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March 31, 2008

Expanded Keyword List of Google Subscribed Links

Today, I decided to finally expand the query list (keywords) that would trigger Google 'subscribed links' to show up when you do a search. Did I lose you? Let me explain...

  • If you subscribe to the Search Engine Roundtable's Google Co-Op subscribed links
  • When you do a search at Google, when logged into Google, you may see special results in the search results.

For example, if you subscribe you and search for doubleclick, you will see the latest Search Engine Roundtable articles related to DoubleClick. It looks like this, within the search results, probably in the fourth organic result:

Google Subscribed Links

It, by default, shows the last three articles that match that keyword. How does it know which keyword to show up for? I tell it. It used to be just my categories, plus some added keywords based on the categories. But today, I decided to enhance that and use the over 1,500 tags from the site. Yes, I try my best to tag each piece of content with keywords that describe the content. I decided to pull from my tags database to add more keywords to the list.

I also decided 1,700+ were too many, so I made a rule that if the tag is used in three or more articles, then it should be part of the keyword list that triggers the Google Co-Op. If it is two articles or less, then it won't trigger a Google result.

So if you are looking for pages on robots, slurp or matt cutts, I likely have recent content that will interest you.

My Google Subscribed Links
My Google Subscribed Links
My Google Subscribed Links

If you haven't subscribed, you might want to now, because the content is fresher and richer then every. To subscribe to the Google Co-Op, click here, you can always unsubscribe easily at any time.

Daily Search Coverage & Link Finds: March 31, 2008

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Daily Search Coverage:

The video recap is live. Google is updating. Google's live chat session rocked! Google China bolds in red? Google goes dark. ContentAds beta is out. Yahoo Slurp is thirsty. Yahoo announces new support hours. Google indexing index.html pages as root? Is number ten better then eleven? Some fundamentals on link building for you. Fathom was bought by Geary.

Search Engine Roundtable Topics:

  1. Video Recap of Weekly Search Buzz :: March 30, 2008
  2. Google Search Index March '08 Update Underway?
  3. Google's First Live Chat Webmaster Help Session a Success
  4. Google China Highlighting Query Terms in Search Results in Red
  5. Google Goes Dark Saturday Night at 8 O'Clock
  6. Microsoft ContentAds Publisher Program Pilot Sign Up Form
  7. Yahoo Slurp, Yahoo Search Crawler, Suffering From ADHD?
  8. Yahoo! Search Marketing Announces New Customer Support Hours
  9. Is Google Seeing index.html the Same as the Root Domain?
  10. Is it Better to Be Ranked #10 or #11?
  11. The Fundamentals of Link Building

Search Engine Land Topics:

  1. Google Dance Is Back? Plus Google's First Live Chat Recap & Hyperactive Yahoo Slurp
  2. SEO Company, Fathom Online, Acquired By Geary Interactive

Daily Link Finds:

Daily Link Finds GraphicThis is the March 31st, issue of a daily post that will contain links to commentary of the posts over at the Search Engine Roundtable. All links I find throughout the day that ad some commentary to the posts written over at the Search Engine Roundtable, will be in the Daily Link Finds. The purpose is two fold: (1) To help people find discussion around our articles and (2) To thank people for linking to us. How do I find these links? Only one way, via a Google Blog Search link command, so make sure that (1) you are in Google Blog Search and (2) link to us.

Daily Link Finds for March 31st, 2008:

Google Schwag from Google Ad Manager Team

I received a surprise in the mail today, schwag from Google. Specifically the Google Ad Manager team. In the box was this card:

Google Schwag: Ad Manager Card Google Schwag: Ad Manager Card

No way did I expect Google to send me stuff for my How To Set Up Google Ad Manager On Your Site or Blog. Heck, I write about Google all day, every day, and I don't expect presents from them. It was really nice to get the schwag, even though I have two of the three items. Like people say, "it is the thought that counts," that line is so true.

What came in the box?

(1) Google Hot Cup:

Google Schwag : Google Hot Mug

(2) Google Black T-Shirt:

Google Schwag: Google T-Shirt

(3) Google Black Duffle (I didn't get one of these duffles yet):

Google Schwag - Google Duffle Bag

One day I should do an inventory of all my search related schwag. Only issue is that they are spread out between my office, home, car, other family members and who knows where.

Thank you the Ad Manager Team!

The 4×4 Meme

Tamar tagged in on a 4x4 meme. I like the idea. You answer four questions, with four answers and then tag four additional people. So here it goes:

4 Things I Have Done in the Past 4 Years
(1) I got married
(2) Bought a new house
(3) I helped launch Search Engine Land
(4) I hosted SphinnCon Israel

4 Jobs I've Had
(1) I run RustyBrick, duh...
(2) I worked for a company named MediVault, which is no longer around, they were a WebMD competitor of some sorts back in 1996
(3) In High School I worked at a local tax agency that also sold insurance
(4) I guess my jobs at Search Engine Roundtable, Search Engine Land and so on.

4 Websites I Visit Daily
(1) Google Reader (like several times an hour)
(2) RustyBudget
(3) My RustyBrick web based software for managing company
(4) Tons of search forums

4 Favorite Foods
(1) Huge chicken/turkey fan
(2) Love chocolate exploding cake
(3) On the dairy side, I do like a good baked ziti
(4) I put ketchup on almost everything, so it deserves a mention

Oops, just realized I can answer any of the following questions: 4 Jobs I’ve had, 4 Favorite Foods, 4 TV Shows I DVR, 4 Movies I could watch Over & Over, 4 Places I’ve been, 4 Places I’ve lived, 4 Places I want to go, 4 Music Artists I’m listening to now, 4 All Time Favorite Musicians, 4 Shows I have been to, 4 Cars I have owned, 4 Things I have done in the past 4 years, 4 websites I visit daily, 4 places I’d rather be right now, 4 People I think will respond, 4 Things I look forward to this year, or 4 Underrated conversational topics. Oh well.

Tagging 4 People to answer any of the above questions:
(1) Danny Sullivan
(2) Greg Sterling
(3) Patrick Gavin
(4) Judah Gutwein

I Thought I Work Hard: Greg Sterling Totally Makes Me Look Lazy

Greg SterlingI've praised Greg Sterling before, but he deserves way more praise, especially from me.

Greg is an outstanding writer and works way harder than I do. First, he posts his insights at Screenwerks and blogs a heck of a lot at Search Engine Land as the contributing editor. You can read his impressive bio at this page.

So why does Greg totally blow me away and make me look lazy? Well, all this time I just assumed he was based on the east coast, but then I remember over the weekend he was based on the west coast. Why is that significant?

I get up at 5:40am (EST). Greg is always with Danny and I in the AM morning search news rush at about 7am or so. But Greg is on the west coast, so that is 5am (PST). He is often up at 3am (PST) getting work done. That is 2.5 hours earlier then I get up. That is crazy devotion.

After he is done with the blogging he then does 'real work' all day. Real work for Greg are constant calls, meetings, and emails. I wonder what time he goes to sleep. :)

Greg, we at Search Engine Land could not do it without you! You deserve huge credit for the SEM industry!

Installing a Ceiling Fan

Yesterday, I installed a ceiling fan in my bedroom. I am preparing for the summer months. I am told a ceiling fan can save big bucks. I.e. I won't have to leave the A/C on all the time, cause the fan should be enough to cool us most of the time.

In any event, with the immense help of my brother, I installed a ceiling fan yesterday. I assembled the fans to the motor. Then came the hard part, the wiring. I removed the current fixture from the ceiling and straitened out the wires.

I then installed the mounting unit in place of the hold fixture. Next step was to place the fan in the fixture. My bedroom ceilings are pretty high, and my ladder wasn't incredibly tall, so it wasn't easy. But I managed to secure the fan on the fixture without falling off the ladder.

After that, we realized we missed a piece, so we had to do the process again.

Once I got it up, I had my brother do the electrical connections. He is really good at that. Then we closed up the loose ends, put the power back on and gave it a test.

First try it worked!

Need help installing your ceiling fan? Check out do it yourself for a walk through.

March 28, 2008

Quickly Open New Tab in Safari

Spotted via MacWorld, you can open a new tab in Safari 3.1 by simply double clicking in an open space in the Safari window. Let me demonstrate:

Safari New Tab

See the arrow in my picture of the open space near a tab? Double click and you got a new tab. So if you are out of a keyboard, then that is how to do it.

I was hoping for this feature for a while. I know saft plugin did it, but I didn't want to add saft to Safari.

Daily Search Coverage & Link Finds: March 28, 2008

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Daily Search Coverage:

YouTube does stats. adCenter shares their limits. Google bugs out on webmaster verification. AdSense says no to blending. Microsoft violates WebmasterWorld. Tips on Google's quality score. Google adds robots.txt generator. SEO strategy documents for sale. Standards, do we need them? Google maps adds to street views. Search in pictures is out.

Search Engine Roundtable Topics:

  1. Microsoft adCenter Keyword Limits
  2. YouTube Insights: Stats on my Most Popular YouTube Video
  3. Google Webmaster Tools Verification Temporary Bug
  4. Google AdSense Finally Says NO to Blending Your Ads
  5. Microsoft's Live Search Rep Violates WebmasterWorld's Terms of Service
  6. Have You Ever Recovered from a $10 Google AdWords Quality Score?
  7. Google Adds Robots.txt Generator to Webmaster Tools
  8. What Belongs in a Search Engine Optimization Strategies Document?
  9. Should We Have Search Marketing Standards?

Search Engine Land Topics:

  1. Google Adds 13 Metro Areas To Street Views, Plus New API Support
  2. Search In Pictures: Google Shooting Range, Yahoo Asia Schwag, Google Pizza

Daily Link Finds:

Daily Link Finds GraphicThis is the March 28th, issue of a daily post that will contain links to commentary of the posts over at the Search Engine Roundtable. All links I find throughout the day that ad some commentary to the posts written over at the Search Engine Roundtable, will be in the Daily Link Finds. The purpose is two fold: (1) To help people find discussion around our articles and (2) To thank people for linking to us. How do I find these links? Only one way, via a Google Blog Search link command, so make sure that (1) you are in Google Blog Search and (2) link to us.

Daily Link Finds for March 28th, 2008:

I Did Not Join Search Engine Journal

Kevin Heisler wrote at the Search Engine Watch News blog that I left Search Engine Land and joined Search Engine Journal based on a piece of scraper content. Scraper content is basically a robot that steals content from several sites and combines them to try to make them unique. In short, it put my name on content stolen from Search Engine Journal, so Kevin either thought it would be funny to say I now work at Search Engine Journal or he was fooled by a scraper site.

Either way, I am not working for Search Engine Journal, even though I have the utmost respect for Loren Baker, I am just not writing for him.

Even though Kevin added "corrections" to his post, I think it is still confusing people. I received and noticed tons of twitters this morning, not understanding the SEW blog post or the correction.

Again, I am still writing at Search Engine Roundtable and Search Engine Land. It is honestly a shame to see that post on SEW, a shame.

March 27, 2008

Daily Search Coverage & Link Finds: March 27, 2008

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Daily Search Coverage:

More insight into the META description and search snippet. Google updates sitelinks again. More details n tomorrow's webmaster central live chat is live. Yahoo's quality index is updated daily. Google releases AdWords API 12. Design with SEO in mind? SEO is a bad investment? YouTube launches stats. Earth Hour blacks out Google Israel.

Search Engine Roundtable Topics:

  1. The META Description & Google Search Engine Snippet
  2. March '08 Google Sitelinks Update
  3. How To Join The Google Webmaster Help Group Live Chat on Friday
  4. How Often Does the Yahoo Search Marketing Quality Index Update?
  5. Google Releases AdWords API Version 12
  6. How to Launch a New Website With (and Without) SEO in Mind
  7. Is Search Engine Optimization a Bad Investment?

Search Engine Land Topics:

  1. YouTube Insight: View Your YouTube Video Statistics
  2. Earth Hour: Google Shuts Out The Lights In Israel
  3. Details Posted On Google Webmaster Central's Live Chat Session

Daily Link Finds:

Daily Link Finds GraphicThis is the March 27th, issue of a daily post that will contain links to commentary of the posts over at the Search Engine Roundtable. All links I find throughout the day that ad some commentary to the posts written over at the Search Engine Roundtable, will be in the Daily Link Finds. The purpose is two fold: (1) To help people find discussion around our articles and (2) To thank people for linking to us. How do I find these links? Only one way, via a Google Blog Search link command, so make sure that (1) you are in Google Blog Search and (2) link to us.

Daily Link Finds for March 27th, 2008:

RB Developers Code Their Own Name Plate

Remember I told you I got a name plate for my birthday?

So we hung them up yesterday and our developers saw them. In any event, they thought it would be funny to make their own name plate. So they printed out "Client Specialists" on a piece of paper and stuck it to their door. Of course, they hung it up slanted.

RB Client Specialists

Cute guys. ;-)

March 26, 2008

Daily Search Coverage & Link Finds: March 26, 2008

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Daily Search Coverage:

Google has finally launched real video search ads. adCenter tests a new editor called ACE. Google's site search box in search results increases traffic. Brian and Suman join AdSensePro. I looked at Yahoo Video results also. Google executives earn a dollar. We got some local Facebook SEO tips. Your AdWords display URL better match. Prove that SEO ROI. Broad match is less powerful than exact match. Yahoo won't let you take your own data.

Search Engine Roundtable Topics:

  1. adCenter Editor Beta (ACE)
  2. Google's New Search Box Within Search Results Increases Traffic
  3. Google Adds Two More AdSensePro Reps: Brian & Suman
  4. More Video Search Ads Being Noticed: Yahoo Partner Results
  5. Google AdSense's Advanced Reports Having Major Uptime Issues
  6. New Google AdWords Video Ads
  7. How to do Local SEO from Facebook
  8. Reminder: Google AdWords Display URL Policy Coming April 1st
  9. Is There a Way to Prove ROI from Search Engine Optimization?
  10. Does Exact Match in Google AdWords Override Broad Match?
  11. Can You Take Your Yahoo Search Marketing Data with You?

Search Engine Land Topics:

  1. Google AdWords Video Ads Now Live & In the Wild
  2. Google Founders Take $1 Salaries Again; Tell Investors To Say No On Anti-Censorship Proposal

Daily Link Finds:

Daily Link Finds GraphicThis is the March 26th, issue of a daily post that will contain links to commentary of the posts over at the Search Engine Roundtable. All links I find throughout the day that ad some commentary to the posts written over at the Search Engine Roundtable, will be in the Daily Link Finds. The purpose is two fold: (1) To help people find discussion around our articles and (2) To thank people for linking to us. How do I find these links? Only one way, via a Google Blog Search link command, so make sure that (1) you are in Google Blog Search and (2) link to us.

Daily Link Finds for March 26th, 2008:

Great Mouse, Awesome Price: MX Revolutions

MX Revolutions MouseI use the MX Revolutions mouse from Logitech. I have had tons of mice, including Apple's Might Mouse, then I switched to the VX revolutions and now I have the full size MX revolutions.

The MX rocks! It does so many things and makes me seconds faster hundreds of times throughout the day, saving me invaluable time.

Anyway, I spotted a deal on Deal News for this mouse. It is $69.99 with a $30 mail in rebate and then add on some shipping. A seriously solid deal for a device that will save your hours per month.

Kick Me If I Stop Playing Basketball

I have been traveling a lot in the past month. First Santa Clara for SMX, then back to San Jose the week after and then last week was SES NY, yes almost elite status...

But because of the traveling, I had to take a break from playing basketball for a month. Last night was my first night back in the gym. Man was I out of shape.

I did manage to somehow stay on my feet for two and a half hours of basketball. We only had 10 people, so no sitting, just playing, even if you lose - not that I lost.

After the first hour of pain, the pain started going away. Then I got other pains.

Reminder, keep playing regularly! Tonight, I play again.

March 25, 2008

Bill Gates Basically Says Windows Vista Sucks

Honestly, I think Vista is one of the main reasons many people are moving from PCs to Apple Macs. Heck, do you think we will see Bill Gates using one soon?

From Gizmodo: Did Bill Gates Just Say Windows Sucks? Watch the video:

Too crazy!

Daily Search Coverage & Link Finds: March 25, 2008

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Daily Search Coverage:

I put up screen shots of Google's demographic bidding. Live Search is updating. Webmaster tools dislikes .rs domains. Google does live chat on Friday. Your clients not being responsive? You deindexed? Gmail 502 errors spread. Google mobile interface found. Google search box grows. I wrote a how to tutorial on Google Ad Manager.

Search Engine Roundtable Topics:

  1. Screen Shots of Google AdWords Demographic Bidding
  2. Microsoft Live Search March '08 Update
  3. Google Webmaster Tools Can't Verify Serbia's .rs TLDs
  4. Google Webmaster Central Team to Offer Live Chat on Friday, March 28th
  5. SEO Clients Not Being Responsive?
  6. I'm Deindexed... Now What?
  7. Google Gmail 502 Errors: "We're Working On it"
  8. ZDNet Editor Discovers Google Mobile Interface Through Robots.txt
  9. Need Help Using Google's New Ad Manager?

Search Engine Land Topics:

  1. Google's Search Box Grows As Needed: Yahoo & Live Search Don't
  2. Google Webmaster Central To Host Live Chat Event on Friday

Daily Link Finds:

Daily Link Finds GraphicThis is the March 25th, issue of a daily post that will contain links to commentary of the posts over at the Search Engine Roundtable. All links I find throughout the day that ad some commentary to the posts written over at the Search Engine Roundtable, will be in the Daily Link Finds. The purpose is two fold: (1) To help people find discussion around our articles and (2) To thank people for linking to us. How do I find these links? Only one way, via a Google Blog Search link command, so make sure that (1) you are in Google Blog Search and (2) link to us.

Daily Link Finds for March 25th, 2008:

Selling Me Something: Please Talk Fast

Here is a rant...

I do everything extremely quickly. I eat fast, I blog fast, I work fast, I talk fast, and so on.

So when I get someone trying to sell me something, I want them to talk fast or not talk at all. I'll give you two examples from today...

(1) Renew a Free Magazine Subscription: Someone calls and says they want to know if I would like to renew my magazine subscription to some place. I said, "depends, how long will it take." They said a minute, so I said, okay. I look at the time on the phone and he begins asking me questions. I continue working, half listening and responding. Then I look at the phone and it is at almost 2 minutes of talk time. I say, "I am sorry, but your minute is over. Thank you." I then hang up.

Does that make me evil? If I don't get the subscription, I don't care. I was upfront and told them a minute. Oh well.

(2) A recruiting company calls because I have been posting job opening for PHP positions. Yes, we are hiring! So, I said, "we use a recruiter already, here are my terms and conditions, send me your contract if you can match them." Two weeks later she calls me back and asks me for the job description. But she is talking so slowing and keeps dragging out the call. I am quickly loosing patience. I told her I would email it to her, but I got to go. She keeps dragging out the call, saying things she could say in a few seconds, in like minutes. Anyway, we hang up. She emails me, with the contract. The contract has terms we did not agree to. I email her back saying these aren't the terms and I add what the terms were. She then calls, one of my guys answer and I tell him to tell her to email me. She asks my guy to have me call her back. I told my guy to tell her to email me and I won't call her back. I don't think she will email me, seems like she will only do phone. Ughhh.

Yea, I know, I am crazy, but I rather not have a 4 minute phone call when it could be 30 seconds. Knowing that the call will take a while, when it doesn't have to, kinda irks me.

Let me add that I do have many long phone conversations throughout the week. Some of my calls are over two hours long. But there is a dragged out conversation and a conversation that gets to the point. Two hours of getting to the point is fine with me, 2 minutes of dragging out your words is not.

Rant over.

Goodbye Airlines Bill of Rights

Via the AP, Appeals Court Rejects Airline Law.

The New York law set out to protect airline passengers was thrown out today by a federal appeals court. The law requires airlines to provide food, water, clean toilets and fresh air to passengers in a plane delayed on the ground for more than three hours.

Why was it rejected? Simply because it was conflicting with a federal law governing the price, route or service of an air carrier.

The court did like the law but said that it had to be done at the federal level, not the state level. The court said:

If New York's view regarding the scope of its regulatory authority carried the day, another state could be free to enact a law prohibiting the service of soda on flights departing from its airports, while another could require allergen-free food options on its outbound flights, unraveling the centralized federal framework for air travel.

I still think each airline has their own terms of service. Many airlines have their own "bill of rights." Here is Contiental's as a PDF document.

Mac & Virus Software: Not Needed Says Security Expert

mac & virusesShould Mac Users Run Antivirus Software? by security expert, Rich Mogull at Tidbits.com basically says, if you got a Mac, no need for virus software at this point.

I'll blockquote his conclusion:

In short, at this point in time, I don't recommend desktop antivirus for the average Mac user. You only need to deploy it if you engage in risky behavior, need to protect friends on Windows, or comply with corporate policies. It's quite probable this will change in time, so it makes sense to take some reasonable precautions today and stay aware of the world around you. Better yet, let's continue to pressure Apple for stronger security so we can completely avoid resource leaching desktop antivirus in the long term.

Are Apple machines immune? No way! The deal is, there are hundreds of thousands of viruses designed for Windows operating systems, but "less than 200 are known to target the Mac," said Rich Mogull. So, yes, it is possible you get hit by one of the 200, but at this point, it is not very likely.

Just be a savvy Internet user and hopefully you can avoid viruses.

Oh, if you run Windows on your Mac, yes, you need anti-virus software for the Windows portion.

March 24, 2008

Daily Search Coverage & Link Finds: March 24, 2008

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Daily Search Coverage:

New way to win by watching my video recap. More AdWords phishing attempts this weekend. Easter logos are archived. Google launches demographic bidding. SEOs feel penalties are from links. Search conferences are worth the money, to some. How do you find directories? Is Mahalo spam? Google News wants your comments. Court upholds trademark infringement search ad case.

Search Engine Roundtable Topics:

  1. Video Recap of Weekly Search Buzz :: March 23, 2008
  2. Alert: More Google AdWords Phishing Attempts
  3. Easter Logos from Search Engine Industry
  4. Google Launches Demographics Targeting to All Advertisers
  5. Many SEOs Feel The Minus X Penalties Are Back Link Related
  6. Are Search Conferences Worth the Money?
  7. Use "Directory" + [Local Area] to Find Local Directories
  8. Mahalo is Spam According to Google's Quality Guidelines

Search Engine Land Topics:

  1. Google News Makes Commenting More Visible
  2. Google AdWords Officially Launches Demographic Bidding? Maybe Not
  3. Court: Use Of Trademark In AdWords Copy Is An Infringement

Daily Link Finds:

Daily Link Finds GraphicThis is the March 24th, issue of a daily post that will contain links to commentary of the posts over at the Search Engine Roundtable. All links I find throughout the day that ad some commentary to the posts written over at the Search Engine Roundtable, will be in the Daily Link Finds. The purpose is two fold: (1) To help people find discussion around our articles and (2) To thank people for linking to us. How do I find these links? Only one way, via a Google Blog Search link command, so make sure that (1) you are in Google Blog Search and (2) link to us.

Daily Link Finds for March 24th, 2008:

Laptops: A Distraction or Tool at Meetings?

I got a kick out of Jeremy's The "No Laptop" Meeting Rule.

He said he has seen some Yahoo meetings where they have a "no laptop" rule set in place. Like Jeremy, I am torn.

Why No Laptops:

  • You stop listening to the meeting to work on something else, I have done this myself.
  • It may give the appearance that you are not listening, when you are
  • You just sometimes need a break

Why Yes Laptops:

  • They can be helpful when using it as a tool to add to the meeting
  • I hate paper, I prefer to note take on laptop
  • We are all grown up, trust us to do our work
  • Sometimes emergencies come up

It really depends on the nature of the meeting. When I interview people, I try not to bring in my phone or laptop at the interview. When I am at a prospect, I obviously need my laptop to demo stuff. When I am at a meeting, I honestly don't need to hear everything that is going on at all times, so its good to have the laptop to multi-task. I guess it just depends on your job, responsibilities, what the meeting is about and so on.

But to implement it as a rule across a company, I am not too sure about that.

Dark Sensing Outdoor Light: RAB Lighting - WPTS70

RAB Lighting  - WPTS70Yesterday, my brother helped me install a new external light fixture over my garage. Besides for freezing our hands off (man it was cold in the morning), we successfully put it up in place of the old light fixture.

I purchased a RAB fixture that is designed to only turn on when it gets dark outside. The fixture is supposedly very power efficient, as well as very illuminate. It is made for the out doors and good in wet areas.

In the past, I used this cheap fixture that held two normal bulbs. The bulbs frequently blew out, I think cause of being exposed to moisture and the bad, cold weather.

I left them on for a good 25 hours or so every Friday night through Saturday night. Why? Cause I am not allowed to turn on or off lights during the Sabbath. Also, having a motion detector is an issue as well, because when I walk up to the house, my walking will trigger the light to go on (this is a common issue in Jewish law for the Sabbath, it gets more complicated and I won't go into it). The best solution, I could come up with, is a light that goes on at night, by itself. That was this light.

So as a test, I checked it out last night. If you are looking for a light like this, let me warn you that it gives off a very yellow light. Much like street lamps. So if you want a more 'white' light, then this isn't for you. But if you don't care, this seems like a great solution. It lights up a huge area, here is a diagram:

RAB Lighting  - WPTS70

I have the 70 watt version and I think I mounted it either 10 feet or maybe 12 feet high, not sure right now. So it does a good job lighting up the drive way. During the rest of the week, I will keep the light off (I have an override switch), but Friday night through Saturday night, it will stay on - but it will turn off automatically during day light hours (unlike my previous light).

For the front door lights, I purchased attachments for standard bulbs, that detect the night and turn off the lights X hours after it gets dark. I found them for really cheap on ThingFling.com a week or two ago. I get them today, I wonder if they turn back on when it gets dark again...

What Do You Get For Someone Who Has Everything?

My Name PlateA name plate. My birthday was recently and my wife and my brother's wife (remember, I am a twin) had to think of something to get us.

I pretty much have everything I would want, I am a lucky guy and blessed. So what did they get us? Name plates:

First thought was... "Cool, I have a name plate for my door." But then I thought, "hmm... I feel weird hanging it up on my door." I was never in to titles, i.e. CEO, etc. Labeling myself makes me feel weird. Plus the factor that we have five doors in our office, two will have name tags, one is the company tag and the rest are unlabeled now? Will this help confusion when people come into my office? Where is the utility? I guess there is some.

All in all, it was a very thoughtful gift. I will hang it up and maybe I will add a no soliciting sign to my personal office door as well.

March 21, 2008

Daily Search Coverage & Link Finds: March 21, 2008

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Daily Search Coverage:

Google drops AdWords API version 10. Google Analytics benchmarking is live. Google hates abusive links. Yahoo does radio ads. Google tests search suggestions. One-fourth of Internet users can't search. We got an update on Yahoo Search Marketing. Search them SEO forums with Twing. Search in pictures is out.

Search Engine Roundtable Topics:

  1. Google Shuts Down Support For AdWords API Version 10
  2. Google Analytics Benchmarking Now Live
  3. Why Does Google Hate Link Manipulation?
  4. Will Yahoo's Radio Commercials Help Take Market Share From Google?
  5. Google Testing Google Suggestions on Main Google.com Search Page?
  6. One-Fourth of All Internet Users Cannot Perform a Simple Google Search
  7. An Update on Yahoo Search Marketing
  8. Search SEO Forums and More with Twing

Search Engine Land Topics:

  1. Google Analytics Benchmarking Data Now Live
  2. Google Suggest Becoming A Default Feature?
  3. Search In Pictures: Snoop Dogg, St. Patrick's Day & Danny Exposed

Daily Link Finds:

Daily Link Finds GraphicThis is the March 21st, issue of a daily post that will contain links to commentary of the posts over at the Search Engine Roundtable. All links I find throughout the day that ad some commentary to the posts written over at the Search Engine Roundtable, will be in the Daily Link Finds. The purpose is two fold: (1) To help people find discussion around our articles and (2) To thank people for linking to us. How do I find these links? Only one way, via a Google Blog Search link command, so make sure that (1) you are in Google Blog Search and (2) link to us.

Daily Link Finds for March 21st, 2008:

Happy Purim!

Cartoon Barry with BeerToday is the holiday of Purim. I wrote about Purim last year also, but figured I give you an update now...

That is a picture of cartoon me, with a beer. Typically, it is customary to get drunk on purim. I am not a big drinker or even a drinker at all. I am at work anyway, so no real Purim celebration for me. I do have a few gifts (shalach manot) here from friends, etc.

My wife is coming by later so we can have a quick meal for the day.

Then I have a 1pm meeting with a new programmer we are interviewing (yes we are hiring).

I also put up a special theme at the Search Engine Roundtable:

Purim Theme at Search Engine Roundtable

Happy Purim everyone!

326 Miles Away to the Blue Carpet

blue carpetI just checked my year-to-date miles and I noticed I am 326 miles away from warning elite status with Continental Airlines. I have been devoted to flying only Continental this year, to ensure I gain some status with them - as opposed to just flying the cheapest airline and spreading out my miles.

The main advantage, for me at least, with elite status is being able to secure an overhead compartment before they are all gone. Typically, when they board elite status members, about half the plane qualifies. So by the time I get on the flight, there are often not enough spaces above my seat for my bag. Sometimes I can move things around to get my bag up there but...

(1) I hate doing that, it makes me feel sneaky
(2) If there is no room, they got to put it under

I typically only fly with just a carry on, so when I time things, I plan on not waiting for baggage.

Anyway, next flight, I am pretty much guaranteed elite status. So now I can be like the other half of the passengers, at least from my next flight throughout 2009.

March 20, 2008

I Don't Expect My Employees To Work Harder Than I Do, Do You?

employeesI learned a while ago that I cannot expect my employees to work as hard as I do for my company. It is my company and the more I put into, hopefully the more I get out of it. But in reality, hard work does not always pay off (don't tell your kids).

But I don't expect my employees to work as hard as I do. I do expect them to work hard and they do. But I don't expect them to work as hard as I do. I figure, you set an example and hopefully it encourages them to work harder. I do have some employees that work incredibly hard, maybe two that work as hard as I do. Since they read this blog (yes, I know you read) I won't name names...

BUT... I do expect that if I work for someone they work as hard as I do. I expect that. If it is your business, you should care more about your business then I do. Sometimes, be it with clients or other work, I get the feeling that I care more about their business then they do. That bugs me, it really does. Why should I work my brains out and pick up the pieces when they care less than I do?

Anyone ever feel that way?

Daily Search Coverage & Link Finds: March 20, 2008

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Daily Search Coverage:

Google should let you valid your links. Google will limit your site exclusion to 5,000 sites. comScore released their February search statistics. SES NY is done! You can add video to your Google business profile. Yahoo does more graphical ads but names them partner results.

Search Engine Roundtable Topics:

  1. Google Should Add Inbound Link Opt Out Feature to Webmaster Tools
  2. Google AdWords To Limit Site Exclusion Feature To 5,000
  3. Searches Down Month-To-Month: Google Gains Slightly More US Market Share
  4. SES NY '08 Conference Recap

Search Engine Land Topics:

  1. Add Videos To Your Google Local Business Profile
  2. Yahoo Graphical/Video Search Ads Named Partner Results
  3. SES NY Day Four Coverage Recap

Daily Link Finds:

Daily Link Finds GraphicThis is the March 20th, issue of a daily post that will contain links to commentary of the posts over at the Search Engine Roundtable. All links I find throughout the day that ad some commentary to the posts written over at the Search Engine Roundtable, will be in the Daily Link Finds. The purpose is two fold: (1) To help people find discussion around our articles and (2) To thank people for linking to us. How do I find these links? Only one way, via a Google Blog Search link command, so make sure that (1) you are in Google Blog Search and (2) link to us.

Daily Link Finds for March 20th, 2008:

Miss The IM-NY SES NY Charity? How Can You Still Contribute

The IM-NY Charity event the other night was a major success. I heard over $16,000 was raised by the sponsors and those that came out and handed over cash. $16,000! I feel so proud to be part of an industry that is that generous!

The money raised went to an outstanding cause, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. I asked Greg of IM-NY how others can contribute if they were unable to come to SES NY. He told me the best way is to just go to the donate page at the society's web page and give money that way. I know there are a lot more SEOs and SEMs that showed up to SES, so let's all show the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society how awesome our industry is and give what you can via their donate page.

Michael Gray posted his thoughts on the event. He added that Best of the Web and Search Engine Land sponsored the event as well.

Happy Spring

My heat bills are dropping and spring is coming! Happy first day of Spring!

Google even has a logo!

Google Spring Logo

Tomorrow, I will have a theme up for Purim at the Search Engine Roundtable. But if you missed our past two themes, here they are:

St. Patty:
St Patrick's Day Theme at Search Engine Roundtable

Pi Day:
Pi Day at Search Engine Roundtable

I'm Lucky Not Having To Commute

trafficAs many of you know, this week is the SES NY conference. Since it is fairly local, I drive in each day.

What do I get out of driving in? A deep appreciation for not having a commute each day and every day. Hundreds and hundreds of people from my town drive, train or bus in to NYC each day. It kills three or more hours a day for them. Yesterday it took me almost 2 hours to get into the city. On the way home, I had to play games and take riverside drive, as opposed to the west side highway, to make it to the GW Bridge, only to hit major slow downs on the Palisades.

Typically, getting to the bridge is fine - but once you get into NYC, it can take 30 minutes to go one block.

Anyway, I am fortunate to own a business and live within ten minutes from the office. Does it mean I wake up any later? Nah, still up and out by 6am but if I didn't work as close, maybe it would be 5am?

I am off to the last day of SES shortly, hope the traffic isn't horrible - it should be late enough now to not be too bad.

March 19, 2008

Daily Search Coverage & Link Finds: March 19, 2008

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Daily Search Coverage:

Explicit porn found on Google web search. Yahoo Site explorer dropping links? AdSense to use web beacons. Webmaster Tools message center is missing? Faster servers can improve AdSense earnings? Google Japan redesigns. SES NY day three is over.

Search Engine Roundtable Topics:

  1. Very Explicit Porn Hits Google Universal Search
  2. Yahoo Site Explorer Showing Less Links Recently?
  3. Google AdSense May Use Web Beacon Tracking in Future
  4. Google Webmaster Tools Message Center Bug
  5. Can Faster Servers Increase Your Google AdSense Earnings Drastically?

Search Engine Land Topics:

  1. SES NY Day Three Live Coverage Recap
  2. Google SafeSearch Filter Bug: Porn Found On Google Universal Search Results
  3. Google Japan Adds Tabs In New Design

Daily Link Finds:

Daily Link Finds GraphicThis is the March 19th, issue of a daily post that will contain links to commentary of the posts over at the Search Engine Roundtable. All links I find throughout the day that ad some commentary to the posts written over at the Search Engine Roundtable, will be in the Daily Link Finds. The purpose is two fold: (1) To help people find discussion around our articles and (2) To thank people for linking to us. How do I find these links? Only one way, via a Google Blog Search link command, so make sure that (1) you are in Google Blog Search and (2) link to us.

Daily Link Finds for March 19th, 2008:

Win Something: Miss Me? Catch Me on YouTube

Been busy with this conference stuff. If I didn't have the traveling, I think I wouldn't have an issue updating here during the week. So if you miss me - I am sure you all do, then watch me on YouTube.

Here is my latest video, I made it on Sunday and I even slipped in a prop. You tell me what the prop is....

The first person who comments with the correct answer to what physical prop I used during the video wins a prize (either an RB bag or SER yo-yo (I need to decide which)).

Daily Search Coverage & Link Finds: March 18, 2008

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Daily Search Coverage:

Tad behind here... Do you want to work at Google. Yahoo's Open might be too open? First come, first serve, with anchor text? adCenter quality is falling. AdWords adds more representatives. Yahoo reaffirms financial outlook. SES NY day two is over.

Search Engine Roundtable Topics:

  1. Poll: Would You Want to Work at Google?
  2. Concerns Over Yahoo Search's New Microformats Support For Open Search
  3. Does The First Anchor Text Link Only Count in Google?
  4. Quality of Microsoft adCenter Traffic Falling?
  5. Google AdWords Groups To Gain Two New Representatives

Search Engine Land Topics:

  1. Yahoo Expects To Double Cash Flow In Three Years & Reaffirms 2008 Outlook
  2. SES NY Day Two Live Coverage Recap

Daily Link Finds:

Daily Link Finds GraphicThis is the March 18th, issue of a daily post that will contain links to commentary of the posts over at the Search Engine Roundtable. All links I find throughout the day that ad some commentary to the posts written over at the Search Engine Roundtable, will be in the Daily Link Finds. The purpose is two fold: (1) To help people find discussion around our articles and (2) To thank people for linking to us. How do I find these links? Only one way, via a Google Blog Search link command, so make sure that (1) you are in Google Blog Search and (2) link to us.

Daily Link Finds for March 18th, 2008:

March 18, 2008

Charlie Rose Opts To Save His MacBook Air Over His Face

Charlie Rose Face Plants To Save His MacBook Air from TechCrunch reports that PBS's Charlie Rose is such an Apple fan that he decided to save his new Apple MacBook Air over saving his face.

Reportedly, Rose tripped over a pot hole and on the way down he made a choice. Protect his MacBook Air or protect his face. He decided to protect the MacBook Air, which is doing well.

Instead, his face landed directly into the pavement. Check out TechCrunch for pictures of Charlie Rose with a huge black eye.

March 17, 2008

How To Get Popular on Social Media Sites

This video tells the story:

Too funny.

Daily Search Coverage & Link Finds: March 17, 2008

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Daily Search Coverage:

Happy St. Patrick's Day! Google Webmasters Link Tool is now fixed. Google fixed a Maps bug. Google indented results was weird. Google added malicious issues to webmaster guidelines. Microsoft launched adCenter community site. Yahoo and Click Forensics partners. SES NY coverage is below. I also did a video recap, you got to check it out.

Search Engine Roundtable Topics:

  1. Video Recap of Weekly Search Buzz :: March 16, 2008
  2. St. Patrick's Day Logos From Search Engine Community
  3. Google Webmaster Tools External Links Report Showing 0 Links
  4. Google Fixes Major Maps Bug on Firefox for Macs
  5. Google Indented Results Showing Different Domain?
  6. Google Adds "Malicious Behavior" To Google Webmaster Guidelines

Search Engine Land Topics:

  1. St. Patrick's Day 2008 Via Search Engines
  2. Microsoft Launches New adCenter Community Site
  3. Yahoo Partners With 3rd Party Click Fraud Company, Click Forensics
  4. SES NY Day One Live Coverage Recap

Daily Link Finds:

Daily Link Finds GraphicThis is the March 17th, issue of a daily post that will contain links to commentary of the posts over at the Search Engine Roundtable. All links I find throughout the day that ad some commentary to the posts written over at the Search Engine Roundtable, will be in the Daily Link Finds. The purpose is two fold: (1) To help people find discussion around our articles and (2) To thank people for linking to us. How do I find these links? Only one way, via a Google Blog Search link command, so make sure that (1) you are in Google Blog Search and (2) link to us.

Daily Link Finds for March 17th, 2008:

Lisa Barone Disses Ask.com's Laptop Bag

Lisa Barone is making a huge statement at SES by placing a black ribbon over the Ask.com logo on her Ask.com bag. My question is why isn't she using an RB bag?

Lisa Barone's Ask.com Bag

In any event, I think Lisa may start a trend with that black ribbon!

Danny's Wife Meets My Wife

Last night, for the first time in history, my wife met Danny Sullivan's wife.

Danny is in for the AdAge conference and he cleared one night off his schedule to go out for dinner with my wife and I. Danny's wife came in with him, so it was the first time my wife met Danny's wife.

My wife always wanted to meet Danny's wife. She had questions for her, such as:

  • How do you put up with him?
  • Do you use the Internet
  • Do you like his hours?
  • And other questions one wife of a blogger might ask an other

During dinner Danny and I rarely pulled out our phones to check feeds or email. I did show the popcorn and goldfish iphone tricks but that was pretty much it.

I won't share all the details of the night but I would like to thank Danny and wife (that is what we call our wives) for dinner - it was really nice.

March 14, 2008

Daily Search Coverage & Link Finds: March 14, 2008

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Daily Search Coverage:

Today is Pi Day, happy 3.14! Google Analytics is still lagging. Google teases their advertisers. Google launches Ad Manager. AOL buys up Bebo. Google goes to the sky. Google's internal search QA guidelines are leaked. Search in pictures is out.

Search Engine Roundtable Topics:

  1. Happy Pi Day - No Logo from Google?
  2. Google Analytics Graphs Still Lagging Behind
  3. Google Teases Advertisers By Reversing March 2008 "Google Slap" For Half Day
  4. Google Ad Manager Adds Special Icon to AdSense Ads
  5. AOL Acquires Bebo for $850 Million
  6. Google Launches Google Sky
  7. Google's Internal Search Quality Rating Guidelines Leaked

Search Engine Land Topics:

  1. Google Sky Now Viewable From Any Web Browser
  2. The Google Quality Raters Handbook
  3. Search In Pictures: American Airlines Google Billboard, Yahoo's Birthday Party & Chris Gardner @ Yahoo

Daily Link Finds:

Daily Link Finds GraphicThis is the March 14th, issue of a daily post that will contain links to commentary of the posts over at the Search Engine Roundtable. All links I find throughout the day that ad some commentary to the posts written over at the Search Engine Roundtable, will be in the Daily Link Finds. The purpose is two fold: (1) To help people find discussion around our articles and (2) To thank people for linking to us. How do I find these links? Only one way, via a Google Blog Search link command, so make sure that (1) you are in Google Blog Search and (2) link to us.

Daily Link Finds for March 14th, 2008:

Jerusalem Killing At Mercaz HaRav Yeshiva

I rarely ever post anything regarding the Israeli-Mideast stuff. But a couple weeks ago there was a horrible event where an Israeli-Arab walked into a school with kids of age of 14 through 19 and shot 8 of them dead until they were able to stop him.

I spent a year in a school like this when I was 17 or so. I just can't imagine sitting there, studying the bible and then all of a sudden a crazy person comes in and just shoots at people. Yes, this has happened enough times in America at schools, but typically by students of the school who have issues, not total strangers of the school.

It is just so sad to see things like this. Sad to see it in Israel, sad to see it in America, sad to see it anywhere. The movie above documents some of the horror.

I am trying to be brief on purpose.

Why I Am Not Looking Forward to SES NY

SES NYI admit it, I am seriously not looking forward to SES NY. Why? Cause I hate SEW, SES, Incisive Media! There I said it. Nah, I am just kidding. I have no hate towards them - they are a nice group of people, especially those working at SEW and trying to replace Danny and my role (you devils!). Nah, seriously, I am kidding - we love each other, just ask Kevin, Kevin and Kevin.

Why am I really not looking forward to it?

(1) No sleep
(2) The commute stinks (easily 2 hours of angry traffic each way)
(3) Covering sessions that I heard 30 times before is painful
(4) Not being at work is stressful
(5) Being mean when people ask to go out for dinner and saying you can't cause you need to get up at 5 to get to work done before the conference starts, is upsetting.
(6) Walking and driving in the city is uncomfortable, to say the least

Honestly, I feel this way even about going to other conferences - minus the commute. At least I can easily find kosher food at the NY conferences.

March 13, 2008

Daily Search Coverage & Link Finds: March 13, 2008

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Daily Search Coverage:

AdSense blank ad color filling issue is still an issue. Want an account representative for AdSense? Tell me why. How to remove those hidden links from your site. Submit your AdSense wish list. More link building ideas. Singulars versus plurals, what does Hitwise say? Stop with the comment spam drops. Slow news day, did Search Engine Land research but not posts today.

Search Engine Roundtable Topics:

  1. Google AdSense's Alternative Fill Color Ad Feature Issue
  2. What Would You Do With Your Google AdSense Account Manager?
  3. Find Hidden Links On Your Site? Where Did It Come From?
  4. Once Again, Submit Your AdSense Wish List
  5. Link Building Techniques and Tricks
  6. Do You Search in the Singular or the Plural?
  7. Is it Spam if You Add Your Link to Blog Comments?

Search Engine Land Topics:

  1. No posts from me, just research and allocation today

Daily Link Finds:

Daily Link Finds GraphicThis is the March 13th, issue of a daily post that will contain links to commentary of the posts over at the Search Engine Roundtable. All links I find throughout the day that ad some commentary to the posts written over at the Search Engine Roundtable, will be in the Daily Link Finds. The purpose is two fold: (1) To help people find discussion around our articles and (2) To thank people for linking to us. How do I find these links? Only one way, via a Google Blog Search link command, so make sure that (1) you are in Google Blog Search and (2) link to us.

Daily Link Finds for March 13th, 2008:

Yahoo Search Shwag: Yahoo Laptop Sleeve

Here is a picture of the schwag Yahoo gave us:

Yahoo Search Schwag: Laptop Sleeve & Notepad

Yea, a laptop sleeve and a Yahoo notepad with a pen. The sleeve has the Apple power button on it. Expecting more?

Yahoo Search Marketing totally rocked them, but I guess budgets are now getting tighter at Yahoo. :)

Still was nice to go and see things and meet people.

Back in New York: Sick of Flight Posts?

If I am sick of writing about my flights to and from places, then you must be sick of listening to them. But I do like documenting this stuff, so I am going to write it anyway, but not give it a picture.

My flight was delayed about three hours last night. So last night, when I arrived at SJC (San Jose Airport), I was informed Continental can put me on a shuttle to SFO (San Francisco Airport) and book me on a flight that was 30 minutes later then my original flight but on time. So with a bit of hesitation I took that option.

Why the hesitation? I wanted to work and that meant I had to get to SFO (45 - 1 hour away), and some of that time would be wasted. In any event, it worked out well.

I got to the gate and noticed a bunch of girls with Australia shirts and jackets. It turned out they were cheerleaders. I was pretty far from where they were, so I couldn't get a good look - but their accents were pretty cool.

I found a fellow iPhoner who was hogging all the power outlets, he gave one up so I can work. I was about to go to the lounge but I rather sit in one spot then move around - so it worked out. I then scheduled some posts for SER, did SEL research, did email and so on.

We board and I learn that the aussi cheerleaders are sitting not too far from me on the plane. Pros and Cons:

Pros: No Comment
Cons: Will they do cheers on the flight and be all yappy on the flight?

In any event, as I got closer I saw that they were basically kids - probably high school. And they were not so yappy on the flight, so it worked out okay. The one thing was when we were landing, I think one of the girls was having a nervous break down and crying... Her friend kept saying, you need to breath. Despite her nervous break down, we did manage to land safely and I jetted to my car.

I got to the office about as scheduled, at 7:45am.

I did get some ZZZs on the plane.

Seems like a slow news day, minus the AOL news. Gives me time to catch up on RB.

March 12, 2008

Daily Search Coverage & Link Finds: March 12, 2008

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Daily Search Coverage:

Google owns you and DoubleClick. Google webmaster security issues annoy users. YouTube does API madness. Google AdSense publishers explore with Excel. Do you counteract your competitors via SEO? Google stores messages in your webmaster inbox. Google Earth Town makes its mark.

Search Engine Roundtable Topics:

  1. Google Now Owns DoubleClick: Do They Own The Internet?
  2. Security Prompts Plague Some Google Webmaster Tool Users
  3. YouTube Adds Crazy APIs for Developers: Great Opportunity for SEOs
  4. Google AdSense Publishers Dig Into Data With Microsoft Excel
  5. Competitive SEO Defensive Techniques

Search Engine Land Topics:

  1. Message In A Bottle: Google Now Stores Messages For Unverified Webmaster Central Users
  2. "Google Earth Town" Nanaimo Wires Self To Google Maps To Drive Tourism

Daily Link Finds:

Daily Link Finds GraphicThis is the March 12th, issue of a daily post that will contain links to commentary of the posts over at the Search Engine Roundtable. All links I find throughout the day that ad some commentary to the posts written over at the Search Engine Roundtable, will be in the Daily Link Finds. The purpose is two fold: (1) To help people find discussion around our articles and (2) To thank people for linking to us. How do I find these links? Only one way, via a Google Blog Search link command, so make sure that (1) you are in Google Blog Search and (2) link to us.

Daily Link Finds for March 12th, 2008:

Hotel Valencia Santana Row & The $100 Basket of Junk Food

Right now I am sitting in the Hotel Valencia Santana Row waiting for the west coast to catch up to the east coast. The hotel is very nice and comfortable, not a huge hotel - which is really actually nice.

In any event, there is this basket of junk food on my right. I drank the $4 bottle of water, but the rest I did not touch. If you add up all the food in that basket, I bet it comes out to just about a $100 (yea, a snickers is $3, the cheapest thing in the basket). Here is a picture:

Hotel Valencia Santana Row

Yes, typical of all hotels - but today I had time to blog about it.

I actually got two free diet cokes, valued at $4.08 each, this morning. I was thirsty and ran out of water. So I went to the restaurant downstairs and asked for diet coke, two of them. She said, its $4.08 each, I said, fine. She came back with two cups of diet coke and said, "this time, its free." I said, "thank you so much." Ha, I showed them. :)

Well, they did get me for the $4 water and the $20 parking fee. Got to love hotels.

But I do highly like this place, for some more pictures of my room, see Flickr.

I Lied. I Slept. Caught Early Flight

PlaneYesterday, I said thought I would be getting little sleep but that turned out to be a lie.

I got to the airport at 3:15. On the way to the airport I checked for other flights leaving the airport via the same airline to the same destination. I saw a 3:45pm flight out and then mine. When I got inside the terminal and past security, it was probably about 3:35 or so. I checked the departing flights sign and found the 3:45pm flight's gate. I ran over there and asked the lady if I can get on the earlier flight. She said, "if you are willing to take a middle seat." I said, of course. So I got on and we took off.

So I landed at 7ish (10ish EST), finally got the rental car at 7:45ish (10:45ish EST) and got to the hotel at 8:30 (11:30 EST). Checked in, did email, feeds, work, etc. Then showered and prepped for bed. Got into bed maybe at 9:30 (12:30 EST), looked at the room for an hour or so and fell asleep at maybe 10:30 (1:30 EST).

I kept on waking up, like every hour. Not sure why, I normally sleep well in hotels. By 4am (7 EST) I couldn't take it anymore and I just got up. Did morning routine and blogged away.

Now it is 7:30 (10:30 EST) and I got 1.5 hours to spare before heading to Yahoo.

At least I know there are no earlier flights tonight and I have a feeling I won't sleep much tonight on the red eye back.

March 11, 2008

Daily Search Coverage & Link Finds: March 11, 2008

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Daily Search Coverage:

Live Search keeps messing up their bots. AdSenseAdvisor gets some new legs. Google pushes AdSense to AdWords advertisers. Most SEOs like older links. Use TwitterFeed to socially promote. Google Analytics is a bit bugged out. Don't link to my IP address. Viacom takes a hit on YouTube case. EU approved Google-DoubleClick deal and Google closes that chapter.

Search Engine Roundtable Topics:

  1. MSNBot Again Failing Reverse DNS Test
  2. New AdSenseAdvisor Comes to WebmasterWorld
  3. Google Promoting Content Network To AdWords Advertisers
  4. 65% of SEOs Prefer Old & Aged Links Over Fresh & New Links
  5. Expand Your Blog's Reach with TwitterFeed
  6. Google Analytics Skip Updating Last Night? Nope
  7. Hey Buddy: Link To My URL Not My IP!

Search Engine Land Topics:

  1. Judge Denies Punitive Damages In Viacom Vs. YouTube Case
  2. EU Approves Google-DoubleClick Acquisition

Daily Link Finds:

Daily Link Finds GraphicThis is the March 11th, issue of a daily post that will contain links to commentary of the posts over at the Search Engine Roundtable. All links I find throughout the day that ad some commentary to the posts written over at the Search Engine Roundtable, will be in the Daily Link Finds. The purpose is two fold: (1) To help people find discussion around our articles and (2) To thank people for linking to us. How do I find these links? Only one way, via a Google Blog Search link command, so make sure that (1) you are in Google Blog Search and (2) link to us.

Daily Link Finds for March 11th, 2008:

Not Sleeping For Three Days Worth Obtaining Elite Status?

Sleep PlaneAs you know, I am going to Yahoo Search but I think I might be nuts for how I plan on doing it. Here is my schedule, if everything goes according to plan:

  • Got up at 5:30am (EST) today and in office at 6:10am
  • Leave office about 2ish to go to airport
  • Get through security and on Internet at about 4ish
  • Try to do blog research for tomorrow while waiting to board
  • Take off at about 6pm
  • Land in SFO at 9:30pm (12:30 midnight EST)
  • Pick up rental car at SFO at 10pm (1am EST)
  • Arrive with rental car at hotel 11pm (2am EST)
  • Check email at hotel and prep for sleep by 11:30pm (2:30am EST)
  • Set alarm clock to wake at 3:30am (6:30 EST)
  • Work on RB, SER, SEL and so on until 9:30am (12:30 EST)
  • Go to Yahoo
  • Censored
  • Leave Yahoo at about 7pm (10pm EST)
  • Arrive at SJC (closer airport) at 7:30pm (10:30 EST)
  • Get to gate by 8:30pm (11:30 EST)
  • Try to do blog research for tomorrow while waiting to board
  • Take off sometime after 9pm (12 midnight EST)
  • Land in NY at 6am ish EST (if on time)
  • Get out of airport by 6:30am
  • Get to office at 7:30am

Now, if I can sleep on the flight from SJC to NY, then I will be okay. Chances are, I won't be able to sleep. So I figure I will be sleeping about four hours between 5am this morning and 11pm Thursday night.

I did something like this once before, when I went to SES Sweden in 2004.

But when all is said and done, I should have reached my "Elite Status" with Continental airlines - making it all worth while.

Yahoo Search Meeting Tomorrow

Yahoo Search LogoI have a meeting with a crew of people (who exactly, I am not sure) at Yahoo Search tomorrow. It is some sort of "advisory meeting" and I am delighted I was able to make it this time and even more delighted to have been invited to join.

I am not sure if I can blog about me even going, since I really can't blog about what we talk about - but I am blogging that I am attending the meeting. Under NDA, like all of these things, I will only be able to blog about things in that meeting that I have permission to write about. So until then, I won't be saying much more.

I have been at Yahoo advisory meetings in the past. The first formal one was when they launched Panama, the new Yahoo Search Marketing platform in October 2006. At that meeting, Yahoo Search Marketing hooked me up with some excellent Yahoo schwag. I wonder what type, if any, schwag they will have at this even.

Fonality Asterisk Based PBX Adds Great Features in 4.0

PBXtra FonalityWe have been using Fonality for our phone system for well over two years now. In fact, I wrote a quick Fonality review back in January 2006 that still gets comments to this day. Overall, I have to say I am still very happy with the system - it rocks for us, a small high-tech company.

In short, Fonality is a supported and pre-programmed PBX system that you is co-hosted by them and with a server in your office. It runs off the Asterisk code-base, an open source PBX project. We love Fonality because:

(1) It comes with a ton of pre-built solutions so we don't have to build it up ourselves via Asterisk
(2) It is continuously upgraded
(3) We have phone and email support for hardware and software support if needed
(4) We can hack the heck out of it and build it into our PHP solutions because it is Asterisk based

Last night I was emailed that they have automatically upgraded us to the 4.0 version. The main feature in 4.0 is the "FindMe with Boomerang Mobile Integration" that basically is a FindMe feature (i.e. if your out of the office, you can have the system try calling you at different phone numbers and if you like, you can answer it. Then with "Boomerang" when you get back to your office phone and you are still on the call, you can send the call back to your phone at your desk (I could have used that feature a billion times). Here are screen captures of how it kind of works:

You go to your features tab and then you can click on the "FindMe with Boomerang Mobile Integration" and you are shown a screen. Select, "FindMe Using a schedule" and you will see this:

Fonality FindMe & Boomerang Feature

Then based on the schedule you can set up a billion actions based on certain cases. Here is a screen capture:

Fonality FindMe & Boomerang Feature

Schedule is nice, but HUD status is really where it is at. If you use the Fonality HUD feature and set your status to available, away or offline and it will do different things based on that. Here is a screen shot of that screen:

Fonality FindMe & Boomerang Feature

Then at the bottom of each of these options are "FindMe White Lists" and also "VIP Lists" which are self-explanatory.

There are a ton of new features in 4.0 that I need to explore. Here are some:

  • Calendar-based Scheduling
  • Night mode feature
  • Cards pages
  • Faster reports
  • Faster UI
  • New set of alert notifications
  • Many more features which I can't list

There is however a large debate on if Fonality should sell this product. The open source community or at least some of them, are upset Fonality is profiting on this. Personally, they are providing huge value to me at a low cost, so I am all for them selling this. This is seriously a large corporation phone system at a small business price.

March 10, 2008

Need New Default Browser Home Page

Now that Ask.com ripped my heart out, I need to replace them as my default home page. I was thinking of going back to my old home page, Yahoo.com but then thought I would ask others what they use?

I also thought that since I rarely use a home page button, maybe I should make it one of my sites? What about Google personalized home page? I am not sure. My main sites that I use every day and all day are always open, heck I wrote about speeding that up. But now I have this home button that does nothing for me. I can always search Google, Yahoo, Live, or even Ask using inquisitor, one of my used tools on my computer. So I don't want a search box to be my home page anymore.

Any ideas? Take the poll or comment...

Thanks!

Great Comic Strip

Great comic by Chris Pirillo at his Flickr stream:

Comic

Daily Search Coverage & Link Finds: March 10, 2008

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Daily Search Coverage:

How much do you love SEO? Google's AdSense goes down on Saturday. Google promotes TV ads. Google mocks its own PageRank. Which data center are you on? SES NY schedule posted. Google drops military pictures. The do nots of conferences. Digg's algorithm is hard. Yahoo's Decker aims closer at becoming a search billionaire.

Search Engine Roundtable Topics:

  1. A Great SEO License Plate
  2. Google AdSense Down for Two Hours on Saturday
  3. Google Sends Out More TV AdWords Beta Invitations
  4. Google Once Again Says Toolbar PageRank Score To Be "Abstract"
  5. Which Google Data Center Am I On Now?
  6. SES New York 2008 Conference Coverage Schedule
  7. Google Removes Military Installations off Street View
  8. What You Should NOT do a Search Conferences
  9. Digg's Algorithm Cut Front Page Promotions by 38%

Search Engine Land Topics:

  1. Search Engine Billionaires & Yahoo's Decker Boosts Her Salary

Daily Link Finds:

Daily Link Finds GraphicThis is the March 10th, issue of a daily post that will contain links to commentary of the posts over at the Search Engine Roundtable. All links I find throughout the day that ad some commentary to the posts written over at the Search Engine Roundtable, will be in the Daily Link Finds. The purpose is two fold: (1) To help people find discussion around our articles and (2) To thank people for linking to us. How do I find these links? Only one way, via a Google Blog Search link command, so make sure that (1) you are in Google Blog Search and (2) link to us.

Daily Link Finds for March 10th, 2008:

I Shaved

I decided to groom myself this weekend and get a hair cut and shave. Look how different I look now:

I Shaved

Yes, I know 52% of you wanted me to grow a beard. I can always do it later, it was just time for me to shave and while I was at it, I got a hair cut.

To see what I looked like on Friday, check out my video.

Flickr Stalls Uploads

I keep trying to upload images to Flickr from iPhoto via FlickrExport but I get "Error 2 in photos.upload.checkTickets."

Seems like is it on Flickr's side. A Flickr help post has a message from staff on this issue:

Hi folks -

This morning we lost a part of Farm1, and as a side-effect we've stalled on the uploads. We're working on the problem right now, and we're hopefully going to get it sorted out ASAP.

Sorry about this!

Hope it is fixed soon, got to show you guys something. :)

March 7, 2008

Spring Forward Means Dark AMs Again

clock changeIt has been light in the mornings at 5:45am, when I get out of the house. But that is going to change Sunday, when we change the clocks.

We spring forward.

So 5:45am will be like 4:45am - that always confuses me. :)

Back to darkness for a while, technically until late April, when the sun rises at 5:50ish.

Ughh, hate dark mornings.

First Video with Real iMovie Effort

I trust the content in my videos are fairly okay but I never really put in any detail into the movie part. I think I bore people when they watch, so this time I put in about an hour of time to adding captions, pictures, screen captures, music and other tidbits - besides for me speaking.

So here is the latest Weekly Search Buzz Roundup video:

Would seriously love your feedback on ways to improve it. Things I got so far include:

- Your head looks like it's getting cut off
- Make sure not to right align the text in the captions (YouTube logo cuts it off)
- Move picture behind me
- Move more (hard to do with built in iSight so maybe ill get a video camera)

That is what I got so far...

Daily Search Coverage & Link Finds: March 7, 2008

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Daily Search Coverage:

SEOmoz launched SEO analytics, but don't forget about the other players. Should you sculpt your PageRank? Test your page load time now, before Google does. Google adds category exclusion to AdWords. Google goes down in Germany. US Pentagon bans Google Maps. Google tests TV ads in US and maybe soon in UK.

Search Engine Roundtable Topics:

  1. SEO Analytics: SEOmoz & Enquisite
  2. Sculpting PR, Siloing, Controlling PageRank Via NoFollow Sparks Debate
  3. Test Your Page Load Time Before Google Tests it For You
  4. Google AdWords Adds Category Exclusion To Site Exclusion
  5. Google.com Goes Down in Germany For Hours

Search Engine Land Topics:

  1. Load Time Confirmed As AdWords Quality Score & New Category Exclusion Feature
  2. U.S. Pentagon Bans Google From Military Bases
  3. Google Tests More TV Ads With AdWords Integration

Daily Link Finds:

Daily Link Finds GraphicThis is the March 7th, issue of a daily post that will contain links to commentary of the posts over at the Search Engine Roundtable. All links I find throughout the day that ad some commentary to the posts written over at the Search Engine Roundtable, will be in the Daily Link Finds. The purpose is two fold: (1) To help people find discussion around our articles and (2) To thank people for linking to us. How do I find these links? Only one way, via a Google Blog Search link command, so make sure that (1) you are in Google Blog Search and (2) link to us.

Daily Link Finds for March 7th, 2008:

Google Reader for iPhone Error?

Since last night, I keep getting the "invalid stream name" when I visit Google Reader on my iPhone. Going directly to Google Reader works fine, it is when I click on the "Tags" tab, when I get this error. I closed it out and tried again, but still doesn't work. Here is a screen shot:

Google Reader iPhone Issue

Matt Cutts, did you notice this as well? I am a huge Google Reader mobile user and this is painful. I don't see anything reported on Google Groups yet, so I posted my own.

March 6, 2008

iPhone SDK Seems Solid: So Solid, I'll Build an iPhone App

iPhone SDKSo today, Apple held their iPhone developer thing...

I watched several blogs live blog the event, but for you, I think Engadget does a great job if you are just catching up now (they use the oldest to newest format, so it reads the right way for you guys not watching live.

In short, the SDK seems to rock. Rock so much that if you have an idea for a cool iPhone application, let me know and I will try to build it.

So leave your suggestions for the iPhone application you think would be cool and we may just build it for you.

Some ideas I had include:

- Prayer book for Jews (current one I use only works when you are online)
- QuickBooks application to look up customer balances, invoices, etc.

Any other thoughts? It is hard for me to think of desktop based applications. I am more about web based apps...

More info can be found at iPhone Developer Connection and iPhone Enterprise (which I didn't mention here).

Daily Search Coverage & Link Finds: March 6, 2008

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Daily Search Coverage:

Google confirms the page load time discovery. Google forgot to renew their SSL certificate. Google slaps more advertisers with higher minimum bids. Explore your 301 redirects. New search conference is coming your way. Google Analytics launches new features. We have a conference controversy underway.

Search Engine Roundtable Topics:

  1. Google Confirms Page Load Time As Future Factor in AdWords Quality Score
  2. Google Forgets To Renew SSL Certificate For Conversion Tracking
  3. March 2008 Google AdWords "Slap": Minimum Bids Surge
  4. Conference Controversy: Paying Speakers & Sponsor Paid Sessions
  5. How Does Google Handle 301 Redirects?
  6. You Should Attend the Small Business Marketing Unleashed Conference Because....
  7. Google Analytics Releases Benchmarking Tools, Data Sharing, and More

Search Engine Land Topics:

  1. Oops! Google's SSL Certificate Throwing Out Scary Warnings

Daily Link Finds:

Daily Link Finds GraphicThis is the March 6th, issue of a daily post that will contain links to commentary of the posts over at the Search Engine Roundtable. All links I find throughout the day that ad some commentary to the posts written over at the Search Engine Roundtable, will be in the Daily Link Finds. The purpose is two fold: (1) To help people find discussion around our articles and (2) To thank people for linking to us. How do I find these links? Only one way, via a Google Blog Search link command, so make sure that (1) you are in Google Blog Search and (2) link to us.

Daily Link Finds for March 6th, 2008:

iTunes Movie Rentals: We Need More Selection!

iTunes Movie RentalsApple, I know your not listening, cause I know you want to offer as many movies as possible, but hurry it up.

I fly to Yahoo next week, and I wanted to rent a movie for the trip there (I am preparing for a bad movie selection offered by Continental). So I went into iTunes, and sorted the Movie Rentals category by new releases. I counted 19 movies released in the year of 2007 and 2008.

19 movies. I don't want to watch cartoons, so that eliminates about 7 movies. Down to 12. Now I already flew twice, and watched three movies - down to 9 movies. I don't want to watch something that I might watch with my wife.

So I downloaded "War."

I have no movie for the way back, but that is a good thing - I hope to sleep on the red eye.

Apple, need more movies fast!

Paczkowski on Ask.com's Move

Ask: The Little Engine That Can’t by Paczkowski sums it up perfectly on video. Watch the first couple minutes:

How awesome is that?

March 5, 2008

Talk About a Bad Landing

This plane never even made it down. Watch the plane try to land but it is being blown around too much to touch down. It manages to climb right after it tries touching down. Reportedly it landed at a different airport later.

German airline Lufthansa has said its pilots had averted a crash at Hamburg airport after winds of more than 150 mph caused a plane with 130 passengers on board, to veer dangerously on landing.

"Just before landing, the plane was hit by a very strong gust of wind that led to the left wing touching the ground very briefly," said Juergen Raps, Lufthansa executive vice president of operations.

The left wing grazed the runway for a moment, but the pilot was able to stabilise the aircraft and take off again in what a spokesman called an " absolutely professional manoeuvre."

More news on this at Google News.

Daily Search Coverage & Link Finds: March 5, 2008

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Daily Search Coverage:

Google results spotting in Ask.com. SEMs bid farewell to Ask. Google updates advanced search page. Google adds page load time to AdWords quality score. Google adds additional search box in search results. We posted on Google SERP changes. Link building ideas, once again. The schwag awards are out. Matt Cutts goes under the microscope. Google Analytics adds benchmarking and audio ad data.

Search Engine Roundtable Topics:

  1. Early Reports of Ask.com Testing Google Results in Core Web Search
  2. Google Updates Design for Advanced Search Page
  3. Landing Page Load Time Will Impact Google AdWords Quality Score
  4. Search Community Reaction to Ask.com New Search Strategy
  5. Google Tests Additional Sitewide Searchbox Within SERPs
  6. Webmasters Report March 2008 SERP Changes
  7. Link Building Secrets from Established SEOs
  8. Schwag Award Winners for SMX West 2008

Search Engine Land Topics:

  1. Google Tests Additional Search Box Within Search Results
  2. Google Adds Page Load Time To Quality Score Algorithm
  3. Matt Cutts & The Search Community Interview
  4. Google Analytics Benchmarking Feature, Data Sharing & Audio Ad Charting

Daily Link Finds:

Daily Link Finds GraphicThis is the March 5th, issue of a daily post that will contain links to commentary of the posts over at the Search Engine Roundtable. All links I find throughout the day that ad some commentary to the posts written over at the Search Engine Roundtable, will be in the Daily Link Finds. The purpose is two fold: (1) To help people find discussion around our articles and (2) To thank people for linking to us. How do I find these links? Only one way, via a Google Blog Search link command, so make sure that (1) you are in Google Blog Search and (2) link to us.

Daily Link Finds for March 5th, 2008:

For Hard Core Apple Fans : iWipe

iWipeNow that more and more people are buying Macs, there are more and more hard core Apple fans.

Now, if you are extremely hard core, you might create an iWipe out of an old Mac.

Give an old Mac new life by turning it into an iWipe from Shawn Morton demonstrates how you can build an iWipe out of an Macintosh SE case and about $15.

The perfect bathroom accessory.

Hat tip goes to bro-in-law.

You Got To Be Kidding Me!

Watch this movie:

I see it is old, but I never saw it.

Should I Grow A Beard?

IMG_2562.JPGHonestly, I likely won't but should I? I am fairly lazy about my appearance on a daily basis. I am not lazy overall, I work hard, but when it comes to appearance, I am lazy.

The picture of me here is from when I didn't shave in a few weeks. Yea, no haircut for a while also. I bet my wife will kill me later for posting it...

So, what you think? Go for a beard?

Take the poll.

March 4, 2008

Daily Search Coverage & Link Finds: March 4, 2008

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Daily Search Coverage:

Diller flipping killed of Ask.com. Sandberg leaves Google for Facebook, a shocker. Google caching wrong pages. Google placing unverified local results in universal search? Yahoo announced a search update. Local SEO rocks. The Nofollow implications. Google says go spammy with AdSense. Google's not America's most admired. Link building advice.

Search Engine Roundtable Topics:

  1. Increase in Reports of Google Caching Wrong Pages
  2. Google Testing Unverified Local Results in Web Search?
  3. Why Link Pages & Directories Might Not Work
  4. Yahoo Search March 2008 Update?
  5. How to Take Advantage of Local Search Engine Optimization
  6. The Implications of the nofollow Tag, Illustrated
  7. Google Says Use Spammy Looking AdSense Unit

Search Engine Land Topics:

  1. Google: Not American's Most Admired Company (But Almost)
  2. Need More Link Building Advice? Here Are 12 Experts
  3. Facebook's New Chief Operating Officer, Ex-Google VP, Sandberg
  4. IAC Cuts 8% Of Ask.com & Kills Search Engine

Daily Link Finds:

Daily Link Finds GraphicThis is the March 4th, issue of a daily post that will contain links to commentary of the posts over at the Search Engine Roundtable. All links I find throughout the day that ad some commentary to the posts written over at the Search Engine Roundtable, will be in the Daily Link Finds. The purpose is two fold: (1) To help people find discussion around our articles and (2) To thank people for linking to us. How do I find these links? Only one way, via a Google Blog Search link command, so make sure that (1) you are in Google Blog Search and (2) link to us.

Daily Link Finds for March 4th, 2008:

Tired of Reputation Management Spam

I am getting incredibly tired of reputation management spam. Yes, like many of you, I track what people are saying about me, my blog and my company. I use various methods, including Google blog search. I have written about this time and time again but the spam is getting to be too much.

Here is an example. A search on rustybrick and Google Blog search returns these five results, amongst some others:

Rep Management Spam

If you click through to any of them, they have no mention of "rustybrick" in the page text or in the page source. I assume these are coming up because people are just tagging content with "rustybrick." Why? Maybe to get my attention? Or maybe I am hallucinating?

This also works for my blog and my name.

March 3, 2008

YouTube Video Live But Unavailable on Load?

This is incredibly frustrating. I put like 30 minutes into making a video in iMovie. I then upload it to YouTube directly from iMovie. The video is then visible but then after five minutes it says "This video is unavailable." But it is available!

Here is what I see in my video's section:

YouTube iMovie Issue

It says "Live," yes, live. And so far, three people viewed it and no one else because its not available anymore, even though it still says live.

Here is what happens when you play the video:

YouTube iMovie Issue

Again, it says live on my side. If I try to reupload it, it says there is a duplicate version and you can't upload it. Trust me, in a couple hours, the video will be playable again. I just don't know when, so this is frustrating, to say the least.

Here is the video, SMX West 2008 Highlight Video...

Daily Search Coverage & Link Finds: March 3, 2008

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Daily Search Coverage:

Don't you meta refresh that URL! Google fixes AdSense terms of service bug. Ask.com dropping Teoma or not? SEO's just can't agree on linking. Reputation management issues, how do you deal with them? Is relevancy a factor in linkage? Yahoo does Buzz. comScore scares Wall Street. Compete sold for $75 million. Yahoo announced search update.

Search Engine Roundtable Topics:

  1. Google Strongly Recommends 301 Redirect Over Meta Refresh Redirects
  2. Google Fixes New AdSense Terms of Service Bug?
  3. Grassroot Supports of Ask.com Giving Up? Ask.com Giving Up?
  4. SEOs Can't Agree on the Value of an Image Link
  5. Dealing with Reputation Management Issues
  6. How Important is the Site Relevancy for Backlinks?
  7. Yahoo Launches Social Site Yahoo! Buzz

Search Engine Land Topics:

  1. comScore Paid Search Data & How The Sky Might Not Be Falling
  2. Compete Sold For $75 Million To Taylor Nelson Sofres
  3. Ask.com Calls Teoma Rumors False
  4. Yahoo Search March '08 Weather Report

Daily Link Finds:

Daily Link Finds GraphicThis is the March 3rd, issue of a daily post that will contain links to commentary of the posts over at the Search Engine Roundtable. All links I find throughout the day that ad some commentary to the posts written over at the Search Engine Roundtable, will be in the Daily Link Finds. The purpose is two fold: (1) To help people find discussion around our articles and (2) To thank people for linking to us. How do I find these links? Only one way, via a Google Blog Search link command, so make sure that (1) you are in Google Blog Search and (2) link to us.

Daily Link Finds for March 3rd, 2008:

SMX West 2008 Highlight Video

I created a YouTube video with iMovie using pictures from SMX West provided by Li Evans, Matt McGee, SEOmoz and Jim Hedger. Here is the video. I am getting better and making them...

Thank you guys!

Update: This is now working again.

If there are any mistakes, please let me know below and I will do a big update of the video. If you want more pictures added, please send me the Flickr URL below and I will try to add them. I know I did not cover everything...

iPhone Stop Watch Hits 1,000 Hours & Keeps Ticking

I love this. These kids document what happens when the iPhone stop watch goes beyond 1,000 hours. They kept it going for 1,000 hours! And I thought I was geeky, these kids rule.

Watch it, watch it and then keep watching it. Shall we try 10,000 hours?

Apple Macs Are Everywhere!

apple logoIf there was one non-search trend I saw at the SMX West conference it would have to be Apple Macs. It seemed like almost everyone had Apple MacBooks or Powerbooks at the event.

I remember the days when I was doing live blogging in 2003 and I was like the only one with a Mac. In fact, the paid wireless didn't even work on my Mac cause it wasn't supported. Those days are long over. It really seemed like the majority of those in the conference were using Macs.

The Search Engine Land team had a meeting and three of the six of us had MacBooks on the table. Vanessa Fox, Rob Kerry and myself all had Macs. Tamar just purchased a 17" MacBook Pro. Danny Sullivan just told me he caved and purchased a MacBook Pro. What has the world come to?!

Heck, even Louis Monier (the man behind Alta Vista) took out his iPhone during his keynote at SMX.

Now, get this. Last night, my brother-in-law called me to tell me he is also going to cave. He said he is going to buy a 17" MacBook Pro tomorrow (today), fully loaded. He plans on doing the dual boot and run Windows mostly and mess with Mac OS X for fun. It won't be long until he switched to Mac as the primary, imo.

My main concern -- are you guys all really ready? ;-)

If you need any support, you know who to call... Not me, by Apple Care ;-).

I am afraid I can't say, "Buy a Mac" anymore when people have computer issues. Now they will buy a mac and call me for help!

Update: Danny blogged about hell freezing over just a few minutes ago.