Google says it cannot change results

[ScottM]

"Our search results are not manipulated by hand. We're not able to make any manual changes to the results."

So much information...not sure who is telling the truth.

Please, let's keep this to a discussion about Google and not the controversy of the topic.

[news.com.com...]

[SyntheticUpper]

I thinks Google's message is perfectly reasonable, and sensible.

It backs up what they claim about their editorial stance, and gives their editorial view, without interfering with the SERPs.

Why not?

It also replaces the Eb*y advert (clearly designed to mop up all search terms not used by others - by some sort of special agreement) which offered J*ws at bargain prices. I drew attention to this, but my post was apparently pulled. This sort of blanket advertising is fraught with problems - it should be stopped. I see from an earlier post that another culture is being served up as items for purchase. It looks foolish.

I would add, though, that it would be less divisive, and more equitable, if Google provided the same accessible message for *all* search results. But I guess it would take up all that valuable ad space at the top right ;)

[idoc]

"And if activate SafeSearch it disappears totally"

That in itself should be enough said. When you choose safesearch you are asking G to editorialize your serps. If you use regular G then we all know you can expect anything on the www. I don't think any apologies or explanations are necessary. It is a slippery slope G just embarked upon by reacting to this one serp. Just IMHO.

The eb*y ads... probably another issue, but I agree they are overdone. They show up for anything and everything regardless if eb*y lists it. It is beyond ridiculous.

[hitthedeck]

Google didnt need the explanation, but Im glad they did it, it gives a useful insight into how they are thinking in the PR dept. It was written for the non seo public so they overstated how loathed they are to remove a site. Imagine if they said yes we do remove sites for putting up same coloured background text but not for sites promoting hatred. The non seo public would think what is that invisible text, and no matter how well explained it would seem innocolous in camparison and lead back to the orginal statement being a little disingenous.

Google has to take this position, the U.S, the internet and Google are synonymous with the freedom of speech, and I for one am glad.

It was an overly prudent statement given the sensitivity of the subject- nuff said.

[seo2004wow]

Hi

I don't think this is true, I believe people at google change the results.

Why do I think this:

1) Control spam

2) Once my PR was 4 and the next week PR 7 and now PR 4 the links are still there. So if the links are there then someone must have change it so move the PR down.

[messan]

I know for a fact they have some manual "flags" are created (or whatever you want call them). The thing is that google don't deny they will manually check some spam reports, so why bother saying they dont do it?

Classic exemple :

One of my clients had one site that had the PR0 for a long long long time. I finally took time to call google and of course they gave me the automated response : "we do not manually change results, please click here in order to learn how to list your website on google.com"

Since then, the website has jumped from 0 to 3 and then to 6, all within 2 weeks.

Believe in miracles ;)