Google webmaster tools is soliciting feedback from users who are using either a content management system or a template on the website, and if they would want an alert for issues related to these showing up in their Google Webmaster Tools account.
They are giving multiple options for webmasters to choose from.
- That my CMS released a new version
- That my CMS is not the latest version
- That my CMS has known vulnerabilities
- Give me all the messages!
- I don’t want any of these messages
Because they include template specifically in their post, it definitely raises the question about whether the Google Webmaster Tools is considering alerting users for things like hidden links or spammy footer links on templates. Many novice webmasters end up using free “sponsored” templates, which have hidden or footer links to things like poker or pharmaceuticals, and they either don’t realize there there, or don’t realize that it’s a big deal. This could really hurt those who are still attempting to build links in this way, whether on WordPress templates or templates for other CMSs.
It also raises the question about whether they could be considering looking at plugins that go rogue, as this is one of the situations that someone on the Google Webmaster Google+ account mentions specifically and that would fall under the “That my CMS has known vulnerabilities” option.
While it’s not too common, it’s not unheard of that plugin works great for certain amount of time and then after enough users have installed it, the plug-in developer goes in and does something sneaky, whether it is injecting malware or hiding spamming links. This could definitely be great for webmasters to don’t notice a plugin doing something nefarious.
In the comments they do clarify that this is strictly for alerting users that there is possibly at issue with their CMS or template. They don’t want to be involved in doing any updates or fixing – they are just exploring whether webmasters want to be alerted to them or not.
Go here to vote for your choice. Currently, “Give me all the messages!” is running away with the lead.
Jennifer Slegg
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