Three Different Kinds of Google PR (search, toolbar, directory)

Page Ranking differences

[arnarn]

Which is more valid (valuable): the pageranking shown from a search, the toolbar or the Google directory?

Why have so many different places with differences in PR? Is any one measurement better / more beneficial than others?

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[tedster]

< Admin Note:
There is another thread (http://www.webmasterworld.com/google/3112113.htm [webmasterworld.com]) that
has a rather intense discussion about whether PR has any beneficial value at all.
Let's not rehash that discussion here, but rather keep to the exact question. >

The directory PR bar is updated on a different -- and usually much later -- schedule than Toolbar PR.

What are you referring to when you mention "pageranking showing from a search"? Do you mean the actual position on the search results page? If so, that is called just plain "ranking" and not PR. PR is but one of many factors used to calculate the search rankings. See Page Rank FAQs [webmasterworld.com] for more detailed information.

In my opinion, actual search ranking is by far the best of those three factors to use in evaluating a url. The only thing better would be actual traffic and/or conversion data -- if you can get it.

[arnarn]

Thanks tedster.

The search PR was a general reference to some of the sites which provide Google PR (would name names, but was admonished earlier, so I'll refrain from doing so).

The directory PR seems to be changing before Google toolbar and the sits providing Google PR vary as well. This used to be very stable and constant, but now seems to be in flux. In our case, the PR is improving in the Directory and a mixed bag elsewhere (varying results, but trending to a better value)

We're just trying to anticipate.. when (if ever) should we bring out the champaigne?

Thanks for the links to the WM thread and FAQs.

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[JackR]

I would have said the Google Directory. However, as it has been a good while since a DMOZ dump has been taken, I think you're left with the Toolbar.

For the time being at least.