For those who don't know, Google recently unleashed a new algorithm update to reduce the effectiveness of EMD's.  (exact match domains)

What's An EMD?

This has been one of the long standing (and effective) ways to game Google into thinking that a site/domain going by the name of acnetreatments.com (for instance) is an important site and should rank on the first page of Google when someone types that exact search (acne treatments) into the search box.

Google Doesn't Like Being Gamed

It turns out that the big G. doesn't like being gamed and giving all of those free clicks away to those who figured out how to rank a site easier.  (although there are those like Chris Rempel who continue to argue that it still is a valid business model - or at least one that is worth the time and investment to pursue due to the HUGE MONEY to be made - you can read some of his thoughts about it in the comment section below this article of mine)

My Argument

I've argued otherwise for some time now.  That type of business model is like building a house on sand which often results in a shaky and unreliable foundation.

Many - perhaps most - of these types of sites were spammy, junky adsense sites with very little to offer anyway.

Did Google Do The Right Thing?

A lot of internet webmasters think that this is a terrible thing.  Of course they do.  They built up a huge monthly income with the EMD business model and now it is almost all gone - perhaps to never return again.  You can check out some of the carnage (and comments about it) at Ajay Singh's Blog.

Wiped Out

I feel bad for those who worked so hard to build up a nice monthly income based on this business model  - and with Google's good graces.

They complain that it is unfair - maybe they should sue Google some of them say.  Really?  C'mon!  If anything they owe Google for all of that free advertising they received over the years.

Is It All About The Bottom Line Dollars?

Isn't that really what this is about?  Money?  Of course it is.  And now Google wants more.  Good for them.

Time will tell how this all shakes out, but for now I am not waiting around for Google to pleasure me with gobs of easy money - I continue to work on building various different Brands.  Brands that don't rely on Google - or anyone else in particular.  Just my good sense and good old word of mouth.

Take Care Out There,

Jack