Someone wants to syndicate my content but I'm afraid

[UnderRugSwept]

I GOT THE FOLLOWING EMAIL:

Hi, I visited your site and would like to connect regarding nSphere syndicating your content into our search platform. We are interested in syndicating your content into our network.

There’s no cost for this, we ask you to place a module on your site that reads your content and syndicates it into our network of millions of users. You only need to place a simple JavaScript code on your site.  I have the code, but I would like to speak or email with you first. This module acts as search tool for your users as well.   Can you email me or send me your number and a good day/time to connect?

Thank you in advance.
Matthew Mantyla | nSphere
Director of Media Integration

I'M AFRAID OF DUPLICATE CONTENT. SHOULD I JUST IGNORE THIS; IS IT SPAM; OR COULD THIS BE AN OPPORTUNITY? I'M THINKING I SHOULD BE SUSPICIOUS OF THE FACT THAT HE DIDN'T EVEN PROVIDE A URL.

[mmantyla]

Hi Marisa,

Thanks for your inquiry.

We created a local search tool which matches relevant content with local information and data.  The tool is an option for websites to use, we would at NO time use anyone's content without them requesting us to use it or without their permission.

Also, all of the content that is included in the search algorithm is dynamically pulled at time of the search.

If you wish to see a demo, please let me know and I'd be happy to connect with you to show you.

Kindly,
Matt Mantyla

www.nsphere.net

[applesofgold]

I almost started a relationship with nSphere, so this is really interesting, but we pulled out at the last minute because of duplicate content concerns and I also was concerned whether their techniques were really white hat or not.

They were proposing a different kind of project for my site than syndication, more to do with local search, but they were interesting to deal with.

From my many hours of discussions with them, I can tell you that they seemed like a legitimate company, having done work with Car & Driver and Kiplingers's, and they did appear transparent in their dealings for the most part, but then at the last minute of our talks and negotiations of the the work they would be doing, they mentioned something about a linking module that I would add to my site which threw me off.

Definitely be diligent if you speak with them. The jury is undecided at this point as far as I'm concerned, but we pulled out of working with them. They were really nice about it and were very professional and polite. But I'm still not convinced whether what they were proposing would have been hurt or helped my site.

[UnderRugSwept]

I'd say I'm inclined to agree with you guys. I'd just ignore it but now my concern is what if he syndicates my content without my permission? I guess he probably won't since he wants me to place some module on my site.

[TheGrid]

There is actually a great SEOmoz video from rand on duplicate content. What would scare me here is "place a module on your site that reads your content and syndicates it into our network of millions of users"

Syndication of your content can be really helpful if you do it carefully and sparingly.

[EGOL]

If that message arrived in my inbox I would delete it.

Read their email... it does not say exactly how they will use your content.

Go to their website.  They do not say exactly how they will use your content.  They say nothing but yada yada yada yada.

What is this  "module" on your website going to be doing?

No way!

[MRCSearch]

If I were you, I'd schedule a call and ask questions. Like what the benefits of having your content syndicated across the network is outside of name recognition, how they handle duplicate content problems, how they ensure your content is used properly, etc, etc. Put the onus on them to alleviate your fears. Chances are it won't be that beneficial for you.

With regards to your fear of not providing a URL, this is probably a form mass-email to pre-identified targets that was just badly executed. Call nSphere directly, and ask to speak to him. See how that goes.