The Problem with Personal Search

The hypothesis of personal search is that by looking at a users history, we can better predict, filter, and present search results. It is this thesis that has driven major search engines Google, Yahoo, and MSN to push the boundaries of privacy concerns to tailor their search results to each individual. I believe there are some inherent problems with Personal Search – not in it’s execution, but in the very premise upon which it is based, that people want personalized search results. Consistency Breeds Trust: The most obvious shortcoming of personal search is that it delivers different search results to different people. As a search engine marketer, I have dealt for years with clients who are befuddled that different Google datacenters could cause their...

Digg Breaks Cardinal Advertising Rule

Of the many rules of online advertising, perhaps the most obvious is not to auto-play sound. Years ago these forms of advertising were tossed aside with popups and popunders on legitimate, reputable sites. Apparently digg forgot and let me know this morning, 3 times, that I had won 2 Ipod Nanos! Come on Digg, this is ridiculous. No tags for this post.