AOL busted for "spamming" Digg?
AOL has now been publicly called out for gaming on Digg (some people use the term "spamming", but that's not quite it). In case you haven't read the past post, we think Weblogs Inc (part of AOL) post their own stories on Digg, then dozens of other staffers Digg their stories. While this cannot be 100% confirmed, it certainly looks to be the case.
Ironically, the company's CEO Jason Calacanis has rules against this exact tactic on Netscape (which is his rip-off of Digg).
There was a big discussion in this thread:
http://digg.com/design/BMW_unveils_2007_MINI_tons_of_pics
The story has also been covered here:
http://valleywag.com/tech/google/loose-wires-ted-leonsis-is-happier-than-you-193519.php
http://www.problogger.net/archives/2006/08/16/speedlinking-16-august-2006/
Now, we have more potential evidence. We've located what appears to be at least 25 WIN blogger accounts. Digger 'netscapeblows' decided to conduct an experiment and add the the bloggers to his Friends list. On one story, all 14 Diggs were by apparent WIN staff.
Could this be a coincidence? Maybe if it happened just twice. But we've seen this pattern over and over again. And if all these people are "just friends," why are 90%+ of their submissions (not dugg posts -- submissions) all from the same network?
Something is fishy.
See that screen grab, plus the complete list so far below:

Ironically, the company's CEO Jason Calacanis has rules against this exact tactic on Netscape (which is his rip-off of Digg).
There was a big discussion in this thread:
http://digg.com/design/BMW_unveils_2007_MINI_tons_of_pics
The story has also been covered here:
http://valleywag.com/tech/google/loose-wires-ted-leonsis-is-happier-than-you-193519.php
http://www.problogger.net/archives/2006/08/16/speedlinking-16-august-2006/
Now, we have more potential evidence. We've located what appears to be at least 25 WIN blogger accounts. Digger 'netscapeblows' decided to conduct an experiment and add the the bloggers to his Friends list. On one story, all 14 Diggs were by apparent WIN staff.
Could this be a coincidence? Maybe if it happened just twice. But we've seen this pattern over and over again. And if all these people are "just friends," why are 90%+ of their submissions (not dugg posts -- submissions) all from the same network?
Something is fishy.
See that screen grab, plus the complete list so far below:


14 Comments:
im abit confused, all i see is screenshots, mind adding some more info on what i have to look for?
look at their last diggs, there is some commonalities, and those are only in the last 3 diggs.
Wow! A blog called Diggforlife.
How sad can one person's life really be?
The funny thing is, these screenshots prove absolutely NOTHING. If they all had the same exact lsat 3 dugg, then maybe. But this is nothing but pure coincidence. Seriously...don't quit your day job of mopping up bus station rest rooms to become an investigator. Becuase you are laughably bad at it.
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
webreakdigg strikes again!!!
"Ironically, the company's CEO Jason Calacanis has rules against this exact tactic on Netscape (which is his rip-off of Digg)."
In that case, Henry Ford ripped off Karl Benz. How dare AOL recognize a good idea and a growing trend and implement it!!!!
"Ironically, the company's CEO Jason Calacanis has rules against this exact tactic on Netscape (which is his rip-off of Digg)."
In that case, Henry Ford ripped off Karl Benz. How dare AOL recognize a good idea and a growing trend and implement it!!!!
News flash!
Digg users tell their friends to digg their own stories!
As long as they are not forced to Digg their friends stories it is a none issue.
Very nice! I like it. make your own puzzles
Go see a set of links from Wired, Slashdot, Problogger and even Wikipedia on why you don't have to look beyond Digg's own boundaries to find rampant Digg corruption.
Is this for real??
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