Google's pagerank?
 

I recently installed the indispensable Google browser toolbar and while I knew about google's pagerank feature before installing this feature, I notice the pagerank of each site I visit is displayed. My site has a pagerank of 5/10. What is the significance of this? Is achieving a higher pagerank easy? Hard? I read google's info about pagerank and it is rather vague, it merely implies link popularity is important which I already knew.

I also notice there is a feature to vote for or against any website you visit by clicking on a smiley face or a frown on the toolbar. Does anyone know what voting for or against a page here affects?

Read more info here :thumbsup

Pagerank
 

Thanks for the reply. While that page is a bit technical (not complaining), does anyone have any "real" experience with pagerank to share?

Also, after reading through other pagerank posts... I wanted to point out all of my search engine optimization practices have been fairly effective- but passive. My idea is to build a site honestly, not using any "tricks" or other bullshit designed to rape search engines because I feel eventually whatever the trick is, they'll catch on then I'll be screwed. I rely on having a site that is actually good, clean (design-wise), and chock full of useful relevant information.

That's why I get kinda pissed when I see other sites (usually newbie sites with little content mostly designed to rape the customer in every way possible) complaining thet their cloaking/gateway pages/keyword spam/whatever other tricks aren't working. Honesty is the best policy!

I am also noticing my listing in google seems to get updated on it's own every DAY or at least every other day. I am guessing this is a good sign?