On those Best of Lists and Review Articles

Interesting article. I've long since learned to ignore anything from Forbes or Tripadvisor, as well as any search result that has a sentence like "Our top pick will surprise you!"

I like reading the lists, keeping in mind they are usually not based on any data and are often just the subjective opinion of the article’s author.
Just this week I read two different articles saying the best beach town in California is Santa Monica. Another said the best beach town is Laguna Beach.
The one I really liked this week is the “Best Cities for Expats in Europe.” It was based on a survey of more than 12,000 Expats living in Europe so it has something to hang its hat on.

Kenko, can you post a link please. Thanks

Anyone click on the provided link??

For me it goes to an article about searching for CBD?

Did you actually read the article? It's about Google addressing the issue of site reputation abuse and third parties using an established site's domain history to sell products. Or did you just stop at CBD?

I did read some of the article. However, what I was reading didn't seem to tie to the title of the post. Maybe more of an intro to the topic might help?

@Mr E,

Yes! It is a Forbes article written by Rebecca Ann Hughes published November 19, 2024 titled “Expats Rate European Cities in new 2024 Survey About Living Abroad.”

jules m, i didnt understand it either. But figured it was just me. I still read paper newpapers....

I'm a dumb blacksmith, surely I cannot be the only one that gets this. The article is about Google cracking down on parasitic search engine optimization or site reputation abuse.

When a third party takes advantage of a first party's search rankings or reputation by placing their content on the first party's site without thorough vetting or oversite by the host. It is can be partner or sponsored content or advertising, guest writers or bloggers outside of the site's main focus or subject matter. That the content is marketing or that the first party site may get a cut is not always clear and not usually stated.

A search for "best travel insurance" or "top carry-on hardshell" may turn up results manipulated by these parasitic SEO practices.

A reminder to have healthy skepticism and to consider the sources.

ROFL. Best beach town in California is either Grover Beach or Pismo, Laguna? Ha Ha... Yuppie central.