The Subdomain Switch ...What's Happening with you?

1. 84

   Whitney05posted 13 years ago

   just did mine yesterday. I'm not expecting anything drastic.

   replyreport
2. 61

   Tim Blackstoneposted 13 years ago

   My traffic initially increased following the transfer to sub domains and everything was looking very good but after a few weeks it has now collapsed again. I hope this is just a temporary blip but it is looking terrible right now.

   replyreport
   1. 83

      Amanda Severnposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      
      
      Just got home from a week away. Everything was fine when I left, but my stats are now the lowest they've been for a very long time. Is any one else having a similar experience?

      replyreport
3. 96

   CMHypnoposted 13 years ago

   And mines still falling - maybe I'm going to achieve something previously inconceivable after the first few weeks of writing hubs - 0 views over 24 hours

   replyreport
   1. 83

      Amanda Severnposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      
      That very thought crossed my mind too. I'm also not enjoying any great success with the hubpages ads. That may be a reflection of falling traffic, but once I've reached the next payment point I might just turn it off for a while to compare.

      replyreport
      1. 96

         CMHypnoposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         I was having a good start to the month with HP ads until the traffic crash and the first reasonable start to a month with Amazon in ages.
         
         All I want is someone from HP to come out with some pointers as to why this has happened and what, if anything, we can do to improve matters.  I have sent 2 emails, but there has been no response.

         replyreport
         1. 73

            Uzdawiposted 13 years agoin reply to this

            You can always wait, while doing that you can concentrate opening up a blog or site or improving old one.And my traffic from google.com is almost hit the bottom, I am getting more traffic from bing and yahoo (not combined) than I am getting from google.com or any other google search engine. However, one of my blogger blog is starting to show record numbers. I doubt that there is any connection between the loss of my traffic here and rise on one of my blogs.
            
            Also my hubberscore has dropped

            replyreport
         2. 62

            bgamallposted 13 years agoin reply to this

            Just write ebooks with your content. Screw google. Screwgle.

            replyreport
4. 60

   FloraBreenRobisonposted 13 years ago

   I must be getting traffic only from North america where I live. No matter what happens during the daytime, overnight the number of views get smaller and smaller-5 over a nine hour period overnight. It was 14 the night before. It was 20 a couple nights before that.

   replyreport
5. 70

   Ms Chievousposted 13 years ago

   at least I am not the only one with disappearing stats.  On the upside I was able to rake in over $9.00 yesterday on Amazon..kind of weird with my low views

   replyreport
   1. 96

      CMHypnoposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Congrats on the Amazon money - nothing like earning!

      replyreport
   2. 75

      IzzyMposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      That's great. I got my first Christmas sales yesterday and it is only August! They were worth a total of $6 but hey, even those few cents are welcome at this time.
      
      I wish I knew why our stats have collapsed because then we could do something about it.
      
      Hey staff, have you any idea at all that can help us?

      replyreport
      1. 70

         Ms Chievousposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         I keep envisioning that maybe the HP staff forgot to "flip a switch" somewhere.  You know like in the movie Christmas Vacation where everything is plugged up but nothing works until the switch is on.. I know.. I know.. it's not that simple....

         replyreport
         1. 75

            IzzyMposted 13 years agoin reply to this

            Now this is depressing... http://hubpages.com/forum/topic/80742#post1741182
            
            Panda 2.4?

            replyreport
         2. 76

            Aficionadaposted 13 years agoin reply to this

            
            I don't know.... That seems much more logical than anything else I have heard.  Aren't different HP accounts stored on different servers?  Is it possible that some of the servers are not updating traffic stats - or not sending traffic or something?  (I think someone else mentioned this or a similar idea.)

            replyreport
6. 65

   psycheskinnerposted 13 years ago

   Well either something has happened or I did something very bad in a former life and karma is kicking my ass.  Because I am now getting fewer daily impressions (10?!) with over 60 hubs than I used to get with just one.
   
   

   replyreport
7. 73

   Uzdawiposted 13 years ago

   Is it possible, that hubbers who strongly backlinked their content are not losing traffic?

   replyreport
   1. 0

      EmpressFelicityposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      No. Touch wood, my traffic has improved over the last couple of weeks - it's not up to pre-Panda levels, but it's respectable. And my backlinking activities have been perfunctory to say the least. (Backlinking is IMO one of the most boring activities known to mankind.)

      replyreport
      1. 93

         wordscribe43posted 13 years agoin reply to this

         I'm just curious... have you or when did you change to your subdomain, if you don't mind me asking?
         
         I'm trying to figure out (despite the likely futility) what the difference is between the "traffic maintainers" and the "traffic losers".  Incidentally, I'm in the latter group...

         replyreport
         1. 0

            EmpressFelicityposted 13 years agoin reply to this

            I switched over within 24 hours of Paul Edmondson announcing that the option was available to everyone - about four weeks ago.
            
            It's possible that I'm experiencing the final flowering before the end of the honeymoon period that all new domains get - hope that's not the case though.

            replyreport
            1. 93

               wordscribe43posted 13 years agoin reply to this

               Thanks... Did you ever see a significant traffic drop? 
               
               I hope that's not the case for you, too!

               replyreport
               1. 0

                  EmpressFelicityposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                  There was a horrendous slump on 15th July, when my views dropped to the lowest they'd been in a looooong time. I can't remember if the slump was immediately before I switched or immediately afterwards.
                  
                  But ever since then, allowing for weekend dips, I've been on the up.

                  replyreport
                  1. 93

                     wordscribe43posted 13 years agoin reply to this

                     Interesting.  I wish I could remember the exact date I made the switch, but it's been more recent than you.  I'm glad your traffic has recovered, it's somewhat encouraging to me (and hopefully others).  In the meantime, I need to stop looking at my abysmal stats!

                     replyreport
                     1. 75

                        IzzyMposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                        Mine are down another 10% after being stable for the best part of 24 hours.
                        
                        I think I will have to hit the bottle tonight! (like...this is 'tonight' here, so in about 5 minutes!)

                        replyreport
                        1. 93

                           wordscribe43posted 13 years agoin reply to this

                           I can totally relate, Izzy.  If I did drink, this would be the day!  I am down to... drumroll... 35 views!  It's so sad it's a little funny. 
                           
                           I hope this is temporary... I'm sorry you're going through the same thing. 

                           replyreport
                           1. 75

                              IzzyMposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                              Webmasterworld says it is a new Panda roll-out so we are well and truly f*cked!
                              
                              All that work down the drain
                              
                              I am sorry you too are being hit, and of course all the others that are hit too.
                              
                              You are a great writer so it can't be low quality!

                              replyreport
                              1. 93

                                 wordscribe43posted 13 years agoin reply to this

                                 Ohhhhh... that's just BAD news.  Bummer.
                                 
                                 Right back atcha Izzy about the quality writing.  Let me know if the alcohol numbs the pain and I will just live vicariously through you!
                                 
                                 Have a good weekend, anyway.

                                 replyreport
                                 1. 75

                                    IzzyMposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                                    Thanks, I am away to sweep up the yard with my vodka bottle at my side. Be back later on tonight.

                                    replyreport
                                    1. 93

                                       wordscribe43posted 13 years agoin reply to this

                                       That's a great image!  I'd love to be your neighbor for that. 

                                       report
8. 67

   Silver Roseposted 13 years ago

   My traffic continues to remain stable - the dip I was expecting last night didn't materialise, my search rankings have snapped back, apart from one keyword.
   
   So I don't know what that was about.
   
   I suspect it's to do with backlinks.

   replyreport
9. 60

   Mark Ewbieposted 13 years ago

   Bear with me.  Anecdotal evidence on very low traffic.  I don't do SEO, I don't backlink and I don't write about stuff people are looking for.
   
   Pre Panda I was getting nearly 20 hits a day from Google.com.  Post Panda on some days I got none.  My pages might be found on page 10 if I was lucky.  I got none of those partial matches anymore that the HubPage extra juice used to give me.
   
   Changed to subdomains 14 July.  Since then my traffic has improved - to maybe 10 a day Google.com, sometimes as many as 20 or so. Stop laughing.
   
   I checked a lot of my titles today.  The keywords that I was aiming for are ranked really well for most of them, and those that aren't have some serious competition from SEO linkers, better content, whatever - so there is a reason for them not showing up.  tbh I am almost embarassed by how highly some of my pages are ranking.  I have been tweaking them today so they are not quite so crap.
   
   So, so far, it looks like my subdomain has not suffered. 
   
   I have a theory, well I Wiki'd Google sandbox.  It may well be wrong but bear with me.  Sometimes new sites get sandboxed.  Especially if they have a lot of new content for high value keywords and a lot of links.  Google is suspicious.
   
   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sandbox_Effect
   
   Maybe, some of the drastically affected people have been sandboxed.  Sure, a lot of people say the Sandbox doesn't exist.
   
   At this point - people like Oli, Sunforged should join in and put me right - or maybe HubPages have some ideas.  It's been a couple of days now and they can see far more stats that we can as individuals.

   replyreport
   1. 75

      IzzyMposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Oh I mentioned you in this other thread Mark!
      http://hubpages.com/forum/topic/80742#post1741182
      
      I hope it is a sandbox (I've written 19 new hubs since the subdomain change).
      
      That effect doesn't last long I don't think, but in actual fact I do think it was Panda 2.4

      replyreport
      1. 60

         Mark Ewbieposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         Hi Izzy, yes thanks for the mention!  I got snipped and told off yesterday so enough spamming from me for a day or so.
         
         HP really, really, really need to do some analysis on this - NOW - to help you guys and themselves.
         
         I'll lay it out and then they can get some grunt (technician) to code it.
         
         1. Analyse traffic by hubber over last twenty days.
         2. Ignore anyone with very small views, numbers of hubs, recent join date.  We want significant numbers, not distractions.
         3. Sort by traffic increase / decrease over the period we are talking about.
         4. Add in as many stats as are available - how many backlinks, keyword stuffing, tag use, etc., etc.
         5. Drop the whole lot into a spreadsheet and put some effort in - looking for the patterns.
         
         6. Discuss findings within the HP team.
         7. Draw up recommendations, advice for affected Hubbers.
         8. Make announcement to all Hubbers about findings.

         replyreport
         1. 96

            CMHypnoposted 13 years agoin reply to this

            Think that is a good idea Mark. When you are self-employed and need all the earnings you can get, you need answers.  Think I will join Izzy in the vodka fest tonight!
            
            Izzy careful with the drink and sweep!

            replyreport
            1. 0

               EmpressFelicityposted 13 years agoin reply to this

               I'm not on vodka... would Chardonnay do?

               replyreport
         2. 65

            psycheskinnerposted 13 years agoin reply to this

            Wouldn't that be nice.
            
            All I can do is fiddle with individual hubs and see if I can get any bounce back.  But if the factor is at the subdomain level I will never work it out on my own.

            replyreport
   2. 73

      Uzdawiposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Maybe someone could explain me, why are some sub domains sandboxed and some not.

      replyreport
10. 60

    Fiction Tellerposted 13 years ago

    And it's all somewhat confused by the fact that Google Analytics just changed the way they measure a visitor session.  So I'd say don't necessarily  trust your Analytics data yesterday or today, if that's how you're tracking your stats...
    
    http://analytics.blogspot.com/2011/08/u … ytics.html

    replyreport
11. 76

    Aficionadaposted 13 years ago

    I am becoming more convinced that there is a glitch of sorts at play here too.  I seriously think there's more than one issue affecting traffic - or traffic stats.
    
    Quantcast lists HP traffic rank (US only) at #107 today.  That's a positive jump of 3 slots since yesterday.  A BIG jump.
    
    Statistically speaking, some Hubbers would have to have increased tremendously to offset the drop others have experienced, in order for the Quantcast ranking to have risen so much.  (Some other Hubber mentioned that first; I forget who - sorry!  Thanks for the tip, though.)
    
    Of course, the Hubbers who have lost traffic could all have lost traffic from outside the US, but that is still very iffy in my opinion, and it alone would still not account for the increase at Quantcast.
    
    In addition to the list of factors that Mark Ewbie submitted, I would like for HP admin to study which server all the affected Hubbers are stored on and other technical stuff like that, which I don't have access to - or even any real ideas about.  I think there's some engineering problem here, as well.  But maybe it's one factor among many that have happened at the same time.

    replyreport
12. 61

    englightenedsoulposted 13 years ago

    Panda 2.4..it is official now.
    
    http://googlewebmastercentral.blogspot. … nched.html

    replyreport
    1. 76

       Aficionadaposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       I love the comments to that article!
       
       But since Panda 2.4 affects other languages, other than English, how would that impact HubPages, which only allows English?

       replyreport
13. STAFF

    Paul Edmondsonposted 13 years ago

    We have been analyzing accounts that are decreasing vs accounts that are increasing to see if there is guidance we can offer.
    
    I can say that there are accounts like Randy Godwin that appear to have experienced more radical drops for reasons that aren't obvious.  Many people appear to have normal fluctuations in rankings like Lily Rose where a drop in a few positions can make a significant change in traffic.
    
    There are also accounts on Subdomains since the beginning that are more than doubled. We expect each persons results to differ, but we are in the middle of moving the remaining 50% of Hubs to subdomains and panda 2.4 was released.  I think to draw practical conclusions we will need for these changes to settle down.
    
    Mark's suggestion is pretty close to some of the things we do internally. We will let you know if practical advice emerges once things settle down on the down and up side of traffic.

    replyreport
    1. 74

       Richieb799posted 13 years agoin reply to this

       Thanks Paul. My traffic has doubled, I've been seeing slight fluctuations but nothing major. Earnings are almost back to pre-Panda and I'm trying to keep backlinking when I have the time

       replyreport
    2. 60

       Mark Ewbieposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       Thanks Paul, and apologies for stating the bleedin' obvious.
       
       One of the key things (for me) is if there is a pattern to traffic dropping hubbers any possible reasons could be shared to all.  So that those whose traffic is OK don't suddenly rock the boat by doing the 'wrong sort' of writing.

       replyreport
14. 65

    psycheskinnerposted 13 years ago

    I think we all expect individuals to differ.  But do you at least suspect something other than individual variation is at work here? Because I sure do.  I know you guys are busy but an almost total lost of traffic is extremely demotivating, especially when there is no obvious explanation/solution.

    replyreport
    1. 52

       janderson99posted 13 years agoin reply to this

       From my experience with other websites the cause of current volatility are:
       1. Large changes in the linking structure of the site associated with the switch to subdomains
       2. It takes weeks or months for a page rank (not the PR on the Google toolbar, but the real one) to settle down - this includes the 'honeymoon' and 'sandbox'. All pages in the new subdomain have been re-indexed retaining their links, but they will probably be re-ranked by Google. The change to the subdomains and linking structure (1) is probably delaying and confusing the re-ranking process.
       3. The trigger for Google to re-rank a page is a click on a link to it. There is a catch22 here. If your page has a low rank no one will find it, no one will click on it and Google won't be triggered to re-rank it. The honeymoon is Google's way of giving new sites a boosts at the start so they get a chance of getting a click and so being re-ranked. The sandbox is a preliminary penalty applied to pages based on Google's preliminary assessment that the site has low value or is spam. It may take many clicks on links to your pages for Google to upgrade its assessment of the quality of the site.
       4. Links are good but what really matters for ranking of pages is 'clicks on links'. I suspect that pages that have external backlinks have fared better and have been re-ranked more quickly than pages that only have links within Hubpages. [my traffic has been unaffected (80% Google) - I have external backlinks on most of my pages - this doesn't prove anything, but others may want to comment]. Pinging is a poor substitute for a real click on a link. If you can, put a link to an external page where a real user will actually click on it!
       
       Conclusion: Paul has said that only 50% of pages (?) have been transferred to subdomains - despite the numbers, I suspect that the changes in traffic are due to re-ranking of pages that were re-indexed 2 to 3 weeks ago, and the way the subdomain transfers has affected the linking structure (Google is confused by this). Paul also said that the rest of Hubpages would be transferred 'next week', so expect troubled seas for  a while. I think we are all in for a wild ride for the rest of August, including the 2.4 Panda update (note Google has admitted Panda update for foreign languages). My attitude is to hang in there until September when things will begin to settle down. Not sure what Hubpages can do to change what is happening. To blame the individual authors is premature as we are not yet 'set free' fully from the 'mother ship'. Google is to blame triggered by the subdomain shift for which Hubpages is to blame, BUT this was designed to improve the traffic of better quality authors, but its not been completed yet and the page rankings have not settled down.
       Blame PANDA.
       GIVE IT TIME - wait until its fully implemented and Google has got over its thrashing about and creation of turmoil ( Panda and Google ranking process does not follow the mantra - 'do no evil' -you're guilty until proven innocent and good). I suspect that even the authors with subdomains are still being affected by the changes on the 'mothership'.
       
       Hang in There - WAIT till September - May the Force be with You.
       
       Late Final Extra
       A cause for Volatility => Related Hubs - links
       The ranks of the related hubs may be changing and this may be affecting page rank - some of these are subdomains and some are not. This may be a major cause or what's happening as the link ranks affect page ranks.

       replyreport
       1. 88

          Marisa Wrightposted 13 years agoin reply to this

          This is a great explanation of why the "honeymoon" exists, and why you need to have a few good backlinks out there for every Hub - and by that I mean backlinks that people will click on, not some valueless backlink on an obscure directory or bookmarking site.
          
          I don't do serious backlinking but I'm always on the lookout for opportunities on forums or blogs to post a link, so over three years most of my Hubs have collected a handful of decent ones I think.  And my traffic is still steady.

          replyreport
          1. 86

             mistyhorizon2003posted 13 years agoin reply to this

             I have not ever made any efforts to backlink my Hubpages, but my traffic has not tanked at all, and is still up, so something else has to be the explanation!

             replyreport
       2. 88

          Marisa Wrightposted 13 years agoin reply to this

          I saw a comment on another forum, pointing out that Hub authors will never be set free fully from the mother ship. Unlike blogger and wordpress, our sub-domains are not isolated silos - we're still highly interlinked to each other via features like categories, tags and related Hubs. 
          
          Paul Edmonson sees that as a good thing, and I'd always assumed he was right about that.  However, it could also be a bad thing:  the sub-domains are meant to quarantine us from the poor quality stuff on HubPages, but they don't, because we're still connected to them through the interlinking.
          
          What do you think?  I notice you say (below) that the ranks of linked Hubs affects our page rank.
          
          

          replyreport
          1. 52

             janderson99posted 13 years agoin reply to this

             Sorry, I don't know how the inter-linking will affect us in our yellow subdomains after all hubs have been transferred. The effect of the 'bad stuff' should be greatly reduced - Time will tell. The Mothership will be a lonely place and its ranking may be affected and this could effect us all. I am concerned about how the 'related hubs' affect page rankings - both ways. We have no control over this in our yellow subdomains.

             replyreport
       3. 62

          bgamallposted 13 years agoin reply to this

          If screwgle is confused and is destroying the place of original content maybe they and Matt Cutts should get out of the search business. They are FAILURES. And they are THIEVES.

          replyreport
          1. 0

             Will Apseposted 13 years agoin reply to this

             You need a big field to run around in and let off steam.
             
             Or maybe a street corner to harangue whoever comes in earshot.
             
             Everyone else probably needs to adjust to the emerging reality.

             replyreport
             1. 0

                Will Apseposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                ps. Just to say Hubpages as a whole is doing OK.
                
                Hubpages according to Alexa
                
                Yesterday     +4%
                   
                7 day    0.41500     +8%   
                1 month    0.37000     +15.2%   
                3 month    0.35460     -29.8%   
                
                
                http://www.alexa.com/siteinfo/hubpages.com
                
                This doesn't mean I am feeling secure.

                replyreport
15. 60

    thejeffriestubeposted 13 years ago

    Thanks Paul, as always, appreciate the commitment by the team in analyzing the rapidly-changing waters.

    replyreport
16. 65

    psycheskinnerposted 13 years ago

    Thank you Janderon99, that makes a lot of sense to me. My site could have just had its honeymoon come to a sudden end. I just like to have at least some vague idea of which riptide I am stuck in, even if I can't do much to change where it takes me.

    replyreport
    1. 75

       IzzyMposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       Paul has just said it is Panda 2.4. You and me both gal are in the same boat, like it or not. I don't know what to do. Just need to wait on HP's advice seeing as they are going to take a deep look at things.

       replyreport
       1. 65

          psycheskinnerposted 13 years agoin reply to this

          I expect I will start putting my new content on my blogs, write a few ebooks, and just keep a weather eye on Hubpages--hoping for a return to form.

          replyreport
          1. 75

             IzzyMposted 13 years agoin reply to this

             I was scrubbing the grill pan which is always a productive way to work off frustrations, when a possible solution suddenly hit.
             
             I've posted oft times before that my Adsense earnings hadn't returned when others saw an increase.
             Since the subdomains came in, I have seen an average of 1 Adsense click every 287 views (haven't worked this out in detail or anything!) instead of the acceptable figure of 2 per 100 views.
             
             I turned Hubads off for only 4 days during this time but did not see any kind of return to what I would term 'normal earnings'.
             
             The time frame here is from when I saw an increase in Google traffic until the 10th of August which is when they collapsed.
             
             I was told ages ago you can be 'sandboxed' by Google if you have a lot of views with relatively few clicks.
             
             Which is what I seem to have.
             
             To test this theory, would anyone who has lost their traffic care to share?
             
             The likes of Ritchie has obviously been getting clicks and an upturn in earnings to match the increased traffic.
             
             So my theory is that those who saw an increase in both traffic and clicks should be OK.

             replyreport
             1. 52

                janderson99posted 13 years agoin reply to this

                I have noticed that it takes a while for the Adsense ads to be specifically targeted for your content. Initially anything is just served up. Over time the ads become more targeted. This can only occur if you page is opened. This may explain why the click rate starts off low and then increases as better targeted ads are posted. Page Ranking may also affect the ads that are displayed.

                replyreport
                1. 75

                   IzzyMposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                   My ads are targeted, and my PR on the affected hubs is 2 or 3. My Hubpages click rates have dropped through the floor despite everything.

                   replyreport
                   1. 52

                      janderson99posted 13 years agoin reply to this

                      I have noticed similar variability - seems to be linked to the day of the week??? Applies to other websites - not just HP

                      replyreport
17. 65

    psycheskinnerposted 13 years ago

    I have turned Hubads off just to see if that does anything.

    replyreport
    1. 75

       IzzyMposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       I think I'm going to join you
       
       But if we have been sandboxed, we still won't get our rankings back until Google decides to lift it.

       replyreport
18. 60

    Randy Godwinposted 13 years ago

    Never tried the HP ads.  I've tried to write good content and not game the system by back linking all over creation.  I really depended on others linking to my hubs and they did so.  So it's hard to understand why I (we) are being punished by Google.
    
    I see no way to protect myself from this type of thing happening on a regular basis.  How long after a hub is deleted before it may be published elsewhere and not be considered duplicate? 

    replyreport
    1. 75

       IzzyMposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       A few days. Keep putting a section of the hub into a Google search and when no results come up, you are free to republish.

       replyreport
       1. 60

          Randy Godwinposted 13 years agoin reply to this

          Thanks for the info, Izzy.  I can't afford to wait around much as this is my peak earning time of the year.  I may give it a couple of more days to turn around, though with the way things are going now, it may not make any difference. 

          replyreport
          1. 75

             IzzyMposted 13 years agoin reply to this

             You never really said Randy, what was your Google click through rate recently? Was yours as bad in 1:300?

             replyreport
             1. 60

                Randy Godwinposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                I don't know Izzy.  I haven't been keeping up with it.  Things were good.  Now they're not.  I'm not getting but a few more views now as I was on 1 hub before this clusterf**k.  I don't want to check my stats now.  Too depressing. 

                replyreport
                1. 75

                   IzzyMposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                   I should go to bed. We are heading into the weekend when my stats are normally at their lowest and I have now lost 20% more traffic than I had yesterday.
                   (it was down another 10% earlier)
                   
                   Funnily enough I am not as upset as I was when Panda hit, even though this is worse and my stats are even lower. Maybe I took on board some of the warnings from more experienced hubbers after all.
                   
                   Or maybe I am just numb to it all, and the vodka worked

                   replyreport
                   1. 75

                      Eaglekiwiposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                      Good girl lol..G'nite

                      replyreport
                      1. 75

                         IzzyMposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                         Might as well wait another 10 minutes or so, for the stats from AmazonUK.
                         
                         Not that I expect anything with my traffic the way it is.

                         replyreport
                   2. 60

                      Randy Godwinposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                      That could be it, Izzy.  Not the vodka (a good screwdriver or six might help me feel a little better too) but experiencing a traffic drop after the initial Panda poke.  I didn't experience a big drop and my earnings continued to rise through all of the phases.  But I will learn a valuable lesson now, I bet.

                      replyreport
    2. 86

       mistyhorizon2003posted 13 years agoin reply to this

       Hi Randy, use the Google URL removal tool and you can unpublish an article, select it to be de-indexed, and then within 24 hrs it is unpublished and you can republish it elsewhere.
       
       www.google.com/webmasters/tools/removals

       replyreport
       1. 60

          Randy Godwinposted 13 years agoin reply to this

          Thanks a lot, Misty.  At least I get to delete my articles at will on this site.  I would never write on any site I couldn't do this.  I learned my lesson at Helium and AC/Yahoo.
          
          I'm going to give Paul and staff a chance to see what they can come up with before moving anything yet.  Perhaps I may try something else for a while.  I only decided to try my hand at writing to see if I could do it.  Apparently, I can't write to Google's satisfaction which seems to be the most important facet of this business.

          replyreport
          1. 76

             Aficionadaposted 13 years agoin reply to this

             I hope you stay here and write more.  But you've definitely proven that you can write and even beyond Google's satisfaction.  Google just likes to slap around good writers from time to time.  Who knows why?  I'm not even sure Google knows.  I guess just to mix things up a little.  Time to show Google what a cottonmouth is for.

             replyreport
             1. 60

                Randy Godwinposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                Thanks for the vote of confidence, AF!  I enjoy writing but it's getting to be more frustrating than it's worth.  It isn't the money but the challenge. 
                
                I've always been self-employed which makes me not accustomed to working with people I couldn't deal with face to face.  If some business I had dealings with suddenly sabotaged my hard work, I would pay them a friendly visit. 
                
                I have no option to do this with Google.  I have absolutely no idea who to snatch out from behind the desk in this present scenario.  More's the pity.

                replyreport
                1. 63

                   Lisa HWposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                   I don't really think you should assume this "it" just because your traffic is down right now.  (Did you switch to subdomain on the late side?)  Still, I know what you mean about the uncertainty of it all.  My traffic had been up after subdomains.  Last week I had a dramatic dip for a few days.  Then I had a dramatic increase for another few days.  Since last night (I think) I'm seeing a slow (but apparently steady) decline.
                   
                   I stopped caring when Panda hit, and I stopped caring about what Google or anybody else likes or doesn't like.  Four four/five months now, I'm just "doing whatever".     I like this site (at least for now) and figure I'll leave what's here up, and maybe do some more "write-whatever-ing" if I feel like it; but my primary "extra-time" efforts have shifted.
                   
                   When the traffic and "Google days" are up it's almost no better when they're not; because I'm just thinking about how it's only a matter of time before they're down again.    I had a few weeks of substantially higher traffic, but the last week (and the three-day "highs stretch") has shown me things are in way too much havoc right now.
                   
                   Anyway, I don't think you should be too quick to assume your traffic's going to remain at a low (or that Google doesn't "like" your writing). 

                   replyreport
                   1. 60

                      Randy Godwinposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                      Thanks Lisa, but I'm not giving up on HP yet. 
                      
                      But this is my peak earning period and everyday with my stats getting lower each day is not conducive to any hope of a quick return to "normal", whatever that means here. 
                      
                      None of the previous Panda changes affected me much nor did my traffic ever increase like some say happened to them after the sub-domain switch. I switched the day it was announced by Paul.
                      
                      
                      I realize I don't have near the hubs others have here, only 99 at this point, but some of them include hours and hours of research and answering questions from readers.  Who, by the way, often tell me my articles are the best on the internet for their particular needs. (payment for my work, in a way)
                      
                      But now I'm receiving roughly the same amount of views for all my hubs I received for 1 hub a few days ago.  And this happened almost overnight.  Google can pull this stuff any time they please with no regard for those who provide the very thing they claim to want.  I have no faith in them at this period in time.
                      
                      I have stuck by my bargain with them. 

                      replyreport
             2. 63

                Lisa HWposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                Aficionada,     (Ah...  the "for the heck of it" slapping around of writers.      It's no wonder we're all losing our minds with it all, and can't make any sense of any of it..    )

                replyreport
          2. 86

             mistyhorizon2003posted 13 years agoin reply to this

             Fair enough Randy, but there are also plenty of sites where you can delete or move your articles whenever you want to if you change your mind, e.g. Xobba.com, Wizzley.com, Exceprtz.com, ThisisFreelance.com etc etc

             replyreport
19. 75

    Eaglekiwiposted 13 years ago

    Ohh just when I was enjoying my $2 worth on Hubpages ads,I see an alert for one of my hubs... cept cant see how or what needs modifying. Wish team hubsters would answer my email. Not good to worry a menopausal women
    
    Its off to detention for the Kiwi..

    replyreport
20. 60

    thejeffriestubeposted 13 years ago

    Mmm, I vote for the Vodka. The medicine to cure all.....

    replyreport
    1. 75

       IzzyMposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       Yes but need to be very careful with vodka. Just enough, and you're happy and will sleep well. One too many and you can't type!!

       replyreport
       1. 75

          Eaglekiwiposted 13 years agoin reply to this

          i no zakly wot i dOIng

          replyreport
          1. 75

             IzzyMposted 13 years agoin reply to this

             LMAO !!

             replyreport
21. 75

    IzzyMposted 13 years ago

    Oh well that wasn't worth waiting for, AND my traffic views in the last hour were 17 which considering just a couple of days ago would have been well over 100, is not worth using up the bandwidth to refresh a page to see.
    Night all!

    replyreport
    1. 60

       Randy Godwinposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       Gnite Izzy!  Now, where's that damn orange juice?

       replyreport
       1. 53

          kmackey32posted 13 years agoin reply to this

          Oh Randy you are always a trip....

          replyreport
          1. 60

             Randy Godwinposted 13 years agoin reply to this

             Some think I may be a few tokens away from a "round trip", KM!

             replyreport
22. 60

    thejeffriestubeposted 13 years ago

    On the web, where sites are born,
    lived some writers, who Hubbed happily,
    
    Then the Google, it slapped away,
    and the Hubbers saw no green...
    
    (Note to self, put down the bottle)

    replyreport
23. 70

    Ms Chievousposted 13 years ago

    After some thought I am considering starting another profile here and moving some of my hubs there.  Particularly the Amazon hubs.  Perhaps my screen name does not bode well with Google or consumers.  Maybe using a real person profile pic  and another screen name might save my Christmas...

    replyreport
    1. 53

       kmackey32posted 13 years agoin reply to this

       Sound good but it takes awhile to start making money with a new screen name remember....

       replyreport
24. 76

    Aficionadaposted 13 years ago

    On Google-Plus I saw a comment that whatever it is that has happened has affected other affiliate marketers and not user-generated content only.  But I don't have any way to check that just yet.

    replyreport
25. 74

    Richieb799posted 13 years ago

    Are people still suffering traffic losses? I am still seeing big traffic increases, some minor fluctuations between my top hubs. I have been backlinking a lot of them which I'm sure is helping, perhaps others should do this if they are seeing drops.
    I havent been able to do much today because I had a SEO interview a few miles from my home earlier.

    replyreport
    1. 42

       Mikeydoesposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       How many Amazon capsules you got? Because that very well may be the problem.

       replyreport
       1. 74

          Richieb799posted 13 years agoin reply to this

          I didn't say I had a problem, my traffic is fine. Did you even read my comment?

          replyreport
          1. 42

             Mikeydoesposted 13 years agoin reply to this

             I have had a problem with my traffic.. Twice(this is the second time it bottomed out). I use plenty of Amazon Ads, and I noticed Randy does as well. I then looked at about 4-5 of your hubs with not 1 Amazon Capsule in it. After reading that other people with affiliates are having problems, I'm drawing the conclusion that Amazon could possibly play a role.
             
             Did I say you had a problem or that your traffic was down? I swear I asked you have many capsules you had. Did you even read MY comment?

             replyreport
             1. 68

                Karen Nposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                I'm wondering the same thing myself. To me it looks like Panda is just Google's way of getting rid of competition (affiliates).

                replyreport
    2. 53

       kmackey32posted 13 years agoin reply to this

       Where shall I backlink to?

       replyreport
       1. 53

          kmackey32posted 13 years agoin reply to this

          im not dropn but I would love to see more traffic...

          replyreport
26. 58

    TheFontposted 13 years ago

    I have three accounts on here as a consequence of some early experiments. I only actually use this one, but I have a couple of hubs on the other one and one or none on the third.
    
    Yesterday I got emails saying that the time had passed for me to choose my own domain on my near dormant accounts so they would be automatically switched over.
    
    Also yesterday this account (which I had changed myself a couple of weeks ago) had its views halve. I don't get a lot of traffic, but even the very small amounts I earn in a month matter to me so I keep track.
    
    I can't believe that every account moving to its own subdomain and my other account tanking are unrelated so does that mean traffic will go back up again once the dust on the new subdomains settles?
    
    Last year I used to have many more views.

    replyreport
27. 96

    CMHypnoposted 13 years ago

    I have just read the strangest email from the HP team.
    
    I emailed them to ask about my traffic loss, and they replied that it was normal because they had just switched my sub domain.
    
    I switched my sub domain as soon as it was announced and went through the reindexing/traffic loss pain weeks ago
    
    Has there been a massive c***k up where some of us have had our subdomains switched again by mistake?  If so what about all our backlinks and stuff? It looks like all my hubs are indexed on Google, but there is no change of subdomain name on my profile, so can I tell if they are new or old?

    replyreport
    1. 84

       WriteAngledposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       Auto-reply perhaps? Robot sees message has words that can be interpreted as talking about falling traffic and bangs off a canned response.

       replyreport
       1. 96

          CMHypnoposted 13 years agoin reply to this

          Perhaps, but when they have hubbers who are seriously worried about their loss of traffic (mine is showing no signs of improving), they are not winning any brownie points with me by not even investigating my query properly.

          replyreport
    2. 59

       BobbiRantposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       I noticed no change of subdomain on mine too. I find it odd.  In order to have a lot of traffic, like on blogger,you have to beat ONE topic to death over and over. Some call it a niche, I call it BORING!

       replyreport
       1. 96

          CMHypnoposted 13 years agoin reply to this

          I did the sub domain switch weeks ago, that is why I am confused by receiving an email saying that my traffic has dropped because they have just switched my sub domain?
          
          What I want to know is whether they have switched it again by mistake?

          replyreport
          1. 75

             IzzyMposted 13 years agoin reply to this

             Hey stop clutching at straws you!!
             
             Way to check if you think you have been re-switched (which I don't think is possible anyway) is to do a site search to see your indexed hubs.
             
             Bet they are all there.
             
             It's been an auto-bot email which would have been better not sent at all, as their reply is just confusing for regular forum posters who are well aware of what is going on.
             
             My traffic is still dropping, but it could be the weekend effect kicking in now, so it's best not to look.

             replyreport
             1. 96

                CMHypnoposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                Thanks Izzy, I have definitely gone into major straw clutching mode - it's been one of those weeks where everything seems to have gone pear-shaped at the same time unfortunately.
                
                I even started to think that it might be because my user name is CMHypno, but my hubs are not on that subject.
                
                The weekend is also a traffic factor - I should go and meditate and forget about it until Monday, or concentrate solely on my book and blogs for a few days.

                replyreport
28. 0

    shazwellynposted 13 years ago

    The system's gone loopy now we have reached the Panda 2.4. My traffic has dropped by 75%, yet my authorscore is 100 (not complaining, but maybe many of my articles have been sandboxed, and therefore, no longer applicable?).  I have only ever been 100 during the 60dc challenge and that was a year ago!!!
    
    What to think... any suggestions?

    replyreport
    1. 75

       IzzyMposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       Authorscore has always been a mystery to me, so can't help.
       
       If we have been sandboxed, how long do you think before it is lifted?

       replyreport
       1. 73

          Uzdawiposted 13 years agoin reply to this

          Anywhere from a few months to forever.
          
          My authorscore has decreased along with my traffic.

          replyreport
          1. 75

             IzzyMposted 13 years agoin reply to this

             I thought if we were sandboxed though, all our hubs would disappear from the rankings?
             
             I still have a couple left on page 1 of Google, except now they are at the bottom instead of the top.

             replyreport
             1. 0

                shazwellynposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                Do you have a comprehensive website that lists all your hubs and their rankings rather than individually putting in keywords to see what comes up?  If so, would you be kind enough to post a link?

                replyreport
                1. 75

                   IzzyMposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                   Nope, I use a mix of Google.com encrypted search (which I think is the local version of Google.com - at least I get a site in English now, used to be if I typed Google.com into search, I got Google.es whether I wanted it or not!), Scroogle to give me more accurate Google US results, and Market Samurai to check my rankings.
                   
                   I've only looked at my top performers.
                   
                   The others that showed a revival after the subdomain switch are back at zero views so they are gone!!
                   
                   I now have LESS total views than I was getting on just one hub before this collapse. This is way worse than Panda. This takes me back a year when I had a fraction of the hubs I have now.

                   replyreport
                   1. 0

                      shazwellynposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                      This could be a great idea for dear old Edweirdo!  How useful would that be, eh?

                      replyreport
                      1. 75

                         IzzyMposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                         Actually that's a GREAT idea! Just think of the amount of people in the whole world who write online who would be interested in buying that software? He'd make a fortune!

                         replyreport
                         1. 0

                            shazwellynposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                            He could integrate it with his copy write software.  Where is my dear friend Edweirdo when you need him?!!!

                            replyreport
29. 74

    Richieb799posted 13 years ago

    Richieb799 wrote:
    
        Are people still suffering traffic losses? I am still seeing big traffic increases, some minor fluctuations between my top hubs. I have been backlinking a lot of them which I'm sure is helping, perhaps others should do this if they are seeing drops.
        I haven't been able to do much today because I had a SEO interview a few miles from my home earlier.
    
    
    
    How many Amazon capsules you got? Because that very well may be the problem.
    
    You put this is in response to my comment?

    replyreport
    1. 42

       Mikeydoesposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       I was just saying Amazon Capsules might be a key reason. I've noticed you had none in about 4-5 hubs I checked. I was just asking about how many you have. And if you even use them.

       replyreport
30. 62

    SunSevenposted 13 years ago

    Why depend on google traffic?
    
    As per Alexa, I am in one of the top 20 (sub)domains with more traffic on HP with 0.15% or so. Although I believe that Alexa is far off with their stats (As per that stats, melbel (around 0.40%) should be getting around 60,000 page views or visits per day - which I do not think is true, going by my stats at HP.
    
    I am not worried about drop in traffic from google, as I get much more visits from yahoo, bing and conduit. My earnings are stable at the moment with HP ads, Adsense, ebay and Amazon combined, almost level with December revenue.
    
    I think we all are having different results with the SD switch.

    replyreport
31. 68

    Charles Jamesposted 13 years ago

    The subdomain switch has certainly worked for me. Since the switch my earnings have gone up to over $1.00 a month, an improvement on what they were.
    The graphs show a sharp drop and then a rise again. I am not back at pre Panda viewings but my income is higher.
    ???

    replyreport
32. 0

    EmpressFelicityposted 13 years ago

    A couple of pages back, I said I was doing OK.
    
    But that's on my main Empress Felicity account. I've just had a look at my other account, which has 72 Amazon-oriented hubs on it.
    
    Yesterday I had nine views across all 72 hubs. Nine. Normally I get around 60-70 views a day on my #2 account, but the slump happened on Wednesday - views were down to 6! (Before Panda I, that account used to get about 130 views a day and would probably be on well over 200/day by now. Ah well.)
    
    If things don't improve on my #2 account over the next month, I will be deleting all those hubs and moving them elsewhere.

    replyreport
    1. 73

       Uzdawiposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       I am planning on waiting few weeks until removing all my hubs here on this account.

       replyreport
    2. 62

       SunSevenposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       Dont do that.

       replyreport
33. 67

    Cheeky Girlposted 13 years ago

    The change over to sub-domains saw my hub views dip for a day or two then shoot up. Still climbing. Why all the fear-mongering? Hub Pages Page Rank is back to pre-panda and this proves that the Bosses and management at Hub Pages know what they are doing!
    
    Nothing to worry about!

    replyreport
    1. 65

       psycheskinnerposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       So I shouldn't worry because you are doing fine? Does that mean I can have your earnings?  Because my earnings are 1/10th of what they were last week. That isn't "mongering" anything

       replyreport
       1. 93

          wordscribe43posted 13 years agoin reply to this

          +1 for psycheskinner.  This isn't "mongering", Cheeky Girl.  These are people's livelihoods on the line here.  It's not just a small, subtle change, either.  It's a HUGE crash and burn overnight.  Just because your stats are okay doesn't make it okay for those of us being devastated.  We're losing a lot of money here.

          replyreport
    2. 96

       CMHypnoposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       Because most of us who are stressed went through the sub domain switch weeks ago, took that traffic dip on the chin, watched our traffic go back up and even improve, and then for no apparent reason it fell off the cliff on Thurs/Fri, to the point that mine is now at an all time low - Tues I had 520 views, today 96
       
       I am very happy that your hubs are thriving, but some of us do have legitimate concerns here and are purely asking for some answers, which is our right to do

       replyreport
       1. 60

          Randy Godwinposted 13 years agoin reply to this

          I understand your distress if this the second, and apparently even worse, sudden plummet you've experienced.  This is a first for me here on HP.  I feel your pain, confusion, and frustration at the lack of communication from staff. 
          
          
          But I am sure HP is not pleased with this event either.  When we lose traffic and earnings, so do they.  But HP never has been real communicative with its writers in these types of situations, so there's not a lot of hope for this being handled differently.

          replyreport
       2. 0

          EmpressFelicityposted 13 years agoin reply to this

          Eeek!
          
          Looking at your hubs, you seem to have a similar "mix" to the ones in my Empress Felicity account - there are several broad subject categories, with a mixture of sales and non-sales hubs. So it makes no sense at all that your account should have been hit hard, while my Empress Felicity account has actually improved its traffic. Weird.

          replyreport
          1. 96

             CMHypnoposted 13 years agoin reply to this

             I think that I'm going to start running down the street screaming  'I don't understand!!!!!!!'  Lol!

             replyreport
34. 76

    Aficionadaposted 13 years ago

    Mikey, Richie,
    
    Glad you boys got it sorted.  Did one or both of you figure out that Mikeydoes omitted an important phrase that would have prevented the whole misunderstanding?  In MD's reply to Richie, it would have been clearer if it had been worded like this:
    
    "How many Amazon capsules you got? Because that very well may be the problem that other people are experiencing."
    
    It really is a good observation, MD, and may answer a lot of questions.
    
    But I think Google should have given everyone some kind of warning first.  Like Izzy has said, this is people's livelihood that we're talking about here.

    replyreport
    1. 42

       Mikeydoesposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       I have no problem with him either way, I'm just looking for answers!

       replyreport
    2. 74

       Richieb799posted 13 years agoin reply to this

       Yes it was worded as though it was intended for me but I was stating that I haven't had a drop in traffic. Also it was quoting my comment, I suppose I did come across defensive but I didn't want people to think this is a site wide problem. I'm glad the misunderstanding is settled.

       replyreport
35. 0

    EmpressFelicityposted 13 years ago

    Is there anyone out there with their own Amazon-oriented stand-alone website? If so, how is your traffic affected?

    replyreport
    1. 68

       brandonhart100posted 13 years agoin reply to this

       they are fine

       replyreport
    2. 93

       wordscribe43posted 13 years agoin reply to this

       I have two of them and they're doing just fine!!!  I have a feeling it's not about Amazon.

       replyreport
36. 60

    Randy Godwinposted 13 years ago

    Here's hoping Paul E. will pop in again to give us an update on what possibly happened to some of us.  It would be interesting to know what percentage of active hubbers are affected in this unpleasant, and seemingly, random manner.
    
    
    Even a "danged if we know" would give a sense of what direction some of us may begin to veer towards. 

    replyreport
37. 70

    Ms Chievousposted 13 years ago

    Today's update...230 views..360 hubs. Bright side?  I did manage an adsense click, a few cents on hp and over a buck on Amazon...

    replyreport
38. 68

    brandonhart100posted 13 years ago

    Had a thought today after the initial shock... essentially our profile pages are now our home page. If I was treating this as my own site I would definitely have share options at the top... and even some excerpted articles (maybe my last 10)...
    
    One suggestion I would have for the HP staff is to add social share options to our profile pages and excerpted articles... or at least give us the option to have that
    
    Another thought I had on falling traffic...
    
    Often times when you have a new webpage you get a boost of traffic (even without a lot of backlinks) - this seems to be Google's way of seeing how you do for a while.  I can't help but to think that since our subdomains are essentially new sites in a way that they might be affected by this as well... so those of us who slowed down our writing since the first panda release and our promotional strategies as well might just be the most affected once Google's "freshness factor" wears off. (Yes, I know there was a 301 redirect but Google said that "most" of the link juice would pass through)
    
    Again there is no hard data behind any of this and it indeed could be something "sitewide" but for now I'm coming up with my own solution based on my subdomain based on my thoughts... which would be to promote my subdomain write a new hub once in a while and promote my other hubs again.

    replyreport
    1. 0

       EmpressFelicityposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       Hmm, I dunno. I've written one lonely hub on this account since Panda first struck, and have even moved a few hubs elsewhere. And I've done no promotion at all.

       replyreport
39. 83

    Pcunixposted 13 years ago

    Well, I've reached my decision.
    
    I'm removing those posts for which I have an appropriate home elsewhere. I never should have put them here to start with, but I'm not going to cry over spilt milk.
    
    The rest of the odd bits and pieces I will just leave here for now, for better or worse.  Some of it I may just throw on Google+ eventually.. and the rest can rot or thrive as they will.

    replyreport
40. STAFF

    Paul Edmondsonposted 13 years ago

    @Randy Godwin it's a relatively small number of folks that have seen a drop.  Out of the top 20 authors, one has decreased as opposed to when Panda initially hit and almost everyone was impacted.
    
    We are at about 75 percent of Hubs moved to subdomains, so this process needs to complete and the pages need to get reindexed.  In periods of flux with a new release of Panda and our own major changes we need things to settle down to give guidance. I know for people that experience a drop and are looking for answers that this is frustrating. I've been investigating your account as an example and should have a few things for you to look at this weekend.

    replyreport
    1. 96

       CMHypnoposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       But I don't understand why I got an email saying my drop in traffic was down to have just switched sub domain, when I switched weeks ago and already went through that pain!

       replyreport
    2. 60

       Randy Godwinposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       I appreciate your response, Paul.  I realize you guys are really busy with everything else going on there. To learn my particular case is not typical makes me feel better for the others suffering a similar fate and perhaps their accounts may regain their former traffic.
       
       I do not believe I have violated any of HP's or Googles rules, especially to an extent of being punished by banishing my hubs from the search engines.
       
       Looking forward to hearing from you later this weekend as I can't imagine anything I can do to make my articles more acceptable to Google than they already are.
       
       Again, thanks for the response.  It helps a lot to know you are looking at this problem.
       
       Randy-

       replyreport
       1. 96

          CMHypnoposted 13 years agoin reply to this

          Hey, Randy if Paul gives you any pointers that you might think will be of general use, please will you share?  Would be very grateful!

          replyreport
41. STAFF

    Paul Edmondsonposted 13 years ago

    I'm working on a hub that uses Randy as an example of some things he can try.  Hopefully it will be useful to some of you as well.

    replyreport
    1. 96

       CMHypnoposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       Thanks Paul, I realise this may be only affecting a small percentage of us and that the HP staff are incredibly busy, but this has been a very difficult few months for many writers, so this latest blow has been a real shock. To be honest, for the very first time I feel like shutting up shop and taking all my hubs down.
       
       So any help or advice that you can give will be greatly appreciated.

       replyreport
    2. 60

       Randy Godwinposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       Great Paul.  I'm used to being made an example of, just not in this manner! 
       
       @CMHypno and other fellow plungers (sic)-I will be glad to share anything new I may discover from Paul's suggestions.  I sincerely hope this doesn't happen site wide for the sake of those who have yet to experience this freefall.
       
       I too am seriously thinking of packing it in this time.  There is nothing which gives me reassurance this won't happen again, even if this problem is doubtfully rectified.

       replyreport
       1. 67

          Mutiny92posted 13 years agoin reply to this

          It hurts. This was far more drastic than panda round 1. I hope it is an easy fix as it appears google doesn't like amazon hubs now.

          replyreport
          1. 60

             Randy Godwinposted 13 years agoin reply to this

             Not sure that's the problem, Mutiny.  Strangely enough, I made a nice sale yesterday with my traffic at an all-time low. 
             
             
             This is madness!

             replyreport
          2. 75

             IzzyMposted 13 years agoin reply to this

             I don't think it has anything to do with Amazon. I've seen a fall across the board and I have a fair mix of both sales and informational hubs - probably more of the latter.

             replyreport
             1. 67

                Mutiny92posted 13 years agoin reply to this

                Kills my theory then. Any other ideas?

                replyreport
                1. 60

                   Randy Godwinposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                   Yes, torch me!

                   replyreport
                2. 70

                   Eleanor's Wordsposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                   I was thinking I might have been affected because nearly all my hubs are Amazon based, but I just don't know as other people say otherwise. But it is very apparent that a lot of excellent writers with good hubs have been affected, when the whole point of subdomains was to do the opposite. I would be interested to know how many hubbers have experienced this traffic decline - just a few or a large amount? I only hope there is some way out of it.

                   replyreport
                   1. 60

                      Randy Godwinposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                      Paul E said in an earlier post we "plungers" are a small percentage of Hubbers.  But he also said only about 30% of Hubbers have been transferred to the sub-domain group, if I'm not mistaken. 

                      replyreport
                3. 63

                   Lisa HWposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                   No ideas, but mine have been dropping for about a day and a half/maybe two - at this point it's down about 500 views.  I have a mix of Hubs and Amazon really isn't a factor with mine (I usually just post books, and nobody buys them).   I'm pretty close to joining the "Google must hate my stuff" crowd. 

                   replyreport
                   1. 63

                      Lisa HWposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                      Oops.  After a two-day "scare" (and my considering joining the "Google hates my stuff club", it looks like traffic's substantially increased substantially again.    I know everyone's having different experiences, but I thought it may worth trying to offer a little encouragement to at least some on this thread.    (Of course tonight, tomorrow, and week from Friday...  who knows.  )

                      replyreport
42. 76

    Aficionadaposted 13 years ago

    I believe everyone here deeply appreciates your response and seeing the evidence that you are checking into it, Paul.  Most of us do know that you are investigating even when you can't respond here in the forums, but it is very reassuring to have some concrete signs.

    replyreport
    1. 69

       lrohnerposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       I believe you shouldn't speak for everyone. I, for one, am not convinced, moved or impressed by a statistic that includes 0.0092% of published hubbers, nor would I call it a "concrete sign" of anything. Even if those "top 20" hubbers had 2000 hubs each, that's still less than 4% of published hubs. I mean, really...come on!
       
       I've said this before and I'll say it again -- maybe this will work and maybe it won't. But seriously -- it's going to take quite a bit of time to determine whether this is a fix or not. Spouting questionable statistics isn't the answer.

       replyreport
       1. 76

          Aficionadaposted 13 years agoin reply to this

          
          You didn't appreciate Paul's taking the time to comment on what he's doing to investigate the problem?  Hey, I can do a rewrite of my words of thanks, and I'm happy to:
          
          Dear Paul,
          
          I'm sorry that I spoke hastily in my previous reply.  My level of belief that "everyone here" appreciated that you took time to comment was based on the previous level of irritation and anger that arose from a scarcity of HP staffers' comments in the weeks after the first Pandas. 
          
          It seemed to me to be a logical conclusion that people who have been upset in the past, not only with the problems but also with what seemed like a failure of communication from the HP staff, would be glad to hear directly from the CEO about what steps are or are not being taken to investigate and address the problem.  Since failure to communicate has been a hot issue in the past, I for one have been very happy to see the concrete sign of staff members' communication with Hubbers here in the forums.
          
          Clearly it was hyperbole for me to say "everyone here" appreciated the fact that you took time to communicate in the forum, and for that I owe lrohner and some others an apology.  I would apologize to you too, Paul, for misleading you with my statement of appreciation for your presence in the forum - but, to be honest, I think you are smart enough to understand what I wrote and to know that I did not indicate in any way that I believed you had found the answer or that you had discovered a solution to the problem.  I believe (and I use that word advisedly, just as I did in my earlier comment) that you know the difference between appreciation for communication and appreciation for steps that have been (or not been) taken.
          
          I will continue to appreciate every instance when you take your time to communicate with Hubbers in the forums, whether that appreciation is expressed or not.  I also do realize that I can't actually speak for everyone here, which is why I said earlier that I believed they appreciated your communicating.  I know that you know, far better than most of us out here, that you can't please everyone.
          
          Good luck with all the investigating and with the Hub about account-tweaking and with everything else!   

          replyreport
43. 65

    psycheskinnerposted 13 years ago

    It is a bit demoralizing. I built some backlinks to some arbitrarily chosen hubs, and there is a hint of improvement there--but is it just counting my own hits?

    replyreport
    1. 60

       Randy Godwinposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       I have no heart to try anything at this point if it may all be neutralized with only one click of a mouse.  Or perhaps rat would have been a more appropriate word in this instance, PS. 

       replyreport
       1. 96

          CMHypnoposted 13 years agoin reply to this

          Have you fed the snake lately Randy, maybe it would be a good use of the rat.  Waste not want not and all!
          
          I am very glad that the traffic slump is not site wide and that most hubber's traffic is doing well and improving but am also very sorry for those of us who have fallen over the traffic cliff edge!
          
          Beers and wines all round, I think!

          replyreport
44. 70

    Eleanor's Wordsposted 13 years ago

    Well, I for one would greatly appreciate any insight to this sudden traffic decline. I changed to subdomains on the first day I was able to and was really pleased with the results, traffic almost doubled compared to what it had been recently. Then suddenly my traffic completely hit the floor and today I only got 1 google.com view! I mean, that is ridiculous, it has never happened before and I know that my hubs are not poor quality, duplicate or too short. What is going on? One of my best hubs had a duration view of 5* and yet has virtually disappeared from the search engines. Is it because I write a lot of amazon orientated hubs? I don't know, but from what I understand, some affected hubbers wrote sales hubs whilst others did not. I feel really fed up now and can't see how it is worth continuing, it's like a huge waste of time.

    replyreport
    1. 65

       psycheskinnerposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       I don't think it relates to Amazon hubs because I have hardly any of those left due to Amazon dropping my state.

       replyreport
       1. 60

          Randy Godwinposted 13 years agoin reply to this

          I agree, PS.  All of my Amazon ads are per HP's advice as to number and placement.  There seems to be nothing we (the plungers for a lack of a better description) have in common which points to any infractions causing our demise in the Google search engines.
          
          Have one on me.  This may burn a little at first.

          replyreport
          1. 96

             CMHypnoposted 13 years agoin reply to this

             Plungers?  I like that - pass the bottle!

             replyreport
             1. 60

                Randy Godwinposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                The term seemed apt.  Plunger--Something shoved down into the toilet. 

                replyreport
                1. 96

                   CMHypnoposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                   Slurp!

                   replyreport
                   1. 60

                      Randy Godwinposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                      Don't spill any on your shoes, CM. 
                      
                      
                      Here's to you!

                      replyreport
45. 60

    Randy Godwinposted 13 years ago

    Snakes won't eat just any type of rat, CM.  They have principles too.  I jokingly gave someone here the old "misery loves company" line, and perhaps it is indeed true for some people.  But I don't agree with the philosophy myself.
    
    Beer and wine is a bit weak for this situation.  I wonder if the old dude across the swamp has sold all of his moonshine this weekend?

    replyreport
    1. 96

       CMHypnoposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       Get slithering across that swamp then Randy and have yourself a great Saturday night!

       replyreport
46. 60

    paradigmsearchposted 13 years ago

    Holy Sh*t! Damn near had a heart attack!
    
    I switched domains several weeks ago, but today I got this message from HP:
    
    “Hi paradigm search,
    We want to let you know that you have been assigned a subdomain on HubPages. Since you did not choose your subdomain by August 10—the deadline we mentioned in our previous email we sent to you on this subject—we have chosen one for you. Your new home on HubPages is:...”
    
    It turns out I had another user name that I had totally forgotten about. Fortunately I figured all this out before sending panic mails to HP.

    replyreport
    1. 96

       CMHypnoposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       Don't give yourself heart attacks on the weekend!  Glad you figured it out

       replyreport
47. 58

    TheFontposted 13 years ago

    I'm below 30% of my normal traffic. Not that I get much anyway, but what I do get, and the tiny $s I make from it are, like for many people, actually quite important to me. I'm very frustrated.
    I had actually been making hubs this week because I thought traffic was starting to come back. So very frustrating.

    replyreport
48. 60

    paradigmsearchposted 13 years ago

    Maybe all of internet traffic has dropped as well the last few days. Anyone inspired enough to check?

    replyreport
    1. 60

       Randy Godwinposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       Several here have posted much increased earnings over the same period, Para.

       replyreport
49. 0

    Hovalisposted 13 years ago

    One of my accounts has dramatically tanked. It was just starting to recover after the subdomain switch and had doubled in traffic - nowhere near the original traffic levels, but still better. It was roughly up to 225 a day (used to be 500 before Panda 1, but hey), today it is at 35. I can only conclude that the subdomain has now been sandboxed.
    
    This account is faring better at the moment, but I switched it a little later, too. Naturally, this account is not my big earner, so that figures.
    
    Honestly, this is the first time since Panda that I've seriously considered picking up stakes and taking at least my commercial earning hubs elsewhere. This rollercoaster ride is something I cannot keep on permanently. It's a pity, because I've enjoyed my time at Hubpages, but I also enjoy having another stream of income and that rug has just been pulled from under my feet. :-(

    replyreport
    1. 60

       Randy Godwinposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       Welcome to the  not-so-exclusive-anymore plungers club, Hovalis.
       
       
       One of your accounts has already been hazed.  Or dazed, whichever description you prefer. 

       replyreport
       1. 0

          Hovalisposted 13 years agoin reply to this

          *G* It doesn't seem to be an exclusive club by any means.

          replyreport
          1. 60

             Randy Godwinposted 13 years agoin reply to this

             True, one doesn't have to apply for membership in the Irelevant and Unprotected Order of the Plungers.  One has no choice. 

             replyreport
    2. 0

       Will Apseposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       My feelings too. This level of insecurity is disturbing.
       
       At the same time, I would try to fix the sub domain before heading off. If you transfer your pages it will be months before they start earning elsewhere- if they ever do.
       
       My brains are not reliable at the moment (flu) but I am planning on  a complete overhaul of my second account- the one that tanked. Then I will see if it recovers during the next panda run, whenever that is.
       
       If there is no fix, I have the choice of bringing rewritten versions of the best pages on that failed account into this account (which is still fine) or taking them elsewhere.
       
       I am hoping Hubpages can provide helpful advice on changes but what I am planning is:
       
       Get rid of very poorly performing hubs that Google seems to hate
       Making sure that I have more non-Amazon hubs than Amazon Hubs.
       Adding a few worthy non SEO'ed hubs.
       Reducing the number of keywords in headers and picture captions to zero if possible.
       Keeping my former star performers pretty much the same.
       
       Hopefully, that presently prostrate sub-domain will then look less like a mini-content farm.

       replyreport
       1. 0

          Hovalisposted 13 years agoin reply to this

          I've already invested in a couple of domain names which match the niches most of the articles are under. I'm going to start on my WIP hubs which were researched way back and put them onto a Wordpress blog instead. I have over 20 articles outlined and in WIP which I abandoned after Panda 1. My plan had been to publish them when things looked up. I started last week on my first one, but that will be the last given what has happened.
          
          Honestly, Will, I don't think that keeping the articles here will help me long-term. Even if I move them off here, and get no traffic on them, I'm no worse off than I am right now and that's the irony of the whole thing.
          
          BTW my traffic is still in freefall, with hits now at 29 for the day from 109 live articles.

          replyreport
          1. 75

             IzzyMposted 13 years agoin reply to this

             Normally on a Sunday my traffic starts its climb again after the weekend fall, but today so far mine is still sliding.
             
             I keep hoping it'll recover. Has anyone at all seen a recovery since this started (on the 10th or thereabouts)?

             replyreport
             1. 70

                Eleanor's Wordsposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                No recovery at all, in fact the worst traffic ever with virtually no google hits at all - worse than when I first started out on the site and hardly had any hubs.
                
                I don't know what it is, or why some people have been so badly affected whilst others seem unscathed. I would have thought that if it was to do with the site changes more hubbers would see traffic fluctuations? I feel really concerned about it, and if it is not a brief, temporary glitch then I will feel even worse come the Christmas period when I expect to make the most money.
                
                My hubs are mostly sales based, but they are written in an original manner and most are quite long, barely any under 800 words and most more than 1000 - 1500. I don't backlink though - I only have a few backlinks I did when I first started. One of my best hubs, which was on page 1 for its search terms, has really sunk in ratings when it has a high duration view. I do have a lot of interlinking between my hubs (in the link capsule at the bottom) and wondered if that was causing a problem, or if the hubs were closely enough related? I have about 10 links on many of my hubs. Other than that ,no idea.

                replyreport
                1. 75

                   IzzyMposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                   Eleanor, have you looked at Paul's hub about the issue?
                   
                   http://pauledmondson.hubpages.com/hub/U … gle-Change
                   
                   It is well worth reading. Now if we could only figure out how to add our subdomains to GWT, we could contact Google directly.
                   
                   I'm getting scraped articles that are copies of my hubs surpass me on search results, so something is very wrong.

                   replyreport
                   1. 62

                      bgamallposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                      Google is plunging original content and accepting duplicates, whether they be permitted by the author or not. This is plain stealing. Google is a thief. Google is scum.

                      replyreport
          2. 0

             Will Apseposted 13 years agoin reply to this

             Given the careful research you put into your pages, you deserve a lot better than that.
             
             It is miserable.

             replyreport
50. 58

    TheFontposted 13 years ago

    This is probably a very silly question but....
    I have a lot of hubs that are in progress. I have the titles and have started, but I tend to do a bit of research, leave it for a bit, come back etc and then eventually publish- you get the picture.
    
    When I click the red link to an unfinished WIP hub in my "my account" tab it goes to a page with my subdomain url that says "this page is no longer published" etc. Would this be harming my subdomain to have so many pages like this (15-20) or is it completely irrelevant? I am trying to think of reasons for my traffic crash.

    replyreport