Blog commenter links hurt SEO?

[pkr]

I recently had my first comment on a blog which turned out being someone just looking to get a link out. They put the link to their site in their name.

If I approve this comment is it going to hurt my SEO? What if I can nofollow the link will that prevent the damage to my own SEO?

Thanks for any help...

[Michael Martinez]

Matt Cutts, who heads up Google's Web spam team, has stated on several occasions recently that allowing people to use your site to link to their skanky sites will definitely cause some issues for you.

They are not asking people to stop approving useful comments. They are simply asking people to discourage gratuitous and deceptive linking.

That person placing the deceptive link on your blog is only looking for search engine value. They are NOT doing you any favors.

Some people have indicated they'll delete suspicious links but approve comments that appear to be legitimate.

If in doubt, toss the link out.

[pkr]

Great feedback, thanks. I assumed it would not be a good idea to approve but wanted to hear someone else's opinion. Much appreciated...

[pok75]

well depends on the quantity i would say!