Comments on: Will The Real Search Engine Blog Please Stand Up?

By: Debra Mastaler

Debra Mastaler — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 19:01:00 +0000

Tanner/David(semscholar) You’re right, there is a lot of info in the WMCentral – but the comment I read that prompted this post is an important variation to what’s published.

I understand the nature of blogging and that ours is a small community but – we represent a teeny tiny fraction of the people on the Net. Business owners would benefit from knowing what’s being said by Google employees if it potentially can affect their sites. So why not publish stuff like that on WMC?

I also dislike the “no, that’s not quite what I said” type comments. Of course people will intrepret and remember comments differently – we’re human. So to avoid issues and misunderstanding – info on search policy should come from an official source IMO.

Jenny/Barry/Dave – agree with you all and appreciate your comments. Corey – lol….. politics are everywhere eh?

By: BWelford

BWelford — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 18:42:00 +0000

You’ve highlighted a great problem since algorithms evolve and the search engines have no motivation to provide a bible to help webmasters. I think it’s really tough for anyone to stay current on everything. At least the social media chatter about current concerns so you have say an 80% chance of catching the key points. That’s probably the best you can do. A small website owner is probably best advised to take a small contract with a reputable ‘expert’ and at least they won’t create any major search engine barriers or problems.

By: JennyGray

JennyGray — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 10:47:00 +0000

You're so right about the problem of scattered info. I've found that most of the work involved in in-house SEO (for an SME) is in searching for, reading and filtering information.

It can be really difficult to know which pieces of advice are credible, what to follow and what to ignore. Consolidation and 'officialisation' would make this process a so much easier.

Thanks for bringing this up.

By: semscholar

semscholar — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 03:04:00 +0000

I agree Debra, it’s one thing for those in the industry to sniff this out and determine what’s best for our clients but the average business person wouldn’t have a clue.

Yes, it is in webmaster central, but well hidden. Even a search for paid links brings up a page titled “Why should I report paid links to Google?” Well i don’t want to report a page I want to find out what your policy is!

By: Dave

Dave — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 00:24:00 +0000

I couldn’t agree more Debra. I also have a good time keeping up with everything. A site with all this info consolidated would put to rest a lot of FUD and be a real benefit.

By: Tanner Christensen

Tanner Christensen — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 20:16:00 +0000

While I think you have some great advice for the search engines, Debra, I think that you’re overlooking the information that is already available through places like Google’s webmaster central (FAQ and forums).

Sure, it’s not the most detailed information – and I agree that it’s often hard to find a lot of information – but it is something.

Great post nonetheless.

By: Corey

Corey — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 18:14:00 +0000

i agree i agree i agree. it will never happen because it’s all politics.