Is Google Hitting Directory Links?

[Robocop]

Just came across this very interesting article

As many as 60 directories, according to this report, suddenly dropped in rank, leading to suspicion that Google has begun aggressively (and likely, manually) targeting paid link directories deemed to be in violation of the search engine's quality guidelines. Some have suggested competitor sabotage via the recently initiated paid link reporting form.

Read the full article here: http://www.webpronews.com/topnews/2007/09/06/is-google-hitting-directory-links

I for one would be interested to hear your thoughts!

 

[temi]

I think Google has been doing this manually. All high profile web directories has been hit but smaller less high profile directories are thriving which sorts of tells me its being done manually rather than by algo changes

 

[Robocop]

which sorts of tells me its being done manually rather than by algo changes

It does seem that way doesnt it? but it seems strange after reading Matt Cutts quote of:

One question on Matt Cuuts blog was:

I have submitted my site to a few paid directories am I gonna get banned coz of that
Answer from Matt Cutts:

Answer:
There’s absolutely no problem with selling links for traffic (as opposed to PageRank). At http://www.mattcutts.com/blog/hidden-links/

as previously posted here http://forums.haabaa.com/showthread.php?t=436 Is it a turnaround or a miss quotation I wonder, and how do G define between purchasing a link for PR gain or traffic?

 

[temi]

I wonder, and how do G define between purchasing a link for PR gain or traffic?

They suggested that you add a nofollow link to links you sell in your directory, that way, listing benefit from traffic and not PR will be passed from your directory to the link buyer