Snippy_Jack - 2:25 pm on Oct 13, 2003 (gmt 0)

I also share the same problem with you. My ranking disappeared from MSN starting October 1. The site is doing great in Google under the same search term. I submitted my site to Inktomi early September.

I e-mailed MSN directly and asked about this "disappearance"

Here's a portion of my e-mail:

=====================
Thank you for your prompt response. I understand that the site ***** is definitely in the
database. A search on September 30 on the term "***" pulled up my site on MSN first page. Now if you use the same search terms, the site in nowhere to be found on
the 1,2, or 3 page. I know that there can be ranking fluctuations. But I have never seen a complete ranking disappearance from Page 1 to nowhere from MSN.

I was informed that the "web page" results on MSN are from the Inktomi database. I went and checked Inktomi pure search, using the same search terms "****", and my site
is exactly where it is, on page 1.

What's up with MSN search results and Inktomi search results?

====================
Here's a reply I received. No mention of Inktomi at all.

Thank you for writing to MSN Search Customer Support about your missing page on the MSN Search network. We understand the inconvenience this matter may have given you.

There are dozens of different variables that can affect where your site appears on the MSN Search results pages. Given that we deal with over 2 billion web pages in our index it is impossible to deal with each issue on a case by case basis. The only way to guarantee consistent & high placement is to participate in one of the following paid inclusion programs:

For information about our Featured Sites program, please go to: DELETE

For information about our Sponsored Links program, you will need to contact: DELETE

If you do not have the advertising budget to participate in one of these programs you should anticipate tweaking your website as necessary to keep pace with the aggressive marketing tactics of other web site owners.

We hope this helps you with your concern. If there is anything else we could be of help to you regarding MSN Search, please feel free to write us back.

======================

So far, I think they are dodging the answers. I still have no clue what's going on between MSN and Inktomi.