Archive: October, 2007

Ask.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.

Google made me happy yesterday. I saved some hard-earned cash and it was a direct result of Google. You see, I have to return to England in December for a wedding and I was looking around on-line to book the flights. I chose the airline and was about to fill out the usual convoluted airline booking form when, in a moment of inspiration, i did a search in Google for a “promotional code”.

Up popped a result for a current promotion that gave a 20% discount on my flight, saving me nearly $CAD 100.
I will now use the cash to buy the happy couple a wedding gift, on-line of course using another promotional coupon :), and I maybe have some cash left over to buy a few drinks at the wedding reception. ( I’m sure the bar will not be free, the groom is renowned for keeping his wallet closed)

So whenever you are about to make an online purchase of any kind, do a search in Google (or any search engine for that matter) for a promotional code (or coupon) associated with that company and save your hard-earned. You may have to try a few codes to find one that is current, but there are many sites and blogs out there that keep track of these promotion codes so it shouldn’t be too hard to find success.
Happy Shopping.

Bloggers and reporters are today accusing the Chinese government with blocking access to US based search services such as Google, Yahoo and Microsoft by redirecting Chinese web traffic to domains containing the word “search” to Chinese search engine Baidu.

The issue was first reported from China Wednesday around 1AM Beijing time and persists at the time of this post.

According to a piece by Barry Schwartz in today’s Search Engine Land, this is not the first time traffic destined for Google has been redirected by Chinese officials. In September 2002, the Chinese government redirected traffic to Peking University’s search engine Tianwang, a smaller search tool ch888.com and to Baidu.

All DNS servers in China fall under government control so it is easy for the Chinese government to use routing as a means of punishment if it perceives a company or the nation-state they are located in has somehow run afoul of its wishes. Speculation is that the Chinese are feeling politically pissed-off after the US honoured the Dali Lama in Washington yesterday.

Reports from China say the issue might be growing as YouTube is now blocked in mainland China (but not in Hong Kong).

Search Marketing Expo’s Social Media show (SMX Social Media 2007) opens today in New York. The show runs two days and will produce an extraordinary amount of information. The previous SMX Advanced in Seattle is widely considered one of the best search marketing conferences ever.

Live coverage can be found at:
– Search Engine Journal
– Search Engine Land
– Search Engine Roundtable
– AimClear Blog