For sometime Google has been looking down on the use of bots to submit websites to search engines and directories.  I believe Google feels that is an unethical approach for search engine marketing.  I think many SEO practices are unethical and should be thrown out the window.  I'm happy to see Google finally fighting back, but why did it take so long. 

The way Google is fighting back is that it has added a verification code to its site when submitting a URL.  What this does is elminate bots from easily submitting URL's because a bot cannot simply read the characters of the verification code and input them into the field.  Instead human-interaction needs to be mandated. 

I wonder how this has affected online services like addme.com, submitexpress.com, etc.  But after testing addme.com, it added me without the verification code problem.  Unless this would change in the future, I think the online services (that pay Google) will not be affected.  I'm not certain if anyone pays anyone but I'm sure business is being handled by someone.