Auto-notification of Google update

[lazyz]

If the best way to tell if the dance has started is to check the number of links to Yahoo (which now stands at 657,000), has someone written a script that periodically checks those links and then simply sends an e-mail letting them know that number of links has changed? Seems like a good idea? I wouldn't have to wait for that post "The dance has started" post.

[GoogleGuy]

Chico_Loco, at first blush (this is just my personal take, not anything official), I would say that this is the sort of thing the API is designed for. Please don't use it to make a commercial product, but if you want it to page only you and then you can do what you want (post to WebmasterWorld, for example), I would think that would be fine. Of course, WebmasterWorld often seems to notice updates within a few minutes at most already. :)

If I hear something more official, I'll post an update to this thread.

[Chico_Loco]

Thanks GoogleGuy

I'm glad you've put my mind at ease somewhat.
I'm moving the tool to a new url so that if it gets banned then my main site won't, as I've said its really only a "fun game" for Google lovers.

As for the commercial part. I don't make any money with it and don't intent to, asides from the odd banner which might generate a sales on something like a hosting account, but no subscription fee's or an of that lark .. and why would there be, its only a simply little thing.

It checks every 15 minutes for an update, which is hardly going to cut into Google resources.

Well anyway, just once you know I'm not defying Google and I'd rather work with than against google. I've tried to sticky you but you have those turned off!

Thanks

[Monus]

Chico Loco,
How do you use Google API to get www2 or www3 results?

[GoogleGuy]

Chico_Loco, happy to help. I'm truly sorry that I usually have to run with stickies turned off. I started out with them on, but I just drowned in private messages pretty quickly. I took a step back and decided that whatever weekends/free time I have to spend on answering webmaster questions, I should spend that time on doing public posts so that everyone can get that info.