While I do find all the content above hilarious, I think we should all remember that PageRank is what has made Google one of the worlds largest companies.
Many bloggers seem to be taking the stance "who cares about Google anyways" which is probably not the best strategy :)
There are 2 major aspects of this I haven't actually explored deeply yet.
I am fully aware of the importance of various forms of Google Juice, one of my main forte's is Wordpress SEO after all.
At the end of the day Google needs publishers just as much as publishers need Google, but the difference is publishers have alternative sources of revenue and traffic.
dann404
· 2 years ago
"I think we should all remember that PageRank is what has made Google one of the worlds largest companies."
I don't argue with that, the problem is that meaningless little green bar. Can you think of one reason to publish such a thing. Why was it that it was wrong to install the Alexa toolbar? Agh, it's spyware they say. What Alexa never did was profile everything you do on the net and connect it to you through Webmaster Tools, email accounts, searches, auto queries, Google Analytics(yes you leave tracks there too) and now whether or not you no follow links. AOL at one time was unstoppable, look at them now, most people are even appalled at the idea of having a free email address with @aol.com. Google creates absolutely no content of it's own, now it's going to punish high PR sites that rake them in alot of cash, if I was Google I'd be scared. Hmm, maybe we should charge Google every time Googlebot rips off our content>??
whydowork
· 2 years ago
While I do find all the content above hilarious, I think we should all remember that PageRank is what has made Google one of the worlds largest companies.
Many bloggers seem to be taking the stance "who cares about Google anyways" which is probably not the best strategy :)
There are 2 major aspects of this I haven't actually explored deeply yet.
I am fully aware of the importance of various forms of Google Juice, one of my main forte's is Wordpress SEO after all.
At the end of the day Google needs publishers just as much as publishers need Google, but the difference is publishers have alternative sources of revenue and traffic.
dann404
· 2 years ago
"I think we should all remember that PageRank is what has made Google one of the worlds largest companies."
I don't argue with that, the problem is that meaningless little green bar. Can you think of one reason to publish such a thing. Why was it that it was wrong to install the Alexa toolbar? Agh, it's spyware they say. What Alexa never did was profile everything you do on the net and connect it to you through Webmaster Tools, email accounts, searches, auto queries, Google Analytics(yes you leave tracks there too) and now whether or not you no follow links. AOL at one time was unstoppable, look at them now, most people are even appalled at the idea of having a free email address with @aol.com. Google creates absolutely no content of it's own, now it's going to punish high PR sites that rake them in alot of cash, if I was Google I'd be scared. Hmm, maybe we should charge Google every time Googlebot rips off our content>??
Meg
· 2 years ago
I really feel for everyone that has been hit - particularly (what I perceive to be) "authority" blogs like yours and Darren's. Was it Shoe Money that said "don't make a fool of Google"? I can't help but think that they're doing a good enough job of that themselves.... And their silence is deafening.
I think it's all so ludicrous that you just have to laugh... There are some good submissions over at ProBlogger. One that made me laugh was from Matt Jones "The bar is always greener on the other blog".
Thanks for the mention. I did a brief post (which also links to "bohica" for those not familiar with the term).
Meg
· 2 years ago
I really feel for everyone that has been hit - particularly (what I perceive to be) "authority" blogs like yours and Darren's. Was it Shoe Money that said "don't make a fool of Google"? I can't help but think that they're doing a good enough job of that themselves.... And their silence is deafening.
I think it's all so ludicrous that you just have to laugh... There are some good submissions over at ProBlogger. One that made me laugh was from Matt Jones "The bar is always greener on the other blog".
Thanks for the mention. I did a brief post (which also links to "bohica" for those not familiar with the term).
Meg
· 2 years ago
Meant to mention - our MSM were also talking about "scared" Google algorithm tweak spooks WWW. They even managed one link - I was suitably impressed ;)
Meg
· 2 years ago
Meant to mention - our MSM were also talking about "scared" Google algorithm tweak spooks WWW. They even managed one link - I was suitably impressed ;)
Mike
· 2 years ago
Great round up, Andy, and thanks for the link back.
When Jaan told me he'd submitted the pic to Matt for consideration for his Halloween costume, my initial reaction was "aww crap" but now I think "What the heck. What's the worse thing that couple happen? A little slap never hurt anyone".
At least that what my local Tory MP told me, anyway...
Mike
· 2 years ago
Great round up, Andy, and thanks for the link back.
When Jaan told me he'd submitted the pic to Matt for consideration for his Halloween costume, my initial reaction was "aww crap" but now I think "What the heck. What's the worse thing that couple happen? A little slap never hurt anyone".
At least that what my local Tory MP told me, anyway...
António
· 2 years ago
That's an hilarious collection Andy, I just linked it ;) I didn't know what bohica stood for until I looked in Google(bend over here it comes again).
I think Google might be shooting themselves in the foot with this kind of public slapping, particularly when there's no clear explanation for the "mischief" - I am talking of cases such as problogger and copyblogger who have enough links outside of B5 and are well respected. While some networks certainly take advantage of links for their own members and seek to get the most of it from Google, it's a natural thing that those blogs should interlink fairly often for traffic reasons- remember weblogs inc blogroll in 2003/2004? It's Google job to devaluate those links if it finds them not worthy, not to slap those involved. What happened to "make sites as if google didn't exist?"
António
· 2 years ago
That's an hilarious collection Andy, I just linked it ;) I didn't know what bohica stood for until I looked in Google(bend over here it comes again).
I think Google might be shooting themselves in the foot with this kind of public slapping, particularly when there's no clear explanation for the "mischief" - I am talking of cases such as problogger and copyblogger who have enough links outside of B5 and are well respected. While some networks certainly take advantage of links for their own members and seek to get the most of it from Google, it's a natural thing that those blogs should interlink fairly often for traffic reasons- remember weblogs inc blogroll in 2003/2004? It's Google job to devaluate those links if it finds them not worthy, not to slap those involved. What happened to "make sites as if google didn't exist?"
Tim Nash
· 2 years ago
To think I inspired the Matt Cutts picture by Mike oh well in for a penny in for a pound :) personally I think Matt should go with the grim reaper look though with a skeleton pigeon on his shoulder in homage to Pratchett and to pigeon rank the most sensible metric to come from Google.
Tim Nash
· 2 years ago
To think I inspired the Matt Cutts picture by Mike oh well in for a penny in for a pound :) personally I think Matt should go with the grim reaper look though with a skeleton pigeon on his shoulder in homage to Pratchett and to pigeon rank the most sensible metric to come from Google.
Chris Lodge
· 2 years ago
This will be the same Matt Mullenweg who plasters adsense over Wordpress.com blogs, but hides it from the blog owners - Check out the interesting, if one sided, 'WordPress Wank' blog.
'Mullenweg & Google sitting in a tree. K.I.S.S....'
;-)
Chris Lodge
· 2 years ago
This will be the same Matt Mullenweg who plasters adsense over Wordpress.com blogs, but hides it from the blog owners - Check out the interesting, if one sided, 'WordPress Wank' blog.
'Mullenweg & Google sitting in a tree. K.I.S.S....'
;-)
Amish Furniture
· 2 years ago
While the humor is a good way to handle what rankles, what is amazing is the silence from Google. Every one is talking about this and other perceived unilateralism by them and they are not even bothered to do some damage control! Have they become completely insensitive?
whydowork
· 2 years ago
Google has always tightly guarded any kind of information to do with their algorithm changes.
I remember events like the "Florida" update a few years back that had a much greater impact on the webmaster community than this silly change! :D
I wouldn't say they've "become" anything - this is nothing new and I totally expect zero reaction from Google. :)
Amish Furniture
· 2 years ago
While the humor is a good way to handle what rankles, what is amazing is the silence from Google. Every one is talking about this and other perceived unilateralism by them and they are not even bothered to do some damage control! Have they become completely insensitive?
whydowork
· 2 years ago
Google has always tightly guarded any kind of information to do with their algorithm changes.
I remember events like the "Florida" update a few years back that had a much greater impact on the webmaster community than this silly change! :D
I wouldn't say they've "become" anything - this is nothing new and I totally expect zero reaction from Google. :)
TheAnand
· 2 years ago
Well, What can be done about it? nothing. Google has grown into such a big monopoly in current times that only thing we can have is hope. Only if someone can come out with a more transparent ranking system which cannot be gambled easily....*sigh
TheAnand
· 2 years ago
Well, What can be done about it? nothing. Google has grown into such a big monopoly in current times that only thing we can have is hope. Only if someone can come out with a more transparent ranking system which cannot be gambled easily....*sigh
Thiru
· 2 years ago
I think the web community woke up from a dream. We should look beyond Google.
Thiru
· 2 years ago
I think the web community woke up from a dream. We should look beyond Google.
LGR
· 2 years ago
Great post. Will there ever be a reply from the famously tight lipped Google from any official channel (meaning not Matt Cutt's blog).
Nothing like a bit of a PR mistake on the part of Google. Yahoo and MSN should be jumping at this chance to do something better than Google for a change.
LGR
· 2 years ago
Great post. Will there ever be a reply from the famously tight lipped Google from any official channel (meaning not Matt Cutt's blog).
Nothing like a bit of a PR mistake on the part of Google. Yahoo and MSN should be jumping at this chance to do something better than Google for a change.
lucia
· 2 years ago
Well, Google sure put an end to all the posts about Blogrush! :)
lucia
· 2 years ago
Well, Google sure put an end to all the posts about Blogrush! :)
Virtual Impax
· 2 years ago
Google has ALWAYS identified it's "customers" as those who search, not those who are found via search.
As a result, they will continue to act like the 900 lb gorilla until their actions begin costing them market share amongst those who search.
Until then, those of us who want to be found have two choices.
1) We can bend over, grit our teeth and say, "Thank you sir! May I have another!" (Animal House)
2) We can invest in other ways for people to find us a.k.a "traditional" methods of marketing and advertising.
Unfortunately, #2 isn't a viable option for anyone seeking to reach a global audience.
As for me, I'll gladly root for anyone up to the task of dethroning the mighty Google. Then again, I always liked the underdog!
Virtual Impax
· 2 years ago
Google has ALWAYS identified it's "customers" as those who search, not those who are found via search.
As a result, they will continue to act like the 900 lb gorilla until their actions begin costing them market share amongst those who search.
Until then, those of us who want to be found have two choices.
1) We can bend over, grit our teeth and say, "Thank you sir! May I have another!" (Animal House)
2) We can invest in other ways for people to find us a.k.a "traditional" methods of marketing and advertising.
Unfortunately, #2 isn't a viable option for anyone seeking to reach a global audience.
As for me, I'll gladly root for anyone up to the task of dethroning the mighty Google. Then again, I always liked the underdog!
Simonne
· 2 years ago
Actually I think you really have to be a VIP to get into Google's attention. I'm selling links on my site and I was not downgraded (at least until today). But I'm not an authority, my site is only a scrapbook where I do my learning about blogging and internet maketing. I'm pissed off by what happened to you and I already started to shift my focus from SERPS results to gaining a loyal audience (which was never a priority for me). All I can say now is that I'm happy Google rejected my application for a job they had available some months ago in my country. Now I would have been ashamed to work for them.
Simonne
· 2 years ago
Actually I think you really have to be a VIP to get into Google's attention. I'm selling links on my site and I was not downgraded (at least until today). But I'm not an authority, my site is only a scrapbook where I do my learning about blogging and internet maketing. I'm pissed off by what happened to you and I already started to shift my focus from SERPS results to gaining a loyal audience (which was never a priority for me). All I can say now is that I'm happy Google rejected my application for a job they had available some months ago in my country. Now I would have been ashamed to work for them.
DJ
· 2 years ago
Sure are a lot of posts going around about how this is going to be a horrible thing for Google. The expression "whistling past the graveyard" comes to mind.
Fish that live in a small pond tend to believe that there's nothing outside that pond, and that in turn magnifies their sense of self-importance. They also tend to be astonished, and upset, when they get yanked out of that pond by a hook and line. The SEO pond is tiny compared to the rest of the world, and for those in it to believe that they can have a serious effect on Google is delusional. Let it go, and move on.
Vlad
· 2 years ago
So the same can be said about Google..... In fact it fits them perfectly now. There is so much more in the world outside Google.
DJ
· 2 years ago
Sure are a lot of posts going around about how this is going to be a horrible thing for Google. The expression "whistling past the graveyard" comes to mind.
Fish that live in a small pond tend to believe that there's nothing outside that pond, and that in turn magnifies their sense of self-importance. They also tend to be astonished, and upset, when they get yanked out of that pond by a hook and line. The SEO pond is tiny compared to the rest of the world, and for those in it to believe that they can have a serious effect on Google is delusional. Let it go, and move on.
Vlad
· 2 years ago
So the same can be said about Google..... In fact it fits them perfectly now. There is so much more in the world outside Google.
Court
· 2 years ago
Hey Andy!
I just wanted to let you know that ironically PageRank is updating right now. This is the real toolbar update, and it looks like you will probably be back to a PR4.
I just wanted to let you know that ironically PageRank is updating right now. This is the real toolbar update, and it looks like you will probably be back to a PR4.
Just a further example of the complete lack of transparency on Google's part. No word on what caused the drop, just as there is no transparency on how much Google earns for the ads displayed on blogger's sites.
Like you said in your comment Andy, Google does need publishers, at the moment the power is with Google. One large entity against millions of tiny individual entities is not a fair playing field in the business world, unless collectively the millions of tiny individual entities organise themselves and vote with their feet and look for a better deal.
Ross
· 2 years ago
Just a further example of the complete lack of transparency on Google's part. No word on what caused the drop, just as there is no transparency on how much Google earns for the ads displayed on blogger's sites.
Like you said in your comment Andy, Google does need publishers, at the moment the power is with Google. One large entity against millions of tiny individual entities is not a fair playing field in the business world, unless collectively the millions of tiny individual entities organise themselves and vote with their feet and look for a better deal.
MacBros
· 2 years ago
Well I hope that PPP new Argus does away with Google. It's all about the traffic IMO, Google can go rot on the shelf as far as I'm concerned. (Just as soon as I get my Adsence $$ first ;) )
MacBros
· 2 years ago
Well I hope that PPP new Argus does away with Google. It's all about the traffic IMO, Google can go rot on the shelf as far as I'm concerned. (Just as soon as I get my Adsence $$ first ;) )
Simon
· 2 years ago
I think its good to see that the blogopshere is slowly moving away from PageRank. It's hardly the same as moving away from Google anyway - people are just starting to realise that there are better ways to measure your success.
I've always found it rather ironic that the blogoshpere has so long relied on Google to tell us how valuable our pages are through a static value like PR. We can far more accurately measure the value of our pages anyway - by looking at the type and volume of traffic passing through, and analysing what they are doing.
Using real traffic data more (as opposed to something like alexa!) is a logical step forward, I think. Hopefully after this latest bout of PR bashing, everyone can stop talking about it, and instead start talking about the alternatives already out there, that we can further develop to serve the comunity.
Simon
· 2 years ago
I think its good to see that the blogopshere is slowly moving away from PageRank. It's hardly the same as moving away from Google anyway - people are just starting to realise that there are better ways to measure your success.
I've always found it rather ironic that the blogoshpere has so long relied on Google to tell us how valuable our pages are through a static value like PR. We can far more accurately measure the value of our pages anyway - by looking at the type and volume of traffic passing through, and analysing what they are doing.
Using real traffic data more (as opposed to something like alexa!) is a logical step forward, I think. Hopefully after this latest bout of PR bashing, everyone can stop talking about it, and instead start talking about the alternatives already out there, that we can further develop to serve the comunity.
vicki
· 2 years ago
what's with all the bitching and complaining - just quit plastering their freakin links all over your sites, and blogs. Webmasters and bloggers are their source of income. Boycot - if you all have balls enough, pull the adsense, don't pay for adwords, and refer visitors to other search engines.
Without us, Google goes down.
vicki
· 2 years ago
what's with all the bitching and complaining - just quit plastering their freakin links all over your sites, and blogs. Webmasters and bloggers are their source of income. Boycot - if you all have balls enough, pull the adsense, don't pay for adwords, and refer visitors to other search engines.
Without us, Google goes down.
constructicle boy
· 2 years ago
well vicki.you should not say that.Without us,google will not really be down and out.But if we are without google,we WILL be down and out.Google and us should work hand in hand.Pagerank is just an indication on how far your blog goes.If you are doing the right thing always,as Andy has always thought us,Google will know their mistake and do some change to it.Mine has been given a significant rise in pagerank after this update.But to me,it is just a reward.not a must!
constructicle boy
· 2 years ago
well vicki.you should not say that.Without us,google will not really be down and out.But if we are without google,we WILL be down and out.Google and us should work hand in hand.Pagerank is just an indication on how far your blog goes.If you are doing the right thing always,as Andy has always thought us,Google will know their mistake and do some change to it.Mine has been given a significant rise in pagerank after this update.But to me,it is just a reward.not a must!
Tim Nash
· 2 years ago
But if we are without google,we WILL be down and out.Google and us should work hand in hand.
Why? To expand on that.. a) why without Google would we be down and out, their are hundreds of other engines and services Google does nothing unique or different except combine them in a neat package?
b) Why should we work hand in hand with a company that many no longer trusts, Google is a huge company but it has to make a profit it makes a profit from you through advertising the only way to change its attitude and opinion is to stop using it. But even if every single webmaster, site owner and developer stopped using every Google service completely and all at once barring the webmaster tool team do you think anyone would notice?
James - DigitalKeyToInfo
· 2 years ago
Do you really think Google wants to work with anyone? Forget working with the relatively meager online community, they are taking their empire into the "real" world, into TV, radio, and billboards. Markets that see even more viewers than the most popular sites. Google will be just as strong armed there as they are with us little guys. The blogosphere and online community can change it, but it will take a real united effort. They are a monopoly, and we gave it to them.
Tim Nash
· 2 years ago
But if we are without google,we WILL be down and out.Google and us should work hand in hand.
Why? To expand on that.. a) why without Google would we be down and out, their are hundreds of other engines and services Google does nothing unique or different except combine them in a neat package?
b) Why should we work hand in hand with a company that many no longer trusts, Google is a huge company but it has to make a profit it makes a profit from you through advertising the only way to change its attitude and opinion is to stop using it. But even if every single webmaster, site owner and developer stopped using every Google service completely and all at once barring the webmaster tool team do you think anyone would notice?
James - DigitalKeyToInfo
· 2 years ago
Do you really think Google wants to work with anyone? Forget working with the relatively meager online community, they are taking their empire into the "real" world, into TV, radio, and billboards. Markets that see even more viewers than the most popular sites. Google will be just as strong armed there as they are with us little guys. The blogosphere and online community can change it, but it will take a real united effort. They are a monopoly, and we gave it to them.
Allen
· 2 years ago
Awesome. Love Matt's costume. I will refrain from further comments on him and his blog.
In all seriousness, I don't think people in the seo community would care as much if they just explained why and what they are doing instead of leaving us guessing.
Most of us are trying to do the right things and follow their guidelines. Yet when they make them so vague, it's hard to know where to draw the line.
And on one hand Matt tells us that his blog is his "private blog" then he posts "I am having a meeting, tell me what your suggestions are". Is'nt that work related? And then the next post ios about what his costume should be, and I am sucked into reading it and waisting 10 minutes of my life and thinking " who cares"
I'm out. Thanks
Allen
· 2 years ago
Awesome. Love Matt's costume. I will refrain from further comments on him and his blog.
In all seriousness, I don't think people in the seo community would care as much if they just explained why and what they are doing instead of leaving us guessing.
Most of us are trying to do the right things and follow their guidelines. Yet when they make them so vague, it's hard to know where to draw the line.
And on one hand Matt tells us that his blog is his "private blog" then he posts "I am having a meeting, tell me what your suggestions are". Is'nt that work related? And then the next post ios about what his costume should be, and I am sucked into reading it and waisting 10 minutes of my life and thinking " who cares"
I'm out. Thanks
charisse@ gum disease treatmen
· 2 years ago
I think the main point is that we need to focus on traffic and not page rank. I don't know if we can ever really understand all of Google's strategies. It feels like a cat and mouse game, but as long as we work on legitimate traffic strategies, we will be ok...I think.
charisse@ gum disease treatmen
· 2 years ago
I think the main point is that we need to focus on traffic and not page rank. I don't know if we can ever really understand all of Google's strategies. It feels like a cat and mouse game, but as long as we work on legitimate traffic strategies, we will be ok...I think.
Dave
· 2 years ago
I love the little "chutes and ladders" graphic, it's so true. I've been playing that game with Google for what seems like an eternity now but just like the real life game, eventually we grow up and leave childhood's games behind. Considering the internet and blogging are still in their infancy, there's no telling what changes lie in store for us. Hopefully the "open source" crowd will finally start working on the next generation search that is based on P2P like file-sharing is and then the major search engines, strike, marketing engines will become a thing of the past.
Dave
· 2 years ago
I love the little "chutes and ladders" graphic, it's so true. I've been playing that game with Google for what seems like an eternity now but just like the real life game, eventually we grow up and leave childhood's games behind. Considering the internet and blogging are still in their infancy, there's no telling what changes lie in store for us. Hopefully the "open source" crowd will finally start working on the next generation search that is based on P2P like file-sharing is and then the major search engines, strike, marketing engines will become a thing of the past.
Internet Coupons
· 2 years ago
I think Google is actually scaring a few people away from selling links. I talked with a lady last week who makes over $3000 a month selling links but is going to stop come November 1 because her PR dropped from a 7 to a 3. She doesn't want Google to take her out of the serps. Fear the Google.
Internet Coupons
· 2 years ago
I think Google is actually scaring a few people away from selling links. I talked with a lady last week who makes over $3000 a month selling links but is going to stop come November 1 because her PR dropped from a 7 to a 3. She doesn't want Google to take her out of the serps. Fear the Google.
Ernie
· 2 years ago
Really only one thing comes to mind about all this ... F google. In a way I am glad that they did this so we can finally pull together and let people know that Google does not own the internet and no matter what they do we will keep pushing forward and doing out thing as bloggers.
Ernie
· 2 years ago
Really only one thing comes to mind about all this ... F google. In a way I am glad that they did this so we can finally pull together and let people know that Google does not own the internet and no matter what they do we will keep pushing forward and doing out thing as bloggers.
Keith Cash
· 2 years ago
Yes like many others my PR 5 rank went to a PR3 over night, cust some of my income maybe in half, I will see over the coming month.
Cheers
Keith Cash
· 2 years ago
Yes like many others my PR 5 rank went to a PR3 over night, cust some of my income maybe in half, I will see over the coming month.
Cheers
Stine
· 2 years ago
I can't contribute much to the discussion, I'll say only that I'm confused as to the "why". As millions of bloggers are willingly publishing Google ads, most of them for nothing or next to it, why go after them? I make 2-300$ per month doing what I do on mine. I make 2-3$ on Adsense. Whatever threat am I???? I'll go on doing what I have been doing. (ppp). I like it, I learn something new every day, and it will take my family on holiday next year. Google won't.
Stine
· 2 years ago
I can't contribute much to the discussion, I'll say only that I'm confused as to the "why". As millions of bloggers are willingly publishing Google ads, most of them for nothing or next to it, why go after them? I make 2-300$ per month doing what I do on mine. I make 2-3$ on Adsense. Whatever threat am I???? I'll go on doing what I have been doing. (ppp). I like it, I learn something new every day, and it will take my family on holiday next year. Google won't.
Michelle Vandepas
· 1 year ago
So funny! Actually the google shake up helped one of my sites... but luckily I don't rely on google or any search engine. It is only part of my whole marketing effort.
Michelle Vandepas
· 1 year ago
So funny! Actually the google shake up helped one of my sites... but luckily I don't rely on google or any search engine. It is only part of my whole marketing effort.
Brisbane web designer
· 1 year ago
All this link buying penalty has done is drive it underground. Is paying someone to write and distribute articles link buying? What about giving stuff to a web site in exchange for links. How about link directories that charge a fee for "review"?
Brisbane web designer
· 1 year ago
All this link buying penalty has done is drive it underground. Is paying someone to write and distribute articles link buying? What about giving stuff to a web site in exchange for links. How about link directories that charge a fee for "review"?
All Comments
Many bloggers seem to be taking the stance "who cares about Google anyways" which is probably not the best strategy :)
It was the main focus of Larry and Sergei's original paper ( http://infolab.stanford.edu/~backrub/google.html) and I'm sure it still does play a large factor in trust of content.
I am fully aware of the importance of various forms of Google Juice, one of my main forte's is Wordpress SEO after all.
At the end of the day Google needs publishers just as much as publishers need Google, but the difference is publishers have alternative sources of revenue and traffic.
I don't argue with that, the problem is that meaningless little green bar. Can you think of one reason to publish such a thing.
Why was it that it was wrong to install the Alexa toolbar?
Agh, it's spyware they say. What Alexa never did was profile everything you do on the net and connect it to you through Webmaster Tools, email accounts, searches, auto queries, Google Analytics(yes you leave tracks there too) and now whether or not you no follow links.
AOL at one time was unstoppable, look at them now, most people are even appalled at the idea of having a free email address with @aol.com.
Google creates absolutely no content of it's own, now it's going to punish high PR sites that rake them in alot of cash, if I was Google I'd be scared.
Hmm, maybe we should charge Google every time Googlebot rips off our content>??
Many bloggers seem to be taking the stance "who cares about Google anyways" which is probably not the best strategy :)
It was the main focus of Larry and Sergei's original paper ( http://infolab.stanford.edu/~backrub/google.html) and I'm sure it still does play a large factor in trust of content.
I am fully aware of the importance of various forms of Google Juice, one of my main forte's is Wordpress SEO after all.
At the end of the day Google needs publishers just as much as publishers need Google, but the difference is publishers have alternative sources of revenue and traffic.
I don't argue with that, the problem is that meaningless little green bar. Can you think of one reason to publish such a thing.
Why was it that it was wrong to install the Alexa toolbar?
Agh, it's spyware they say. What Alexa never did was profile everything you do on the net and connect it to you through Webmaster Tools, email accounts, searches, auto queries, Google Analytics(yes you leave tracks there too) and now whether or not you no follow links.
AOL at one time was unstoppable, look at them now, most people are even appalled at the idea of having a free email address with @aol.com.
Google creates absolutely no content of it's own, now it's going to punish high PR sites that rake them in alot of cash, if I was Google I'd be scared.
Hmm, maybe we should charge Google every time Googlebot rips off our content>??
I think it's all so ludicrous that you just have to laugh... There are some good submissions over at ProBlogger. One that made me laugh was from Matt Jones "The bar is always greener on the other blog".
Thanks for the mention. I did a brief post (which also links to "bohica" for those not familiar with the term).
I think it's all so ludicrous that you just have to laugh... There are some good submissions over at ProBlogger. One that made me laugh was from Matt Jones "The bar is always greener on the other blog".
Thanks for the mention. I did a brief post (which also links to "bohica" for those not familiar with the term).
When Jaan told me he'd submitted the pic to Matt for consideration for his Halloween costume, my initial reaction was "aww crap" but now I think "What the heck. What's the worse thing that couple happen? A little slap never hurt anyone".
At least that what my local Tory MP told me, anyway...
When Jaan told me he'd submitted the pic to Matt for consideration for his Halloween costume, my initial reaction was "aww crap" but now I think "What the heck. What's the worse thing that couple happen? A little slap never hurt anyone".
At least that what my local Tory MP told me, anyway...
I didn't know what bohica stood for until I looked in Google(bend over here it comes again).
I think Google might be shooting themselves in the foot with this kind of public slapping, particularly when there's no clear explanation for the "mischief" - I am talking of cases such as problogger and copyblogger who have enough links outside of B5 and are well respected. While some networks certainly take advantage of links for their own members and seek to get the most of it from Google, it's a natural thing that those blogs should interlink fairly often for traffic reasons- remember weblogs inc blogroll in 2003/2004? It's Google job to devaluate those links if it finds them not worthy, not to slap those involved.
What happened to "make sites as if google didn't exist?"
I didn't know what bohica stood for until I looked in Google(bend over here it comes again).
I think Google might be shooting themselves in the foot with this kind of public slapping, particularly when there's no clear explanation for the "mischief" - I am talking of cases such as problogger and copyblogger who have enough links outside of B5 and are well respected. While some networks certainly take advantage of links for their own members and seek to get the most of it from Google, it's a natural thing that those blogs should interlink fairly often for traffic reasons- remember weblogs inc blogroll in 2003/2004? It's Google job to devaluate those links if it finds them not worthy, not to slap those involved.
What happened to "make sites as if google didn't exist?"
'Mullenweg & Google sitting in a tree. K.I.S.S....'
;-)
'Mullenweg & Google sitting in a tree. K.I.S.S....'
;-)
I remember events like the "Florida" update a few years back that had a much greater impact on the webmaster community than this silly change! :D
I wouldn't say they've "become" anything - this is nothing new and I totally expect zero reaction from Google. :)
I remember events like the "Florida" update a few years back that had a much greater impact on the webmaster community than this silly change! :D
I wouldn't say they've "become" anything - this is nothing new and I totally expect zero reaction from Google. :)
Nothing like a bit of a PR mistake on the part of Google. Yahoo and MSN should be jumping at this chance to do something better than Google for a change.
Nothing like a bit of a PR mistake on the part of Google. Yahoo and MSN should be jumping at this chance to do something better than Google for a change.
As a result, they will continue to act like the 900 lb gorilla until their actions begin costing them market share amongst those who search.
Until then, those of us who want to be found have two choices.
1) We can bend over, grit our teeth and say, "Thank you sir! May I have another!" (Animal House)
2) We can invest in other ways for people to find us a.k.a "traditional" methods of marketing and advertising.
Unfortunately, #2 isn't a viable option for anyone seeking to reach a global audience.
As for me, I'll gladly root for anyone up to the task of dethroning the mighty Google. Then again, I always liked the underdog!
As a result, they will continue to act like the 900 lb gorilla until their actions begin costing them market share amongst those who search.
Until then, those of us who want to be found have two choices.
1) We can bend over, grit our teeth and say, "Thank you sir! May I have another!" (Animal House)
2) We can invest in other ways for people to find us a.k.a "traditional" methods of marketing and advertising.
Unfortunately, #2 isn't a viable option for anyone seeking to reach a global audience.
As for me, I'll gladly root for anyone up to the task of dethroning the mighty Google. Then again, I always liked the underdog!
Fish that live in a small pond tend to believe that there's nothing outside that pond, and that in turn magnifies their sense of self-importance. They also tend to be astonished, and upset, when they get yanked out of that pond by a hook and line. The SEO pond is tiny compared to the rest of the world, and for those in it to believe that they can have a serious effect on Google is delusional. Let it go, and move on.
Fish that live in a small pond tend to believe that there's nothing outside that pond, and that in turn magnifies their sense of self-importance. They also tend to be astonished, and upset, when they get yanked out of that pond by a hook and line. The SEO pond is tiny compared to the rest of the world, and for those in it to believe that they can have a serious effect on Google is delusional. Let it go, and move on.
I just wanted to let you know that ironically PageRank is updating right now. This is the real toolbar update, and it looks like you will probably be back to a PR4.
I've checked about 20 and there are changes on all of them - this is the real thing. I posted about the changes here:
http://courtneytuttle.com/2007/10/26/now-for-th...
I just wanted to let you know that ironically PageRank is updating right now. This is the real toolbar update, and it looks like you will probably be back to a PR4.
I've checked about 20 and there are changes on all of them - this is the real thing. I posted about the changes here:
http://courtneytuttle.com/2007/10/26/now-for-th...
Like you said in your comment Andy, Google does need publishers, at the moment the power is with Google. One large entity against millions of tiny individual entities is not a fair playing field in the business world, unless collectively the millions of tiny individual entities organise themselves and vote with their feet and look for a better deal.
Like you said in your comment Andy, Google does need publishers, at the moment the power is with Google. One large entity against millions of tiny individual entities is not a fair playing field in the business world, unless collectively the millions of tiny individual entities organise themselves and vote with their feet and look for a better deal.
(Just as soon as I get my Adsence $$ first ;) )
(Just as soon as I get my Adsence $$ first ;) )
I've always found it rather ironic that the blogoshpere has so long relied on Google to tell us how valuable our pages are through a static value like PR. We can far more accurately measure the value of our pages anyway - by looking at the type and volume of traffic passing through, and analysing what they are doing.
Using real traffic data more (as opposed to something like alexa!) is a logical step forward, I think. Hopefully after this latest bout of PR bashing, everyone can stop talking about it, and instead start talking about the alternatives already out there, that we can further develop to serve the comunity.
I've always found it rather ironic that the blogoshpere has so long relied on Google to tell us how valuable our pages are through a static value like PR. We can far more accurately measure the value of our pages anyway - by looking at the type and volume of traffic passing through, and analysing what they are doing.
Using real traffic data more (as opposed to something like alexa!) is a logical step forward, I think. Hopefully after this latest bout of PR bashing, everyone can stop talking about it, and instead start talking about the alternatives already out there, that we can further develop to serve the comunity.
Without us, Google goes down.
Without us, Google goes down.
Why?
To expand on that..
a) why without Google would we be down and out, their are hundreds of other engines and services Google does nothing unique or different except combine them in a neat package?
b) Why should we work hand in hand with a company that many no longer trusts, Google is a huge company but it has to make a profit it makes a profit from you through advertising the only way to change its attitude and opinion is to stop using it. But even if every single webmaster, site owner and developer stopped using every Google service completely and all at once barring the webmaster tool team do you think anyone would notice?
Forget working with the relatively meager online community, they are taking their empire into the "real" world, into TV, radio, and billboards. Markets that see even more viewers than the most popular sites. Google will be just as strong armed there as they are with us little guys.
The blogosphere and online community can change it, but it will take a real united effort. They are a monopoly, and we gave it to them.
Why?
To expand on that..
a) why without Google would we be down and out, their are hundreds of other engines and services Google does nothing unique or different except combine them in a neat package?
b) Why should we work hand in hand with a company that many no longer trusts, Google is a huge company but it has to make a profit it makes a profit from you through advertising the only way to change its attitude and opinion is to stop using it. But even if every single webmaster, site owner and developer stopped using every Google service completely and all at once barring the webmaster tool team do you think anyone would notice?
Forget working with the relatively meager online community, they are taking their empire into the "real" world, into TV, radio, and billboards. Markets that see even more viewers than the most popular sites. Google will be just as strong armed there as they are with us little guys.
The blogosphere and online community can change it, but it will take a real united effort. They are a monopoly, and we gave it to them.
In all seriousness, I don't think people in the seo community would care as much if they just explained why and what they are doing instead of leaving us guessing.
Most of us are trying to do the right things and follow their guidelines. Yet when they make them so vague, it's hard to know where to draw the line.
And on one hand Matt tells us that his blog is his "private blog" then he posts "I am having a meeting, tell me what your suggestions are". Is'nt that work related? And then the next post ios about what his costume should be, and I am sucked into reading it and waisting 10 minutes of my life and thinking " who cares"
I'm out. Thanks
In all seriousness, I don't think people in the seo community would care as much if they just explained why and what they are doing instead of leaving us guessing.
Most of us are trying to do the right things and follow their guidelines. Yet when they make them so vague, it's hard to know where to draw the line.
And on one hand Matt tells us that his blog is his "private blog" then he posts "I am having a meeting, tell me what your suggestions are". Is'nt that work related? And then the next post ios about what his costume should be, and I am sucked into reading it and waisting 10 minutes of my life and thinking " who cares"
I'm out. Thanks
Cheers
Cheers
I'll go on doing what I have been doing. (ppp). I like it, I learn something new every day, and it will take my family on holiday next year. Google won't.
I'll go on doing what I have been doing. (ppp). I like it, I learn something new every day, and it will take my family on holiday next year. Google won't.