As technology expands exponentially, so does the girth of the Internet, and with that arises the need for organization and curators. Search engines serve this purpose, prominently placing what are considered the most reliable and user-friendly sites at the top of public search results.

So what determines the websites that grace the front lines at the end of a user’s search and, if a website is buried in the back pages of search results, how can it prove its worth and break through the clutter? For many webmasters, the answer is search engine optimization (SEO); however, this is a trigger-term for some who have long been forewarned that SEO is a vessel for spam and is viewed unfavorably by major search engines.

Earlier this week, Matt Cutts, a member of Google’s Search Quality team, refuted this claim. In fact, he praised white-hat SEO efforts, stating that they are an effective way of ensuring that webpages are well represented in search engines. Cutts said these favorable SEO methods include: creating accessible and crawlable pages; using accurate keywords in place of industry jargon; improved speed and usability; and web design focused on ROI.

Cutts said that, when following these good business practices, SEO is incredibly helpful; however, he warned that it can also be abused. The reason SEO companies have gotten such a negative reputation among webmasters is that some tend to blur the lines between marketing and spam. The methods employed by these abusers include: hacks, redirects, overusing keywords, or including irrelevant keywords.

Never fear, webmasters: If you’re interested in applying SEO tactics to your Internet marketing strategy, you are not left to your own devices to seed the good from the bad among the many companies that offer these services. There are currently hundreds of SEO companies listed in the BOTW Directory, all of which are guaranteed to be spam-free.

As a reliable resource that has been part of the Internet community since 1994, Best of the Web ensures that every listed website has the features that search engines want their topmost results to possess. That includes a user-friendly design, functionality across multiple browsers, no empty pages or inaccessible links, unique content, and no signs of spam. Therefore users can find trusted businesses listed in the BOTW Directory while Internet marketers can earn their clients’ high-quality sites the BOTW seal of approval, which can lead to greater visibility in search engines.

Last week it was announced that eBay and Facebook are partnering with the intention of revolutionizing online shopping through the integration of social networking features. The social features being considered for this new type of online store are basic, and in some ways limited: users can select if they want, own, buy, or recommend a product.

Through Open Graph, which is currently in Beta and available to Facebook developers, it will appear on user’s news feeds and profiles when they interact in these ways with these e-shop applications. This ultimately will turn the eCommerce limelight away from point of sale and instead on the social interaction that takes place before purchases are made to mimic a more traditional, offline shopping experience.

The aim of these social features is to encourage brand recognition and word-of-mouth advertising. Customers, in turn, can benefit through these pre-sale interactions not only with the products directly, but also through the reviews and discussions shared by friends and other customers. In theory, this should allow consumers to feel more secure in their purchasing decision.

This interactive take on virtual shopping will certainly expand a brand’s network, and spark conversations about products. The question remains: will it increase sales? So far, eCommerce experts and analysts are skeptical, not convinced that the limited social interaction offered will encourage purchasing. After all, many consumers are still hesitant to trust Facebook, known for its questionable and frequently changing privacy settings, with credit card information.

Only time will tell for certain whether Facebook users will respond positively to these new online shopping options, or if they’ll feel that eCommerce integration will instead pave the way for more spammy advertising schemes on the social platform. In the meantime, however, consumers can learn more about these developments through the resources provided in the BOTW Directory.

Due to recent implementation of the Durbin Amendment, which took effect October 1, banks are now limited in the fees they can charge retailers for processing debit card purchases. As a result, they are trying to make up for these losses by charging debit card owners instead. Regardless of who the blame lies with – lawmakers or banks – consumers are paying the price.

Currently U.S. Representatives Jason Chaffetz (R-UT) and Bill Ownes (D-NY) are working together to sponsor a new bill that will counteract the Durbin Amendment on behalf of consumers. A similar movement was already rejected by Senate earlier this year. Therefore the general consensus regarding the success of these Representatives, currently the only sponsors for the bill, is pessimistic.

Senator Richard Durbin (D-Illinois), the man who introduced what is now called the Durbin Amendment, and other members of Congress think that consumers can express their discontent by simply banking elsewhere. In fact, Sen. Durbin considers this an opportunity for smaller banks to attract customers by not charging higher fees.

Despite Durbin’s optimism, 91% of credit unions are now anticipating upcoming changes in fees according to a recent survey by the Credit Union National Association; however, many regional and community banking institutions have pledged not to charge debit card fees in particular.

If you have a debit card from a major bank, you can find out if you’ll be charged higher fees through the trusted sites listed in the BOTW Directory. Users considering switching banks or seeking additional information about this issue can use the BOTW Directory to find a range of banking, financial news, and consumer information websites.

Since mid-September, it’s impossible to tune into a mainstream news station in the United States without seeing coverage of the series of demonstrations known as Occupy Wall Street. Whether news watchers are exposed to images of protestors marching with ironic or inspirational signs, or more shocking depictions of police brutality, the leaderless movement has swept across the nation in just two weeks, and has welcomed all forms of publicity.

The main focus of those participating in Occupy Wall Street is to protest the close relationship between corporate money and the government. The protestors, however, come from all walks of life, and are eager to voice various societal concerns, all of which will be heard according to the standards set by this movement.

Since September 17, the first day of protests in New York City, the movement has expanded and led to “occupants” in major cities throughout the country including Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, Boston, Denver, Miami, and Austin. The protestors, particularly those in New York, have received help through both written petitions and donated supplies from supporters throughout the United States and countries abroad.

Regardless on which side of the coin your sympathies fall, Internet users can, as always, turn to their resources made available through the BOTW Directories to get informed. There you can find blogs, breaking news, and other trusted websites listed that are dedicated to providing all the latest coverage on Occupy Wall Street from every point of view. Whether you want to learn about the origins of the movement, a chronology of its events, or details about its supporters and opposition, you can find answers through Best of the Web.