Google has updated its algorithms

I saw this article today and thought it was worth posting.

Google (Nasdaq: GOOG) on Thursday began using a new algorithm to rid its top search results of what it described as low-quality websites.

This will reduce the rankings for sites that are low value-add for users, ones that copy content from other websites, or sites that just aren't very useful.

Simultaneously, the algorithm will improve the rankings for high-quality sites, which Google defines as sites with original content and information such as research, in-depth reports and thoughtful analysis.

The use of the algorithm may be a reaction to companies that try game the Google ranking system, or perhaps a bid to clamp down on content farms.

However, there's a danger that legitimate sites may be affected.

Google did not respond to requests for comment by press time.

Smiting Bad Sites

The new algorithm will impact 12 percent of queries on Google.

It addresses 84 percent of the top several dozen or so domains that users of the Google Chrome Web browser blocked the most using the Personal Blocklist Chrome extension, Google claimed.

This extension, released recently, lets users block or unblock search result patterns, then transmits those patterns Google along with the URLs of the Web pages on which those search results are displayed.

Given Google's status as the first tool many people use when trying to find something on the Web, many sites have been trying to game the Google URL ranking system since its creation. Perhaps two of the most prominent in recent months were J.C. Penney and Overstock.com. They allegedly got multiple sites to link back to them so as to increase their standings in the rankings. Both companies have, in essence, denied this was a deliberate act condoned by top management.

Among the most persistent gamers of the ranking system, however, are sites known as "content farms."


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Will any of this effect bBSEO?

Only if you use it on a site that steals/uses other site's content, ie RSS feeds.

Thank you very much for your quick reply, Brian.

Another question, Brian. Our forum is connected through an API key with Twitter. Both threads and replies are automatically tweeted on twitter. Is this of negative influence for Google's crackdown on copying?

Thanks for your time.

If it would effect anyone, it would effect twitter, as you are the source.

Thanks a lot, Brian. Your help is appreciated.