Search Engines and 7 Cups Forums
Years ago, we were able to use Google to search the forums.
For quite a while 7 cups forum threads weren't appearing in Google, or most other search engines. My understanding was this was due to privacy concerns.
I just found threads via Google today.
There are pros and cons, I find the 7 cups search tool lacks a lot of things I want in a search tool. I can find what I need better with Google. There are also, understandably concerns about threads appearing via a search by random people (or perhaps not so random people), outside of 7 Cups.
I don't know if the entire date range is searchable this way. I don't know about communities, I assume any that are badge-locked (listener-only forums, Teen Only Zone) aren't accessible to outside search engines, they weren't previously. I'm not confident though as AI has changed a lot of the internet.
@Tommy do you have any information?
@Heather225 any information is welcomed!
@AffyAvo
Hey, Affy! Seeing 7 Cups forum threads appear in Google is still fully in line with our existing policies. Our community forums have always been considered public spaces, and nothing identifiable about a member is shown unless the member chooses to share it themselves. This is why we consistently encourage everyone to avoid posting personal details (names, locations, contact info, etc.). When members stay within those guidelines, posts remain completely anonymous even if they’re indexed by a search engine. Private spaces such as those locked ones will probably not show up. If you ever come across a post that contains personal details or something you feel shouldn’t be publicly visible, please flag it so our team can review it. We appreciate you looking out for the community’s safety and comfort.
@Heather225 Thanks H! I actually really liked using Google to search years ago. I get why it makes some users uncomfortable though, if they share about a particular issue someone else they know may be searching about the same issue and then come across the post that way and connect the dots from details of the situation.
Private spaces such as those locked ones will probably not show up.
Does this mean 7 cups isn't promising badge-locked areas (such as teen only zone) will definitely stay out of public tools like a Google search? I see nothing that would prohibit such a change, but making anyone with an account here aware of the possibility is the kind, responsible thing to do in my opinion.
@7cupscommunity maybe an overview of public vs. private overall? If I don't know, a member who joined a month ago is extremely unlikely to be aware of who can read what they share unless they inherently understand better due to tech knowledge.
There's been a few semi-recent changes, like adding states to the local directory for listeners who are in the US, the journal on the homepage, etc. At one point some group chats could be read by guests but as far as I know we no longer allow that. What parts of the site are accessible via AI and beyond internal use only?
