What do you think about trackbacks? Do you use them?

[deronsizemore]

I know in the TextPattern forum when I used to use that CMS they didn't have trackback ability and some thought it was a 'good' thing that they didn't. Now that I use Expression Engine they do have trackback ability and I was just wondering if you use it? Pros? Cons?

[Selkirk]

I like trackbacks and pingbacks (and technorati-backs).

I generally consider the target of these to be the blog's owner, not its readers. The trackback links are usually nofollowed and useless for SEO. They deliver very little traffic, even from big blogs. The real value is in getting the other blog owner's attention, which might lead to a comment, a feed subscription, a reply post, or a blogroll link.

Just don't go spammy. I don't go looking for opportunities to trackback, but I do take advantage of them when they come up.

On my end, I always visit the site that pings me. If its obvious spam, I delete it and add it to my blacklists. Other wise, I might comment on their blog, subscribe to their feed, reply on my blog, or link to their blog.