My Blog's PR Still Seems to Be Fluctuating
I recently reported that my Google page rank went from PR 3 to PR 2--a sure sign that a Google Update was in progress at the time. Well, earlier today, I logged in at Writer's Notes and discovered that my PR widget was once again reporting PR 3--and is in fact still reporting PR 3, as of this writing.
Time to Do a Bit of Investigating
The question then became, "Is Google still in the middle of updating/changing some websites' PRs?" In other words, are our sites' PRs still in a state of flux? Well, to be honest, I'm not entirely certain, though I will venture a tentative "yes." I am, after all, finding some indication that certain data centers are now reporting PR 3 for Writer's Notes. And while these sites are definitely in the minority--with most still reporting PR 2, many not reporting anything at all, and some even reporting PR 0--I have the distinct feeling that something is up.
Is This Seeming PR Increase Simply My Prior PR Resurfacing?
I could be wrong, of course. After all, one would expect that perhaps some data centers might be lagging behind in changing my prior PR3 to its newly lowered PR 2--and that would be a reasonable explanation for why some are currently reporting PR 3. This could in fact be the case, since I neglected to check a variety of data centers when my PR was first lowered to see whether some might have still been reporting my older page rank.
Still, the thing that causes me to question this bit of totally logical reasoning is the indisputable fact that my PR widget did register my initial drop in PR (from 3 to 2)--and now it's reporting a subsequent PR increase (back to 3). So I know that at least this one data center decreased and then subsequently increased my blog's PR--which makes it highly doubtful that the PR 3 it's reporting now could be my blog's old PR.
A Fascinating Phenomenon for Further Study
I'm planning to keep my eye on the situation to see what develops. I'll continue checking various data centers for further changes, and my guess would be that I'll find out fairly soon what's going on with Google. While I do realize that many don't regard PR as being extemely important, I find it quite fascinating to study the phenomenon!
What are your thoughts? Are you noticing any fluctuations in your own site's PR? What do you think is going on? Do you even care? Do you enjoy studying the phenomenon, as I do? Please feel free to share your thoughts with us in comments.
To your ever-increasing PR!
Jeanne
Update: I noticed yesterday, October 13th, that my PR has once again decreased to PR 2. So, apparently, the answer to my question of whether or not Google PR was still in flux when this post was written (not to mention days afterward) turns out to be a definite, but unfortunate yes. The folks at Google apparently have decided that their original decrease of my PR from 3 to 2, made earlier in the update, was the right move and have since reinstated it.
Did you enjoy this post? Have anything to add? Has your site's PR been fluctuating erratically lately, as mine has? If so, has it turned out to be higher or lower than it had been now that it's (likely) finished changing? What are your thoughts about this phenomenon of PR rankings that change two and three times during a single Google update?
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September 11th 2008 21:08
Which Term Do You Use?
While I realize this isn't an issue of earth-shattering importance, the question was brought home to me this morning when MS-Word unceremoniously informed me (via the dreaded squiggly red underline) that the word "commenters" was incorrect. (For those of you who may not yet know it, this is the form I use exclusively [and without apology]--at least with reference to the people who comment on blogs.)
Allow me to add here that my personal preference for the word "commenters" over "commentators" is in no way intended as a criticism of those who choose the latter term. However, my mention of this issue is intended to present the reasons for my preference, as well as the reasons why MS-Word--and anyone else who believes the word "commenters" to be second-rate English--is just plain wrong.
Dictionary Definitions
My (print) dictionary tells me that "commenter" is indeed a legitimate term for one who comments, since it happens to be listed as an accepted form of the word "comment." It also defines a "commentator" as either "one who writes commentaries" or "one who discusses or analyzes news events." Personally, I've always tended to view the term "commentator" in this more specialized and official manner.
I am aware, of course, that, because the word "commentaries," used in the first definition, can simply mean "comments," it's also perfectly legitimate to use "commentators" to describe those who comment on blogs. But, my intention in writing this post never was to dispute that fact in the first place, but rather to demonstrate that "commenters" is an equally valid alternative.
Other dictionaries I've consulted (online), however, tend to reinforce my interpretation of the term "commentator" as an expert who writes and/or broadcasts analysis of the news, sports, weather, and the like, most of these websites making no mention of the simple, casual act of "commenting." But, apparently, as in most questions which involve the continuous evolution of the language, there's a great deal of room for interpretation on this issue. So, dear readers, I would contend that the choice is entirely ours.
Judge Not
Nevertheless, I've always been--and I suspect will always remain--partial to the term "commenter" when referring to those who offer feedback on our blog posts. I also suspect that I'll continue to reserve the term "commentator" for more specialized use. You, on the other hand, may choose to do otherwise, and that's certainly your prerogative. I promise not to judge you if you won't judge me.
What's Your Take?
Which term do you prefer and why? Does it bother you to read or hear the alternate term (when used to refer to those who comment on blogs)? If so, why do you think that is? Does one or the other term seem less appropriate or somehow less grammatically correct? I'd sure love to hear your take on the topic!
Question for Those With More Recent Versions of Word
If you have a version of MS-Word that's more recent than 2003, does Spell-Check indicate that the word "commenters" is incorrect? I'm quite curious whether Word has caught up with the times and corrected this anomaly.
For the love of Words!
Jeanne
Did you enjoy this post? Have anything to add? What are your own personal thoughts on the "commenters/commentators" issue? Do you care? Do you view it simply as another interesting rhetorical question, or is it a pet peeve of yours? I'd love to hear your thoughts!
I'm taking a simple survey with only one question: Has any current Orble blogger ever received the Blogging Scholarship?
Several of you have answered already, in response to my post about MetaFilter.Com, but just thought that maybe a few others might want to respond, as well, and perhaps were simply unaware that the question had been asked.
Would love to hear from anyone who has any input on this subject--but especially anyone who may have actually received one of these scholarships at one time or another. (I must admit, I'm beginning to feel that they might just be a figment of someone's imagination!)
Please, someone, prove me wrong!
Hopefully yours,
Jeanne