Google should make PR an API

Posted by multippt

Ever wondered why Google decided to make OpenSocial open, but not its famous green bar? PageRank has often been regarded as one of the most useful tools in determining the quality of a site, though not neccessarily the most accurate. As with any ranking system, there are bound to be problems like selling of links, which Google countered during the last PageRank update. PageRank may be regarded as “dead” and “inaccurate” by some, but it is one of a few ranking systems that are available.

PageRank should be made an API. After all, Google is stabbing its own feet limiting PageRank to only those who visit the Google directory and have the Google toolbar (which is not supported by some web browsers). PageRank checkers are in the grey area in the TOS, and cannot be regarded as following or breaking the Terms of Service.

Then again, maybe Yahoo should make something like YahooRank and replace Google’s PageRank. That should give more options.