Twittergate is (thankfully) behind us but it’s almost assuredly going to be the case that we’ll be rehashing this one for a while. This certainly isn’t the first time Twitter and security issues have clashed, and as in the past Twitter (and really any very public application in a similar situation) is the clear loser. And of course there comes the unsolicited advice offered regarding what Twitter needs to do to address its security issues. I am, of course, ignoring the fact that it wasn’t really even Twitter’s security that was breached and thus led to the offering of said advi... (more)

Britannica: #1 at Google

Today, for the very first time in my experience, The Encyclopedia Britannica was the #1 result at Google for a query. It’s good to see the EB making progress with its online offering, but I’m actually puzzled in this case. The query was “horizontal hold” (without quotes), and the EB page that’s #1 is pretty much worthless. It’s a stub that gives a snippet of the article on the topic, but ... (more)

Finding Suspended Websites and Link Opportunities With Google

If you’re reading this months Hobo linkbuilding tips, you’ll see that I laid down a strategy for getting good backlinks. I thought it was worth a post specifically on finding suspended accounts with Google. I really don’t want to cause other sites trouble, so most of my tips you’ve got to use your brain a bit. Here’s an example: Basically, you find suspended accounts using Google which ... (more)

Yahoo & Microsoft Reportedly Close to Now-or-Never Deal

A search and online advertising deal between Yahoo and Microsoft is imminent - unless of course it's blown off course again, according to Yahoo know-it-all All Things Digital, the Dow Jones blog. Under the circumstances blogger Kara Swisher isn't guaranteeing a deal will happen though she hears one could be announced this week. If the companies don't emerge with an agreement this time, they'... (more)