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The latest Google update, Jagger, has search engine optimisers all around the world in a state of disorientation. With Jagger, Google once again attempted to outsmart huge numbers of SEOs who had spent a vast amount of time trying to outsmart their competitors by legitimately but falsely making their websites seem more relevant and important than they really are. But what comments would the architects of this disastrous update say to a company’s debtors?

We all know that links carry significant weight within the algorithms of all the major search engines. As SEOs we have added value by swapping links and placing links on free directories. While there’s nothing wrong with this in essence, we have to addmit that a lot of these sites don’t really show that they are necessarily relevant or important to the host site.

Google much prefers it when the linking site adds value to enhance the value of a site’s content or to increase credibility and authority. And that’s exactly what Jagger was meant to do - when it found those sites, it simply adjusted their ranking to more accurately reflect their true importance, now deemed as:

1) Increased importance placed on Inbound Links Relevancy

2) Increased importance placed on Outbound Links Relevancy

3) Promotion of relevant Niche Directories related to Nos. 1/2)

Google is downgrading or eliminating reciprocal links as a measure of popularity. In short, Jagger undid the hard work of thousands - if not millions - of SEOs. As a result, hard-won high rankings and revenues plummeted.

All well and good, but I wonder then if the architects of this fine update could explain why the search term “web site design bangkok” had an error 404 page in French at the #1 spot (now #5), for a month (http://www1.oecd.org/error.htm)? So much for relevancy!

A colleague’s site disappeared from the listings for 2 months. Now we find that Jagger has almost de-listed us - and there has been little link building involved in this site.

When I next talk to my clients and they ask the same question, doesn’t Google carry some responsibility for this latest raft of online business failures?

The author is the media director of V9 Design & Build, a local and outsourcing company providing both brochureware and custom-designed websites, professional design and build, proven and successful SEO and e-marketing, e-commerce-driven database integration and content management systems.

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Burmese Pythons have long been a favourite among reptile keepers. Their large size and excellent temperament has made them a very popular pet snake. Unfortunately, for many keepers their sheer size eventually proves too much. They often become very tame with handling, but are aggressive feeders. Adult females can grow to over 20ft, more commonly 15-16ft. This is a formidable force coming at you if they smell food. Burmese pythons make wonderful captives if they are given the right conditions; they are the real gentle giants of the snake world, but must never be under-estimated and should be treated with great respect.

For lovers of these huge pythons who cannot afford the space that they need, there are exciting projects in progress which may alter your decisions. Dwarf Burmese Pythons were imported into the UK and USA for the first time in 2003. They occur from a small off-shore Island in South East Asia and grow to a maximum of 7feet. Adult males have bred at just 4feet, and females at 5feet. They have an almost identical appearance to their larger cousins, and youngsters will tame easily. The unfortunate side however, is their current price range.

Housing

When keeping any snake as a pet, you generally want to be able to view the snake from the outside of its enclosure, in the most natural surroundings you can offer. This will be more aesthetically pleasing and also aid in the general condition of the snake. If the snake likes its surroundings, it will have a better feeding response and generally grow quicker. A larger vivarium also offers more interest to the snake’s life, and by adding branches and other natural products you will enhance the quality of life the snake has, and stop it from becoming lethargic and overweight. Also, being stronger it should have more of a resistance to any viral infections or any other problems that it may encounter later in life.

For an adult Burmese python, a vivarium 3m Length x 1m Width x 1.5m Height is ample. These pythons are one of a few species which are generally not worried about the size of their enclosure. The more room you can provide; the better. Many keepers decide to dedicate a whole room to their beloved python. Other keepers may decide to use a corner of a room as the back walls and ceiling of the enclosure, and simply build 2 front walls. This will cut down the costs of building and allow for a larger space for the python.

Snake enclosures can be made from a number of materials. Most commonly used is a melamine coated wood which covers all sides except the front, which has glass sliding doors. Aquariums can also be used for juvenile Burmese Pythons, although a specialist lid should be bought or made rather than the original aquarium lid. It is essential when thinking about what type of enclosure you use, you think about these 6 ‘SSSHHH’ factors:

1) Safety - Can the snake or owner injure itself from the enclosure or any appliances held within?

2) Secure - Can the snake escape through any small hole or cavity?

3) Size - Will the enclosure be appropriately sized?

4) Heating - Is the enclosure able to regulate the temperature properly?

5) Humidity - Will the enclosure last well in humid conditions? Is there enough ventilation for the moisture to escape?

6) Hygienic - Will the enclosure build up a lot of bacteria in small cavities? Is it easy to clean?

By following the steps above, you can have a suitable enclosure made from a variety of materials.

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