The rich get richer - the inequality of search algorithms

In his article entitled Filthy Linking Rich And Getting Richer, Mike Grehan relates empirical and theoretical research into networks that we are seeing modeled in the world wide web, looking specifically at the current prominence of linking in search algorithms.

If you have ever pondered the 6 degrees of separation (illustrated in the Kevin Bacon game), you will find the answers here. Essentially, the article pin-points the problem with search engines placing to great an importance on a website's link popularity and what this means for new and emerging websites. Websites with many links attract more links whereas those with few links, are not seen by others wanting to link, hence cannot gain links, the rich get richer.

A very lengthy article but worth persevering if only for the insight into mathematics and network theory, and of course the origins of the Kevin Bacon game.

Read the article at
http://www.e-marketing-news.co.uk/Oct04/RichLinking.html

30/11/2004

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