Since I was introduced to WordPress, it seems that I have been in a mad rush to try out different themes. First this one, then that one, then one that appeared better suited for a monetized blog, then trying one optimized for search engine friendliness.

But how much is too much? By some accounts, switching themes can cause search engine problems. On examination, it seems to make some sense in that different themes present links, categories, archives and pages in different order. If the submitted site map on file at Google happens to have been one created with the old theme, the new theme with its different order may cause some confusion. Yahoo, without a submitted site map, probably isn’t as likely to be troubled by a different theme.

Some writers create test sites, areas where they can try new ideas and layouts without disturbing their “real” site. I think that creating a website on a sub-domain with a no-follow tag might be not only viable, but wise. This site would naturally submit no site map and have dummy blocks for planned advertising areas, all to prevent search engine anger. All this trial and error experimentation also creates some undesirable page loads which warps Adsense statistics. I wonder if I’m being paranoid, or if what I am suggesting is a valid concern. Your input is welcome.