Some information doesn't want to be free.

July 6, 2010 7:27 AM

We have a directory of indexed PDFs of back issues of an academic journal we publish. Can I make it so that Google can see the text (so searchers will see when a journal issue contains the keyword they're looking for), but won't give up the direct link to the full PDF? We sell access to back issues and reprints.

Can I have my cake and eat it too? I want something similar to the way that Google Books gives tiny teasers, but doesn't let you view the whole thing. As it stands now, Google gives the direct link to the full PDF, so anyone who searches for an article in our back-issues can just download it for free. We only want paid subscribers and libraries to be able to download them, although we want anyone to be able to search and see if they want to order a subscription, reprint or back issue from us directly.

posted by overeducated_alligator to Computers & Internet (3 answers total)

Have you looked into submitting to Google Books, with the restricted teasers you like?
posted by galadriel at 7:47 AM on July 6, 2010

Have you looked into their First Click Free service?
posted by androse at 7:57 AM on July 6, 2010 [1 favorite]

This is definitely a question that should be directed to the google overlords. I *know* they have a service that does exactly what you're looking for, but I'm pretty sure that you have to ask them to hook you up. It's not something that you can get by sprinkling magic SEO dust on your web pages.
posted by Citrus at 9:41 AM on July 6, 2010