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Google Search makes Zombie threads look current

2 replies

DisreputabIeDog · 03/04/2017 08:06

I've fallen for this a number of times now and assumed it was me that had made the mistake.

But it's not, and I've got screenshots.

I'll do a Google search and naturally if Mumsnet comes up in the top 5 I'll invariably check the date and click through if it's current. The threads are years old though! Today I wanted to know what the Weight Watchers No Count foodlist was and Google told me someone had asked the same question on Mumsnet in Jan this year. I click and discover it was actually from 2005! I've checked the thread and no-one even posted on it in January.

So why is this happening? This must be why so many zombie threads are appearing, people (rightly) think they are active.

Google Search makes Zombie threads look current
Google Search makes Zombie threads look current

LornaMumsnet · 03/04/2017 09:34

Hello!

Thanks so much for that information.

We're honestly not too sure but have sent this over to tech to have a look at now.

LornaMumsnet · 03/04/2017 10:29

Hello!

Tech has got back to us.

It appears that the date showing on google is when Google reindexed the thread on their search. It's not actually something that we control! (Also why it's showing as being so recent).

Hope that clears things up a bit!

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