Google has begun to penalize sites (in terms of ranking and/or page results) that have a great many incoming links that use the exact, same text.

The most likely instances would be sites that promote link exchanges and, as a courtesy of convenience, suggest text or html code to copy/paste if another site wishes to link. Although it has been helpful to do this the problem is now that all that code or suggested text means all the sites linking to you are likely causing you to slide downhill in Google.

So, if you are promoting a link exchange and have suggested text or pre-made html code you encourage to be copy pasted – you may want to do away with it and instead suggest people write text and links in their own words if they wish to direct traffic your way.

The damage may already be done and might also be difficult to control because it can be tough to track down existing instances unless you have active relationships with site admins or owners. However, if you can – try to contact them to do the same: link and promote you in their own words.

I now return myself back to my hot cocoa because it’s freaking cold outside (-21F).