Allen Stern of CenterNetworks has gone too far. Frustrated by getting buried on Digg and TechMeme, Allen is executing some new black hat technique called SMO, Stern Media Optimization. 

He has already taken over my SERP and MG Siegler’s as well. Someone call the Cutlets please before this gets outa hand. I’m terrified that soon I’ll find the blogger king throughout my Google Alerts.

Ok really its the new Wordpress thumbnails within Google feature, Steve Rubel has a nice post covering the update.

Just a few days after launching SearchWiki, the service has suddenly disappeared. TechCrunch points out the new feature was less than well received. Users even went as far as to create GreaseMonkey scripts to disable it.

Personally I found it interesting but not something I’d want without a better opt-out function. I can’t help but think of the valuable data Google could mine from this, at the same time that creeps me (and many others) out. Google should keep the core search as it, and roll these properties out as supplements to that.

The big G giveth, and taketh away. No official word yet if it’ll reemerge.

Update: A commenter on Steve Rubel’s blog says its moved to Google Labs.

Google just slapped a coat of paint on their Blog Search service today. The enhancements group stories together and headline what appears to be considered the “leading source” for the story.  They also include a nice chart that displays recent activity (number of blogs covering it).

Myself, I’m already a fan of Google Blog Search, in most cases its the best resource for breaking and trend related stories. These new additions are nice but certainly don’t give me many “ah ha” moments.

Of course with something like this, the community is talking “Techmeme Killer”. I thought about it for a moment, but quickly came to the conclusion that this is no Techmeme Killer. Also a few minutes later I remembered I hate the old “______ Killer” meme itself. Its so speculative and quickly thrown out these days. Techmeme serves a narrow but influential audience, they know how to use multiple tools to supplement search and Techmeme will continue to be one of those.

In the spirt of the mob though I did come up with a few true TecheMeme Killers.

Warning: May contain outlandish future talk and if used improperly, damage the time line.

The TechMeme Killers

• Gabe’s Shyness: After a billing mix up with his host, Techmeme is taken offline. Too shy to call support, Gabe just says “meh” and takes a job with Google. When Microsoft acquires Google in 2012, Gabe’s stock makes him a rich man. 
• The TechCrunch Payment is Late: After TechCrunch continues to miss payments to Techmeme, the site is unable to go on. The service shuts down, it’s dead pool post on TechCrunch receives over 500 comments, 400 of which are from Gabe. 
• FeedBurner: After years of Gabe pounding the keyboard and saying “Feedburner, your slow pings are killing me” it literally does. 
• The Other Woman: Gabe gets a girlfriend and is shocked to find out playing with her is more enjoyable than playing with RSS. 

Google Chrome Comic Book - Get more Docstoc Buzz

Sure everyone is talking about the new browser from Google called Chrome. And while I can’t wait to give it a test drive, I’m content enjoying this comic they put together. From famed artist Scott McCloud, this is a great marketing tactic.

Many us were first introduced to Scott’s work through his book “Understand Comics” as required reading for many design and writing college courses. This brings back nothing but good memories for yours truly.

Click the full screen button in the top right of the embed to get a closer look.

As announced on their official blog, Google is going to roll out Google Suggest into it’s native search. The feature has been in development through Google Labs since 2004 (no really), by Friday it should be rolled out live to everyone. So what does this mean? Let’s take a look at a few points.

• People Kant Spel: Anyone who has done any SEO or analytics work knows just how bad people can’t spell. In fact, the masses are HORRIBLE at using search engines. The “autocompletness” of Google Suggest is going to help millions find the right information.
• Suggest for Your Business: Creating content or looking for keywords to SEO your website? Well much like using the Google Adwords Keyword Tool, Google Suggest is going to be a great resource to find terms.
• Death to Typo Squatters: I’ve always thought typo squatting was pretty messy work. This new feature is going to greatly reduce their traffic. While parked domains tend to fall out of Google SERPs, their red headed step child the typo splog usually gets good placement.

What Others Are Saying:

• Danny Sullivan
• TechCrunch