Can someone explain "Florida"?

jacksdad · 07-29-2004, 07:42 AM

I wasn't doing seo when florida hit last december. The articles I read on it then seemed to just be guessing at what happened and why. Now I see posts that mention it and how it was a big mistake on googles part, and imply that it was reversed, and that there is now agreement on what the algo did.
Question 1: what did florida do (what was the algo change)?
Question 2: was it then reversed... are we back to the pre-florida algo, or a modified pre-florida algo?
Question 3: as long as we're at it, what is "hilltop", did it happen after florida, and is it still in place?

PS. I mean google's florida, not the 2000 election!

Thanks in advance!

mazsola · 07-29-2004, 02:19 PM

There is more than enough information about it already you can find on the Web. All you need to do is search, then read :-)

awall19 · 07-29-2004, 02:31 PM

1 one or both of the following sematical stuff and clustering
2 a better way to describe it would probably be "tuned down" vice "reversed"
3 clustering and counting authoritative links more. off topic links still count a ton. it may be in place but not strongly in place.

alansmith · 07-29-2004, 02:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mazsola

There is more than enough information about it already you can find on the Web. All you need to do is search, then read :-)

uhmm, most of the info on the web on this subject is what people think and not what actually happened. Also, most of it seems to be wrong.

jacksdad · 07-29-2004, 02:47 PM

alansmith

I agree, hence my questions.

hurricane_sh · 07-29-2004, 03:39 PM

My site dropped to 10th page from #2, at that time, I only know PR and a little on-page SEO knowledge(title, H1, etc.)

John Scott · 07-29-2004, 05:37 PM

Not really about the "Florida" that you refer to, but here are some dumb Florida laws:

Women may be fined for falling asleep under a hair dryer, as can the salon owner.

A special law prohibits unmarried women from parachuting on Sunday or she shall risk arrest, fine, and/or jailing.

If an elephant is left tied to a parking meter, the parking fee has to be paid just as it would for a vehicle.

It is illegal to sing in a public place while attired in a swimsuit.

Men may not be seen publicly in any kind of strapless gown.

Having sexual relations with a porcupine is illegal.

It is illegal to skateboard without a license.

You may not fart in a public place after 6 P.M. on Thursdays.

It is considered an offense to shower naked.

You are not allowed to break more than three dishes per day, or chip the edges of more than four cups and/or saucers.

You may not kiss your wife's breasts.

Penalty for horse theft is death by hanging.

It is illegal to block any traveled wagon road.

awall19 · 07-29-2004, 06:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnScott

Not really about the "Florida" that you refer to, but here are some dumb Florida laws:

random...

I, Brian · 07-30-2004, 01:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jacksdad

Question 1: what did florida do (what was the algo change)?

No one really knows for sure - but it seems like multiple changes were implemented at the same time. Semantic changes are trackable - Hilltop was a suggestion for the way links were being re-evluated.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jacksdad

Question 2: was it then reversed... are we back to the pre-florida algo, or a modified pre-florida algo?

Not reversed - a modified post-Florida algo. The filters turned down significantly, rather than removed.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jacksdad

Question 3: as long as we're at it, what is "hilltop", did it happen after florida, and is it still in place?

Hilltop is a Google patent from a few years back, for modifying search engine results. As to whether it's in place or not - it's more a question as to whether there are elements of Hilltop applied, and my own personal answer would be "yes, to some degree".

tommygunner · 08-09-2004, 12:38 AM

I think Florida was named by Google after the presidential elections when Gore lost the state due to all of the screwups and misscounted votes.

Living up to "Florida" name leaves alot to be desired.

awall19 · 08-09-2004, 08:43 AM

hi tommygunner
welcome to the forums

bcombs · 08-09-2004, 01:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tommygunner

I think Florida was named by Google after the presidential elections when Gore lost the state due to all of the screwups and misscounted votes.

Living up to "Florida" name leaves alot to be desired.

Actually, Google doesn't name the Dances; the SEO community does.

Brian

SumOne · 08-10-2004, 07:55 AM

to put it in simple terms, i think florida was all about moving away from on-page content being 'king' to links being the most important factor. i also believe that is when google implimented hilltop, authority sites, themed links etc. just my opinion, of course