Can you believe August is almost over? School is just around the corner, and while that's not on my mind now, Search Engine Strategies San Jose is. Next week, I hope to see familiar faces and meet some new ones, so like I said before, please say hello!
Matt Cutts in the Spotlight
Matt Cutts is the man. Someone unrelated to Google said to me yesterday how I'm friends with a famous Google guy. Meanwhile, my other friend who works for the Google Docs department has no idea who Matt is. Matt, we still love you, and I'll always be a Cuttlet (registration required. Sorry!).
In any event, Matt presented at WordCamp 2007 last month and has graciously provided his slides and presentation notes for the taking. Furthermore, we also posted a video where Matt says (with his own mouth) that buying links is bad.
Link Guidelines Revisited
Speaking of which, the Google Webmaster Guidelines have been updated to clarify what is allowed and disallowed: "excessive" linking is frowned upon. Poor Andy; he's sad that there is no definition of "excessive" and I feel that, but I guess they're leaving it up to us to know better.
Additionally, Adam Lasnik confirms that reciprocal links are not bad, but they should be valuable links and have some relevancy. Nothing wrong with that.
More Google Webmaster Central Goodness: robots.txt Tool Enhancements, Malware Review
As we reported this morning, Google has enhanced the robots.txt tool and it's incredibly detailed. I've already looked at the robots.txt details on my personal blog and I know there are some tweaks I could make now that will make my life easier. Thanks, Google!
By the way, you can now find out if your website has malware too through Google Webmaster Tools. I love how there are so many features being added, and I wonder if Matt's request had anything to do with it.
Goodbye Paid Google Video, Hello Paid Google Storage
Google Video has shut down its paid operations. But Google's revenue isn't disappearing: you can now buy additional storage on your Google accounts, which includes Gmail, Google Docs & Spreadsheets, Picasa, and more.
Finalized: Microsoft Owns Chris Boggs
No, that's not entirely true. Microsoft has finalized its purchase of aQuantive and Avenue A | Razorfish for $6 billion, and well, our friend Chris works for them. So again, congratulations. ;)
Yahoo > Google
According to a recent survey, Yahoo is preferred over Google because of its many portal and community features. I <3 them.
But Where's Microsoft?
That's a good question. Microsoft announced that their search is on a positive search trajectory, but one wonders if there is anywhere to go but up for them.
Google Maps Madness
Did you know that you could integrate Google Maps into YouTube? Maybe you didn't, but after looking at Barry's detailed screenshot howto, you should know how!
Next week, Google Maps will add embedded maps functionality to make it easier for non-coder types to integrate Google Maps onto their websites. This is not like anything you've seen before. And this makes life easier for non-programmer types who don't want to learn about APIs.
Next Week: Search Engine Strategies San Jose!
I am psyched to be going to California for the first time. I'll be liveblogging 17 sessions, so I'll be busy, but don't let that be an obstacle in the way for you to not say hello to me! I love it when people say hi. Ask my BFF.
If you're not going to be at SES San Jose for whatever reason, you can still ask your questions and get them answered, which is a very nice thing for Frank Watson to offer. (And by the way, Frank, will you say hi to me this time?! I actually don't know what you look like!)
Also, please note our intensive conference coverage. We have 68 sessions in total being covered by 10 people (and an 11th volunteer has already opted in for one of our open sessions). Thanks to all our volunteers.
On that note, if you're going to be there, check out the parties and other non-panel events. There are a few lunches, a few dinners, and a great amount of networking opportunities. Also, Joe Morin, you did a great job as party coordinator, and we wish you much luck.
See you in sunny California!
