http://disqus.com/people/d0755f6bb1522a3c82d5962147a75c20/enWed, 06 Feb 2008 14:15:25 -0000http://mathewingram.disqus.com/facebook_weeding_the_app_garden_53/#comment-129842I'd love to see them tackle the problem of all the applications that lure you in with some carrot on a stick, and then withhold their output until you send the application to 10, 20, or more friends. They bank on your friends giving you grief for not accepting their invitations, and the result is you turning into their own little marketing helper. My solution so far has just been a strict "no applications" policy. I want to recommend an application because it's a good one, not because I'm forced.TomWed, 06 Feb 2008 14:15:25 -0000http://mashable.disqus.com/thread_3828/#comment-5982725Aren't you talking about two separate issues here? I am under the impression that the Google hammer came down on sites that are selling links to influence search engine rankings. I agree with this whole-heartedly - you should not be able to directly buy devices that increase your natural search engine rankings. There should be no device that gives one site an edge over others who publish superior content. And if you do attempt this, you should be penalized.<br><br>Now, I agree with you that something needs to be done about the quality of the sites appearing under Google's sponsored results. However, they are clearly labeled "Sponsored Results" and they do not affect those sites' rankings.TomThu, 25 Oct 2007 06:08:36 -0000