Forum Moderators: Robert Charlton & goodroi
Where can I find a method of contacting Google to reqeust re-inclusion after a suspected penalty? I can't see the option in Webmaster tools, nor on Google's Web Search Help Center page.
[google.com...]
1. My site does not have any hidden text
2. Google did not provide me with any offending URL, only with some keywords of "some" page. I checked the suspected page and I found that the keywords in that page are NOT hidden, but are of the same colour as the other text on that page and is not white, but dark blue, while the background is light blue. The text is very well readable, just like black on white.
3. Google email has NO contact info whatsoever. Only noreply@google.com email as "from".
4. When I went to Webmaster Tools I found that there's NO WAY I can resubmit my site for reinclusion because of the following reasons:
a. The "Requesting reconsideration of" drop-down box with "Choose site" has NO sites listed. Nothing, just the words "Choose site" itself. But the "Request reconsideration" button on the bottom of that page is disabled unless I choose a site - so I cannot request a reconsideration.
b. Here's their Reconsideration statement
(checkbox) By submitting this form, I acknowledge that:* I believe this site has violated Google's quality guidelines in the past.
* This site no longer violates Google's quality guidelines.
* I have read and agree to abide by Google's quality guidelines.
Now tell me please HOW can I check that box if my site by my best opinion and knowledge HAS NOT violated Google's guidelines. Google thinks (mistakingly?) that it did, but I think it did not. So how can they force me to check that boxin this case? That is unfair!
I feel like I've been left with no recourse. In this case the only "contact" I'm presented with is that "reconsideration" form which DOES NOT WORK! This leaves me with NO way out!
Please share your thoughts, suggestions and opinions with me. Thank you.
[edited by: tedster at 4:58 am (utc) on Nov. 27, 2007]
[edit reason] moved from another location [/edit]
First, there's the issue of the disabled "Request reconsideration" button - due to the fact that you have no websites listed. Check the rest of your Webmaster Tools Dashboard to see if this website is currently validated. That's the only way any choice can show up in the dropdown box.
Second, there's the issue of agreeing that your site has violated the guidelines when you feel it hasn't. Of course, until you can submit a form, this second point is academic. But assuming that this first technical factor can be overcome, I would check the box anyway (I know it hurts) and then describe the full situation in the text input. It's better than being backed into the corner with no way out.
Also remember that you are writing to a person whose cooperation you need - so stay factual and concise and resist the urge to vent and rant. It's very unlikely that the same person who took this action initially will be the one who receives your request - honey is better than vinegar and all that.
I don't know how many pages you may need to check through here, but obviously you should make a good faith effort to find any text that may be hidden without your conscious intent - font too small, hidden with CSS, color too close to the background and so on. Also remember that what looks like good color contrast at 24-bit or 32-bit color may not at 16-bit or lower. In fact, you might even want to check with one of those "color blind" test tools that are online.
Also remember while you check that sometimes servers do get hacked. Then content can be inserted on a page without the owner's knowledge. It's called "parasite hosting" and it's a nasty little practice that has been gathering steam this past year.
