Hello, fellow search fans. This discussion is interesting for a couple of reasons.

#1. Google's recent/current algo "update." They do it all the time. Tweaking their Hilltop formula this time, most likely. It's all about relevance, and if Google says anchor link text is important, well, I tend to believe them.

Which is why I tuned up the inbound links as much as I could. It would always be a smart thing to know the story your inbound links tell you.

#2. Think "SEO" is the only affected term? Since we are so close to the term, it's been noticed immediately. But I'll bet there are other terms with results that have "changed" in the SERPs.

It's too easy to attribute to the big G ulterior motives based solely on their IPO/public company status. I do not know anyone there, but I doubt they've changed the Way They Do Business because of stock price fluctuations. "Do no evil" remember?

If Google waters down their natural results, their AdWords won't make up for it. Searchers will go somewhere else...MSN or Yahoo. I believe whatever Google is doing, it's playing out over time and is in their best competitive interest. They haven't got to this point by accident!

--Greg, Mr. Goodhelp