Sue Scheff: Readers View – Fantastic Review of Google Bomb Book
by Sue Scheff on Jan 18, 2010
Google Bomb: The Untold Story of the $11.3M Verdict That Changed the Way We Use the Internet
John W. Dozier Jr. and Sue Scheff
Health Communications, Inc. (2009)
ISBN 9780757314155
Reviewed by Irene Watson for Reader Views (01/10)
First of all, I have to say “Google Bomb” may be the most important book anyone that has Internet presence should read. Owning a number of online businesses myself, I was eager to read this book because I wanted to know more about Sue Scheff’s experience and the successful outcome of a lawsuit. Her case was the first in Internet defamation and landed her $11.3M. But, there was so much more I learned than her story.
Written by Sue Scheff herself, as well as John W. Dozier Jr., a Internet law attorney, “Google Bomb” not only tells of Scheff’s experience with defamation by nasty people but also the emotional trauma she went through. For a site that started off being a helpful site to parents of troubled teens, it ended up smeared all over the Internet as deceptive. The interesting aspect is that the disparaging comments went viral and ended up on the top of the Google search engine. Consequently, potential visitors to Scheff’s site were redirected to derogatory and defaming information.
Dozier’s parts of the book follow Scheff’s comments and experience. They intermingle, giving the reader a fuller understanding of how others can control your site by, for e.g., creating anchor texts on their site but using your information and directing the visitors to their site where the defamatory information exists. Or, in other cases, the anchor texts are used by competitors so the visitors are directed to their sites instead of yours.
Dozier also explains how you can protect yourself against such attacks and gives suggestions of some Internet companies that offer this service. He also goes into copyright violations, cyberstalking, the Striesand Effect, hacking, spamming, and theft of trademarks. As I mentioned before, this could be the most important book you could read. It sure is for me. I used a full container of sticky tabs to mark important information and areas I need to re-read and implement.
“Google Bomb” is highly recommended because it gives you important information of what could happen to innocent people if not protected or on top of matters. Unfortunately there are many laws not in place to protect us on the Internet so we have to take our own responsibility to be cognizant and one way is to sign up for Google Alerts. This book isn’t meant to scare the site holders, but to inform them of what could happen if not aware. Awareness is the key, and by reading “Google Bomb” I can guarantee you will become more aware than you were before.
Tags: Cyber Slander, Google Bomb, Google Bomb Book, Internet Defamation, Internet Slander, Online Harassment, Reputation Online Management, Sue Scheff
Sue Scheff: Don’t Get Caught Naked Online!
by Sue Scheff on Jan 15, 2010
- Are you looking for employment?
- Is your teen applying to colleges?
- Do you run a small business?
- Are you dating online?
- Does your career depend on your reputation?
It’s official; PEW study shows that about 75% of all Americans are using the Internet. More importantly over 53% of people are Googling each other! Do you know what Google is saying about you?
If you fall in any of the categories above, you have reason to be concerned about your virtual image. Being caught naked online doesn’t necessarily mean “butt” naked, however it does mean virtually exposed in ways that may not be flattering to you or your quest in life.
Google Bomb, The Untold Story of the $11.3M Verdict that Changed The Way We Use The Internet, is a great place to start on repairing and/or polishing your online image. Learn from my story, gain from my virtual disaster that lead to an awareness of the power of a keystroke. Google Bomb also offers great tools to help you dress yourself up online.
For more great tips on maintaining your virtual profile, visit my series on Virtual Vanity.
Order Google Bomb book today and take control of your wardrobe virtually – remember, whether you are applying for a job, going on a date, or interviewing for admissions at a college – chances are very high someone will be Googling you.
What is a Google bomb?
Google Bomb (n) or “link bomb”: Internet slang for a certain kind of attempt to raise the ranking of a given page in results from a Google search. (Wikipedia)
Insure your cyber profile. Learn how to wear your virtual clothes.
Also on Examiner.
Tags: Cyber Image, Cyber Safety, Google Bomb, Google Bomb Book, Internet Profile, Internet Safety, Internet Slander, Online Reputation
Sue Scheff: What is a Google Bomb?
by Sue Scheff on Aug 18, 2009
According to Wikipedia: Google Bomb (n) or “link bomb”: Internet slang for a certain kind of attempt to raise the ranking of a given page in results from a Google search.
What damage can it do? Major! As a victim and survivor of a Google Bomb, I will share with you that a few vicious keystrokes and clicks of a mouse - your good name can be trashed, slimed and literally ruined virtually. Your 20 year reputable business can be destroyed in a matter of 20 minutes from this type of activity.
Prior writing my book, I was clueless about Google Bombs, but very familiar with Internet Defamation. I never realized this monster had a name until we searched for a book title.
Whether you are a teacher or a principal, a lawyer or a landscaper, a truck driver or a doctor, a stay-at-home mom or career woman, teens to grandparents – no one is immune to Google Bombs. You may have an unsatisfied client, disgruntled customer, student that didn’t like their grade, a friend turned foe or went through a divorce and your once soul mate is now your adversary. The Internet doesn’t discriminate, learn to maintain and protect your name, business, kids, and family online.
The Internet has been considered an educational tool and an informational highway, now it is being used as a legal lethal weapon. I believe in free speech and the First Amendment; however it will not condone Internet Defamation and Invasion of Privacy. I have countless numbers of emails from victims of Cyber slander, it is a growing problem that needs to be addressed and awareness needs to be raised.
Years ago I went through a very trying time, when I realized I was being attacked online. I fought back legally and won an unprecedented jury verdict for damages over $11M for Internet Defamation and Invasion of Privacy. $5M of this verdict was awarded for punitive damages – meant to punish. The jury read through pages (literally tons of posts) and listened to testimony to determine that what happened to me needed to send a strong message.
In my latest book, Google Bomb, The Untold Story of the $11.3M Verdict That Changed the Way We Use the Internet, you will read many of the ugly posts (anti-semantic, sexual, death wishes, and more). You will also go behind the scenes of the legal road, as well as practical guidance prevent this from happening to you. My attorney, David Pollack vindicated me legally; however the Internet was still full of slime. That is when I turned to Michael Fertik, CEO and Founder of ReputationDefender who worked diligently to successfully help me. Back in 2006 online management services were only starting up, and I was fortunate the timing couldn’t be more perfect.
As a writer for the Examiner on parenting issues, please take note that more colleges are checking your child’s name when their applications are received. Furthermore, even more employers are surfing search engines prior employing applicants. It is critical we educate our children and teens that what they post today may end up haunting them tomorrow! Be an educated parent.
Tags: Cyber Slander, Cyberbullying, Cyer Defamation, Google Bomb, Google Bomb Book, Internet Defamation, Internet Law, Internet Safety, Internet Slander, Reputation Defender, Sue Scheff
Sue Scheff: Google Bomb Book Videos
by Sue Scheff on Jun 10, 2009
It seems the animation is only growing in steam – and my co-author’s tech team is creating more and more videos to help bring everyone a better understand of the launching of Google Bomb Book!
Dozier Internet Law and Sue Scheff:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=inSlnQO_Xr0
Online Defamation Verdict:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k9O1aWJ15TI
Google Bomb Late Summer:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w_7P6PNOrSE
Tags: Cyber Safety, Defamation Attorney, Dozier Internet Law, Google Bomb, Google Bomb Book, Internet Defamation, John Dozier, Michael Fertik, Reputation Defender, Sue Scheff
Sue Scheff: Google Bomb Book Debuts new Website
by Sue Scheff on Jun 08, 2009
Tags: Cyber Slander, Google Bomb, Google Bomb Book, Internet Law, Internet Profile, John Dozier, Michael Fertik, Online Image, Reputation Defender, Sue Scheff
Sue Scheff: Google Bomb – Expert Solutions to Protect Yourself from Online Attacks and Maintain a Searchable Image
by Sue Scheff on Apr 11, 2009
Pre-Order Google Bomb on Amazon.com today!
Tags: Cyber Safety, Cyber Slander, Google Bomb, Google Bomb Book, Internet books, Internet Defamation, Internet Gossip, Internet Safety, Michael Fertik, Online Image, Reputation Defender, Searchable Image
Sue Scheff: Slimed Online? Google Book Coming Out as this Topic Sizzles
by Sue Scheff on Mar 04, 2009
Yesterday my co-author, John Dozier and I, announced our exciting new book that will be released in fall 2009 from Health Communications, Inc. Then I read this article that I could really identify with. Slimed Online from Portfolio.com.
Michael Fertik, CEO and Founder of ReputationDefender, was powerful force in helping these women fight for their online image. As a client of ReputationDefender, their services are priceless – although there seems to be many of these services popping up now, as the demand grows, I feel that in my experiences, the pioneer of these online reputation management companies start with ReputatationDefender.
Our new book, Google Bomb, will be a must read for anyone and everyone that works and plays online. From protecting your online profile and reputation, to keeping your kids safe, this new book is a must have – and can potentially help you from being a victim of wicked and evil keystrokes.
Years ago gossip was limited to a geographically area that you live in. Today gossip goes viral worldwide! Your one former friend is now a foe or a few clients out of years of a reputable business have decided to take revenge via e-venge! Take cover, Google Bomb can help you protect yourself.
Tags: Cyber Slander, Google Bomb, Internet Defamation, Internet Gossip, John Dozier, Michael Fertik, Online Defamation, Online Slander, Reputation Defender, ReputationDefender, Slimed Online, Sue Scheff
Sue Scheff Announces her Second Book – “Google Bomb!” Take Cover!
by Sue Scheff on Mar 03, 2009
Oh yes, it is almost here, my second book! This time around, I am honored to have co-author and Internet Specialist Attorney, John Dozier .
As my story of my landmark case of $11.3M jury verdict for damages unravels – many questions answers, John Dozier will bring us the legal landscape of today’s Cyber World – how to protect your online image and maintain a profile you are proud of! Have you thought about Internet Gossip vs Internet Fact? How do you know the difference? Don’t get caught in the web – read Google Bomb!
To compound our dynamic and explosive upcoming best seller – Michael Fertik, CEO and Founder of ReputationDefender will be writing the foreword! ReputationDefender is one of the pioneers in managing online reputations and helping keep your kids privacy safe online.
This timely book will offer you tools and remedies as well as a very compelling story that will keep you turning those pages! Remember, a 20 year reputation today can be destroyed within 20 minutes of vicious keystrokes.
Monkeys Don’t Fly? Do they? Ahhhh, just wait and you will see – the Internet has become its’ own animal. The Internet can be an educational tool – but – it can also be a lethal weapon!
Published by Health Communications Inc. (HCI) – Google Bomb will be released in Fall 2009.
Tags: Dozier Internet Law, Google Bomb, Google Bomb Book, Internet books, Internet Defamation, Internet Slander, Invasion of Privacy, John Dozier, Michael Fertik, Reputation Defender, Sue Scheff
