In the most recent update statcounter.com went from a PR9 to PR6. Is this because they want Google Analytics to dominate the market? Google has recently penalized directories with a -1 PR update. Directories were penalized in the search engine rankings, even for their own name. Is this to decrease dependence on directories, and lead to more searching? I'm just bored... Any ideas?
The first idea I could understand, they may see it as a threat and try to devaluate the site. Although I could see there reasoning as there may be a lot of "worthless" links used from the statcounter cookie/script/link. Google Analytics could be better I must admit. You second point I don't see why them would do it. Directories are places to put links. Google seems to be penalizing sites that are buying or selling links and as a result has seemed to slap a -1 pr to counter this. Google already seem to be monopolizing searches and i don't no many people that use directories to find the content they want. What people need to do is stop worrying about PR, although it is good to have a site with a top PR, many every day searchers don't seem to use/notice it. If PR was gone completely then there wouldn't be all this fiasco with link buying/selling and trying to trick Google. Secondly another search engine other than the ones currently being used (Ask/MSN/Yahoo etc) and a completly new search engine needs to join the ranks which is completely new and different that offers better results. Google is becoming to dominating and people are always trying to please one company. If another stepped in Google would have to try and work harder again to get people back and be innovative again. All they seem to do is buy up good looking products and start up and keep them for them selves. A new search engine needs to be created to drive innovation and move people away from Google. At this time I don't see this happening. Wow, I wrote a lot. Probably full of errors but I can't be bothered to re-read it. </rant>