A Few Thoughts Re: Google Quality Content (Part 3) – Original Content

A few days ago, I began an editorial with respect to Google Quality Filters and what questions Google asks to assess the quality of a page or an article.  I have been addressing a few questions at a time, providing some insight and explanation as appropriate.  In this post, I will address one imperative question with respect to Original Content.

The Google Quality Filter uses the below listed question in the analysis of assessing the page/article quality:

Do our articles/pages provide original content, information, reporting, research, and/or analysis?

Robert C. Williams, the author of The Historian’s Toolbox: A Student’s Guide to the Theory and Craft of History” states:

“A Primary Source is a document, image, or artifact that provides evidence about the past.  It is an original document created contemporaneously with the event under discussion.  A direct quote from such a document is classified as a primary source.  A secondary source is a book, article, film, or museum that displays primary sources selectively in order to interpret the past.”

Using this thought as a guideline, the content of our material should reflect our viewpoints, thoughts, and emotions – not copied from someone else.  Some examples of original content are: email correspondence; personal letters; meeting minutes; and autobiographies.  Simply stated, original content is created in real-time, and not a reflective after-thought of another individual’s opinion.

When conducting original research on a specific topic, our objective is to expand one’s understanding and knowledge of that topic through such endeavors as data analysis, observation, and experimentation (to list a few).  We reach our own conclusions.  Much like in middle school at the Science Fair, we had to prepare a 3-section board with photographs; our own summarizations and conclusions; and prepare notes for discussion that were judged accordingly.

Google is continually improving their parameters with respect to filtering republished content and WebPages who republish material without prior permission and/or appropriated credits.  Interestingly enough, through my research on this question, I learned there are WebPages whereas an individual could purchase what is called “Copyscape-Passed” articles – immediately I asked myself why an individual would do this and would it not undermine the point of composing our own original content?

Let’s face it – copying material rather than taking time to think and compose takes less time; it provides a perception that everyone is an expert in their field; and the adage of quantity over quality is better.  I see this everyday in posts and links.  It takes time, energy, patience, and an understanding of the material in which we compose – who has that kind of time?  Why make the time when there is an abundance of information at our fingertips?

When we compose original material, we take ownership of it – we take pride in our work.  True, not everyone will agree; however, uniqueness of content and integrity is something I will not compromise.  It is a shame that an easy avenue exists for individuals who claim originality only to purchase the works of others at a personal gain.