Monday June 30 2008
Posted By: Since some time ago I kept seeing this “U Comment I Follow” badges on a lot of blogs, so I was curious and started to digging some information about this.
Almost all blog platforms by default are set up so that a “dead end” piece of code is inserted wherever there is a link in a comment, so that search engines will not “count” the link as they are crawling the internet. This was originally designed to help stop comment spam, but it doesn’t work. What it does is remove some of the incentive for your readers contribute to your site by commenting on your posts.
What can you do about it? Turn off “nofollow”. Show your commenters that you appreciate them. Spread the link love.
After reading this I decided to turn off “nofollow” with this plugin called: Do Follow. Do you wish to join this movement? Just download and install the plugin and use one of the badges.
Randa Clay has created some “I Follow” logos which people can use to let the visitors see that they DO Follow.
For a long time I’ve used his logo but today I decided to make my own unique badge and make one which matches with everything else on this site. So I started Adobe Illustrator and after spending some time on it, this is what I came up with, do you like it?! 
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Category: WordPress | 
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There are 20 comment(s) for this article so far ;)
Nice badges…!!
It’s funny how you mention this as I spent part of yesterday and some of saturday just casually looking around for a do follow comment plugin..
I was thinking about doing adding that into my blog. I think it gives more incentive for people to leave comments.
tazdogs last blog post..Weekend Wrap-up - Last one in June
Nice matching badge. I have been using dofollow on my blog but have yet to add a badge because I have yet to find one that is matching. I guess the better method would be just create one. Duh!
2 Tazdog:
If you only had asked me then I would probably spare you some time just by telling which plugin I use! :p
Thnx..
Jep, I have said it in my comment guidelines: “I encourage comments on this blog and really appreciate people taking the time to add a comment. I use dofollow and CommentLuv so there is more incentive to leave comments.”
2 Stephan Miller:
Thnx. Yeah if you can’t find a badge which matches your site, creating it your self is the solution.
Off course you’re free to use mine if you would like too..
I was using the tag without even knowing it. One of the member in Entrecard informed me about it and I removed it from my blog.
Reenas last blog post..Blogging in Phase by Phase
I don’t have the fancy tag on my site but I am using the plug in.
I think I will have to give this plugin a try. I use comment luv now, but do not seem to be getting anymore comments than before. Nice badge.
I have often considered going this route but I have been concerned about the amount of spam comments going up. I suppose I should just do it, it can always be undone if the spam does get out of hand.
I would like to ask if I could use your great logo as well. The colors will match my site perfectly.
sailors last blog post..Arte y Pico Award
2 Reena:
Like I said in the post: “Show your commenters that you appreciate them!”
It’s a good that you have removed it.
2 Ben:
You’re using the plugin so that’s fair enough, right? 
It’s not a obligation to use the tag..
2 Asithi:
Thnx!
When using the plugin it doesn’t necessarily means that you’ll get more visitors and comments, but it’s just to encourage people to leave comment.. If you have good posts people will comment on that post, it’s just a matter of time I think.
2 Sailor:
I moderate comments so if there are any spam comments, I’ll delete it. So don’t you worry about that, give it a try and if you don’t like it or if the spam does get out of hand.. then you can simply un-install the plugin.
Sure, I would love to see my logo on different blogs. When I have time I might even make some in different colors. So go ahead and use it!
OK I added in the plug-in last night.
Bio.. Did you get my email I sent?
tazdogs last blog post..Distant Clouds
Thanks for allowing me to use your graphic. I am experiencing FTP problems right now but I will replace my crummy graphic with yours as soon as I can.
sailors last blog post..Just where are we with regards to standards?
2 Tazdog:
Cool…
Jep, I got your e-mail. Check your Inbox for the answer!
2 Sailor:
Sure you’re allowed to use it. I’m very exited to see this badge on your blog!
Hi,
I saw your logo on Sailors site and he was kind enough to let me now where he got it from. I just wanted to check it is ok with you to use this excellent logo on my site. Nice work!
Jim
Jim Seftons last blog post..You Comment, I Follow (what does it mean?)
Hello Jim. Sure, No problem. Feel free to use it!
nice dofollow design !
seomans last blog post..Microsoft Testing Self-Serve Publisher Advertising Product
Thnx Seoman! If you want too, you are free to use it!
I found your page searching a “I follow” image, but your idea to make your own is better!
It’s just a little work. My problem is for my french blog, if I translate “I follow” nobody will understand what it means!
Davids last blog post..Microsoft buys Ciao
Thnx for visting & leaving a comment David!
Making you’re own is indeed much better and translating “I Follow” would be a good idea if you would have a French website. If not just use “I Follow”. It’s clear for everybody, right?!
Hello! simply super resource
Wow, nice design, it looks better than the button they give you. Nice work!
Albert´s last blog post..How to increase your Google PR [Digg]
Thnx a lot Enfogendeld!
Thank you Albert. Off course you’re welcome to use the button too!