JewWatch.com site back at #1 for Google "Jew" search
The JewWatch.com site has returned to the #1 spot on Google for a search for "Jew". This is breaking news, I don't see it reported yet elsewhere. Whatever the technical reasons ... It's b-a-c-k. I've updated my report which discusses these issues:
"Jew
Watch", Google, and Search Engine Optimization
http://sethf.com/anticensorware/google/jew-watch.php
Abstract: This report examines issues surrounding the high ranking of an anti-semitic website, "JewWatch.com" for searches on the word "Jew". The search results present complex issues of unintended consequences and social dilemmas.
By Seth Finkelstein | posted in google | on May 05, 2004 12:06 AM (Infothought permalink) | Followups
I just find this whole deal ridiculous. Maybe I'm less sensitive to antisemitism than say the average American, but really: why are people so consumed with superficialities?? It's ok as a PageRank fight within blogs, and a technical/social discussion as in your paper, but really... way too much energy is being spent on combating the symptoms of JewWatch-like stupidity rather than the causes. I stumbled across the site a few months ago. I saw it claims Jews are both communists and financial manipulators. It was all hysterical squealing that cites pro-Jewish texts as reason to be antisemitic. JewWatch.com does not make sense. That's all there is to it!
It's a matter of the "popularity vs authority" problem for Google results. People project an authoritative meaning onto the search results, a meaning which isn't there.
This isn't utterly irrational though, since Google implies a meaning for the search results relating to some type of significance (PageRANK).