Human-Influenced Search - Interview with Blekko CTO, Greg Lindahl - Page 2
II. Wikipedia-like Policing
Using human curators allows for a much more narrowed and applicable search result but it can only go so far. Through the use of individual preference an end user can design their own query set which can become more relevant with extended use. A user can create their own ‘slashtag’ data set for sites they feel are most relevant to their particular needs. As an example, if one user were to query using the phrasing ‘cheapest computers,’ he might get things like craigslist.org or EBay. Using the ‘slashtag’ containing Dell, Sears, Target, CompUSA, and the like, that same Blekko search will generate a more accurate result.
An example Lindahl provided for a luxury goods product search demonstrates how more desirable results are generated from the Blekko, human-influenced engine.
Search: "Gucci handbags" (https://blekko.com/ws/+gucci+handbags)
Result:
Blekko's results include websites selected by a slashtag editor, with known spam sites removed, and even a relevant a blog entry on the joys of owning a Gucci handbag. Each of these factors delivering on-target search results for the consumer seeking to buy a genuine luxury good product.
Both Bing and Google's results, devoid of human influence, suggest shopping on eBay, which isn't a good idea for designer goods. Three of the other retail outlets they suggest are banned on Blekko as spam websites.
Next for Blekko?
In the final analysis, Blekko has paved the way and raised the bar to greater, more desirable search engine results. Google is realizing this, and recognizes that end users are growing tired of all of the spamming, advertising and irrelevant data in their query results. The next step for Blekko should be to allow the owner of a particular website to submit their site for curator evaluation. The site owner could then receive a report from the curator, and adjust their site accordingly. It is this type of open architecture that will make Blekko successful.
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