Update on Profile Linking strategy: Google slapped?

I'm starting to believe that Google has slapped profile linking slightly.

I can't say this for sure but my experience and gut tells me this is what has happened.

However, I think Google needed to do this as they were passing a lot of PR in these links.

As always, Google in some ways is not as sophisticated as they may have you believe, so as you may find a drop in rakings on pages/sites that use the profile linking strategy, you will not have been penalised. Google will have simply reduced the strength of these links.

I'm about 75% certain and i'm willing to change some of ym off page strategy because of it but as always unless you're 100% gow ith your own experience and knowledge.

Regards

Matt

Do you have a proof to back your claims? I don't see this happening anytime soon as it's hard to distinguish profile links from others. Forum links still work and so does profile linking until further notice.

I can't prove it, but i know there's been a recent update from Google and i know they're very aware of the problem.

I noticed a drop in rankings from several websites i've used the links on recently and i can only attribute it to the profile links as it seems to only be happening to keywqords i've used them on.

As always, none of this can really be 100% proven. But following my guyt instinct and experience i believe they've had a little slap.

Sooner or later google will catch on. That's why it's best to diversify your linking strategy.