BlackHatWorld
Internet forum From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
BlackHatWorld (BHW) is an Internet forum focused on black-hat search engine optimization (SEO) techniques and services.[1][2]
Type of site | Internet forum |
|---|---|
| Available in | English |
| Area served | Worldwide |
| URL | www |
| Advertising | Banner ads, promoted links |
Site services are varied, including cryptocurrency, social media marketing, graphic design, app development,[3] SEO,[1][2] and copywriting.[citation needed] Other site services include bulk account registration,[4] unconventional money-making methods, social media botting,[5] and developments in the SEO space.[5][6] It features a marketplace where companies and individuals can advertise their products. But only after BlackHatWorld employees have verified the success and dependability of the organization.[7] Damien Trevatt, also known online as Diamond Damien,[8] is known as the current owner of BlackHatWorld.[9][10]
History
The forum has existed since 2005.[11] When it began, the site was primarily a forum for discussing search engine optimization tips. By the time of a 2013 study by Afroz et al., the forum had become a “discussion and commerce hub”.[2] In 2015, the forum's two largest communities traded video uploading and blog generator tools. Communities consisted of a few core members and many peripheral members.[12] By 2016, BlackHatWorld was one of the largest public forums for the black hat underground community. Most users were located in India, Pakistan, or the US.[1]
Efforts by social media companies, such as 2018 crackdowns by YouTube[13] and Instagram,[14] have adversely affected sites such as BlackHatWorld.
Services
Users of BlackHatWorld are primarily English-speaking.[1][2] Search engine optimization is the most common service, with many users using BlackHatWorld offering services such as spamming blogs and forums with links.[1] Users must pay a fee to post in a public thread or download a file. Admins and moderators review products.[2] Some users allege that these moderators are corrupt.[10] Users’ reputation is tracked, and only reputable users can participate in more exclusive threads. Users who violate community norms can be banned or fined.[2] Skype is the most popular off-site communication method.[1] The platform does not only focus on black-hat marketing practices but also has sections dedicated to grey hat and white hat activities. There is also a dedicated "My Journey" section for the community to actively share their experiences and journey with internet marketing.[15]
References
External links
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