Commentary by Matt Garber
ILoveAltoona.com is run on Wordpress, a commonly-used blogging software. One of the things that happens invariably with most blogs is what is called “comment spam”. It’s when you write a blog post (like this one), and someone replies with a comment that is not useful or constructive, but rather designed to advertise their own products without providing anything of value.
It’s not bad to link back to your own website if you have something decent to provide to the discussion, but you should see some of the spam I have to sort through! (Fortunately, it doesn’t show up on the site until it’s approved by an editor.) All kinds of junk… ads for certain drugs of choice seem to be prominent these days. A few of the spam comments pretend to be engaged in the discussion (though even those ones are mostly obvious), but most don’t even make sense… they’re just words or phrases designed to get people to link back to their site to look at a naked celebrity or to buy a magic pill.
These annoying (and weak) attempts at marketing may score a few points here and there for non-moderated blogs, but by and large they’re a nuisance. However, going through and deleting another round of them tonight got me thinking about the difference between “good marketing” and “bad marketing”. I’ve got to say it’s so refreshing when I see businesses that just simply provide great, outstanding services or products. A corner deli that makes fabulous subs. A hardware store where the clerks know the answers to all of your questions. A plumber that does a job well and cares about his reputation.
I contrast these examples with the not-so-great ones: Tricking people into subscription plans where the most important details are in fine print. Pushing addictive behavior because you know you’ll get a customer for years to come. Offering cheap construction services but making up for it with shoddy workmanship.
As a business person, I realize that sometimes marketing raises tough questions, and at times it can seem like effective business is pitted against the best interests of the customer. But how encouraging it is when you have a businessperson who truly puts the customer first. I’ve seen it with some local businesses. They’re willing to lose a sale so that I’ll get the right product or service for my need. But you know what? It’s those kinds of businesses that quickly win my loyalty. And I’m sure many customers like me.
ILoveAltoona.com has produced the Blair County Family Fun Card. 
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Don’t have a website, just wanted to say I agree with you and I’m so sorry you have to wade through all that garbage. Also, there are two businesses I would highly recommend, who fit your criteria, and I don’t believe either one has a website. I refer to Mallows Hardware on E. 25th Ave. and Barr’s Auto Electric on 16th Ave in Juniata. These folks have always gone out of their way to serve me and meet my needs, sometimes without charge! How often does THAT happen? What a joy to do business with them!
Linda, thanks for your comments. I live in Fairview so Mallow’s is high on my list too. I hear really good things about Barr’s also. People who give great, honest service are to be commended. I sure appreciate it and I’m glad to see it happening around some of our local businesses.