| Sumario: | The article discusses the concept of search engine optimization (SEO) as it relates to journalism. The article describes the views of SEO supporters such as Jerry Monti of the University of California, Berkeley, who believes that SEO will improve journalism by increasing writers' focus on simplicity and reader convenience. Opponents of the practice, including humorist Harry Shearer, express concerns that using popularity to determine story selection will lead to less coverage for important public interest stories. The dependence of websites on advertising for their revenue is detailed, as is the notion that since SEO increases traffic, it may be the only way for many sites to ensure financial success. According to the author, journalists must avoid excessive use of SEO tactics.
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