Google ends the public PageRank service
http://searchengineland.com/rip-google-pagerank-retrospective-244286
Early this year, Google decided to remove the PageRank scores from public view. This function was originally released in 2000 which enabled public to check the PageRank scores of any page. Google provides this function for users to assess the quality of each pages. Users can check the probability distribution used to represent each different pages. The disadvantages of this function are that many link providers drop their links everywhere to pursue a higher rank. Another reason is that Google considers the link ranking a secret information. Since Google sells their ranks by auctions, it is their best interest to stop providing these data. For the business proposes, they also develop other related algorithms like manipulating PageRank method and False spoofed PageRank method.
Google’s ranking algorithm has close relationship with what we discussed in the class. We talked about the relationship between hubs and authorities we want. These concepts are the fundamental information of ranking algorithm. The hub and authority score calculated in class represents the early stage of PageRank score. However, hub authorities model is just a general conclusion of the real ranking algorithm, only Google itself owns the actual data. Although PageRank score as public information disappears, it is still the core algorithm of this company and serves as the most important advertisements pricing tools. Not only Google, but also other tech giant uses ranking algorithm to provide service. Twitter also uses PageRank to present potential followers. According to Political Science and Politics, some agencies also use this method to provide ranks for universities’ academic programs. (Benjamin et al, 2007). In conclusion, although we may not be able to see PageRank functions on Google, this unique and important algorithm will thrive and takes more important positions in traditional science like chemistry and biology.
Reference: Benjamin M. Schmidt & Matthew M. Chingos (2007). “Ranking Doctoral Programs by Placement: A New Method” (PDF). PS: Political Science and Politics. 40 (July): 523–529. doi:10.1017/s1049096507070771