Russ,

I checked out the link. I see what you are saying. I am not above correction. Somebody from Google did respond. That is what I needed to hear. The problem here is not really Google or Pitchengine. The problem is that "some" of the folks using Pitchengine are posting press releases that are not newsworthy. This is the case of a few rotten apples spoiling the barrel.

When you think about it, we have the same problem here on Ryze - people posting content that is supposed to be forbidden. But, what can you do? Do you throw the baby out with the bath water? In the case of Google News, to preserve the quality of content, the answer is "Yes." Both the baby and the bathwater get thrown out because you cannot separate one from the other. But, Pitchengine and Ryze cannot do that - without monitoring every single post that comes down the pike. And, that is simply more trouble than it is worth. Hence, we have had flames and all sorts of stuff. I know because I have been in some of them. Once a flame ignites, it is hard to put out.

If I understand you and Scott correctly, I can set up an XML feed myself and send press releases directly to Google News. What matters most to me is that the press releases I write get onto Google News - not that it happens via Pitchengine.

Even though Pitchengine is no longer able to connect with Google News, it still has value due to the fact it is a "gathering place" for like-minded people through its Ning network. In addition, in many ways, the site functions as an an online press kit.

No point in trying to re-invent the wheel when creating that XML site. I just need the XML site as a means to get the press releases I write to be carried on Google News. If there are other news carriers that have the same stringent requirements as Google News, then perhaps the XML site can come in handy in developing a relationship with them as well.

Thanks for the advice.

Lamar Morgan
CDMM - Synergistic Business Marketing
707-709-8605
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