Do spaces in meta tags like keyords and descriptions matter much? I am using one header and have 4 different tag words (<?=$statename?> <?=$cityname?> <?=$ptitle?> <?=$usernamem?>) being inserted based on what page is selected. It is causing 2-3 spaces between words depending on which page is loaded. Do search engines frown on this or it no big deal?
It depends on where the keywords are at. If they're in a META tag and separated by commas, then they won't matter, since the search engines use the comma as a delimiter (though having a space between a keyword and the comma will improve the readability). If it's in the domain name, then you should look into using a delimiter such as the - character. For example, if your domain name is expertsexchange.com a search engine (more likely MSN or Yahoo, since Google prefers page content) can read that as either experts exchange or expert sex change (two WILDLY different topics when you think about it). Now, if you mean the keywords in the actual page content, then yes, use spaces. Make your content readable to HUMANS, since the search engine spiders will try to read them the same way.
Actually google doesn't ignore the meta description tag. Where are you using these dynamically generated keywords at hmilesjr?
Right Google still uses meta description. If it has the keywords in it then it will be used as a description in the SERPs when the results show a link to your site.
I am using these in the title, keywords, & description tags. What is happening is on the State pages I am getting "State keyword" or " City keyword" It's these spaces that concern me. If you visit http://www.waterfronthousesusa.com then use the Search by State option. you can view the code to see what I mean.