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Dexter Dings SEO: Why Do Hollywood Writers Keep Giving Search Engine Optimization A Bad Name?

Elisabeth Osmeloski on November 22, 2011 at 12:00 pm

Yesterday, I saw a few tweets go by noting that the popular show Dexter on Showtime mentioned SEO and said that “Google was so 5 minutes ago” while typing in the URL: eliotsearchengine.com* – which supposedly “uses an algorithm to aggregate content without getting tripped up by SEO bull$h!t.”

Because Dexter shows are behind a paywall on Showtime’s website, our own Rob Snell posted a short video clip of the segment (your sound may need to be turned up) from the episode that aired Sunday, November 20th:

It’s unfortunate that another real search engine didn’t get an opportunity for product placement in this episode.

Previously, I’d written about SEO getting a bad rap on the CBS show “The Good Wife” — where all SEOs were equated to spammers, so this isn’t the first time Hollywood writers have twisted search engine optimization into a bad thing.

Sure, it’s a matter of sensationalizing in the name of entertainment, but clearly, the SEO industry might need to take out a full page ad in Variety and begin a PR campaign before awards season rolls around.

Submitted For Your Consideration: SEO Doesn’t Suck

Here’s Google’s recent defense of SEO:

Here’s our recent contribution:

Our video is part of the many resources about search engine optimization designed to educate people on our What Is SEO / Search Engine Optimization? page.

Postscript: Per the comments below by regular watchers of the show Dexter, the eliotsearchengine.com domain noted above redirects to a Facebook game based on the shows, which is terrific example of cross-channel social media integration.

Opinions expressed in this article are those of the guest author and not necessarily Search Engine Land. Staff authors are listed here.

About The Author

Elisabeth Osmeloski

Elisabeth Osmeloski was Director of Audience Development for Search Engine Land and Marketing Land. She was responsible for increasing readership through owned, earned and paid media channels. In addition, she assists in programming sessions at Third Door Media's Search Marketing Expo conference series and manages speaking engagements for editorial staff. Follow her on Twitter @elisabethos.