NewsWeek Looks at Search Engine Optimization

* * Beatles-Beatles writes to tell us that Newsweeks is taking a quick look at search engine optimization. From the article: "If search-engine rankings are supposed to represent a kind of democracy--a reflection of what Internet users collectively think is most useful--then search-engine optimizers like Fishkin are the Web's lobbyists. High-priced and in some cases slyly unethical, SEOs try to manipulate the unpaid search results that help users navigate the Internet. Their goal is to boost their clients' (and in some cases their own) sites to the top of unpaid search-engine rankings--even if their true popularity doesn't warrant that elevated status."

Comments

+1 Funny

[TubeSteak]

* * Beatles-Beatles is angry that Slashdot was keeping him from the front page of /.

* * Beatles-Beatles and the two robots sit around the lighted table covered with small holographic monsters. Each side of the table has a small computer monitor embedded in it. * * Beatles-Beatles seems very pleased with himself as he rests his lanky fur-covered arms over his head.

THREEPIO: Now be careful, Slashdot.

Slashdot immediately reaches up and taps the computer with his stubby claw hand, causing one of the holographic creatures to walk to the new square. A sudden frown crosses * * Beatles-Beatles' face and he begins yelling gibberish at the tiny robot. Threepio intercedes on behalf of his small companion and begins to argue with the huge * * Beatles-Beatles.

THREEPIO: He made a fair move. Screaming about it won't help you.

HAN: (interrupting) Let him have it. It's not wise to upset * * Beatles-Beatles.

C-3PO: But sir. Nobody worries about upsetting a Slashdotter.

Han: That's cause a Slashdotter don't pull people's arms out of their sockets when they lose. * * Beatles-Beatles is known to do that.

C-3PO: I see your point, sir. I suggest a new strategy, Slashdot. Let * * Beatles-Beatles win.

Re:+1 Funny

[claytonian]

The farce is strong with this one. I found the best way to get hits is to type "this is the _____ page about ______" into the page

A more accurate measurement

[Anonymous Coward]

I've found that to accurately measure the efficiency, bias, and efficacy of a search engine that it is best to rate them via the RTPI (Results to Pr0n Index) which is the number of results given before one of the links is a legitimate or stealth link to pr0n. Er... maybe I'm the only one who uses this.

In last week's article on a related story, I said

[KNicolson]

rule #1a is if you cannot get your article submitted once (or even twice...) include lots of gratuitous links to your website in any posts you might make here.

I suppose repeating the same tactic in a second post would move me into the unethical category?

Re:In last week's article on a related story, I sa

[Anonymous Coward]

Hey! Submit an article like everyone else. n00b.

The nice thing:

[alex_guy_CA]

If you are in the market for SEO, the nice thing is, you shouldn't have to look to far on Google. If they can't get themselves to the top 5...