Google constantly tunes their search algorithms to deliver the most pertinent results. In addition to recent updates to prevent sites that repost content from other sources to rank highly, an Authoritative ranking option has emerged. Although they are not publicizing the algorithm used to assign the authoritative assessment, it is expected key values will be determined through relationships within existing professional and social networking sites. Some sites cloak these connections, however, sophisticated text and code analysis has been developed, including intelligent spidering, which allow Google to create a comprehensive map linking sites, people, organizations and entities and assign a value which is then used to determine the authoritative value of the content.
Delving deeply into the profiles of people on the web, using many resources, allows complex charting of the type of visitors and participants on sites. Both inbound and outbound links are examined, and in some cases, sites with ‘Likes’ or signs of approval from specific populations will be assigned low authoritative scores. This is especially true for inbound links from people with poor grammar, foul language, and tasteless avatars.
The presence of some stats and linking code within pages is also used to adjust the rank, making the selection of the SEO and web marketing firms even more crucial. Association with code from firms that have questionable SEO practices will have a negative impact on sites.
A measure of authority is also derived from traffic patterns which indicate security issues. Sites and servers which have been identified as malicious in any manner, such as spamming, infected with malware, or attacking other machines, will see their authoritative score plummet.
Google believes these practices will help improve the value of results returned.
This is an April Fools joke. Happy April Fools Day!
PS - LinkedIn has profiles for Robin Hood, the Mad Hatter and other characters. :)