Why do people write articles in seeking alpha and then disclose to have no posit

[muscleman]

Why do people write articles in seeking alpha and then disclose to have no positions for the name mentioned?

I am puzzled what incentivizes them?

[Gregmal]

People get paid to write articles. Those that dont get paid/make much, look to build an audience, which then later on gets them paid to write.

[DTEJD1997]

Some people write on SA to have a public record of their analysis & calls.

 

Some people write to simply get exposure.

 

I know a dude that didn't go to college...wanted more than anything to become a financial analyst.  He wrote articles for a few years on SA, eventually attaining his goal with a small firm.

 

He was hired & making some amount of money.  Just how successful he is, can't say, but it got him exposure to people who hire.

 

I also suspect that some people are writing to influence pricing on thinly traded stuff, and "pump & dumps".

 

Finally, some people just enjoy writing.