Can you count on search engines? (netimperative)

"Search columnist Mike Grehan says the accountability of search marketing is actually far from convincing."

Top 10 Search Engines (About.com)

"Number 1: Google.com (no surprise there)"

Search giants detail strategies (ZD Net - UK)

“Yahoo and Microsoft have both unveiled more details of the technology and plans they hope will see them hit the elusive search top spot”

Optimize Your Entire Site For The Search Engines
(WebProNews)

"Reader question:
I read somewhere that every single page on a Web site should be optimized for the search engines. I do not have the time to optimize my entire database-driven site, but my site still relies on search engine traffic for business. If people do not have the time or the budget, what are the best optimization strategies to implement? What do you consider the minimum number of pages to optimize?

Answer:..."

3.5 Reasons You Need To Forget About Search Engines
(Promote News)

“Ever find yourself visiting Google.com and typing in phrases relevant to your website to see where you come up? Of course you do. Everyone does it. Have you ever stopped to think how much time is taken up over the course of a year just by that niggling thought at the back of your mind;”

Humbug to Google (Globe and Mail, Canada)

“Based on long experience, I have found that Google sucks. It consistently overlooks or omits relevant search results, while including sites where the key words do not appear.

In every search I have conducted, Yahoo finds more occurrences of the key words, and displays them in a more logical and friendly manner. In addition, Yahoo has fewer false returns and broken links than any other search engine.

I don't know where Google is spending it's money, but in view of the positive press it is receiving, I could certainly hazard a guess.

The bottom line? It doesn't matter how good a car looks, if it doesn't get you where you want to go then it's not much of a car. I think the same criteria should be applied to Internet "services", particularly search engines.”

10 things the Google ethics committee could discuss (BBC)

“It's reported that Google, whose motto is Do No Evil, has an ethics committee to debate its impact on the world - something that will doubtless grow as the company floats. So what sort of things might it discuss?”

Survey: Users find generic search results most relevant (Rank for Sales)

“More than 60% of Google, Yahoo, MSN and AOL users selected a natural search result over paid search advertisements as the most relevant on a sample query.

iProspect today announced more results from its recent Search Engine User Attitudes Survey that indicate:

- 60.5 percent of Google, Yahoo!, MSN and AOL users selected a natural search result over paid search advertisements as the most relevant on a sample query.

- 60.8 percent of Yahoo! and 72.3 percent of Google search engine users chose a natural search result as the most relevant.

- 71.2 percent of MSN users clicked on a paid search advertisement as the most relevant to their search.

- AOL users identified both natural search results and paid search advertisements equally as often as the most relevant.”

See also:
* Natural vs. paid search (Publish)
* Search Engine Users Find Natural Search Results Most Relevant (Web Pro News)

Google to launch new search tool
(The Washington Times)

“California's Google will launch a file and text software search tool for finding information stored on PCs, in a direct challenge to Microsoft.

Code-named Puffin, it will be soon be available as a free download from Google's Web site, Marketwatch.com reported Wednesday.”

Google Confirms GMail Bug Issued 1,000 Gigabytes of Email Storage (Search Engine Journal)

“Some Google GMail users were surprised to log in this week and see their abnormal 1 gigabyte of free email storage space transformed into a monstrous one terabyte of free storage, 1000 times the 1 gigabyte Google is currently offering to lure web email users from Yahoo and Hotmail.

Rueters reports that a Google spokesman said the storage increase was the result of a “bug” and that the company was working to fix the glitch and cleared the rumors that Google GMail had offered users one terabyte, reaffirming the free storage is still at 1GB.”

Bug in Google's Gmail temporarily boosts storage
(USA Today)

“A "bug" in Google's test e-mail system, Gmail, temporarily gave some users one terabyte of free storage, 1000 times the one gigabyte the Web search company is currently offering to lure people away from rivals Yahoo and Microsoft..

A Google spokesman Wednesday said the storage increase was the result of a "bug" and that the company was working to fix the glitch. He did not give additional details, but said Gmail, which is available through a limited test, currently offers one gigabyte of storage.”

Google Proposes AdWare & Spyware Guidelines
(Search Engine Journal)

“Google today proposed guidelines for Internet download software such as advertising ware, browser helpers, or search toolbars. Google states that they have become “alarmed by what we believe is a growing disregard for your rights as computer users.”

Recently there has been an Internet boom in spyware and adware, which are software usually distributed using questionable techniques. Some users will download a screensaver or file swapping software, without being fully notified that such software is being shown on their computers.

Additionally, adware can take revenue from search engines such as Google which serve sponsored ad links. If a user who has certain adware software installed on their computer searches for a keyword, in some instances adware like Gator or WhenU will serve a popup graphic or different search results page with other sponsored links.”

Google defines good manners for adware (ZD Net)

“Google's principles also are designed to focus criticism on pop-up adware applications like those created by WhenU and Claria (formerly Gator). Those pose two problems for the search engine giant, which recently filed for an initial public offering: First, they may launch annoying pop-up ads when an Internet user is doing searches on Google's Web site, and second, their pop-up ads may not be blocked by the Google Toolbar.

If that happens, "you may have intentionally or inadvertently installed programs such as the Gator Ads Network or Kazaa on your system," Google advises its Toolbar users.

Google Issues Guidelines to Prevent Spyware
(Search Engine Lowdown)

“Now this is interesting, Google has issued "proposed principles” that they want software makers to follow in order to prevent spyware.

Isn't it coincidental that they issue these guidelines when they are rumored to be just days from launching a new desktop search solution? Do you think they have perhaps learned a lot from the whole Gmail privacy fiasco and are making sure the same doesn't happen when they launch desktop search?”

Yahoo Results Getting More Similar to Google
(Search Engine Journal)

"According to results gathered from Thumbshots.com and their new ranking tool, Yahoo search results are getting better and more relevant.

Thumbshots Ranking researchers have been tracking overlaps for popular queries for several months and found a general increase in overlapping search results between Yahoo and Google.
There is about 40% overlap in the top 20 results for popular queries taken from Google Zeigeist. The overlap study focuses on the top 20 results because most users do not go beyond the second search results page. Ben Elgin of BusinessWeek acknowledges Yahoo's improvement.

"Today, that lead has narrowed, with Yahoo's new search engine almost as good as Google".

Yahoo Reawakens The Paid Inclusion Debate
(Search Engine Watch)

“In March, Yahoo rolled out its new Site Match paid inclusion program, which quickly drew wide-spread criticism. It was a terrible blow for Yahoo in its quest to win searchers away from Google. The move infuriated plenty of advertisers, as well.

Why the outcry? After all, paid inclusion is hardly new. It's been offered for over two years. In this article, the first in a series on paid inclusion, we'll examine why paid inclusion blew up in Yahoo's face and will likely remain constantly mentioned by reviewers as a drawback to its search service.

What is Yahoo doing? How does it impact the advertiser and searcher? Are there changes Yahoo should be making? Let's dive in.”

Online Search Engine College Launched
(Search Engine News Blog)

Institution to offer tutor-supervised and self-study online courses

”A new online training institution offering instructor-led short courses and downloadable self-study courses in search engine optimization (SEO) and search engine marketing subjects is to be launched today.”

”Search Engine College is the brainchild of search engine optimization industry expert Kalena Jordan of Web Rank Ltd who, for the past eight years, has been optimizing the web sites of clients to help them achieve higher search rankings.”

Good luck Kalena!

Why Writing Your Own Search Engine is Hard
(ACM Queue)

“There must be 4,000 programmers typing away in their basements trying to build the next "world's most scalable" search engine. It has been done only a few times.

It has never been done by a big group; always one to four people did the core work, and the big team came on to build the elaborations and the production infrastructure.

Why is it so hard? We are going to delve a bit into the various issues to consider when writing a search engine.

This article is aimed at those individuals or small groups that are considering this endeavor for their Web site or intranet.

It is fun, but a word of caution: not only is it difficult, but you need two commodities in short supply—time and patience.”

Via ResourceShelf

Gmail Accused of 'Wiretapping' (Marketing VOX)

“A group that recently sought to link Google's new Gmail service with the Federal Bureau of Investigations sent a letter to the California Attorney General alleging that the new free email service "violates California's wiretapping laws, subjecting both Google and Gmail users to criminal and civil penalties."

“A lawyer interviewed by CNET called the notion that a machine reading email constitutes could be considered a wiretap simply "Luddite."

“Joining the letter were the Electronic Privacy Information Center, the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse and the World Privacy Forum. A spokesman for the Attorney General, without tittering, said that the office had received the letter and would consider it.”


Google denies FBI link to Gmail (CNET News)

“Google on Thursday denied that it has had any contact with the FBI regarding the design of its Gmail Web e-mail service.”

“The search firm's denial came after the Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC) submitted a Freedom of Information Act request to the FBI seeking information about whether the bureau was considering the "possible use of Google's Gmail service for law enforcement and intelligence investigations."

“EPIC, which gave an award last week to a California state senator who is trying to ban Gmail, announced the request immediately after Google said it was filing for an initial public offering.”

“EPIC's request also asked whether Google had discussed licensing its search technology, in use by customers in the private sector, to the FBI "to further law enforcement investigations or intelligence gathering activities." Google spokesman Nathan Tyler replied: "I cannot confirm whether they're using our technology."

Does Gmail breach wiretap laws? (CNET News)

“In a letter sent to California Attorney General Bill Lockyer on Monday, the Electronic Privacy Information Center argued that Gmail must be shut down because it "represents an unprecedented invasion into the sanctity of private communications."

"We believe that Gmail violates California's wiretapping laws, subjecting both Google and Gmail users to criminal and civil penalties," said the letter, also signed by the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse and the World Privacy Forum. "Accordingly, we respectfully request that your office investigate the Gmail service."

“Jim Harper, a lawyer who runs the privacy advocacy Web site Privacilla.org, said Gmail is legal because it reviews only stored e-mail and does not meet the "in transit" definition of a wiretap. In addition, the relatively dumb computer program that matches keywords doesn't meet the California law's "read" or "learn" requirements.”

Spyware Poses Risk to Consumers
(Federal Trade Commission - FTC)

"Spyware poses potential risks. "These include invasions of privacy, security risks, and functionality problems for consumers." Spyware also could promote identity theft by harvesting personally identifiable information from consumers' computers, and it may adversely affect the operation of personal computers. "These harms are problems in themselves, and could lead to a loss in consumer confidence in the Internet as a medium of communication and commerce," the testimony says.

Spyware can cause problems for businesses. Companies may incur costs as they seek to block and remove spyware from their employees' computers; productivity may be affected by pop-up ads launched by spyware; and keystroke capturing by spyware could put trade secrets at risk.

"Given how broadly spyware can be distributed and the severity of some of its potential risks, government, industry, and consumers should treat the threats to privacy, security, and functionality posed by spyware as real and significant," the testimony says.

Congress Eager to Ban Spyware (PC World)

"Spyware is technological trespassing, say several members of a House subcommittee eager to pass legislation banning downloads without a user's clear permission."

"Ari Swartz, associate director of the Center for Democracy and Technology, listed steps the government should take to protect consumers.

"Number one: Enforce existing laws. Number two: The industry needs to do a better job self-regulating. Number three: Privacy legislation that protects these concerns," he told the subcommittee. He added that the FTC needs more resources to go after violators."

"Representative Cliff Sterns (R-Florida) said spyware is more than a nuisance, it's a security concern. The Commerce Committee recently found 200 spyware applications on its own computer, demonstrating the problem's severity, he noted."

"I am a little concerned that you're not concerned, that you don't think people's privacy is violated," said Sterns, who chairs the subcommittee."

FTC officials blast spyware measures (CNET News)

"You like this stuff? You're the only person in this country that wants spyware on their computer," Rep. Joe Barton, R-Texas, said to Beales. [Howard Beales director of the FTC's bureau of consumer protection]

Congress Tackles Anti-Spyware Law (Washington Post)

"Rep. Jay Inslee (D-Wash.) today introduced a bill that would outlaw "spyware" programs designed to record Web browsing habits and collect personal data such as credit card and Social Security numbers. A House subcommittee, meanwhile, quizzed Federal Trade Commission officials today on their continued opposition to spyware legislation."

SB 1436: Consumer Protection Against
Computer Spyware Act (Senate Majority Caucus)

"PROBLEM:
Most Internet users are unaware of the rampant use and growing problem of Spyware. Spyware are various programs, cookies and scripts that perform various, and often malicious, functions on your computer without your knowledge.

These programs track what web sites you visit, may steal your passwords, access your financial information, log your keystrokes, bombard you with pop-ups, track your purchases and remotely report your activity and personal information to a third party.

The scary part is that this is all done without the user's knowledge or consent. You may never even know the software is there, let alone what it is doing. Adding insult to injury, much of this software is designed to be nearly impossible to uninstall."

Anti-Spyware Bills Advance in CA (Marketing Vox)

"Two California anti-spyware bills escaped their respective committees and will face votes.

One in the senate would find spyware companies $1,000 for installing software without notice, imposing a clear distinction between spyware and what the law would consider adware.

The Assembly bill is more interesting, banning software that forces browsers to move to sites not chosen by the user, secret surveillance and preventing the quitting of a program. It would also ban software designed to prevent de-installation.

Most importantly, it allows civil suits against spyware outfits, allowing angered consumers to enforce the measure, rather than relying politically and budgetarily on the state's attorney general."

States Speed up Spyware Race (Security Focus)

“State lawmakers' eagerness to crack down on Internet "spyware" could force the federal government to move sooner than expected to pass its own law, despite misgivings in the Bush administration and among technology executives.

Only one state -- Utah -- has an anti-spyware law, but New York and California both are considering proposals.”

Pop-Up Company Fights Utah's Spyware Law (NBC 17)


“A New York company whose software creates pop-up ads is going to court to fight a Utah law that bans such ads.

WhenU.com claims the new law violates its constitutionally protected right to advertise. It also says the law does little to protect the privacy of computer users.”

Search engines delete adware company (ZD Net)

"Yahoo and Google have disabled links to controversial adware maker WhenU after the company was accused of engaging in unauthorized practices aimed at boosting its search rankings, WhenU's top executive confirmed Thursday.

The practices came to light following an investigation by antispyware crusader Ben Edelman, a Harvard student who found that the company used a technique known as "cloaking" to dupe search engines into favorably listing decoy Web pages that direct people to other destinations, once they click on the link.

A search Thursday on the term WhenU returned a broken link to a WhenU page on Yahoo and no links to WhenU's pages on Google.

WhenU Chief Executive Avi Nader said the practices in question were the work of an outside search engine optimization firm based in New York. Nader said WhenU will no longer work with the company.

"The moment we were alerted to this today, it was taken down," Nader said, referring to misleading Web pages designed to trick the search engines into giving it higher rankings. "We anticipate being relisted in the major search engines soon."

"A list of frequently asked questions posted on Google's Web site clearly states that the company prohibits cloaking or any other attempt to manipulate rankings."

92 Percent of Organizations With at Least 100 Employees Have Been Contaminated With Spyware, Yet Only Six Percent of Employees Believe They Have Been Infected (TMCnet)

"One of the most common ways for an employee to download spyware is by using a peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing application such as KaZaa or Morpheus. Many P2P users do not realize that by downloading a seemingly harmless mp3 file, it may be accompanied by a spyware application."

There’s No Such Thing As Safe Surfing Anymore (eMediaWire)

“Simply by surfing the Web, employees run the risk of downloading spyware on corporate networks. Spyware can compromise security, consume bandwidth and slow networks to a crawl.”

Spyware sneaks into the desktop (Computer World)

"My customer workstations were really gummed up," says Edwards, LAN administrator at the Administrative Office of the Courts in Little Rock, Ark. All 200 machines in his offices were running a wide range of spyware, and many were running multiple programs. The programs ran in the background without the users' knowledge, downloading information on Web surfing activities and uploading advertising in the background for use in pop-up ads. As the volume of these hidden programs grew, they began using up system resources and choking off network bandwidth. Annoyed with all the pop-up ads, some users downloaded free pop-up blocker programs that installed even more spyware."

As spyware accumulates, it consumes increasing amounts of resources. A single program may install upward of 300 files and make 500 registry entries, says Roger Thompson, vice president of development at PestPatrol Inc. in Carlisle, Pa.

Spyware programs may also be used in corporate espionage. Thor Larholm, senior security researcher at network security tool vendor PivX Solutions LLC in Newport Beach, Calif., says a hacker stole one company's trade secrets by using an adware program's communications channel to plant a Trojan on corporate desktops.

But preventing spyware problems also requires installation of desktop firewall software on every Windows machine to detect and block attempts to install spyware, whether by the user or through the social engineering tricks spyware creators play to get users to click on a misleadingly worded pop-up window.

Hijackers Lurk In Cyberspace, Spy On Your Web Surfing (NBC 17)

Forget spam. Forget worms and viruses. The thing that's really slowing computers down these days is called "mal-ware." It's software that gets downloaded, sometimes without your knowledge.

It is spyware that tracks your web movements. Then there's adware behind those pop-up ads and scumware that hijacks your homepage.”

Spyware Has Computer Users Concerned (KSL)
“In the latest on the cyber frontier, you can forget Spam, forget Worms and Viruses. The thing that's really slowing down your computer these days is Mal-ware.
That includes Spyware that tracks your web movements, Adware behind those pop-up ads, and Scumware which hijacks your homepage. “
“One survey by internet provider Earthlink found close to 30 million spyware programs on more than one-million computers. That's nearly 28 spyware programs for every computer.”

Who Protects The Customer From Malware? ()IT-Director)

“There have been recent reports of attempts to use Trojans to defraud home PCs users when accessing on-line bank accounts and e-retail sites, or simply to steal their identities.

The actual level of such activity is unknown and probably very high if the level of identity theft is anything to go by. Trojans, as you probably already know, are spyware – they open back-doors into a PC, they record keyboard activity or even take screen shots and they can also send what they discover direct to a hacker.”

Microsoft to Battle Spyware (Wired News)

Nearly half the world's computers may soon have built-in protection against debilitating infections of spyware and other unwanted software, thanks to Microsoft's update of the Windows XP operating system.
Expected to be released this summer, the Windows XP Service Pack 2 update will contain no fewer than five new security features designed to ward off the unauthorized installation of software via the Internet, according to Microsoft officials. The company hopes the features will not only quell the growing number of complaints from consumers about Windows XP's susceptibility to spyware, but will also save businesses millions of dollars in tech support calls.

Software Industry Fights Spyware Crackdown (NBC 17)


“The software industry is opposing a bill that's intended to crack down on so-called computer "spyware."

Robert Holleyman, the chief executive of the Business Software Alliance, told a Senate subcommittee that the problem is bad people, not bad products.

"Computer snooping, or spying on computer users, is a reprehensible practice that invades our privacy. But the problem is with reprehensible behavior, not bad software tools or products," he said.

The trade group says the same underlying technology that can enable spyware may also run many legitimate applications, so the software itself isn't the problem. Holleyman suggested putting restrictions on how information that is gathered is used.

The bill requires notice and consent before a software program downloads itself onto a computer.”

Monitoring Software on Your PC: Spyware, Adware, and Other Software (Federal Trade Commission - FTC)

"Spyware": Research, Testing, Legislation, and Suits
(Ben Edelman)

How Spyware Attacks (Fortune)
-
Avoiding Spyware (Fortune)

What's the Best Way to Stop Spyware? (PC World)

ACLU Discloses Documents in Extraordinary Sealed Challenge to Patriot Act Spying Power (The American Civil Liberties Union - ACLU))

A Web of Electronic Denial (Wired News)

Ghosts in Our Machines: Background and Policy Proposals on the "Spyware" Problem (CDT Report) [pdf]

Sick of Spam? Prepare for Adware (Wired News)

Nasty Malware Fouls PCs With Porn (Wired News)

Spyware -the new scourge of the Internet
(New Straits Times - Malaysia)

Worms and Viruses Target IM (PC World)

Bigger Threats, Better Defense -
Filling the Gaps: Anti-Spyware (PC World)

Addressing the cause, not symptoms (CNET News)

Google PageRank, Meet Yahoo! Web Rank (ClickZ)

“Yahoo! has launched a system to show the "Web Rank" popularity of pages viewed by those using its toolbar. It's similar to

Google Toolbar’s long-standing PageRank (PR) meter, and it brings with it some of the same potential problems.

The Google Toolbar PR meter reflects how popular Google believes a page is, based on the number and quality of links that point at it. Sounds great. But adding this meter was one of the worst things Google ever did.”

Google Launches Official Google Blog, Not Blog Search (Search Engine Watch)

"On the heels of relaunching its Blogger service, Google has also released its own official blog promising "insight into the news, technology and culture of Google" and "the latest word direct from the Googleplex about new technology, hot issues, and the wide world of search."

See also: Google Launches Google Blog (Web Pro News)

Google’s IPO

Google IPO translates into multiple billions (Silicon Valley)
Google IPO To Happen, Files For Public Offering (Search Engine Watch)
Google could set new IPO standard (Silicon Valley)
Google IPO Coming as Yahoo, Microsoft Step Up Attacks (Update2) (Bloomberg)
For Google, Going Dutch Has Its Rewards and Its Risks (New York Times)
Google IPO: Deja vu All Over Again? (Internet News)
Google Chooses Top IPO Offender for Offering (eWeek)
Google stock auction: Setting up an IPO revolution or disaster? (Silicon Valley)
Google founders will retain control (CNN/Money)
Investment in Google IPO not for frugal (The Arizona Republic)
Google buzz builds; Big, small investors hyperventilate over search engine's IPO (SFGate)
Not everyone's caught up in Google hoopla (Silicon Valley)
Survey Shows Investors Not Ready to Jump on Google IPO (Search Engine Lowdown)
Bankers won't like Google's IPO strategy (Zacks)
UK investors barred from buying Google shares (Rank for Sales)
Time Warner Takes Google Stake (The Street)
Yahoo chief: We won't be hurt by a Google IPO (ZDNet)
News Analysis: Go public, think private (International Herald Tribune)
Can Google Be Public and Private? (E-Commerce Times)
Will Google be the poorer for its new wealth? (Seattle Times)
Does Google feel lucky? (BBC - UK)

Google Overhauls Blogger (Search Engine Watch - SearchDay)

“Today's upgrade adds new features to Blogger, most of which have been in high demand from users. New features include:

- Posting via email: Users can now publish to their blogs from any email-enabled device, including cellular phones and PDAs.
- Comments: Enables people to invite their readers to respond to blog entries.
- Profiles: Enables Blogger users to share information about themselves so readers can learn more about the people behind the blogs, and discover others who share similar interests.

Other new features include 26 new templates designed by leading web designers, and unique URLs for each individual posting. Williams said that the primary reason for creating unique URLs was to make them easier to link to.”

Search Wars: Battle Of The Search Superpowers (Search Engine Watch)

“The Winner? Think TV Networks & Cable”

“In television, at least in the US, you have a few major broadcast networks (ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox) that consistently have a large number of viewers. But none of them ever "kills" the other networks. They may simply get a larger share than others depending on the quality of its programming.

So too in search, I don't think Microsoft will wipe out Google, Google will wipe out Yahoo or that AOL will suddenly disappear. Instead, it's more likely you'll see wins and losses between them, but that all will remain giant players in the near-to-medium future.

Does that mean little players such as Gigablast, Feedster or Daypop won't survive? Not at all. Now think cable TV. These services and other specialty search engines will attract their own unique audiences.

Some may be integrated into major search engines, as invisible tab use grows, through partnerships or licensing agreements. Others will continue on their own. Perhaps they'll only make millions, rather earning the billions that major players can do. But as long as they are profitable and providing a good service, everyone gains.”

Yahoo Powered Ujiko Search Engine Launches (Web Pro News)

“Packed with features not regularly found in other search engines, Ujiko.com has launched a Yahoo-powered search engine.

Part of the Kartoo metasearch network, Ujiko boasts a crawled database of over 4 billion pages.”

US job creation sharply higher than forecast (Financial Times)
“The US economy generated 288,000 new jobs in April, surpassing even the most upbeat
forecast and helping to pull the unemployment rate down to 5.6 per cent.

Economists had expected a more modest figure after the 308,000 jobs created in March.
In fact the March figure was also revised up to 337,000 jobs.”

“It will also provide a political boost to President George W. Bush, who has been harried
by the Democrats over his poor record on employment. Mr. Bush is still on course to be
the first US leader since the great depression to preside over a net loss of jobs during his
presidential term.”

“The improvement in employment in April was across the board, with the number of
manufacturing, services and temporary jobs all rising.”

Finally I have installed the cable connection in the new house. Now, back to blogging.

Peter Da Vanzo - An Interview (Internet Marketing Research)

“After way too long, I decided to finally get around to interviewing Peter Da Vanzo.
His Search Engine Blog is one of the few sites I read on a regular basis. Somehow, Peter D.
finds the time to stay on top of all the search engine news, and formats it in a uniquely interesting way.”

Revamped About.com launches (CNET News.com)
Primedia overhauls About.com Web network (Forbes)

Sorry folks, just moved to the new house I bought.

Google sets $2.7 billion IPO
“Google, the world's No. 1 Internet search engine, finally filed for its initial
public stock offering Thursday and promised to maintain its long-term focus
even though it will soon face the intense scrutiny of Wall Street.”