08.18.05
When it Rains it Pours
Ever heard of the Google One Box? Well I know that I have not been nearly as busy scouring the web for information on SEM news lately, but I for one learnt something new today.
Google’s OneBox results are displayed above the search results and is mostly specialised information such as news, stock quotes, weather and local websites related to your search query….
If you ever thought size does not matter, well it does. According to Google anyway 
Google increased their indexing size display recently by 110 million more pages. There were rumours that it was in reaction to Yahoo’s index size announcement about a week ago…but apparently they were first….and so the saga continues. Just go to the Google home page to see for yourself.
Google also announced yesterday that they have now officially implemented the keyword status system. With these improvements, your keywords will now either be active or inactive, depending on their quality and maximum cost-per-click (CPC).
Why can’t people be more creative? Enter Oodle, a new kid on the search engine block. It scans the web to find listings of items for sale posted on places like Craiglist, newspaper classified pages and eBay etc. You are also able to find car listings, rentals, jobs and other locally oriented services. Only serving about 22 US states at the moment and growing, it has a fresh look. Each state has its own icon typically associated with that state. It leaves a little lacking on the side of usability IMO though. But its new, its not all that creative on name but lets give it the benefit of the doubt.
Ok, call me a geek, but this is the funniest thing I have seen in a while! SatireWire’s editor actually interviewed AskJeeves search engine – the first interview with a search engine that I know of. This is a must read.
On a personal note:
I have had the most amazing birthday this year. Spoilt to the bone. Joey and I went away on that amazing weekend to Knysna and this weekend past the surprises continued. Saturday was an absolute birthday pampering treat – any girls dream. Saturday night was the main celebration and Sunday – the big day - started off with a fantastic breakfast in bed. Hon, you really are the best 
Cape Town weather has been wet, wet and more wet. Work is still incredibly busy, and then to top it somehow my dog escaped the backyard yesterday. At least there still are some good people in the world, as luckily someone found him running around the neighbourhood and gave me a call – thank you good samaritan!
My postings have been few and far between, and as you noticed I did not post my summary at the end of last week. So I guess if I miss out, it does not mean that you should miss out – sign up for my bi-weekly newsletter. Ok, ok – albeit for my work – there is some interesting stuff in there. And if I don’t post it here – it’s usually in there! ….Now if only I could get commission for those sign-ups
Till next time.