Since it’s recent release we have been looking for ways how to stop side wiki spam.
So far we have come up with some code that makes each URL unique so that sidewiki doesn’t store comments for it and comments aren’t viewable. It’s simple to add the stop side wiki spam code to your web page and easy to remove if Google see sense and pull this ridiculous product.
Simply add the code below to the page you want to stop sidewiki working for and it will stop it:
<script type=”text/javascript” src=”http://www.sidewikispam.com/sidewikispam.js”></script>
We will make some tutorial videos for adding this to wordpress and html pages etc.. over next couple of days. Any problems just leave a comment.
Disclaimer: We hold no responsibility for any effects or consequences of using this script. We are releasing this free of charge and accept absolutely no liabilty or guarantees for its use. As yet the SEO implications of this script are unknown so we urge caution in using it if your main source of traffic is from natural listings.
#1 by Tim on October 5, 2009 - 6:38 am
I’m really glad you’ve figured out how to stop this crazy intrusion by google! You’re a potential lifesaver! Thanks!
#2 by Bud Gallant on October 11, 2009 - 5:06 pm
Sure, the last thing you’d want is users calling you out on lies or scams and you not being able to remove it.
#3 by Philip on October 12, 2009 - 2:23 pm
Perhaps you’d be more successful in your endeavours if you posted an “About” page.
Why should anyone trust some anonymous guy called admin?
As you can see in “Tims” comment, the scam artists are already ahead of the game.
#4 by Josh on October 28, 2009 - 3:08 am
This script is a good idea, but it might work better if you “cloak” the JavaScript so that it only appears to visitors with the Google toolbar installed. You could also have it popup a notice (maybe an infobar at the top of the webpage) that encourages the user to uninstall Google Toolbar.
(I believe Google Toolbar adds a useragent like GTB or GTB5.)
#5 by Jerry on December 10, 2009 - 8:02 pm
How does this script effect search engine placement? I think Sidewiki is very similar to Hacking… they take over a site without the owners permission and do things to it without permission. It should be illegal. I’m really hopeful that someone files suit against Google for this in order to get it stopped. In the meantime, we need solutions that stop sidewiki, but don’t hurt our business in the process.