A Bully Finds a Pulpit on the Web

Interesting story on how search engine "flaws" (or limitations) reward bullying.<p>From the story, it seems like sites like GetSatisfaction, ComplaintsBoard etc. don't use nofollow on links in user-generated content. 'nofollow' should mitigate the SEO impact and I'm surprised that the sites aren't doing this.

Amusing: "Which gets to the real impediment to capitalism, Borker-style, and the reason it is unlikely to catch on: it is physically exhausting. Mr. Borker typically works from about 10 a.m. until 5 the next morning, spending much of that time feuding with unhappy customers. He describes this grueling regimen of confrontation with a heaviness that is enough to make you want to give him a hug.<p>“I’m sure this is taking a toll on my health,” he complains. “I probably won’t live as long as you.”"

"...He handles those transactions like a Boy Scout because Amazon doesn't mess around, he says - the company just kicks you off its site if you infuriate customers."<p>more evidence in the 'amazon knows what they are doing' file.

I predict however he finds his business to succeed currently will be utterly destroyed with this article.<p>You cannot possibly have your name published in association with fraud accusations and not expect knocks from government agencies.

That guy's like the opposite of Zappos' Tony Hsieh and his odds of a big exit for his company (or any long term profit after lawsuits, etc.) are also the opposite.

The reporter doesn't seem to understand that Google search is a search engine not some sort of recommendation engine - the results should only be influenced by <i>relevance</i> imv.

I read that with my jaw on the floor ... the whole time.<p>I really cannot bring myself to believe that this guy operates with such impunity. That being said, people really really need to learn to check out a merchant online before buying from them.

San Francisco meets Brooklyn: "[Get Satisfaction] wrote to me, ‘We’d like to talk to you; we should take a proactive approach.’" Mr. Borker sneers and rolls his eyes. "I sent him a photograph of this," he says, raising his middle finger.

I was Eric Schmidt, I would be delighted by this article because it's evidence that people no longer treat Google as a search engine that finds relevant webpages, but as an oracle that gives you the best advice and recommendations. And that is obviously more monetizable.<p>Unfortunately for us, the consumers, it can't actually deliver that service yet, anymore than city authorities can ensure the best retailers rent the best locations.

I think the funniest part is how he specializes in eyeglass wear. I don't know if there's anything to the sterotype of eyeglass wearers being more geeky or introverted (I wear glasses but I'm a small test group) - but it goes along perfectly with his role as the bully.

I only see one link per company on Get Satisfaction. You don't get more links per review.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again- Google needs to be laser focused on improving search result quality.<p>Not preview pages, not restaurant ratings, not autonomous cars.<p>Search result quality.

Where's Anonoymous when you need them?

The amount of work he put in to the 'transaction' described in the article hardly seems worth it.

Why is everyone, including NYT and HN doing exactly what that scumbag wants? This disgusts me.