Google manipulating SERPs

[divinewrite]

Hi everyone,

I recently read an article on SEO Chat that discussed a trial alteration of Google's SERPs. Essentially, the article said that Google is REPLACING the organic results 6,7 and 8 with 'alternate results' - results for a more specific search term than the one entered by the user. (You can read the article in full at http://www.seochat.com/c/a/Search-En...s-for-Money/2/).

To see this in action, search for "piggy bank". Results 6, 7 and 8 encourage you to see results for the more specific search "piggy bank lyrics". The three results listed are actually the top three results for the search "piggy bank lyrics".

Similarly, results 6, 7, and 8 for a search for "add url" encourage you to check out results for the more specific search "add url google". Again, the three results listed are the top three results for the search "add url google".

Interestingly, when you do a search for "on demand", results 6, 7, and 8 are replaced, but THIS TIME THERE'S A DIFFERENCE. This time, Google is encouraging users to check out results for the search "comcast on demand". In other words, Google has seen fit to promote the services of one particular provider, Comcast.

Does anyone know how or why Google has selected this particular provider to promote? The source article cites a quote from a Google engineer who says the whole thing is based on the algo. If this is true, then I'm assuming "comcast on demand" is the most popular variant of the "on demand" search.

The alternative is very scary. If it's not algo-based, then has Google undermined the objectivity of its organic results by introducing a paid arrangement for results 6, 7, and 8?

Any ideas?

Thanks in advance for your responses.

[greeneagle]

Hello devinewrite,

I am going to recommend you and any viewers here, to a thread already discussing this issue:
http://www.webproworld.com/viewtopic.php?t=50889

I have locked this thread since the topics appear identical. That thread is much further along and I believe you either will or can find the discussion you are looking for there.

Thanks,
Ken