Autumn fields

Nice to see almost lush green fields so late in October.

Magpies: the new sparrows

After several years 'off island' I've returned, and one change that sticks out: the lack of urban birdlife. Where have all the sparrows gone? Sure there are lots of magpies, and doves (or more probably, pigeons), but sparrows, and starlings too, are just not to be found in cities and towns that used to call them pests.

Google moves to secure site search: Analytics keyword data goes up in smoke

While you can still get at keyword data via Google Webmaster Tools (or within GA under Search Engine Optimisation) the difference is that GWT related keyword data is only kept for 90 days and is only for the top 2k of queries - not ideal.

Of course, if you use Adwords, you still have access to the data, and therein lies the big stink, especially since Google are saying it's been done to protect users' privacy.

To get at your GWT keyword data, you'll need to go into the related Adwords account and request the data be linked. Once linked, it's accessible under the Dimensions tab, and will look something like this.

Related Links - probably the most useful that I've seen: http://www.practicalecommerce.com/articles/59113-Understanding-Google-Keyword-Not-Provided-Data