Now that Barry is adding video to the buzz roundup (a move which I totally disagree with (since I like reading more than listening, hehehe), I have to be on my best behavior. Without further ado, here's what you missed this week.
Your New Google PageRank Isn't Really Visible
There's much going on about the new Google directory update since it's not consistent with the PageRank score that you see. Now if only DMOZ accepted my website so that I can find out what my "real" PageRank is. This little four keeps bugging me. I want a perfect ten. kthxmatt.
Yahoo Files Revised "PageRank" Patent
Bill Slawski discovered an interesting Yahoo "PageRank" patent that illustrates the problems with Google's PageRank. The goal is not so much about just links but about user behavior and whether they stay on your page. Users suspect that Google might be pumping out the same thing, so we'll see who gets it done first.
Microsoft Launches adExcellence Program in the UK
We expected Microsoft to launch and adExcellence program in 2007, but it happened in 2008 instead. Yesterday, in fact, we learned that the UK pilot of adExcellence is on a roll.
Google Does Charity in '08
If you put Google together with Facebook and Twitter, you get emergency relief. Google also announced that its charitable organization, Google.org, has launched other philanthropy initiatives for climate change and reducing poverty. This is very cool stuff.
Google Stores Your Ad History, Including Edits
If you're a Google AdWords advertiser, you might feel good to know that Google stores the history of your ads in every single edit. However, each edited ad is treated as a new ad. As Barry notes, "that is why when editing an ad, it may not impact the quality score as much as starting a new ad from scratch."
Google Partners with The Weather Channel to Provide Data on Maps
If you want to see the weather in your area without turning on the TV, go to Google Maps and feature the new overlay presented by The Weather Channel. It looks like what the meteorologists show on the television, and you don't have to own a TV to get the readings. Cool.
IncrediMail ! <3 Google
Google broke up with IncrediMail last week, when it stopped serving AdSense ads on IncrediMail's site. This is a publicly traded company so the news is not good for investors. In fact, their stock went down 45%. Not good indeed.
Google AdSense Reports Can Now Be Sorted
A little over a month ago, Google AdSense reports were not being sorted properly. The problem was reported to Google and it's now fixed. Thank you Google.
Google AdSense Glossary Revealed
Better news for AdSense publishers: Google has come out with a glossary of terms if you're starting out with AdSense. This is great... now if only Google would come out with ways to make $10 million a month with AdSense with little to no work. Thank you in advance.
Google Takes Care of Kiwis and Kangaroos
If you're living in Australia and New Zealand, you got paid less last month from AdSense. Guess what: the money you earned is in the mail. AdSense publishers in Australia and New Zealand report receiving reimbursement checks, so no worries -- you're covered.
AOL Doesn't Report All .net Domains
Something's up with AOL UK search: it's missing probably billions of .net domains. If you do a search for site:.net, you'll only see a little over 200 results. I just ran this query and found only 203. Poor .net holders....
Get Your Ad out of Gmail
Don't want to have your ad in Gmail? You can now opt out easily using the site exclusion tool.
MSN Live Search Problems Remain
We reported earlier this week that MSN Live search still doesn't acknowledge 301 redirects. This morning, I reported that new sites aren't being ranked well. The recent acquisition of Fast Search should hopefully address this.
Social Media Gets More Visibility but Spam and Burying Remain Questions in the Community
This week, Search Engine Watch forums came out with a social media forum and Sphinn contested the Bury tool. Oh, how I love social media.
Baidu Might Become Domain Registrar
If you can't beat them, join them. Copy them as much as possible. Baidu is suspected to be joining the ranks of becoming a registrar. Cool.
Yahoo January 2008 Update
If you were wondering, a lot of webmasters have reported January Yahoo updates. Looks like Yahoo is doing something behind the curtain.
SEMMYs
As you may know, the SEMMYs have been announced. This is a new award based on Matt McGee's favorite blog posts of the year. We've been nominated for a few blogs and hope to see which win. Good luck to all!
I Dare You to Stay Away from Search News for a Week
Donna dared you to stay away from search for 24 hours. I up the ante and ask you to stay away for a week. I bet I can do it (as long as Barry doesn't make me blog). I'd probably feel swamped after the week is up, but if someone wants to bet me $$$ to do it, I'm game. Maybe I'll even put up a webcam.
Have a nice weekend, everyone!
