Google Farmer Update-Will Squidoo Fare Better Than Other Content Sites?

Many folks that make their living writing online are trying to make sense of the new Google algorithm update. Dubbed the "Farmer Update", Google decided to target content farms that utilize user-generated articles, in an effort to promote a better Web search experience.

As webmasters make sense of the update, content creators from Associated Content, Hubpages and several others have noticed a drastic drop in web traffic. Although the update supposedly is designed to cull "scrapper" websites and low quality, unoriginal "spun" articles from the top of the search results page, many "white hat" website owners have noticed a substantial drop in traffic, as well.

Obliviously, the name of the game will be "adapt or die." Nevertheless, has the new algorithm change unfairly penalized content writers and niche bloggers? Being day two of the update, we won't know for sure until the dust settles. The most unfortunate aspect of the change is that the search results seem to favor "scrapper" sites and "dated" content sources. While having a well-established "evergreen" article stand the test of time with regard to search engine position is a good thing, I have personally noticed old and often outdated information taking the top search engine result positions the past couple of days. As a consumer, I find this extremely frustrating.

There are differing attitudes among "content farmers" concerning the algo-change. Many praise the effort on Google's part to declare war on spam and low quality content. Others believe in the principal laid forth by Google, but are extremely worried, upset and are wondering if their livelihood will be threatened by it all. In desperation, people are calling for a boycott of Google. Certainly, Yahoo Search and Bing offer good products; however, this kneejerk reaction will have next to no effect on the search engine giant's policies.

What's the solution for online writers? Well, I believe we need to receive a clear definition of what "low quality content" is in the eyes of Google. Obviously, original, authorities and well-written pieces would seem to be the key to success. I believe the majority of Internet writers are more than willing to step it up a notch, in terms of quality. The biggest issue seems to be sorting out which user generated will end up yielding the best results in terms of traffic.

According to Quantcast, Squidoo and Ehow seem less affected by the algorithm update compared to other sites such as AC and Hubpages.