Some of you may already know that I used to run a site for writers called Inkspot. It was one of the first writers’ sites on the Web, and you can read about what happened on the Inkspot Epilogue page.
Many sites still link to Inkspot.com, unfortunately. Which is probably why Xlibris sold (or gave) the Inkspot.com domain to Writing.com some years ago. The latter appears to be using the domain as a traffic funnel; anyone trying to reach any of the pages on my old site for writers is now being pushed to Writing.com, with no mention of the redirect; many users probably assume they’re visiting a new incarnation of Inkspot.
Before I started Inkspot, I used to host some author Web sites. One of these was Charles Ghigna, a wonderful poet and author. Unfortunately some sites still link to HIS old Inkspot URL, and these links now take people to Writing.com. 
The correct URL for his site, by the way, is http://www.charlesghigna.com/.
Anyway, here’s my plea.
If you have a link to Inkspot, PLEASE DELETE IT.
If you notice someone linking to the old Inkspot site, PLEASE LET THEM KNOW IT NO LONGER EXISTS and that the URL is actually being re-routed to another site, or point them to this post.
Right now, so many sites are still linking to the old URL that Google still gives anything@inkspot.com a higher position in rankings than it should. I’ve been gradually contacting sites myself, but there are so many.
Many thanks.
6 responses so far ↓
Sal // Sep 27, 2007 at 12:46 am
Done, Miss Debbie.
Been a while, hasn’t it?
A long while. If someone =still= links to inkspot.com ’tis proof positive their list of links is woefully out-of-date.
Inkygirl // Sep 27, 2007 at 7:30 am
Thanks, Sal.
And yes, I agree about the outdated links!
Trevor Owen // Sep 27, 2007 at 10:22 am
Thank you, Debbie. It turns out that the link was from a page we no longer use, so your note prompted me to delete it, which I have now done.
And, while I have you, I will offer a quick update myself and report that Writers In Electronic Residence will celebrate its 20th. anniversay in 2007-8. News and updates at our web site, so please drop by.
Also, WIER has opened a Facebook group for alumni, friends and supporters. Those interested may find us under Wired Writers.
Again, many thanks.
Sal // Sep 27, 2007 at 11:48 am
Dropped a note in both misc.writing and misc.writing.moderated as well.
Cheers.
Nate // Sep 27, 2007 at 5:00 pm
I’ve been e-mailing a lot of writing links sites lately to add my site for young writers so I’ll include your plea along with my own.
I had no idea you used to run inkspot. I was really sad to see that site go; I don’t think another writing site of similar quality has come close since.
Inkygirl // Sep 27, 2007 at 8:37 pm
Thanks so much, Nate.
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