming A Subscriber: 3 Things That You Have to Keep in Mind
@BloggerDaily,
Yea, no one likes spammers!
I’ve received a few comments like this.
My concern is that rather than just spamming my comments the person may also assume I’ll check their link and I’ll end up with a virus.
I tend to just delete comments if they look suspicious.
Running a blog is becoming more complicated all the time.
@Glen,
That’s too bad to hear that you ended up dealing with a virus while checking their links. I used to read the comment and visit their link to double check whether the commentator is a human or a bot, so checking their About page to see who is the author and close the case.
Another spam comment that doesn’t look spam are those that is coming from comment postin software.
Some of the spam comment that I receive are really good that you will not think of it as spam.
Sample:
This is my first time on your blog. I like how you tackle the article. I will be reading more of your great post.
Paul@Diabetis´s last blog ..Return of Stem Cell Regeneration gives hope to Diabetics
@Paul,
Whenever I saw any lookalike your sample comment, I’ll just click “Spam”. That’s definitely a comment from spammer, I’ve received tons of them. I didn’t even want to waste my time to check further, click “spam” will do.
I totally agree with you. You should always approve only those comments which can add some value to the discussion.
Every day i am getting 10 to 15 spam comments and all those comments are submitted through softwares.
But thanks to akismt plugin.
Tech Maish´s last blog ..20 Most Popular Ways to Promot Your Blog
@Tech Maish,
Akismet is a good plugin to filter spam, but sometimes it couldn’t be able to filter some of them. So you have to do your job to moderate them intelligently as well.
Lee,
Glad you point that out about comment spammers. Some people might just hit the accept button on all comments without looking through it. As long as you moderate the comments, I think you will do fine Lee.
-Kai
Kai@SEO Company´s last blog ..Keywords That Sell
@Kai,
Yea, but that’s not my style. I used to read and moderate every comments left on this blog, I don’t allow anyone does something that would harm my blog.
Hmm, copying comments, that’s indeed some clever spam :S
Akismet probably diesn’t filter out duplicates yet?
Freakenstein´s last blog ..Dead Set – wanneer Big Brother misgaat
@Freakenstein,
I’ve not heard about Akismet will filter duplicates comment. When the community talks about this issue, I’m sure Akismet will upgrade their plugin. Let’s wait for the day…
Brilliant advice, Lee. Thanks.
I do use the WordPress plugin Spam Free and it helps reduce my spam but what you are highlighting make not be captured by the plugin.
Thanks again.
Andrew
Andrew @ Blogging Guide´s last blog ..What is your plan B?
@Andrew,
I believe that Akismet does a really good job in filtering spam comment, but it doesn’t has the ability to filter duplicate comment yet. I hope someone would develop a wordpress plugin to filter duplicate comment in some days later.
You’ve definitely found the latest/greatest spammer attempt; even I’ve approved a few just to go back and delete late once I realized what happened.
This is also another good reason to continually comment on the same blogs. Once you’ve built a relationship with the blogger, it is easier for him/her to pick the spammer from two identical comments.
Dennis Edell´s last blog ..Blog Move Is Immanent! I’m Looking For Launch Partners…
@Dennis,
You’re right. That’s why we have to build relationship with bloggers, when they find two similar comments, first they won’t suspect that you’re the spammer.
I’ve seen a few blogs experienced the same case as well, spammers won’t be successfully to be here in blogosphere.
That’s actually what makes it so annoying, for me anyway. I know they won’t be around long, but I still have to clean their crap while they are. Ugh.
Dennis Edell´s last blog ..Blog Move Is Imminent ! I’m Looking For Launch Partners…
Comment spammers also generally only write one or two sentences, which usually have odd syntax and grammar. Since legitimate commentators are usually (1) trying to add helpful discourse to the post topic; and (2) trying to build a positive online reputation, normal commentators will commonly require more than one sentence and clean sentence structure to meet these requirements. From a blogger’s perspective, I’d also add, that although its difficult to exactly pin down the elements of a proper comments, its relatively easy to “know them when you see them.”
Will@laser hair removal´s last blog ..Speculating about Tiger Woods’s Groomed Chest: Chest Hair Removal for Men
@Will,
I agree with you Will. Legitimate commentators are usually loyal readers who always stick to the blog, most of them do leave great comment or contribute ideas. However, even comments from loyal readers, I’ll still reject and remove it if the comment is obviously and purposely left for the purpose to increase comment and to be in the Top Commentator list.
Well said Will!
You know how these guys spam? Infact, I did this once.. eeks! It’s a truth but these are done with huge bot softwares that spams like 100 blogs or forums per second..
Usually they are coded with .net and scrapes url’s depending on the keyword… Smart work and indeed this works for getting backlinks! Spammers rule..lol
But, I am always an strong follower of natural links for the time being
Bangaloreloka´s last blog ..Writing Articles Quickly. Lot of Articles – Super tips! MUST READ.
Stay clean, bro!
The dark side is just dark, you know…you just can’t see!
Shawn K.@Extraordinary Thoughts´s last blog ..Adsense and AJAX: A Solution
The other way I have found to filter through comment spam is to look at the IP address. I was continually getting positive comments on articles from different “names”. This was happening daily and finally I realized that these same types of comments were coming from the same IP address. It even got to the point that they were leaving the same exact comment.
James@simplydroid.com´s last blog ..Bartender Android App Review
Thanks for the warning Lee. I have noticed a lot of spammers copying my comments on other blogs. It is a bit annoying to see people abusing the system while using your own words.
In the past I also made the mistake of paying someone to do blog commenting for me. That person did such a bad job that they created future problems for me with the various comment spam filters. I would never make that same mistake again.
Yeap ,I always leave comment from my own opinion. Good point out, leave a honest and suggestion comment is better to do like : great post, good job. After reading this post, i will carefully to do with comment spammer future.
Nice catch bro, as time goes on some of these comment spam plugins are going to need to step up their game because the tactics are getting nasty.
Extreme John´s last blog ..Everyone Knows Me?
Copied comments are harder to catch than the nice comments that just make no sense or are a list of links. At least (for me) the copied comments are almost always on the same post.
I don’t get much of that but I get a lot of nonsense comments that “seem” to match my post title but since my post title has (usually) nothing to do with my post it’s normally easy to catch. LOL
Dwippy´s last blog ..Comment Surfing
Ugh, that’s a nasty tactic!
I was reading and kept thinking “what’s the difference”, until the end.
I’ve never ran across those myself…usually my spam has at least one link in the text itself.
You could also prevent this using PHP/MySQL to check for duplicates, but then again that could lead to some nasty server loads.
Shawn K.@Extraordinary Thoughts´s last blog ..Adsense and AJAX: A Solution
Thanks 4 this information. Do you think my comment is a spam or not? hehehe…To prevent spammer like that firstly you must alert. you must band someone that give spam comment to visit your blog/site. I hate someone who used others person comment and past it to my blog. Always beware to those spammer out their.
kuzi´s last blog ..Oxygen Concentrators Have Come a Long Way
Comment like these are not easy to spot if you are somewhat new into blogging like me. I was introduced to this type of comment spam by agent deepak and I was really amazed to see that how people are just copy pasting comments frm on e blog to another.
Sushant @ Techooze´s last blog ..Techooze is Now Dofollow Blog With Commentluv
that’s certainly one of the reasons Why I chose not to Follow comment links on my blog.. to simply avoid linking to “bad neighbors”..
nweis.. thank you for the tips lee.
elie palima@Make Money Online With a Teenage Dad´s last blog ..How to Register a Domain name | Make a Website Coaching videos Step 1
Wow. I have never seen spammers use susch a metod before. It’s really clever, and really annoying. At least if you have a big blog with let’s say 50-100 comments per post. The comment will most probably be approved if you don’t check up on it.
My posts gets a low amount of comments, so I take my time and do as you do. Read the comment. Check the name, visit the site and then approve or reject.
VikingBlogger´s last blog ..How To Optimize Your Wordpress Blog For iPhone, Android And Other Mobil Phones With WPtouch
It’s just a matter of incorporating the time into your schedule like anything else.
I do get 50-100 on most posts and check everyone.
Dennis Edell´s last blog ..Here We Go! Theme Construction Part 1 – Your Participation Is Wanted-Needed!
@VikingBlogger,
I used to read and moderate each first time commentator, and I read every comment left on this blog too, so I’ll know if the comment is copied from the exist comment. So we have to really take some times to read every comment on our blog. Also, I deleted a lot comments that sounded spam. I hate spammers because they waste our time.
What i find really cheeky is the fact that these spammers even take the time to enter the spam captcha code protecting your comment box.
But you have to give it to the sods. They are a determined bunch lol.
I really doubt someone pulling this off on my blog and getting away with it. I don’t get much comments on my blog so I’m very much aware of what comments has been submitted before.
P.S: My blog post on Keyword Luv might have some of those but that was before I learned the ways of spammers