Google Search Changes, Technology Commentary, and MonaVie (with Personal Finance Links)

Earlier this week, Google changed its algorithm for ranking how websites return in its search results. The aim was to reduce the rankings of content that Google considers low-quality. If you aren’t a web site owner, you probably didn’t notice. Now that I’ve told you, probably don’t care. Those who are web developers either got a nasty or pleasant surprise. More than a few of my blogger friends were upset they lost their rankings. Google rankings are extremely important for many website owners. Since most people use Google to find information, a drop in rankings means a loss in traffic… and a loss in income.

For the bloggers who have seen their rankings drop it is a difficult time. I know they work hard and their content is very good quality. One blogger I know lost half of his traffic. My heart goes out to this person. I always knew this was a possibility. It’s one of the things you sign on for when you are a blogger. From a business perspective, it’s less than ideal to have another business, in this case Google, have such a major impact on your business.

Wondering about how my websites have done? They’ve almost all increased in traffic. In fact, the rankings may be too good. For most website owners the close to the top the better. In checking this morning, my posts exposing the MonaVie scam was #2. MonaVie has already threatened to sue me twice because… in their words:

When an individual types in MonaVie at www.google.com, in the search box, and clicks on Google Search, the first page of Google that appears is:

https://www.lazymanandmoney.com/monavie-scam-was-my-wife-recruited-sell-snake-oil/.

Before they were concerned when my article showed up as the #5 or #6 results. With Google’s change putting me at the #2 ranking, I half expect they’ll take further action of some kind against me. Let’s face it, it’s easier for them to complain about one person expressing his opinion than take on Google and their rankings. It’s much easier for MonaVie to suppress the truth, than try to defend the criticisms.

With that said, let’s get to the links from other personal finance sites.

Money Writers:

• Brip Blap says take your time seriously.
• Digerati Life goes over the costs of driving under the influence (or while intoxicated).
• Frugal Dad on living abroad, frugally: an interview with mom and son team behind RaisingMiro.com.
• Generation X Finance writes there is more to risk than meets the eye.
• Million Dollar Journey posts identifying all star fund managers II ““ finding the all stars.
• Money Smart Life on Angies List scams.
• My Dollar Plan asks would you consider reverse snowbirding?
• The Sun’s Financial Diary blogs Wisconsin budget squabble brings pension liabilities to the forefront.

Top PF Posts:

• The Smarter Wallet with some pros and cons of investing in real estate.
• My Frugal Freedom with major stupid tax.
• Dealerity on what I never knew about food stamps.
• One Million and Beyond talks about why money and family don’t mix.
• No Credit Needed explains how we found our house.
• The Economic Collapse Blog presents 18 sobering facts which prove that the middle class is not being included in this “economic Recovery.”
• Hope to Prosper says be honest about your finances.