Forum Moderators: Robert Charlton & goodroi
<no email quotes, please - TOS #9 [webmasterworld.com]>
What I am interested in knowing is how this can happen without direct intervention because I have done nothing to cause this like he is claiming.
Background is this: I use xoops as a cms and the issue is with a link to his site in the standard, unmodified php partners module apparantly. It's on a simple shared host now, at one time I had a dedicated server and links were in demand, was a PR7 for awhile and #5 in my top google keyword - but it has not been updated with content for over a year and has laid pretty much untouched as I've moved onto other things.
Prior to mothballing the site on a shared server I graciously gave a link to the above emailer for a new site he was starting up as I did many new sites, I didn't mind advertising for my so called competitors as I didn't have ads or make any money from my site, it was a pure writing exercise.
I understand there is a 302 bug problem after looking it up and that it is sometimes used with bad intentions, but to be accused of this over a bug in googles software and to have 'experts' telling him that it's a deliberate hijack makes me concerned because I did nothing to cause it, yet it seems to be some kind of consensus among unnamed 'SEO experts' that it's deliberate.
To make matters worse the same person tried to spoof my email address and reset the password to my cpanel tonight through my host, so I am first seeking an expanation I can give as to why this could happen without my direct intervantion which would be helpful. I really don't feel like recreating old work he might destroy if he finds a way in, and don't feel that his threats of having me imminently delisted from Google, if even true, are punishing me based on the words of a crackpot and I'd like to defend myself if there is a way to do so, but so far nobody from google has tried to contact me about anything.
Any advice?
[edited by: tedster at 6:18 pm (utc) on Jan. 7, 2006]
[edit reason] remove email quote [/edit]
If you were linking to him, that was either you linking to him (at his request) or a mutual exchange. So he had to approve or ask for something.
You're using an off the shelf CMS - many of which use 301 or 302 to track and redirect links.
That same person tries to spoof your email and hack your website.
Keep all your records of email exchanges. Back up your website in case he does hack it. Notify your host that you're having this problem - maybe they can help make sure your passwords are secure.
I would avoid emailing that person at all, they will go away. I got one of those angry emails too - threatening me if I didn't remove my link to them (which they asked for...). I did with a kind note back saying "please remove all links to my website."
To me, it seems you've got a better case against them for trying to hack your site then they do against you (they really have none). There really is no case here, it would be nearly impossible to prove harm (unless Google reveals the algo) and then they'd have to prove that you did this intentionally too. It would never happen. Don't sweat it. Let him vent and go away.
I did remove the link immediately of course, as well as my cache, as soon as I figured out what he was trying to say. I am not into taking anything earned away from him or anyone, and on top of that he provides a service to other webmasters in my web community and I wouldn't want them to be hurt in any way either. I removed everything when I first deciphered the problem from the email, despite the threats and names.
But not only did he try to break into my site, he apparantly has been badmouthing me heavily amongst the community of writers and webmasters we are both a part of, accusing me of deliberately stealing traffic from him as though I was a criminal. Being that I may need that community to launch a new site I have in my mind in the future, I am looking for something solid I can counter his accusations with to them. Whether he is right or wrong matters little in reality, it's the accusation that sticks these days and you are essentially guilty until you prove innocent.
I was just hoping for something more about the issue or at least background links that I can show how it can be unintentional too, it seems he has presented the issue as one that can only be done with a clever and intentional 'hijack' as he put it. I just want to clear my name amongst my peers.
Google did not verify any hijacking. Do you think Google would really do that? Google would never say anything about your intentions as they don't know what they are. There will be no trial and SEO experts testifying against you. Your community probably knows what a nut-job this guy is.
You have removed the link. Keep all communications from him, don't respond to any. You will not make progress (nor should you try) in trying to convince an irrational person with criminal intent. Build your website, move on and be happy.
Hijacks CAN and DO occur, whether intentional or not.
You need to find out whether this one is real or not. If your site IS doing this, then you do need to get it fixed - because badmouth will be sending many more people with complaints your way very soon.
