Well, it’s been quite a while since I posted anything of a personal nature, so I’ve decided to sit down and blog a little about my trip to the Redwoods in Humboldt County.
Tammy and I flew into Sacramento where we picked up our rental car. They gave us a Toyota Prius. It was kind of strange because when I turned on the car, all the lights came on but there was no engine noise at all. I wasn’t sure what to do, but just for kicks I put it into reverse and tapped the gas, and lo and behold, it moved backwards. I exclaimed that it was the quietest car I had ever seen, and then we were on our way.
We got up to Clear Lake and ate lunch in a little deli, then over the mountain range to the glorious and wonderful redwoods. We came onto Highway 101 at Willits, a small little mountain town. Which is also the home of the world famous Skunk Train which traverses the Mendocino Redwoods. I hear it’s a fun ride, but Tammy and I decided to pass on it this trip.
Up we went to Leggett. The Highway between Leggett and Garberville is arguably one of the most scenic parts of the Redwood Highway. At times, it seems that I’m back to being a boy on our annual vacation.
Up past the Big Tree House Gift shop, Tammy and I stop to look at some redwood furniture. My eye was definitely caught by a beautiful redwood fireplace mantel which would look wonderful back in our Wisconsin home. The gift shop was also a small redwood furniture factory run by a hippie looking fellow named “Nova”, who was obviously some sort of genius when it came to producing incredible redwood products which bordered on artwork. There were some incredible mantel shelves, countertops and desk tops which just absolutely made us cringe at the thought of not being able to purchase them.
We continued north with a brief detour through Avenue of the Giants, a 37 mile road through some of the most impressive redwood trees in the world.
Garberville was unusual, a small town full of hippies, many of whom cultivate weed out in the redwoods.
Finally, we drove on to Eureka where we spent the night.
In my next post, I’ll detail our time in Eureka.
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Various Popular Types of Mortgages
A mortgage is a type of loan that is specifically meant to enable an individual or business to purchase real estate. The payment period and interest rate for the loan is usually specified. The person borrowing a mortgage offers the lender some claim on the property that is being purchased to serve as collateral in case he or she defaults in repaying the loan. A mortgage enables an individual or business to purchase a house or building without paying the full price upfront. In case of a default on repayment, the property is sold and the mortgage lender recovers the loan amount.
There are several types of mortgages that are available for home buyers. The two main types are fixed-rate mortgage and adjustable rate mortgage. Generally, a fixed rate mortgage is one whose interest rate remains consistent for the entire duration of the loan, which could be 15, 20 or 30 years. While this consistency may be beneficial, it could become a disadvantage if interest rates were to fall, since the interest payments would be considered high.
An adjustable-rate mortgage, also known as a variable-rate mortgage, has an interest rate that is generally lower than that of the fixed mortgage. In addition, the rates usually fluctuate after the initial period, depending on interest rates during the loan period. This means that if the interest rates increase, your loan payments will also rise.
Another type of mortgage is the Federal Housing Administration loan, which is also called Government Guaranteed Mortgage Loan. This type of loan is meant for first-time home buyers who receive moderate to low income. The interest rate for this type of loan is fixed, and the requirements for qualification are minimal. In addition, a smaller down payment is demanded, making it easy for consumers to purchase homes. However, it is important to note that the amount of the loan may be limited.
A balloon mortgage usually has a fixed rate, with payments that are relatively low. The loan period is usually fixed, and the full balance for the loan is due immediately after the initial period, and should be paid in a single lump sum. The loan period is usually between 5 and 7 years, which makes it risky for many borrowers.
An interest-only mortgage gives the borrower the option of only paying the interest amount for a given period. This means that in the short term, the borrower has very low monthly payments to meet. However, once this period is over, the payments increase to include the principle amount, which could be expensive, especially since the repayment period is significantly shortened by the interest-only period.
A reverse mortgage is one that is meant for senior citizens who have sufficient equity, which is converted to cash. The borrower is not expected to make any payments to the lender as long as he or she resides in the purchased property. In such a case, the interest rate could be fixed or adjustable, depending on the lender. However, borrowers are advised to ensure that a reverse mortgage loan is federally insured before accepting it.
There are several types of mortgages that are available for home buyers. The two main types are fixed-rate mortgage and adjustable rate mortgage. Generally, a fixed rate mortgage is one whose interest rate remains consistent for the entire duration of the loan, which could be 15, 20 or 30 years. While this consistency may be beneficial, it could become a disadvantage if interest rates were to fall, since the interest payments would be considered high.
An adjustable-rate mortgage, also known as a variable-rate mortgage, has an interest rate that is generally lower than that of the fixed mortgage. In addition, the rates usually fluctuate after the initial period, depending on interest rates during the loan period. This means that if the interest rates increase, your loan payments will also rise.
Another type of mortgage is the Federal Housing Administration loan, which is also called Government Guaranteed Mortgage Loan. This type of loan is meant for first-time home buyers who receive moderate to low income. The interest rate for this type of loan is fixed, and the requirements for qualification are minimal. In addition, a smaller down payment is demanded, making it easy for consumers to purchase homes. However, it is important to note that the amount of the loan may be limited.
A balloon mortgage usually has a fixed rate, with payments that are relatively low. The loan period is usually fixed, and the full balance for the loan is due immediately after the initial period, and should be paid in a single lump sum. The loan period is usually between 5 and 7 years, which makes it risky for many borrowers.
An interest-only mortgage gives the borrower the option of only paying the interest amount for a given period. This means that in the short term, the borrower has very low monthly payments to meet. However, once this period is over, the payments increase to include the principle amount, which could be expensive, especially since the repayment period is significantly shortened by the interest-only period.
A reverse mortgage is one that is meant for senior citizens who have sufficient equity, which is converted to cash. The borrower is not expected to make any payments to the lender as long as he or she resides in the purchased property. In such a case, the interest rate could be fixed or adjustable, depending on the lender. However, borrowers are advised to ensure that a reverse mortgage loan is federally insured before accepting it.
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Omaha Real Estate Made Easy: Three Top Tips for Purchasing a Home in Omaha
Small-town friendliness, a vibrant cultural life, and a solid economy make Omaha, Nebraska an all-around great place to live. With choices ranging from downtown condos to graceful historic homes in quiet neighborhoods, you're sure to find a little piece of Omaha real estate that's perfect for you and your family. Before you jump in, though, there are a few things you should know that will make buying real estate in Omaha easier.
Inspect Older Homes Closely
Omaha offers numerous older and historic homes. Many of these have been preserved carefully and are in excellent condition, so a buyer can move in and live comfortably right away. Not all older homes are this way, though. Some may require extensive renovations that not only add to the total cost of the property, but also delay your move-in date.
If you're considering an older home, it's essential to have a professional inspect for potential problems. This way you'll learn whether or not repairs are needed and how extensive they may be. All that said, many historic Omaha homes, particularly those in the Dundee and Benson neighborhoods, offer charm and character that make them worth a little renovation.
Newer homes also have their advantages and disadvantages. They may be more expensive than older homes and are typically located in less quiet neighborhoods. You may also need to invest in landscaping after buying a recently build property.
Learn About the Omaha Real Estate Market
No matter how much you know about another city's real estate market, you may be surprised at what type of home and what locations are the most or least expensive in Omaha. The internet is an invaluable tool for digging up accurate information on Omaha home prices. A little quick research can show you what recently sold homes sold for as well as the square footage, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and date of construction of those homes. Getting up to speed on the local real estate market helps you find the best home options in your price range. While it's wise to get familiar with what homes are selling for, don't lose too much time trying to find the "perfect" home at the "perfect" price. No two homes are quite the same and pricing is often somewhat subjective.
Hire an Expert Realtor
A knowledgeable and experienced realtor is your greatest ally in your search for a new home. Even better, you as the buyer don't have to compensate the realtor for his or her work. That payment comes from the seller. To get a realtor with the highest expertise, hire a full-time agent rather than someone who just sells homes on the side. A full-time professional is better able to keep up on the real estate market, changes in laws, zoning issues and other critical details.
A professional agent can also help you find a quality home loan lender, help you sort through loan application paper work, and guide you in getting your mortgage approved. Keep in mind that a smart real estate agent who's truly on your side will make sure you've got financing figured out before you delve into the home buying process.
Buying your home is likely to be one of the largest financial transactions you'll ever make, so professional guidance is essential. While your agent can do a lot for you, you'll still need to keep good track of the whole process and read all related paperwork and contracts carefully.
It's hard to go wrong choosing Omaha as a place to live, but buying Omaha real estate is fraught with complexities that can trip you up. Before you make any major decisions, get settled on what you want and how much you can pay, familiarize yourself with Omaha's real estate market, and get an experienced real estate agent on your side.
Inspect Older Homes Closely
Omaha offers numerous older and historic homes. Many of these have been preserved carefully and are in excellent condition, so a buyer can move in and live comfortably right away. Not all older homes are this way, though. Some may require extensive renovations that not only add to the total cost of the property, but also delay your move-in date.
If you're considering an older home, it's essential to have a professional inspect for potential problems. This way you'll learn whether or not repairs are needed and how extensive they may be. All that said, many historic Omaha homes, particularly those in the Dundee and Benson neighborhoods, offer charm and character that make them worth a little renovation.
Newer homes also have their advantages and disadvantages. They may be more expensive than older homes and are typically located in less quiet neighborhoods. You may also need to invest in landscaping after buying a recently build property.
Learn About the Omaha Real Estate Market
No matter how much you know about another city's real estate market, you may be surprised at what type of home and what locations are the most or least expensive in Omaha. The internet is an invaluable tool for digging up accurate information on Omaha home prices. A little quick research can show you what recently sold homes sold for as well as the square footage, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and date of construction of those homes. Getting up to speed on the local real estate market helps you find the best home options in your price range. While it's wise to get familiar with what homes are selling for, don't lose too much time trying to find the "perfect" home at the "perfect" price. No two homes are quite the same and pricing is often somewhat subjective.
Hire an Expert Realtor
A knowledgeable and experienced realtor is your greatest ally in your search for a new home. Even better, you as the buyer don't have to compensate the realtor for his or her work. That payment comes from the seller. To get a realtor with the highest expertise, hire a full-time agent rather than someone who just sells homes on the side. A full-time professional is better able to keep up on the real estate market, changes in laws, zoning issues and other critical details.
A professional agent can also help you find a quality home loan lender, help you sort through loan application paper work, and guide you in getting your mortgage approved. Keep in mind that a smart real estate agent who's truly on your side will make sure you've got financing figured out before you delve into the home buying process.
Buying your home is likely to be one of the largest financial transactions you'll ever make, so professional guidance is essential. While your agent can do a lot for you, you'll still need to keep good track of the whole process and read all related paperwork and contracts carefully.
It's hard to go wrong choosing Omaha as a place to live, but buying Omaha real estate is fraught with complexities that can trip you up. Before you make any major decisions, get settled on what you want and how much you can pay, familiarize yourself with Omaha's real estate market, and get an experienced real estate agent on your side.
Monday, April 9, 2012
5 Incredible Sailing Destinations
The Top Five Places in The World To Sail
Avid sailors vary in their opinions on what makes a great sailing destination. Some prefer natural beauty, some seek smooth seas and gentle winds, and others prefer a challenge. A few choice sailing spots offer something for everyone, though. These five locations bring together some of the best features of any sailing destination worldwide.
The Grenadines
Situated between the Caribbean islands Saint Vincent and Grenada, the lush, tropical rain forests and aquamarine waters of the Grenadines are postcard perfect. Most of these small, remote islands aren't accessible by air, which makes sailing not only a way of life for the locals, but also the ideal way in for travelers.
Spend the afternoon relaxing on the soft, white sands of Princess Margaret Beach, dance the night away in Port Elizabeth on Bequia island or explore the extensive reefs found throughout these islands.
The weather is inviting year round so great sailing awaits you no matter when you schedule your trip. The Grenada Sailing Festival at the end of January and Carnival in August are particularly good times to visit.
Cyclades, Greece
South-east of the Greek mainland, the Cyclades archipelago consists of over 220 islands encircling the sacred island of Delos, the mythic home of Apollo and Artemis.
Sailing past these large and small islands gives you time to take in the view of the rocky hills and traditional white-and-azure Greek architecture. Stop by Mykonos Island to enjoy a day on Paradise Beach or tour the Aegean Maritime Museum. Visit Santorini Island to sample wine made from the famous Assyrtiko grapes while enjoying one of the island's equally famous sunsets.
The Cyclades' climate is mild and dry, with no significant winter, so it's worth a visit any time of year. Sailing the Aegean can be a challenge, though, so plan to spend at least two weeks working your way through the area.
San Diego, California
Although the San Francisco Bay area garners the most attention of all California's sailing destinations, the waters around San Diego also make for enjoyable sailing.
Get a close-up view of the sinuous Coronado Bridge and the Star of India, a windjammer build in 1863 and the world's oldest active sailing ship. Sailing San Diego Bay gives you the opportunity to see both the historic ships of the Maritime Museum and modern U.S. Navy craft, too. For shopping, dining, and entertainment, lively Seaport Village offers plenty of opportunities.
While the seas and winds around San Diego are typically moderate, the Pacific ocean is highly unpredictable. If you decide to go, be prepared for difficult weather.
Whitsundays, Australia
Australia and New Zealand both boast miles of spectacular waters and coastline. Among the best-loved sailing destinations in this part of the world are the 74 islands of Australia's Whitsundays. This archipelago, sheltered in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, offers magnificent forests and white sand beaches surrounded by turquoise waters.
If it's peace and quiet you're looking for, stop by Whitehaven Beach. For restaurants, shopping opportunities and other modern attractions, Airlie Beach is the place to head.
This tropical area receives a considerable amount of rainfall, but the weather is warm and seas largely calm most of the year. Winter is an exception. Southerly winds are strong from April to September, so certain south-facing anchorages are best avoided during this time.
Yasawa Islands, Fiji
One of the most untouched of all popular sailing destinations, the Yasawa Islands offer not only gentle, warm winds and unforgettable scenery, but also a chance to connect with another culture. Native Fijians are renowned for their friendliness and someone might just invite you along for a night-time lobster hunt or even dinner at their own home.
Wildlife is particularly abundant on and around these islands. Coral, colorful tropical fish, and manta rays inhabit the waters, while over 200 species of birds enliven the forests. The steep, jagged peaks of the island's volcanic mountains provide a dramatic background to the waters and forests.
Sailing conditions are generally excellent any time of year. In some areas, however, the coral reefs make for tricky sailing, so consult knowledgeable locals before you head out.
If it's warm breezes and crystal-clear seas you seek, set out for the Grenadines or the Yasawa Islands. If a cosmopolitan atmosphere is more your thing, consider San Diego or the Whitsundays. For fine weather and a chance to explore ancient history, the Cyclades are ideal. The list of breathtaking sailing destinations around the world is nearly endless, but any of these top spots is well worth an extended stay.
Avid sailors vary in their opinions on what makes a great sailing destination. Some prefer natural beauty, some seek smooth seas and gentle winds, and others prefer a challenge. A few choice sailing spots offer something for everyone, though. These five locations bring together some of the best features of any sailing destination worldwide.
The Grenadines
Situated between the Caribbean islands Saint Vincent and Grenada, the lush, tropical rain forests and aquamarine waters of the Grenadines are postcard perfect. Most of these small, remote islands aren't accessible by air, which makes sailing not only a way of life for the locals, but also the ideal way in for travelers.
Spend the afternoon relaxing on the soft, white sands of Princess Margaret Beach, dance the night away in Port Elizabeth on Bequia island or explore the extensive reefs found throughout these islands.
The weather is inviting year round so great sailing awaits you no matter when you schedule your trip. The Grenada Sailing Festival at the end of January and Carnival in August are particularly good times to visit.
Cyclades, Greece
South-east of the Greek mainland, the Cyclades archipelago consists of over 220 islands encircling the sacred island of Delos, the mythic home of Apollo and Artemis.
Sailing past these large and small islands gives you time to take in the view of the rocky hills and traditional white-and-azure Greek architecture. Stop by Mykonos Island to enjoy a day on Paradise Beach or tour the Aegean Maritime Museum. Visit Santorini Island to sample wine made from the famous Assyrtiko grapes while enjoying one of the island's equally famous sunsets.
The Cyclades' climate is mild and dry, with no significant winter, so it's worth a visit any time of year. Sailing the Aegean can be a challenge, though, so plan to spend at least two weeks working your way through the area.
San Diego, California
Although the San Francisco Bay area garners the most attention of all California's sailing destinations, the waters around San Diego also make for enjoyable sailing.
Get a close-up view of the sinuous Coronado Bridge and the Star of India, a windjammer build in 1863 and the world's oldest active sailing ship. Sailing San Diego Bay gives you the opportunity to see both the historic ships of the Maritime Museum and modern U.S. Navy craft, too. For shopping, dining, and entertainment, lively Seaport Village offers plenty of opportunities.
While the seas and winds around San Diego are typically moderate, the Pacific ocean is highly unpredictable. If you decide to go, be prepared for difficult weather.
Whitsundays, Australia
Australia and New Zealand both boast miles of spectacular waters and coastline. Among the best-loved sailing destinations in this part of the world are the 74 islands of Australia's Whitsundays. This archipelago, sheltered in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, offers magnificent forests and white sand beaches surrounded by turquoise waters.
If it's peace and quiet you're looking for, stop by Whitehaven Beach. For restaurants, shopping opportunities and other modern attractions, Airlie Beach is the place to head.
This tropical area receives a considerable amount of rainfall, but the weather is warm and seas largely calm most of the year. Winter is an exception. Southerly winds are strong from April to September, so certain south-facing anchorages are best avoided during this time.
Yasawa Islands, Fiji
One of the most untouched of all popular sailing destinations, the Yasawa Islands offer not only gentle, warm winds and unforgettable scenery, but also a chance to connect with another culture. Native Fijians are renowned for their friendliness and someone might just invite you along for a night-time lobster hunt or even dinner at their own home.
Wildlife is particularly abundant on and around these islands. Coral, colorful tropical fish, and manta rays inhabit the waters, while over 200 species of birds enliven the forests. The steep, jagged peaks of the island's volcanic mountains provide a dramatic background to the waters and forests.
Sailing conditions are generally excellent any time of year. In some areas, however, the coral reefs make for tricky sailing, so consult knowledgeable locals before you head out.
If it's warm breezes and crystal-clear seas you seek, set out for the Grenadines or the Yasawa Islands. If a cosmopolitan atmosphere is more your thing, consider San Diego or the Whitsundays. For fine weather and a chance to explore ancient history, the Cyclades are ideal. The list of breathtaking sailing destinations around the world is nearly endless, but any of these top spots is well worth an extended stay.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Great Tips For New Home Buyers
When renting a piece of real estate, be certain to take pictures of the condition of the property ahead of or on the same day you get the keys. You must have these if there is ever a dispute about damage you might or may not have triggered. Pictures can be a much better solution than just an itemized description.
When looking for a mortgage, you should definitely check with multiple lenders. Unique lenders offer you distinctive incentives and closing price amounts can vary too. Your capacity to qualify for certain programs may well also differ by lender. Shopping about can save you thousands over the life of your loan.
To save money when you are buying a home, you should bring a contractor who remodels properties along, to look at the final choice. A regular home inspector is there to find issues, but a contractor may also provide you with a a lot clearer picture of how much time and cash it's going to take to acquire the results you would like, prior to your committing for the home.If you want to save money, consider buying a house that needs loads of repairs. The negative condition of a place tends to make its value go down drastically, so much that it might be intriguing for you to spend for the repairs your self. And maybe it is possible to even do parts of the job your self.Check into your credit score and history ahead of applying for a mortgage. When you see that your score is less than 620, you may like to rethink obtaining a home at this time and operate on building that score up to a minimum of, 690. The higher your credit score, the greater interest rate you may get on your home.
When obtaining actual real estate you ought to do some research in regards to the neighborhoods you like before looking at any houses. Talk with your agent about what houses have lately sold for and use that to set some limits that you simply won't go more than. Then once you obtain a place that grabs you emotionally you will not get carried away into paying more than you ought to.
Meet with a lender before taking a look at homes. Ask concerning the obtainable loan solutions so you can get an notion of how much cash out of pocket you will want for closing costs, down payments, and any other fees. You may find your self surprised at the quantity of cash that you simply could be able to afford as a result of low interest rates. One important tip in terms of true estate is always to make absolute certain that your appraiser is legitimate. This is particularly important mainly because this really is the person who's responsible for inspecting the house and ensuring not simply that everything is as much as code, but also will let you know about any unforeseen upkeep that may be required. It is actually recommended that your appraiser have over 5 year of expertise and be licensed or certified by the state.
When it comes time to select a realtor for your actual estate buy look to good friends and household for help within your selection. Numerous from the individuals you know may perhaps possess a realtor in their make contact with list. Be sure the expertise for them was positive after which study the agent. Realtors are extra responsive to referrals because their reputation could be the aspect that put their name forward.
When looking for a mortgage, you should definitely check with multiple lenders. Unique lenders offer you distinctive incentives and closing price amounts can vary too. Your capacity to qualify for certain programs may well also differ by lender. Shopping about can save you thousands over the life of your loan.
To save money when you are buying a home, you should bring a contractor who remodels properties along, to look at the final choice. A regular home inspector is there to find issues, but a contractor may also provide you with a a lot clearer picture of how much time and cash it's going to take to acquire the results you would like, prior to your committing for the home.If you want to save money, consider buying a house that needs loads of repairs. The negative condition of a place tends to make its value go down drastically, so much that it might be intriguing for you to spend for the repairs your self. And maybe it is possible to even do parts of the job your self.Check into your credit score and history ahead of applying for a mortgage. When you see that your score is less than 620, you may like to rethink obtaining a home at this time and operate on building that score up to a minimum of, 690. The higher your credit score, the greater interest rate you may get on your home.
When obtaining actual real estate you ought to do some research in regards to the neighborhoods you like before looking at any houses. Talk with your agent about what houses have lately sold for and use that to set some limits that you simply won't go more than. Then once you obtain a place that grabs you emotionally you will not get carried away into paying more than you ought to.
Meet with a lender before taking a look at homes. Ask concerning the obtainable loan solutions so you can get an notion of how much cash out of pocket you will want for closing costs, down payments, and any other fees. You may find your self surprised at the quantity of cash that you simply could be able to afford as a result of low interest rates. One important tip in terms of true estate is always to make absolute certain that your appraiser is legitimate. This is particularly important mainly because this really is the person who's responsible for inspecting the house and ensuring not simply that everything is as much as code, but also will let you know about any unforeseen upkeep that may be required. It is actually recommended that your appraiser have over 5 year of expertise and be licensed or certified by the state.
When it comes time to select a realtor for your actual estate buy look to good friends and household for help within your selection. Numerous from the individuals you know may perhaps possess a realtor in their make contact with list. Be sure the expertise for them was positive after which study the agent. Realtors are extra responsive to referrals because their reputation could be the aspect that put their name forward.
Resourceful websites:
Sunday, January 1, 2012
The SEO Parade
Long ago, in a distant time, I designed a very nice website for a beautiful inn located in the Redwoods of Humboldt County. I was real happy with the website, as were the owners, but nobody else seemed to be enjoying it. The stats counter bespoke the ugly truth that we were getting very little traffic.
Of course, I submitted it to all the search engines and directories, but we didn't seem to be showing up very high in the search results.
Back then, Altavista was the undisputed king of the search world, but there were other search engines as well, and several web directories which could, potentially, send us lots of traffic. I submitted to them all.
Meta tags were big back then. I tinkered around with the tags, stuffed my text with keywords, even played around with some invisible text. (I was black hat before black hat was a descriptor).
One day, I came into the hotel office and found the owner to be very excited. We were on the first page of Altavista for our search term. I was given a hearty pat on the back, called a genius, and bought a steak dinner for my efforts.
I was hooked.
After that, I hung out a lot at the Virtual Promote forums. The term SEO was just beginning to evolve. Many of the guys on that forum were promoting adult websites, since that's where the money was at the time, and the competition was fierce. I learned a lot. SEO became an acronym which could be applied to either search engine optimization or to the professional promoter, the search engine optimizer.
Disney had a web directory, at the time, which they had at a domain called Go.com. This was a unique directory which, like the still evolving DMOZ project, was volunteer edited. I volunteered for several categories and was able to send some phenomenal traffic to our clients. One day, for no apparent reason, they closed their doors. The traffic stopped.
About the time this happened, Google came crashing onto the scene. With their fancy algorithms they set the SEO industry on it's head. There was an ugly stretch there for a while where the webmasters went to war with the search engine, trying every trick imaginable to game the search engine. Soldiers went against the monster with keyword stuffing, cloaked websites, everything imaginable. One by one they limped back to camp brutally beaten by Google - and usually BANNED! This was a different kind of critter.
Slowly, the SEO community began to realize that Google could not be easily gamed like the other search engines.
I remember one day on the forums when word leaked out from a Google source that Google was using the number of links to your site to determine relevance. Once again we went to war, setting up link farms, etc. Once again, banned.
We're at a funny place, today. SEO is still important, maybe more so than ever, but there are a lot of subleties. Google is kind of like the great looking girl at a party. She can definitely be seduced, but sublety and smoothness are called for. The direct blunt approach just won't work.
This blog is dedicated to chronicling the subleties used today in the SEO world.
Enjoy!
Of course, I submitted it to all the search engines and directories, but we didn't seem to be showing up very high in the search results.
Back then, Altavista was the undisputed king of the search world, but there were other search engines as well, and several web directories which could, potentially, send us lots of traffic. I submitted to them all.
Meta tags were big back then. I tinkered around with the tags, stuffed my text with keywords, even played around with some invisible text. (I was black hat before black hat was a descriptor).
One day, I came into the hotel office and found the owner to be very excited. We were on the first page of Altavista for our search term. I was given a hearty pat on the back, called a genius, and bought a steak dinner for my efforts.
I was hooked.
After that, I hung out a lot at the Virtual Promote forums. The term SEO was just beginning to evolve. Many of the guys on that forum were promoting adult websites, since that's where the money was at the time, and the competition was fierce. I learned a lot. SEO became an acronym which could be applied to either search engine optimization or to the professional promoter, the search engine optimizer.
Disney had a web directory, at the time, which they had at a domain called Go.com. This was a unique directory which, like the still evolving DMOZ project, was volunteer edited. I volunteered for several categories and was able to send some phenomenal traffic to our clients. One day, for no apparent reason, they closed their doors. The traffic stopped.
About the time this happened, Google came crashing onto the scene. With their fancy algorithms they set the SEO industry on it's head. There was an ugly stretch there for a while where the webmasters went to war with the search engine, trying every trick imaginable to game the search engine. Soldiers went against the monster with keyword stuffing, cloaked websites, everything imaginable. One by one they limped back to camp brutally beaten by Google - and usually BANNED! This was a different kind of critter.
Slowly, the SEO community began to realize that Google could not be easily gamed like the other search engines.
I remember one day on the forums when word leaked out from a Google source that Google was using the number of links to your site to determine relevance. Once again we went to war, setting up link farms, etc. Once again, banned.
We're at a funny place, today. SEO is still important, maybe more so than ever, but there are a lot of subleties. Google is kind of like the great looking girl at a party. She can definitely be seduced, but sublety and smoothness are called for. The direct blunt approach just won't work.
This blog is dedicated to chronicling the subleties used today in the SEO world.
Enjoy!
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