Sunday, May 20, 2007

Final Vanity Search

To rap up this semester, I decided to perform a final Google Vanity search and see if my juice has risen. Surprisingly enough, not only have I dropped from my current position, I'm no longer in the top 150 results! This truly confuses me, for using all of the information I've learned about Google and its algorithm, I don't understand how I would have more juice halfway through the course and now not even be in the top 150.

On the other hand, Nate Denver from California, founder of the band "Nate Denver's Neck" has really taken off on Google.

Comments on Trevor Costelo's blog

While browsing the classmates blog, I noticed that Trevor not only saw Alex on Sportscenter yesterday, but posted a blog about it. Congratulations to Alex for being interviewed on ESPN, and congratulations to Trevor for posting a blog.

The Last Waltz Wikipedia edit #3 and summary

For my final edit on the Wikipedia article on "The Last Waltz," I simply added a link for "The Band" to their Wikipedia page. Like others, this article is very extensive and if anything I hope I can make it easier for at least one reader looking to learn more about The Band itself.

I was challenged with this article while looking for changes to make or information to add. Although it is not updated that regularly, it is very extensive and a worthwhile read. The concert itself was an amazing show and the film does a great job displaying it in it's entirety.

The Roots Wikipedia edit #3 and summary

For the Wikipedia article on "The Roots," I simply created links to their album "Illadelph Halflife," and "Grammy." I didn't add anything exceptional to this website, just a few links here and there.

The biggest challenge I faced with this article is it's lack of missing material to add. The Roots have a very strong online following due to the website Okayplayer, therefore their Wikipedia article is updated regularly. Okayplayer is run very similar to www.TimWooleyRacing.com, only blog updates and discussion boards focus on hip hop music. The Roots Wikipedia article is very extensive and up-to-date, and probably the best Wikipedia article that I have seen.

Lewes, De Wikipedia edit #3 and summary

For my third and final edit of the Lewes, De Wikipedia article, I simply added links to "Delaware" and "Rehoboth Canal." If anyone is browsing the Lewes article and wants to know more about either of these they now can easily click and find out what they need to know.

As for the rest of the semester I am fed up with the people that have edited this site. I've lived in Lewes my entire life and for my first two edits I added current events that I not only find interesting, but are significant events in the history of the town. Both of these edits were erased immediately by people that have never even seen the town, one of which who lives in Minnesota. All I can ask about this is "what gives?"

Cape Henlopen Wikipedia edit #3 and summary.

For my third and final edit of the Cape Henlopen State Park Wikipedia article, I corrected a sentence about the annual state park passes. The park passes can be purchased at any one of the parks and grant the buyer access to any state park in Delaware. The Wikipedia article informs that these passes give the buy access to any state beach in Delaware, I simply added that they provide access to any state park as well.

Over the duration of the class, I have noticed that hardly anyone has edited this article besides me. It is a thorough article, and there is not much else that needs to be added.

Monday, May 7, 2007

New Page Elements

Today in class we discussed Google AdSense and how to add it to a blog. After adding the AdSense I didn't stop there. First I uploaded a picture of myself, then decided to further explore the blog. I stumbled upon a automatically updated news reel sponsored by Google. This news reel allows its user to search for news related to any interest. While experimenting I searched for the Philadelphia Phillies (who are about to hit a winning streak I can feel it). My blog now has live update news articles on the Phillies, including box scores. Although I can't find a way to change the link color to one that would stand out from my background, it is still a neat addition to my blog.