The original PageRank algorithm wasn't set in stone. If it was, it would have become completely obsolete because it reflected the design of the 1990s internet.

The original PageRank algorithm wasn't set in stone. If it was, it would have become completely obsolete because it reflected the design of the 1990s internet. Back then, there weren't a million me-too sites on the same exact topic, all trying to capture the traffic of the #1 site in the segment. If you're looking for the Ultimate Beginner's Guide to Whatever In 2024, you have an embarrassment of riches to choose from. /s PageRank also relied on backlinks as a quality signifier, assuming that more backlinks = more reputable. This has probably been the longest-lasting piece of the algorithm, as gaming this via "link-building" through ugly infographic embeds and blog post syndication on Medium.com, LinkedIn and Substack continues to be popular.