Wow, serious heatwave hit here this week. Or maybe it's just me. The humidity is killing me. I feel bad for all people who were waiting on line for the iPhone for its highly anticipated launch. Not everyone wants an iPhone, but some people are a little giddy (and like the publicity). Truthfully, if I could withstand the heat and my boss let me, I'd do it for the fame too -- and I'd go to San Fran where the action is though. Ah well, I'll be California bound in two months anyway. :)
eBay Ads Return, Organic Rankings Drop
Earlier this week, the eBay advertisements returned to Google after the little fight between the two started settling. Google AdWords advertisers were enjoying the increased exposure and aren't happy, but maybe there's a concession: organic listings have dropped, or so some are reporting these findings. Is this payback? eBay realized it didn't need Google AdWords, and now Google is realizing it doesn't need eBay ranked so high in the SERPs. Maybe Google is now giving small business advertisers on lower SEO campaign budgets a chance. It's indeed possible, and I know that business owners would welcome it.
Just Crazy When You Think About It
Every day, a quarter of Google searches are seen by the search engine logs that have never been seen before. After thinking about it, I wonder if that includes different permutations and long tail searches. Either way, that's crazy! Then again, it could also be related ot novelty. When American Idol hits season 7, you'll start searching for the new aspiring singers too. Dennis Ray Nestor Jr. comments that it might be related to people using Google as a spellchecker. That could be the case, but I'd think with the number of searches done daily, they'd have exhausted their typo pool by now!
Threadwatch: Going, Going, Gone
Aaron Wall of Threadwatch announced earlier this week that he was closing down the site. A lot of people have been talking about this and nobody is really happy to see it go. In fact, the activity on Threadwatch seems to have remained the same or perhaps has even increased in the past 3 days. However, the right hand navigation is gone and only the stories remain, so Threadwatch looks like it has turned into an informational site that will no longer be updated. Sad. Best of luck, Aaron.
Google Personalized Search Doesn't Have to be Personalized
Google Personalized Search freaks a lot of people out. Others, not so much. Barry wrote a nice post earlier this week allowing you to see how you can opt out of personalized search: log out of Google, append &pws=0 to the end of your search, or utilize this Joost de Valk OpenSearch Plugin. You can do the same thing for Barry's browser of choice: Safari. Philipp Lenssen also has written a good blog post on disabling personalized search.
Microsoft Shapes Up Search and Advertising
Earlier this week, we reported on a BusinessWeek article that highlights some of Microsoft's recent aquisitions in vertical search. It looks like they're going on the mobile route, but they're also focused on health care.
And yesterday, Microsoft rolled out ContentAds to all advertisers. Remember, if you're an advertiser, you need to opt out manually! Don't say we didn't warn you. :)
Google Docs and Maps are Red HOT!
Google Docs launched a new interface earlier this week. It looks really nice. I think the user friendly GUI should attract more users. What do you say?
Also, this is something I've wanted for quite a long time. I'm totally dependent the path Google Maps plots out for me for driving directions. But what happens if there's a road closure when it rains? I've always wanted to know how to get home when there's an unanticipated detour. Following the flow of traffic all the time isn't always ideal. Sometimes I find myself in dark alleys and it can be rather frightening. So now that Google has launched drag and drop driving directions, I can find my way home again... I hope. (Does Google plot dark alleys on its map?!)
Hate Your Competitors? Trash Them!
Rankings are everything to some. They really can make or break a company. That's why there are companies that can ensure you stay on top while your competitors get ranked lower. Does it sound too good to be true? Sign up today and find out! (P.S. This is not an endorsement at all. Please take everything I say with a grain of salt.)
And Network Solutions is banking on the top ranking idea and is looking for you to get guaranteed rankings for your keywords without doing anything malicious. If Barry is going to try it, why can't you?
Get MySpaceTV Today!
MySpaceTV officially launched yesterday, and we compared it to YouTube. All in all, it's pretty similar. There are some differences like the ranking system and the comments. Many people believe that there's potential for this service, but most are of the opinion that YouTube will still stay #1.
Condo for Sale in Monsey, NY
Barry is leaving us. He's moving next door to Danny in Search Engine Land, which is located somewhere in the United Kingdom. His condo is for sale in Monsey. If you buy the apartment, you also automatically buy the job vacancy that Barry has left behind. Please (only people I like) move in and jump on this excellent opportunity.
Okay, I'm totally kidding. Barry is staying with us but he would like to move to bigger digs in the New York area. I am jealous. So, if you know anyone looking for an apartment in Monsey, contact him please. Tell him I sent you. I get a 6% commission on the sale.
Give It Up
Guess what next week is, my friends? Besides Independence Day in the US, it is the day that our embargo for the Give It Up session at SMX. I know you've been waiting for it!
