I've been asked by several people using the phpLynx script if the use of PageRank is legal? I know that Alexa have a facility that allows you to pull thier data but on looking at Google I can't seem to find anywhere that says you can latch on to the Google databases? Could someone enlighten me on this as I am at a loss as to whether it should be added to my script or not. Thanks.
What google says in their TOS is automated queries are against guidelines. Checking one site at a time, is not "automated". Checking 1000s at a time could be a problem if you repeat it. One would think that after years of sites like iwebtool.com querying pagerank that google would have done something by now. You should be pretty safe as long as you don't roll out a bunch of automated requests to 1000's of sites.
Comments from leading Directory Script phpld supplier interpret that SE TOS are met, which is very much a comfort zone factor for phpld script users Thanks for the feedback
Thanks for the pointer David, I never thought of looking in the obvious place, I just read thier TOS, I was a little worried by this bit. Your interpretation seems to be different from what I see but as britishguy says, your members take comfort in your re-assurances so who am I to question that. Guess I'll play it safe though and stay away from adding it, shame, as it could have been a nice addition.