The HuffPo Effect

The Huffington Post is infamous for maximizing SEO (search engine optimization) tactics to corral readers in big numbers. And, for good or ill, it works. Evidently, extreme SEO - call it the HuffPo Effect - is spreading to other political blogs like Talking Points Memo. TPM headlines this morning include: "Glenn Beck: WI Unions, Muslim Brotherhood Want New World Order"; "Jim DeMint: Obama Is Not The Nation's Leader"; "Wisconsin Dem Senator Posts 'brb' Message On Facebook"; and "Obey: WI Gov. Walker Is Channeling Mubarak." As you can see, it's purposely more sizzle than steak. This is America, of course, and these websites certainly have the right (and need) to make an honest buck. Still ... sigh.