But What If I Don't Want To Search The Whole Web?
from the ah,-back-into-the-darknets dept
Last month we wrote about how different the internet experience would be when (if) major search engines were able to better search the "dark" or "deep" web of information not normally available to search engines. Mostly, these are databases with their own front end search mechanisms. In the meantime, though, specialty search engines are popping up in areas such as scientific searches, to try to help those who are looking for something in a specific field - but who don't want to search the entire internet. Of course, you wonder how long it will take for the Googles and Yahoos of the world to start offering similar functionality. In some ways, they already have, with their news searches, product searches and even the beta test for Google's personalized search. It's clearly not their yet, but it may be difficult for specialized search engines to avoid getting swept up in the overall search battle.Thank you for reading this Techdirt post. With so many things competing for everyone’s attention these days, we really appreciate you giving us your time. We work hard every day to put quality content out there for our community.
Techdirt is one of the few remaining truly independent media outlets. We do not have a giant corporation behind us, and we rely heavily on our community to support us, in an age when advertisers are increasingly uninterested in sponsoring small, independent sites — especially a site like ours that is unwilling to pull punches in its reporting and analysis.
While other websites have resorted to paywalls, registration requirements, and increasingly annoying/intrusive advertising, we have always kept Techdirt open and available to anyone. But in order to continue doing so, we need your support. We offer a variety of ways for our readers to support us, from direct donations to special subscriptions and cool merchandise — and every little bit helps. Thank you.
–The Techdirt Team
Reader Comments
Subscribe: RSS
View by: Time | Thread
Specialization is inevitable
In business we should remember that brand specialization is inevitable, as is divergence. Mint flavored, low sodium, flouride toothpaste with whiteners!
I would fully expect to see specialty search engines arise; the major SE's may compete, but it becomes a brand problem then. They could launch separate brands for specialty searches, but it seems this is often a very hard choice for big players to make, other than in consumer goods where it is known and studied business logic.
I would invest in the right specialty search engine...
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Re: Specialization is inevitable
Arise? They already exist. But they're mostly pay-for searches/services...
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
No Subject Given
[ link to this | view in chronology ]