Syndicated Posts Not Ranking, Possible Solutions?

[JSOC]

All,

We used to allow users of our legal information site to syndicate content that was published in identical form on their blogs and, in some cases, other sites as well. No surprise that post-Panda, we're not ranking for those syndicated posts, they offer very little value.

We still boast a very nice library of original content that drives traffic, however, I'm concerned that those lingering syndicated posts are bringing down our overall domain authority/credibility. Right now, syndicated posts account for roughly 25%-30% of overall site content.

I'd like your opinions as to whether I should:

1. Delete the syndicated posts and 301 to an original page;

2. Do nothing

3. Do something I've yet to think of

Any insight is welcomed!

John

[EGOL]

If I owned your site I would rewrite the text from scratch.  The more different you make it from the original the more traffic you will receive.  Also the more substance and length that you can include the more long tail traffic will be received.

Syndicating your content creates competitors and now that you are not ranking the damage is obvious.  So you can spin the articles and stay in the doghouse or redo them properly and have a chance at recovery.

I would be creating content that puts the syndicated copy to shame - higher quality, more substantive, broader coverage.

[JSOC]

OK, great idea, but how much must I change in order for Google to see the content as a unique product?

[EGOL]

Rewrite them.