Linkbait.

Intelligent marketing. ;-)

Spill your best SEO secrets to the whole world.

SEO contests are a dime a dozen out there, they're just a newer version of the "awards" linkbait from a few years back.

With great respect Marcia, I disagree. To compare the two IMO is to diminish if not miss altogether the profound impact of 2.0.

Ya, I know, I hate the buzzwords too. But 1.0 missed the mark far more often than it hit.

Ironically, despite all the 'doom and gloom' press following the 1.0 bubble bursting, the Web never had a down quarter in ecomm revenues. But that was more a reflection of the Web's potential than it's prowess back tnen. Widespread failures dominated the headlines and the effect wasn't all in the press. Dislocation was everywhere.

2.0 is fundamentally different. This time around entrepreneurs and businesses get it. The Web is, well ... a Web. An exchange. A conversation. Since 2.0, marketing has been turned on its ear. Why? Because 2.0 made user contribution important. It made two way conversation matter.

Linkbait? Perhaps. Two way conversation and empowerment of the individual? Definitely.

I think the reason WebmasterWorld put made this thread live is simply that last time around that contest may, or may not, have been a gimmick. This time, I suspect a lot of would be SEO rockstars and potential employers are watching.

This is no longer linkbait. This is one small glimpse of the meaningful evolution of the Web. Grow, or die. Linkbait is not the point. Push is gone. Long live pull.

With great respect Marcia, I disagree.

And likewise with great respect, let's address this:

Are ALL SEO contests noteworthy? Or...
Are just SOME SEO contests noteworthy? And...
If some are worthy of mention and some aren't, what's the criteria for estimating their noteworthiness?

Hehe, fair questions all...

Are ALL SEO contests noteworthy?

IMHO, no more than all SEO's. In other words, no. ;-)

If some are worthy of mention and some aren't, what's the criteria for estimating their noteworthiness?

Judgement. We're forced to do a lot of that around here every day, as you well know. :P

In this case, it's being run by a noted expert. It was immensely popular and widely viewed last time. And most of those I personally know and respect paid attention. If I were ready then, I'd have considered interviewing some of the respondents. Being first to market with a great idea helps too. Lots of intangibles, admittedly.

To be honest, I thought it was notable that the thread was started. Personally, I'm quite happy about it.

The industry is plagued by a lack of structure and formality, but IMHO, SEMPO is far from the answer. This contest is a focal point for a lot of pro's and entry level individuals. I think that is good for us all. Plus, reading what some of the respondents compose is quite fascinating.

In many ways it's not unlike the AAF contest for advertising and marketing students each year. Ok, a bit less formal, admittedly. But it's a start. Pretty good stuff IMO.

To be honest, I thought it was notable that the thread was started. Personally, I'm quite happy about it.

I'm not.

The industry is plagued by a lack of structure and formality

No, I'm afraid I again have to respectfully disagree. Rather, the industry is now plagued by widely distributed, trumped-up press releases, ingenuous back-slapping* and and vacuous hype.

*back-slapping and arse-kissing to be exact. Foot-noted for making it easier for mods the edit the post.