As mentioned previously, the new Movable Type release uses a proxy script to generate URLs on comment pages. It's not a perfect solution, to be sure, but it does severely limit the effect spammers' URLs have on search engine results. Which makes us wonder: are we the only ones concerned that this proxy script also limits the effect legitimate links have on search engine rankings?
In the past we've used Google to dig up comments we've left on other weblogs and to locate comments posted by other bloggers. This second usage is important. Blog comments provide a pretty good overview of an individual's thoughts on subjects he may not discuss on his own weblog. Comments create an even more useful record of Web activity for those without a weblog. Individual blog comments do not domininate search engine results, but it is possible to find one or two comments per results page, especially when looking for posts by more prolific commenters.
Is stopping spam worth losing this feature? We don't think so.