Ask.com – Instant Getification
Monday, October 22, 2007Ask.com has finally found an advertisement that works! Avoiding use of the word “Algorithm” altogether the “Instant Getification” spot clearly demonstrates many of the extra features returned in Ask search results.
Opening with the caption, “CAN YOUR SEARCH ENGINE DO THIS?”, the 30-second spot shows the text, image, video and audio results gleaned the search query “Eagles of Death Metal”. In the ad, a searcher’s cursor moves over the preview feature for several results and then moves to reveal images, encyclopedia and popular tracks (audio) results returned on the right hand side of the screen.
A click on an audio listing brings a grinding rock tune with the repeating chorus, “I want you so bad, I want you so good”. Another caption pops up asking, “OR DOES IT JUST DO THIS? ” as the screen switches to show what appears to be boring, text-based Google results.
It is high time Ask articulated its more extraordinary features. It really is an extraordinary search engine that produces very good result sets in multiple formats but since the retirement of mascot/butler Jeeves, it has not been able to capture the search market share it deserves.
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