Ask.com: Not Focused on Core Search, or is it?

Jun 26, 2008 - 10:13 am 0 by
Filed Under Ask.com

Our boss man Barry spoke with Jim Safka of Ask.com in a lengthy interview three weeks ago, and he's come out unimpressed by Ask.com's approach toward search. In the interview, Ask.com takes a stab at larger search engines (the big three) because he claims Ask.com is "smaller" (and can push things out quicker) and Safka also said that Ask "greatly over indexes in certain categories" (entertainment, health, hobbies, references). However, it seems from the conversation that Ask.com is not focused on the core algorithm.

"Have you or would you test Google organic search results in place of your organic results?," I asked. Jim initially gave me the PR speech consisting of, "we are completely devoted to our own search results." I then blatantly asked, "Is that a no?" He said it was a no and that no, Ask did not test Google results in the past six months.

Barry has admitted to Safka that core search is far from where it should be and it's not evolving as many of us are hoping for. He ends his article with "Ask Not What Is Best For Market Share, But What Is Best For Core Search." At least, that's what it should be for us. I'm not sure I am confident in Ask.com either at this point, and I know that I am not alone.

Forum discussion continues at Sphinn.

 

Popular Categories

The Pulse of the search community

Follow

Search Video Recaps

 
Google Core Update Rumbling, Manual Actions FAQs, Core Web Vitals Updates, AI, Bing, Ads & More - YouTube
Video Details More Videos Subscribe to Videos

Most Recent Articles

Search Forum Recap

Daily Search Forum Recap: March 18, 2024

Mar 18, 2024 - 4:00 pm
Google Updates

Google Urges Patience As The March 2024 Core Update Continues To Rollout

Mar 18, 2024 - 7:51 am
Google

Official: Google Replaces Perspective Filter With Forums Filter

Mar 18, 2024 - 7:41 am
Google Maps

Google Business Profiles Now Offers Additional Review After Appeal Is Denied

Mar 18, 2024 - 7:31 am
Google Maps

EU Searchers Complaining About Google Maps Features Changes Related To DMA

Mar 18, 2024 - 7:21 am
Google

Google Showing Fewer Sitelinks Within Search

Mar 18, 2024 - 7:11 am
Previous Story: Risk-Free Link Building Techniques?