Question about hidden text...

[retired]

Hello. I have read certain places that hidden text, wite text on a white background, can hurt your SEO ranking. However I have not been able to find out any specifics about hidden text from any of google's documents other than it is bad.
Is hidden text only identified if it is repeated keywords over and over?
I have some white text on a white background on my site, but it is all legitimate information in full sentences, such as what casinos are offered and other information about my site. Do SEOs even know that this text is hidden, and if they do will it hurt my sites ranking even if it isnt just keywords repeated over and over?
Thanks!

[SlyCin56]

From everything I've ever seen and read, hidden text is a huge no-no and Goog can ban you for it.

Why have the text hidden if it's legitimate info?? You can insert "comments" if you're trying to boost your keyword density.

[Pam712]

I agree with Cindy - hidden text is the quickest way to get yourself banned from the search engines. Google PR0'd a friend of mines page - he assumes the reason was because he had inserted a few lines of hidden text.. It really isnt worth the risk.

[Melaniea]

Search engines think this way:

If you create content just to "please" the SE and it's not intended to be viewed by your visitors, then it's spam.

Work on building quality keyword content that your visitors will want to read. On top of giving a reason for your readers to come back , other portal owners who like your site will link to you without needing reciprocation and you'll increase your popularity, etc.

It's a snow ball effect. Create quality content and everything will come together. Use tactics to manipulate the listing and you'll loose on the long run.

[Breakfastman]

From Google's guidelines:

Avoid hidden text or hidden links.

You can find them here:
http://www.google.com/webmasters/guidelines.html

If it really is leg. info, just make the text visible and you won't run into troubles.

[retired]

Thanks for the help. I think I will Comment it out like Cndy suggests. Making it visibile would probably make my page look too jumbled. And I want people looking at the casino info, not reading about why our site was created

[universal4]

Just my $.02 (before inflation and congress)

Comments about why you created your site etc....could easily be placed on an about us page...and depending on how in depth the comments are, it could be the entire focus of an about us page...

Rick
Universal4