Redirects?

Google redirects instead of giving direct link?

[ahmad]

I was wondering if anyone else has noticed the links in the result pages have changed to:

[google.com...]

and there's no direct link anymore... If yes, since when..? Could it be because I'm using the toolbar?

[rfgdxm1]

They do this periodically to spy on their users, and log what sites they visit.

[Marcia]

It happens periodically, Google doesn't do it all the time. All search engines do it, there's a variety of statistical information the click-through data can be used for.

There was recently a thread which GoogleGuy responded in, you might be able to dig it out if you hunt for it.

[ahmad]

Thanks guys!

[GoogleGuy]

Spot checks to make sure our quality is fine. Nuthin' to worry about. :)

[rfgdxm1]

Those with Googlenoia always live in perpetual fear of the big G. Haven't you noticed many webmasters here obviously have Googlenoia? ;)

[vitaplease]

I think I remember M. Cutts at Pubcon saying every 1 in 100 or 1 in 200 searches they do it?

Add to that the toolbar advanced data and they have some stuff to play with.