Why the Google algorithm changes were bad for the internet
There has been a lot of uproar across the internet regarding recent changes to the algorithm of Google search engine. The Google algorithm is the formula that the Google search engine uses to calculate where websites come in its rankings. The changes were first introduced for Google.com originally and then rolled out to international versions of Google, for example, Google.co.uk and Google.com.au. Basically, the Google algorithm changes meant that about one fifth of all Google search engine results were altered with some sites going up the rankings and some sites going down. Of course, the people with sites who benefited from the Google algorithm changes have remained relatively quiet in the aftermath, while the people with sites that nosedived in the new Google search engine results have been very vocal.
So why did Google change their search engine algorithm?
The Google algorithm changes were introduced, Google say, to prevent poor quality and weak content ranking highly in the list of Google search engine results.
So what’s the problem with that?
It is early days, but the benefactors from the Google search algorithm change appear to be the big online companies and the losers seem to be smaller businesses and individuals. The whole basis of the internet is its egalitarian nature, where knowledge and information is spread by the internet user themselves, if it becomes dominated by the narrow interests of big business, the majority of internet users will lose out.
'Content Farms' and "SEO"
Certain websites have been accused of generating unnecessary internet content and then pushing the content up the Google search engine rankings using technical trickery known as SEO. The websites accused have been labelled: 'content farms' by their critics, SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization.
Internet users who use the so-called 'content farms' see them more as knowledge-based communities. As for SEO, it is argued that Search Engine Optimization techniques do not contravene the Google terms of service and that without the use of them, Google search results would be dominated entirely by the big organizations and corporations.
Conspiracy Theories
One allegation is that the Google algorithm changes came about partly as a result of pressure by the international media tycoon, Rupert Murdoch, who was unhappy about his major businesses losing out in Google search engine results to websites and articles by smaller companies and individuals.
Another allegation is that the Google algorithm changes were introduced to hit out against Google’s main rival, Microsoft, who are currently taking legal action against Google in Europe.
So what’s your conclusion?
Google has become too powerful for the good of the internet. Although it is not quite a monopoly, it comes pretty close. The people who run Google are courted by big business and politicians, whereas the ordinary web users have very little say in how Google decides its priorities. Things will only get worse unless Google can be persuaded to change course.
Comments
Generally sepaking, you should use SEO and create as many links as possible to promote your website and posts.
However, over time Google will often promote websites and posts, if you are lucky. Other people will sometimes link to your sites too, which helps aswell, of course.
I would still recommend SEO, however.
nice article. I didn't think of the angle of big business crying foul. I don't know why I didn't but it makes sense and as far as the internet goes google is as about as close to a monopoly as you can get. If they axe out your site it will drop traffic like crazy
Hey Paul,
I must say you did fine job by writing over both factors. I just saw after posting my comment. Well I don't know about the allegations and conspiracy theories but if Google really has done this because of the possible reason you have mentioned about Rupert Murdoch the it is not good. This I could never expect from Google.
Thanks for your comment, Jessica. Yes, I thought that I would have a go at writing both sides of the argument! Overall, I think my main concern is just that Google has become too big and powerful. They counter by arguing that they keep their revenue raising business apart from their search engine, but it is not easy to believe that there are no pressures on Google, internally and externally, regarding how they rank websites with their search engine. I think I felt more comfortable when there were half a dozen search engines battling it out in the 1990s, than I do now with one dominant search engine (which also has multiple other internet business interests).
Paul,
Completely agree with you! True said! Even I wonder the same of having many search engines. Although I have always loved competitions whether it me there or some one because new strategies and new moves are developed or made then only.
I think the Google search engine won out because it was the most user-friendly and they didn't clutter the page up like some of the others. Although they had a near nmonopoly then, I guess the potential conflicts of interest didn't fully begin until Google moved into advertising (Adsense), video (Youtube), blogging (Blogger) etc.
Correct said! :)
Link juices need to be stirred up :) And relevant linkwheels built, then the ranking comes back. I suffered a lot, as well.
wheelinallover 13 months ago
I really don't understand what panda did, I know for a short while I was all but non existent on the search engine, then slowly began gaining ground. Other sites I owned weren't even listed on Google but were on Bing. Now I seem to be everywhere and near the top of the first page with several of my sites and hubpages.
I don't do SEO at all, have never searched any keywords, write on and own many sites which are not linked. It has been recommended to me to get a free site just so I can link the things my corporation owns. I am still thinking this one over. It seems for whatever reason things are going OK without the extra time this would cost.