Comments on: Google Selling Top Organic Spot?

By: Glen

Glen — Mon, 05 May 2008 22:14:50 +0000

Looks like this is common place now. A shame really because it takes the fun out of trying to get that all important top 5 spot.

By: UK Accountant

UK Accountant — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 10:30:34 +0000

Selling top spot in listings is the same as selling the ‘featured sponsored link spot’. Google can do what they like!

By: asso

asso — Sun, 23 Sep 2007 19:02:39 +0000

They are not going to win this i case i think

By: Bittenbydesign.com - Freelance Design

Bittenbydesign.com - Freelance Design — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 22:53:16 +0000

Personally after dealing with SEO for so long, I am surprised that the companies with the trademark infringments didn’t contact google directly…

I can see that if they did and didn’t get a result they could report them to the ACCC but in reality they should of lodged complaints with the Telecommunications Ombudsman first.

If you can’t understand the reason for the yellow box, there is still the sponsored links text at the top of that section telling you they are not the organic results.

I am just bemused that the ACCC is wasting it’s money in what seems a futile court action.

By: SiteMost’s Weekly Blog Recap 13/09/07 at Brisbane SEO Blog

SiteMost’s Weekly Blog Recap 13/09/07 at Brisbane SEO Blog — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 13:45:50 +0000

[...] ago and here’s how it ended-up – Watchdog bitten in Google case. Marketing Pilgrim also has a good write-up about it. You’d think companies would realise by now such attempts at taking down Google are [...]

By: Robert

Robert — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 12:39:05 +0000

I can’t believe that people are that stupid! Then again, I think I can.

Lets face it, Google can do anything they want to. At the end of the day, if you don’t like it, don’t use their service. That’s pretty much the sum of it.

But yeah… who would have guessed that “sponsored link” meant that people paid for those positions?

By: Bidding Directory

Bidding Directory — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 19:35:35 +0000

They are like DMOZ and Shoemoney…

By: Omad

Omad — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 11:57:07 +0000

I hear Google make a big rip about webmasters and paid links… but google is basically doing the same thing. And yes people do get confused with the sponsored links – I know several people who don’t distinguish the difference between organic and the lightly colored yellow box with a small print word all the way on the other side. i am sure that the reason we had hackers on the sponsored links a while back is becuase people thought and probably still think that it’s part of the organic search. And I mean in America…….

By: Joeychgo

Joeychgo — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 18:27:05 +0000

I’d also be interested to see a genuine poll that indicates whether the general Google using public are aware that those links in the yellow box are advertising instead of search results.

By: Steven Bradley

Steven Bradley — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 18:00:20 +0000

I agree with Brian. This has to be about promotion. They can’t seriously think they’re going to win this case.

By: Terry Reeves

Terry Reeves — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 12:44:31 +0000

This just proves my thinking. People are idiots all over the world. Not everyone of course. But those that are will always draw attention to themselves. Or, a better way to state it, those that are will always attract the media.

Just like here in the South. No sooner has a tornado slipped back into the sky than you will see the most stereotypical “hick” looking like they just fell off the tobacco wagon describing the storm as sounding like a freight train.

I hope this does not offend anyone but I definitely see a pattern of media and moron mingling for comfort. I think the bright lights on the cameras attract certain people.

By: Bushido

Bushido — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 11:39:27 +0000

If one didn’t want their copyrighted brand to become a keyword one can purchase in Google AdWords, they can just file a claim and BAM! they’re gone!
The keyword “Nokia” is a clear example of this.

By: Mark from Just Accountants

Mark from Just Accountants — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 21:08:36 +0000

While this case is seriously flawed and will doubtless lose, I’d be interested to see a genuine poll that indicates whether the general Google using public are aware that those links in the yellow box are bought and paid for.

My thinking is that because of how people read on the web, there is a large majority that aren’t aware that what they are clicking are paid links.

By: Brian Chappell

Brian Chappell — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 20:31:22 +0000

This sounds like a case of linkbait. They cannot be serious?!