Google's page ranking algorithms

  • Thread starter Thread starter Johan de Vries
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around Google's page ranking algorithms, particularly in relation to how certain threads on Physics Forums (PF) appear in search results. Participants explore factors influencing search rankings, including keyword relevance, content freshness, and potential biases related to advertising.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that their thread appears high in search results for the generic term "deadly blow," questioning how this is possible given the thread title was changed shortly after posting.
  • Another participant suggests that the phrase might actually be "deathly blow," implying that the uncommon usage of "deadly blow" could affect search results.
  • Several participants observe that PF is well-ranked on Google, attributing this to forums being good sources of information and possibly having a high confidence rating.
  • There is speculation about the influence of Google ads on search rankings, with participants questioning whether PF's ad presence could affect its visibility in search results.
  • One participant mentions that Google favors fresh content, suggesting that newly posted threads may rank higher initially.
  • A humorous comment is made regarding a hypothetical "tie breaker" function in Google's ranking algorithm, referencing the concept of "Pigeon Ranking."

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express various viewpoints on the factors influencing Google's ranking algorithms, with no consensus reached on the specific reasons for PF's search ranking. The discussion includes both supportive and skeptical perspectives regarding the impact of advertising and content freshness.

Contextual Notes

Participants do not fully agree on the terminology used in search queries, and there is uncertainty regarding the implications of Google's advertising practices on search rankings. The discussion lacks definitive conclusions about the mechanics of Google's algorithms.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in search engine optimization, online content visibility, and the mechanics of Google's ranking algorithms may find this discussion relevant.

Johan de Vries
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A few days ago I started a thread here on physicsforums about a new article on climate change. Yesterday I was using google to find out more about some related research. To my surprise the thread I started was on top when searching using some but rather generic keywords.

If you google using the search string "deadly blow", the thread I started is at nr. 3, even though the thread title was changed within hours by the moderator. How is this possible for such a generic search string as "deadly blow"?
 
Last edited:
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I may be wrong! but isn't the phrase 'deathly blow' and not 'deadly blow'? That may explain why this phrase isn't as common as you might think.
 
PF is fairly well ranked at Google i noticed, forums are good sources of information, so Google might rank forums higher.
 
-Job- said:
PF is fairly well ranked at Google i noticed.

PF runs Google ads. Coincidence, or not? :rolleyes:
 
-Job- said:
PF is fairly well ranked at Google i noticed, forums are good sources of information, so Google might rank forums higher.
PF has a high confidence rating, so threads started here show up at or near the top of searches.
 
Also, Google loves fresh content, so it's especially high as soon as the googlebot finds it.
 
AlephZero said:
PF runs Google ads. Coincidence, or not? :rolleyes:

That's a good point. If Google can drive traffic to sites with Google ads in favor of other sites why wouldn't they? I wonder...
 
-Job- said:
That's a good point. If Google can drive traffic to sites with Google ads in favor of other sites why wouldn't they? I wonder...
No, Google's Pigeon Ranking is completely above board. (I will never get tired of reading this)

http://www.google.com/technology/pigeonrank.html
 
Last edited by a moderator:
I can already see the tie breaker function:
Code:
Page A, B;
if(A.Rank == B.Rank){
    if(A.AdRank > B.AdRank) return A;
    else return B;
}

How many pigeons does it take to code that?
 

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