Back in June, Google seemed to have penalized Thumbtack for links and then quickly reversed the penalty days later.

I now hear that Thumbtack may be back at their old ways, by encouraging (now less forcefully) their businesses in their directory to link to them.

@NortheasternExt shared on Twitter an email he received from the company first stating that Thumbtack told him that they wrote a blog post about his company and that he can spread the word by showcasing it on his own blog or web site.

Here is a copy of the email:

I doubt this will or should get Thumbtack in trouble, but I am surprised to see Thumbtack even venture to do anything remotely close to this months after their short-lived penalty.

Forum discussion at Twitter.

This post was pre-written and scheduled to be posted today. Have a happy, healthy and sweet new year!