[wp-meta] [Making WordPress.org] #3963: Plugin names have too little "weight" in the search algorithm

[Making WordPress.org]

#3963: Plugin names have too little "weight" in the search algorithm
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 Reporter:  littlebizzy       |       Owner:  (none)
     Type:  enhancement       |      Status:  new
 Priority:  normal            |   Milestone:
Component:  Plugin Directory  |  Resolution:
 Keywords:                    |
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Comment (by littlebizzy):

 We could provide dozens more examples but names and meta descriptions are
 definitely not highly weighted currently, if anything it seems the overall
 `readme.txt` contents count higher than both of them. Previously we
 overloaded our `readme.txt` with tons of "keywords" not realizing it was
 disallowed, and we ranked extremely well for dozens of phrases even when
 they were not related to our plugin names or meta descriptions.

 The common denominator = we had a high ratings score.

   Ratings are given relatively little weight in the search algorithm, and
 reviews don't make a difference. Text (names and descriptions) are the
 most important factors. Things like the active install count, tested-up-
 to, recency, and support thread responses are more important.

 To be clear, by meta description we mean the 150 character description,
 not the entire readme contents, and by "reviews" we simply mean the star
 ratings average (when it's high, you can rank for any phrase).

 Not sure where you are seeing our plugins:

 https://archive.fo/Gupcs

 https://archive.fo/JCoex

 Our plugins definitely do not show up in either of these searches. These 2
 examples are evidence enough that names and meta descriptions don't have
 nearly enough weight... unless we've been targeted.

 Here's another example, ''Go Slider'', which does not appear:

 https://archive.fo/5uvZ0

 And another one (3+ months old) called ''WP Advance Comment Form
 Validation'' does not show up either:

 https://archive.fo/A45pa

 This is not only killing new projects before they even begin, but creating
 a class of "plugin elitists" who control the entire plugin directory by
 ranking for any phrase they want, while silencing all newcomers.

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Ticket URL: <https://meta.trac.wordpress.org/ticket/3963#comment:2>
Making WordPress.org <https://meta.trac.wordpress.org/>
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