As of yesterday, Google has targetted and banned some scraper sites and directories that are a copy of ODP with no value added. Of course, as with all things Google, there are reports that many innocent sites have been caught up in the net. Apparently, if you have a site that fits some of the characteristics of these types of sites, you might be a victim as well. In this WMW thread, (messages 4 and 16), Googleguy confirms that they are weeding these sites out of the index. Obviously, as happens every time Google casts a wide net, the algo makes mistakes. If you believe your site has been mistakenly identified as a scraper site or ODP clone, you should attempt to rectify the situation by submitting a reinclusion request. I've explained how to do this in this reinclusion request post.

Good riddance to the true scraper sites, and good luck to those of you caught in the net by mistake.

About the Author: Donna Fontenot

Donna Fontenot, aka DazzlinDonna, is an Internet Entrepreneur and SEO, who has long utilized search engine optimization and affiliate marketing to create a successful online business. Her goal as an ebusiness coach is to help others make a living online from the comfort of their homes (and in their pajamas). Her motto is "You'll never shine if you don't glow."