Google’s Index Size Controversy, Does Size Really Matter?

Jonathan,

I recall seeing a report at Search Engine Strategies in New York saying that upwards of 90% of MSN's traffic originated on MSN. This is the power of the default home page. I think those reading ReveNews are a bit more sophisticated than the average Internet user, most don't change their homepage. When Microsoft builds search into the operating system, than I fear they will do to Google what they did to Netscape.

The tech graveyard is littered with "better" solutions that have lost out to solutions that were "Good Enough".

Don't count on Microsoft losing the operating system war, that war is over…

Adam

I agree with Adam on two points.

1. Did you know that almost 40% of people who read ReveNews use Firefox? That's about 25% higher or more higher than standard "internet users". That proves that ReveNews readers are more tech savvy.

2. I've written about this a long time ago. The power of having that search box built right for msn on default is extreme. If you ever really sit back and watch "real" people surf the web, it's enlightening because you can see how inept, for lack of a better word, they really are. Maybe inexperienced is a better word

I remember when I used to use Wordtracker every day. I would go to their top most searched for words/phrases and see what was there.

In the top ten of the listings was always "Google.com". So, the point being, that people would go to MSN and type in the search box, "Google.com". That says a lot for how non tech savvy the majority of people are. Plus it shows how they don't really understand search. To people like that, they're just "using the web".

I think sometimes us in the tech world get too carried away with assuming that the majority of people are internet savvy, when they really are far from it, even today.

For the record, 40% is actually 267% more than 15%. Just to overemphasize your point, Jim.

Obviously, you've all heard the rumours that Google is building an Operating System – anyone have a link to the pics that were on the net last week?

Many companies have died underestimating Microsoft. When I owned an ISP I used to use and distribute Netscape, because IE 3 was horrible. Now IE owns the browser. Sure they got in trouble for building it into the operating system, but the war was over before they got their hand slapped.

Search is their next frontier, and eventually they will get it right. The new MSN search has gotten a lot better than the old version, and will be good enough for the mass market.

What actually matters is relevance of search. Until MSN gets a hang on that it doesn’t matter if MSN comes in with search built into the desktop. People will still be open to pop open a browser and type in Google.com. They knew this was coming hence the Deskbar. Keep in mind Google is still way ahead of Yahoo and MSN and they don’t advertise. Imagine if they started. Imagine if they built their own OS.

“This is the power of the default home page.”

That’s the power of Google. That they are the #1 search engine even when people at MSN and various places use the default search. People have shown they will bookmark, make Google their homepage, dl the deskbar or toolbar, go out of their way to get relevant search.

“I recall seeing a report at Search Engine Strategies in New York saying that upwards of 90% of MSN’s traffic originated on MSN.”

That tells me people aren’t going to MSN to search. They just happen to be on MSN when they do. So only 10% of their SE traffic doesn’t originate from MSN. Not a good sign.

“Did you know that almost 40% of people who read ReveNews use Firefox?”

And the default is IE in Windows. That tells you people will go out of their way to get a good browser. Same with search, they can build it in, Google knew they were, that’s why they have the deskbar. MS building internet search into the next OS is probably one of the most overhyped worries out there. People love Google for search.

Virgin Cola may be better than Coca Cola but do you think Coca Cola drinkers will switch? Probably not. In blind taste tests Coca Cola users actually preferred the the taste of New Coke over the Original but when they swithced, we all know what happened. People get tied to/get comfortable with their favorite brands. There's an interesting thread over at Webmasterworld about all the things MS went after and didn't get/couldn't compete with. TiVo ring a bell? In search MS is just setting themselves up for a longlasting ass kicking by Google. I'll bookmark this blog and years later we can revisit.

You know I've checked my blog stats and I'm very suprised to find 49% using firefox.

I had no idea it was so popular with us 'geeks'

Andrew,
hostingdiary.com

Jonathan,

Do bookmark this thread! I think when you come back you will find that Microsoft's Media Center has taken a bite out of Tivo's market share, MSN's share of search has grown, and Betamax still didn't beat VHS, but both are pretty much dead…

I better run, I have to go build a Lotus 123 spreadsheet! bah!

Adam,

First you tell Jeff you're not sure what he is talking about, then you go back and forth with Trust and then drive your point home with humor and brainpower anchored in industry history.

Day 3 and it's safe to say you're now a Veteran.

Cheers,

Beth