yes i`m referring to Google but at no time have i said `penalized` as this has never been proven nor as it been stated by Google i have always and still do believe that things will return to normal
Good for you. Being optimistic sometimes pays off. BTW, Google never state that they've penalized website. Unless you write them and ask. Have you done that yet?
There is life after Google, but it's just a lot harder to compete against your competitors as they are getting Google traffic while your not. A majority of sites like General web directories probably would not do all that well out of Google unless they done a good amount of advertising.
As you said, only Google knows for sure. But to ask people to provide concrete evidence is unrealistic. No one has access to any proof except Google. If you've been a webmaster long enough, you'll have a good idea of what's going on. It's not just a coincidence that a lot of directories and websites have been hit by Google's new algo. They've all done something similar which is: buy and sell links. In addition, devaluing paid links has always been a key target for Google. Matt Cutts has talked about this subject on a few separate occasions.
That's just the point, there is no concrete proof. And yes if obvious something is going on but what? The only mention of anything about paid links was Cutts' blog several months ago and that only mentioned the possibility of perhaps some method to devaluing paid links. No one can say for sure it's this or that as many, many sites have done and are still doing exactly what the so called "penalized" sites have done so where is the connection?. What really bothers me is all the hate mongers shouting we know what's going on and you're guilty of this or that when, like you said, no one has access to any proof but Google.All the character assassinations are based on rumor and opinion and not facts. I'm sure as soon as something becomes clear, most directory owners will make the necessary moves to correct things. In the mean time, all the "know-it-alls really need to buy some business and stay out of everyones else's
The connection is that Google has recently updated their algo, and as a result many websites and directories that were selling and buying links have lost their rankings. I think it's pretty obvious to figure out. Yes, this is my personal opinion, but I'm sure most webmasters would agree. Can you think of any other logical explanations as to why these websites and directories have lost their rankings? In regards to hate mongers and character assassinations, who or what are you talking about? I've not seen any of this.
I can think of lots of reasons and I agree that link buying May be the reason( it's certainly looks so) but again, if you look at the scope of all the sites affected, the association is very loose to say for sure they all have this is common. I just don't know and until I do, I'm not going to base my business on rumors and guesses. Hopefully this will all come to light and those that are concerned and willing can make the necessary corrections. Believe me, if I knew for sure what the best approach is I would certainly do it. I don't like being buried in the Serps! As far as my other comment, it wasn't directed towards you.What I'm talking about are all the recent post throughout the directory section where sites are being named and comments like "all those directory owners" or "most if those directory owners" and use remarks like cheats, liars, PR pimps, PR chasers, cons, idiots, morons and on and on. These folks may not like certain people/sites or directories in general but I feel the public bashing and name calling has gone to far.
I understand your point of view. You are basically saying there is no concrete evidence to back up our conclusions. I agree, however, I never claim my comments to be factual or based on solid evidence. The basis of my conclusions come from years of webmastering, as well as following search engine behavior. This is probably true for most webmasters and SEO professionals, unless you work for Google. In regards to your comments about all the negative attitudes, I took no offense to it. I just wanted to know who or what you were referring to. And, I will say that I agree with your point. There's been a lot of negative press about directories, but I do think both sides have legitimate arguments. However, when it starts becoming more about personal attacks and character assassinations, then we've lost the professionalism in our discussions.
Green Sent.. and very "eloquently" described at that actually i sent you "both" greens as its refreshing to see good posts cheers malcolm1
I guess what's frustrating to me personally is not knowing how, why, where and who at this point. If Google is making changes that require a paradigm shift that's fine. Those that are sincere can adapt and continue on. Hopefully there will still be a place and need for web directories. It may require we/I change my way of thinking and doing things and come up with new and better ways to offer value to our vistors /clients. I just don't like sitting in limbo scratching my head wondering what's going to happen next
This so funny and ironic- Here i sthis search engine (Google) claiming to be "an easy-to-use free service that usually returns relevant results , yet when you search for a particular word (e.g, "john chow" or other name) you get other results that are not as relevant as "John Chow" even though Google knows that there is a site with that word and the probability that most people are searching for that site are very high. Regardless if a certain site has done good or bad " relevant results" means " relevant results" and there is no way around. Who's google to decide what's Bad or Evil for us after all we are the ones paying the bills. I guess google should penalize its own actions too!!!! BTW: Here is my prediction for you google: Change your ways or we will make you change your ways in less time than you ever thought!!!
Let me explain that the "web directory" itself will always grow and morph in bigger and better resources as time go's on. Every search engine ...google, yahoo, ASK, MSN and hundreds off others Will Always use some type of "backlink metric" in thier algo to deciphere thier results. Thiers NO way around this issue for them as links, feeds, bookmarks, video, images/pics or whatever it is, will always have to have a reference point to begin with from "somewhere" or a vote off assurance ... end of story Now... whether that "engine" feels that the "backlink in question" carries anymore "weight" then the next guys backlink is reserved for independent "fact finding" or "personal exclusion" by whomever runs/operates that SE to whether its from a "credible source". thx malcolm
First of all, Mr. Google needs to change and accommodate our needs NOT us. As directory owner we should continue exploring and offering more services to our customers and visitors as we think is the best way. We own this world and not Google. THIS IS OUR NICHE AND WE RULE THIS NICHE AND NOT AN OUTSIDER. Secondly, Directories had, have, and will have a place regardless of what google think. In the quest for #1 search engine, it will backfire big time and unexpectedly that it will have a hard time "searching" for the missing link. So far nothing has pass the test of TIME and google will not be an exception to this rule. Kingdoms, rulers, world powers, or whatever you can think of have failed in one way or another. All this talk reminds me of the Catholic Church trying to impose their faith wherever they went and what happened next "protestant" (you should know the rest of the story) Maybe Mr. Google and Mr Directory should get together sometimes and have a little talk and some compromise would be a start for a great relationship.
I might not be the only one around here, if you know what I mean. You also might be right in this respect that is why I took a few years in lab studying my mind to see what was wrong with me Anyways I really enjoy your forum and I find it very useful. Great job!!!. I hope you get well (if not) so you can stop posting too much around here, there are much better things in this world that we still don't know the solution.
My point was that Google does not revolve around directory owners or webmasters - it's more the other way 'round. Thank you.
I think they already do.. For any engine to get the most relevant results it cant be biased of "where" it gets its resources and info, rather that the "source in question" is worthy of its attention in the first place. Search engines and web directories can and will co-exist on the web providing that both offer the end user what they seek and that being "results" in quality of relevance. As for Google ... i believe many webmasters are getting annoyed with thier "lack off communication" with webmasters and no possible good can come from doing such whether they could care less about a few, it deems appropriate that better communication would be a welcome treat. thx malcolm