RECIPROCITY
Reciprocity can be tricky sometimes. There are those who give in order to receive, those who give in order to mutually benefit, and those who like to take but not give back. Those who give to give, no strings attached, are exceptional.
In real life, we see this with dinners, gifts, phone calls, and so much else. Certain individuals always seem to offer a whole lot more for a whole lot less.
In cyberspace, gaining "reciprocal links"—like having "friends" on Facebook—has become a supposed indicator of success, popularity, and networking ability. In recent weeks, I’ve noticed an increase in offers to exchange links, so as to raise Google rankings. But, what might "virtual-reciprocity" imply to the non tech-savvy? Because we exchange a link and list another web address on our site, does it mean that we endorse it too? If we decline a request to exchange a link, what is the message that we’re giving back? That we don’t like or approve of it? Will someone list us without us having to list them?
Because, for now, I don’t have distinct link lists, I try to include as many links as possible in blog entries and website text. Requesters who’ve taken time to review my sites usually understand—and see a place where they might be inserted.
A Florence Biennale artist who has just requested a reciprocal link exchange is Ann Haessel. A fiber artist from Alberta, Canada, you might like to check out her site. Unfortunately, I did not get a chance to see her work at the Biennale.
Other entries on this blog also offer perspectives on RECIPROCITY. These include:
Give to Give, (poem), Sept 5, 2007
Keep Your Word, July 25, 2007
A and B List Friends, July 8, 2007
Friends Help Friends, December 7, 2006
