Google News Beta

How many people out there have had their feed picked up by G?

[Bob_Trotta]

I was wondering if many people out there have had their news feeds picked up by Google. One of the websites I write news is the only RSS source for it's subject (that I can find anyway). It's quite niche, and I was wondering if it is the kind of thing Google is interested in. We release 3-4 articles a day and so I submitted to their beta link a couple of months back but with no response. I not sure it's really what they're after, but I'd like to hear feedback about other people's experience as to what they look for.

Bob Trotta

<edit>For speelliinngg</edit>

[eurotrash]

I have one client who is a major industrial publisher of industrial news. They are picked up by and listed with Google News constantly.

I take it you have sent the email to add a source found here [news.google.com].

[teaperson]

Is Google News going from the RSS feed, or are they simply spidering your site (which presumably includes your latest news stories)? I'm a bit surprised that Googlebot would use the RSS.

I'm not surprised that your content would get into Google News. There's been a good bit of discussion in the online news (ie professional media) community about the lax standards, which allow press releases and student papers to be presented on a par with the New York Times.

[eurotrash]

In the case of my client, we contacted Google to be added as a news source. They OK'd it and started showing it up.

Must add, that it is a real news site.

[Bob_Trotta]

Hi eurotrash,

Thanks for the feedback. My news is indeed real news. e.g. articles about local council decisions, civil development, tourism, environmental issues, etc. I just wonder if the area is too niche for something like Google news. I would like to know if people with niche news producing only 2 or 3 articles a day are included in Google news.

bob Trotta

[eurotrash]

I am not sure to be honest. I would suggest contacting Google through their source address and ask them.

I would assume if you would see your news showing up and referred to in other media, that would help.

Keep us informed of what happens, I particularly am interested in the ins and outs of local council decisions for a council in Scotland. I am hoping to do something the same as you but perhaps for a different reason. I don't think Google will add mine - mine would be kinda like private-eye format and content only worse.