Fanlistings, good or bad?

Risk Google will penalize?

[anneli]

Although the mere topic of [snip] makes my skin crawl, I realized that for some niche 'stars' it might be a way to get more incoming links, if it's done by the official site.

But the problem is that there would be links back to all the fans with websites. So it works both ways.

My question is, is there a risk Google might penalize the star's website for this? It sort of resembles link farms, so I'm doubtful.

Most of the sites connected to that fanlisting thing are run by fans, and eh... the mere topic is icky...

But if it might be useful to some of my friends, so I might overcome the icky feelings. Eh, one of said friends has had trouble topping Google, even though his site is by far the most relevant.

Any comments?

[edited by: pageoneresults at 11:58 pm (utc) on April 17, 2004]
[edit reason] Removed URI Reference - Please refer to TOS [/edit]

[anneli]

So, any ideas if this might penalize or help the star's own site? Eh, the first post was edited, so I'll have to explain: The concept is that the fans will have links with small banners on their sites - pointing to the site with the list of fans (in this case the site of the star), in exchange for links from the main site in a table of names of fans. There will be more names in the list than links to fans.

[troels nybo nielsen]

It will be very important for those websites to have connections out of that ring. If they avoid looking like a "closed circuit" they ought to be allright.

[MrSpeed]

It sounds like the main site could end up with many outgoing links on the same page, dilutiong the PR benefit.

Even if your friends site is relevant has he done some basic optimization?

I have seen some fanlistings sites of celebs and the concept seems pretty lame. He should consider some link exchanges with other relevant sites such costars of the celeb or peer singers. There are also a few halfway decent smaller celeb directories out there.

[anneli]

Nope, no optimization. Strictly head in sand routine. New design might help, at least I hope so. Losing the flash will be a definite help. Thanks for the closed loop comment, it's worth thinking about.