Robert_Charlton - 12:12 am on Sep 20, 2011 (gmt 0)

Here's a recent discussion we've had about rich snippets in this forum, which should suggest status of how they're beginning to roll out in the Google serps. The discussion also includes links to other threads and references about the topic....

Bullet Points in SERP description, is that new?
http://www.webmasterworld.com/google/4355288.htm [webmasterworld.com]

Given the slightly apprehensive nature of the opening post, you might also want to read this discussion...

Pros and Cons of Rich Snippets and Microformats
http://www.webmasterworld.com/google/3912217.htm [webmasterworld.com]

I've come to think, as the algorithm has evolved, that Google likes rich snippets because they provide both a more granular and more testable user experience, allowing Google to measure and improve engagement within Google and to deliver search results more precisely. Anecdotal evidence I've heard suggests that Google is making use of rich snippets in rankings.

I still have concerns that rich snippets and microformats make data aggregation easier (see my comments in the above thread)... but publishing our pages online is essentially letting the cows out of the barn. All the rest is just making it easier to herd them, and also easier to find them.