A few weeks back, Google launched the Penguin update, targeting websites that use a variety of tactics to boost page rankings on Google’s SERP (Search Engine Results Page). From a ‘consumer’ viewpoint it’s often difficult to gauge the validity of a website on a SERP: that’s what Google’s algorithm is all about. With each of these updates, Google aims to bring you the best results possible for any keyword search by refining the algorithm to eliminate or reduce the rankings of those websites that employ “black hat” SEO (Search Engine Optimization) tactics. Black Hat? What’s that? By nature, every SEO is looking for the edge, the opportunity to maximize their exposure (or their client’s) on the web and push a website to the top of the SERP. Common “black hat” tactics include keyword stuffing, cloaking and redirects, duplicate content and linking schemes all of which are designed to supersede the rankings of competitors and, ultimately, generate more business. There are a hundred different analogies we could incorporate here (i.e. Star Wars, Talledega Nights) about good vs. evil, but to boil it down, SEO’s need to play by Google’s rules. Is your website’s page rank about to get whacked? Probably not. By their estimate, [....] Read More >>

According to the Urban Dictionary: Props is a slang term for "accolades", "proper respect", or "just dues". Popularized in the 1980s by rappers who shortened the term "propers" which was in turn being used as an abbreviated version of "proper respect" at least by the 1960s. The increase in this term's usage during the late 1980s and early 1990s coincided with an increasing fascination with the mafia within rap circles. Both communities have traditionally placed great emphasis on the importance of earning and giving respect. Our Friday Props series is simply a look around the web at cool things being done. We're giving out Props to those people, projects and ideas that are simply awesome. Without further explanation, then, here are the shout-outs for this week: RedBall Project The RedBall project is a really cool mobile art installation that travels the globe from city to city. The giant red ball is wedged in the oddest of public places. It causes great amusement and the interactions with the accessible art installation are great. The project is the brainchild of Kurt Perschke - an artist who works in sculpture, video, collage and public space.  You can read more about the project , the artist, or check out the Flickr group for [....] Read More >>