Answers.com has teamed up with WordPress to offer automatically linking definitions within WordPress blog posts. A function that will automatically be offered to WordPress users whose blog is hosted by WordPress. For bloggers who use WordPress on their own server there is a plugin available. Now I’m not entirely sure how this works but it seems as though when one is authoring a post in WordPress, the author has the option of activating the AnswerLinks (TM) icon. Activating this function will automatically scan the post and add a suggestive link to any words that could potentially be unknown to average readers.

“Typical suggestions will include names, technical terms or obscure language that may not be familiar to some readers. Only words confirmed by the author will be linked to definitions, assuring full editorial control.”

I can see how this would be beneficial in some way. If I ever come across a term I don’t recognize I’ll often navigate away from the page to Google the term or go to Dictionary.com. However, the obvious benefactor here is Answers.com. Not so long ago Answers.com acquired Dictionary.com. After this Google significantly dropped Answers.com in the index. This new maneuver by Answers.com and WordPress kind of hits Google in its soft underbelly. Google loves blogs and content. Combine blogging with a widget like AnswerLinks and you have a winning combination. I’m not sure how many self hosted WordPress users are going to use a feature like this but those who host on WordPress will be at least likely to try it out. Smart move Answers Corp! Let’s see if it works out for you.

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