Is your computer is sending automated queries?
Maybe you’ve seen this Google error if you’ve used automated ranking software programs. Google doesn’t like it when webmasters use automated software that gobbles up bandwidth as overtly indicated in the formerly named, Google Webmaster Guidelines:
Don’t use unauthorized computer programs to submit pages, check rankings, etc. Such programs consume computing resources and violate our Terms of Service. Google does not recommend the use of products such as WebPosition Gold™ that send automatic or programmatic queries to Google.
The amazing thing is that I received this error while browsing my sites while logged into Google.
I have no problem with Google blocking automated queries. However, the message doesn’t seem in step with high expectations users place on Google as a purveyor of accurate information. I think Google is above trying to scare someone into not using an automated query program. Don’t you?
Update: June 10th, 2010 – Here’s the latest version of the error. Believe it or not, there is no Captcha! So, the user cannot complete their search query.