Why do we do it? Why do we so obediently jump through the SEO and Adsense hoops that Google creates for us? Here we are, some of the best and brightest minds in the online world--can't we pool our brain-power and resources to come up with a reasonable alternative and send Google back to the cesspool where it belongs? Thoughts, suggestions, justifications anyone?
Because Google is what buys my new Jaguar and toys I want. Google isn't the enemy when it does that. I couldn't make it without Google.
@ visio - I hear what you are saying and I respect what you've been able to accomplish through Google's business model. But isn't it time for a new paradigm to replace an aging system that uses us as its pawns instead of creating true partnerships? I think so. At this point it's kind of like joining a multi-level marketing organization near the end of its life cycle. Most of the big money is made by those who got in early. If you were part of the creation of a better more relevent system, you'd have much more than a Jag waiting for you. And in reality, does Google really care about us? No! One false move (even if someone else is to blame) that violates their TOS and we're history. They show the same kind of arrogance towards their Adwords "partners" and I use the word partners very loosely because usually partners have a joint voice in matters. Deep in my heart and mind I know there has to be a better way. Any potential collaborators here? @ FTEGal - Um, is that sarcasm, or are you being sincere. Can't tell without the smiley faces...I think search engines added great value at the beginning of the world wide web, but now a better, more complete system of categorization is needed. What I have fomenting in the back of my mind is something that combines the best of Google, Yahoo, MSN and DMOZ and something beyond. Definately something more relevant to our times than what we have now. The number of websites out there is enormous and good SEO brings crap to the top while excellent websites languish near the bottom. And here we are letting Google's mathematical algorithms define what sites we should and should not be able to find. It's pure poppycock (I thought I'd throw out a word you Brits could appreciate) I tell you.
ah.Common buddy.They have worked hard, i think they deserve whatever they are getting right now but then i kinda get what your saying, your looking for a way of direct advertisement right?
Well, having seen some of the posts on this forum, I really don't think the people here add up to the brainpower google hires. [edit: that includes myself]
Yeah, that's a part of it, but so much more. I think the entire system needs an overhaul. I agree they've worked hard, but in this fast moving marketplace, I don't think they've kept pace with what the market truly needs. I see overworked and underpaid webmasters sacrifcing time, money and relationships to keep up with the SEO changes and updates, keep their site content fresh and new, and quite frankly--can you imagine what would happen if we asked John Grisham to update the content of his books on a regular basis. "Hey John, I liked what you did with "The Firm" and all, but I think it's time for an update, otherwise I'm going to have to drop your relevance score and put you in the sandbox for a while." That rediculous, and yet that's what we do with webmasters that have already provided quality content--and now Google says they have to change it out regularly. I agree there are people that couldn't dig themselves out of a mound of pudding with a spoon, at the same time, we've got a glut of creativity on this board. And that my friend, is what drives the market.
If Google was THE only search engine I would agree but it isn't. NOONE is forcing you to use Google so you aren't their 'pawn' unless you let them be. I don't think there is a better way. Google at times may make a mistake but Google is trying to keep a relevant and clean search engine and sometimes actions have to be taken that effect innocent and not so inoccent webmasters. When someone creates a better search engine I will be the first to join in but until then google isn't the enemy. Only to those who disobey the TOS and use BH methods. I have never been penalized by google. And you are wrong about those who got in early get the money. That is the great thing about Google. If your site is better than one that has been around 50 years you will get the ranking. The problem is most of the time that isn't the case. Again if a better search engine appears(like when google came around) I will join in. Until then if you don't like Google there is always MSN and Yahoo! or even altavista and hotbot
Again your wrong. I have clients which have sites that don't update content for months and still get awesome rankings. That doesn't effect it much. The problem is how you go about link building.
True, if you build good content, you won't need to make any SEO. John Grisham is a great writer, and does not need to re-make his books because he has good content.
True, but I feel MSN, Altavista and Hotbot also have their flaws that unfortunately make Google the obvious choice for the majority. Which makes Google the 900lb gorilla that gets to dictate where the market goes next. If I thought the 900lb gorilla's leadership was taking us where we should be going then I'd have no problem with it. I'll let you know when I've created the better site reference and lookup system alternative to Google and you can give it a try.
That's my point. And there are many great webmasters with awesome sites that don't get noticed because they are listed on the SERPs in the 100+ range, while I've seen the web equivalent of pond scum rising to the top
That is why I am a Seo. To help these sites get where they SHOULD be. If you got a site like this let me know as I am always looking for them. I always look for spots in google where the top ten is crap so that I can put a relevant site there. They are getting further and further between I am happy to report.
Goole is to the Internet what Microsoft is to a PC it just natural to get bobbed down by a giant. afterall they help us earn