News Corp. Discusses Removal From Google’s Search Index
Nov 23, 2009 – 08:23 by Ryan
Recently, News Corp. has been making a lot of noise about removing their web properties from Google’s search index. This appears to be a desperate move being made by a company that has not adequately embraced the culture or technology of the Internet. The important aspect of a total removal from Google that is not being discussed is how News Corp. would potentially screw thousands of businesses that have outbound links from their web properties.
Partners
Google uses a concept of “trust” when they assemble their search index. In theory, if a popular and trusted site like The Wall Street Journal (a News Corp. company) links to a site, Google is going to pass link juice or link equity to that site. The theory is that if the WSJ trusts you, then you are probably an OK site (i.e., not full of spam and the content quality is similar). The concept of link equity is similar to the professional references provided to a company when applying for a job.
Future
It appears that News Corp. is an old company and their business/negotiation tactics seem to be based on an outdated machiavellian business philosophy. The future is calling you News Corp., evolve or perish.