Counter Code - Any Disadvantage to js/img src tracking?

[Simsi]

Hi guys

If one has a 3rd party stat counter or analytics code on one's pages which either calls a .js file on the 3rd party server, or has a tracking URL in the image src, are either of those effectively an outbound link in Google's eyes? If so, is this harmful (bearing in mind my site is obviously not on-topic when it comes to hit counters!) and can one take steps to minimise the effect, maybe with nofollow on the <script tag or by another method (iframe?) ?

I ask because I noticed one of my stats providers has taken to adding optimised text to the img src tag on the tracking pixel (ie alt="hit counter") which suggests to me it's counting as a link from my site.

Cheers,

Simsi

[kidder]

Good question, I run a 3rd party system on most of our sites and I can't say there is any negative effect in terms of Google rankings on any of our sites - maybe slows page load a little? I'm certainly not a fan of GA on our sites and we only use it on a couple that already have adsense.

[tedster]

There have been some third party counters that tried to exploit links within their code for SEO purposes. As far as I know, Google devalued all that a while ago.

[Simsi]

Is there a way one can check whether Site B has a backlink from a specific site in Google anymore? That might provide evidence I guess.

Sidenote: Kidder, I'm looking for an alternative analytics option to GA that provides detailed keyword data. Quantcast and SC don't really cut it. I don't want to use GA as my site has excellent rankings and I'm concerned that adding that might change the way Google looks at it.