Stemming - Truth or Myth?

Discussion in 'Search Engine Optimization' started by BILZ, Apr 26, 2006.

  1. #1
    Do any of the SEs use stemming for SERPs? I havent been able to find a reliable source that can prove to me that stemming is in place for major SEs.

    Whats the general consensus on stemming? Anyone have some proof on the matter?
     
    BILZ, Apr 26, 2006 IP
  2. Mohit

    Mohit Peon

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    #2
    Can you elaborate more in what is Stemming?????
     
    Mohit, Apr 26, 2006 IP
  3. BILZ

    BILZ Peon

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    #3
    Stemming means that if i search for a word, similar words are taken into account. Such as if i search for bicycle, terms like bicycles, bike, bikes, etc. will be used in the results.
     
    BILZ, Apr 26, 2006 IP
  4. fryman

    fryman Kiss my rep

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    #4
    A search for bicycle and bicycles gives totaly different results.
     
    fryman, Apr 26, 2006 IP
  5. BILZ

    BILZ Peon

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    #5
    Although that may prove that the results are weighted more heavily toward the original word, it doesnt mean that stemming isnt being used.
     
    BILZ, Apr 26, 2006 IP
  6. aditya_sfs

    aditya_sfs Peon

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    #6
    No...i dont think google ever uses stemming
    It is useful in some cases and not useful in some

    regards
    aditya
     
    aditya_sfs, Apr 26, 2006 IP
  7. TangoUK

    TangoUK Guest

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    #7
    The use of stemming in your optimised text is still beneficial, as far as I'm aware.

    If you're targeting say "swimming googles", a page which includes "swimming goggles", as well as "swim goggles" and "swimmer's googles" will do better than a page which simply targets "swimming goggles".
     
    TangoUK, Apr 27, 2006 IP
  8. BILZ

    BILZ Peon

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    #8
    Can you back that up with some data or proof?
     
    BILZ, Apr 27, 2006 IP
  9. TangoUK

    TangoUK Guest

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    #9
    Twice I mixed up goggles with googles. Google on the brain LOL

    Re proof, you can prove very little in this game, but I strongly believe it helps to use stemming in your copywriting.
     
    TangoUK, Apr 27, 2006 IP
  10. courtney

    courtney Peon

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    #10
    I think it exists. Not hugely different words, but different tenses of the same word (plural, past tense, etc). I searched Google for "beaded bracelets" (sans quotes) and on the first page I got results with "bracelet" and "beads" in bold, though neither word was in my search. For example, here is the second result on the first SERP:

    Beaded Bracelet Projects
    Just take a look at this long list of archived beaded bracelet projects. ... A toggle clasp is added to a macrame bracelet which is made up of beads and ...
    jewelrymaking.about.com/library/blbdbrac.htm - 29k - Cached - Similar pages​

    Of course, this may be irrelevant since it's possible I totally misunderstood what you're talking about, it's been known to happen. :)
     
    courtney, Apr 28, 2006 IP
  11. Tim_Myth

    Tim_Myth Peon

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    #11
    Google uses stemming.
    http://www.google.com/help/basics.html
     
    Tim_Myth, Apr 28, 2006 IP
  12. Tim_Myth

    Tim_Myth Peon

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    #12
    But I must add:
    "All is Myth"

    :D
     
    Tim_Myth, Apr 28, 2006 IP
  13. BILZ

    BILZ Peon

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    #13
    Thanks for the feedback, I think Tim put any doubts i had to bed.
     
    BILZ, Apr 28, 2006 IP