Kerching! - New dot com boom

[DimPrawn]

I'm looking forward to the day when something more reliable that search engines exist to find good websites.

Google and co are ok for finding info from different sources, but crap at giving me a list of websites I can trust and have the products or services that I want. Too much relies on what the user enters as a search term.

So what is going to replace search engines? Properly vetted directories or those built from users recommendations or ratings or actual use?

Whilst you and everyone else is thinking beyond simple search engines, AtW has been spending the last 3 years trying to replicate what Yahoo and Google did 5 years ago.

[PAH]

Whilst you and everyone else is thinking beyond simple search engines, AtW has been spending the last 3 years trying to replicate what Yahoo and Google did 5 years ago.

I'm sure there's madness in his method.

[Jog On]

I'm looking forward to the day when something more reliable that search engines exist to find good websites.

Google and co are ok for finding info from different sources, but crap at giving me a list of websites I can trust and have the products or services that I want. Too much relies on what the user enters as a search term.

So what is going to replace search engines? Properly vetted directories or those built from users recommendations or ratings or actual use?

I read an interesting book about the future of search and how people will (apparently) buy things based on reviews and user recommendations. Like I said before it’s still really hard for anyone to predict how the web will develop or what will happen in the future but I think this guy has a good idea:

http://www.amazon.com/Long-Tail-Futu.../dp/1401302378

I found it an interesting and eye-opening read, read the reviews and see what you think

[DimPrawn]

I read an interesting book about the future of search and how people will (apparently) buy things based on reviews and user recommendations. Like I said before it’s still really hard for anyone to predict how the web will develop or what will happen in the future but I think this guy has a good idea:

http://www.amazon.com/Long-Tail-Futu.../dp/1401302378

I found it an interesting and eye-opening read, read the reviews and see what you think

Please go on, I'm interested in what you think and ideas you have.

[PAH]

I read an interesting book about the future of search and how people will (apparently) buy things based on reviews and user recommendations.

Sounds like it's an online version of the marketing initiative where companies are aiming to sell stuff through the public by getting them to make recommendations to their friends for a reward.

Much like we've seen with various network marketing schemes in the past, that ultimately cause the people involved to become somewhat lacking in friends!

[Jog On]

Please go on, I'm interested in what you think and ideas you have.

Really? I know you're selling a plan B that looks very good from what I can see.

I've spent 2 years on Internet marketing now and still on a bit of a crash course but getting there. My new site converts leads at 15-20% but I'm split testing it up and aim to get it as high as 40%.

I am fascinated by learning what elements of a site make people act and what keywords convert better etc- I absolutely love it

Sounds like it's an online version of the marketing initiative where companies are aiming to sell stuff through the public by getting them to make recommendations to their friends for a reward.

Much like we've seen with various network marketing schemes in the past, that ultimately cause the people involved to become somewhat lacking in friends!

Not quite - it's about how people are relying more on sites like Amazon for Web 2.0 user generated content and reviews to make purchasing decisions rather than big budget advertising campaigns.

Also how the abundance of choice is changing the emphasis on how industries work. An example being the music industry.

Before the long tail people tended to just buy 'hits' and there wasn't that much choice but now anyone can produce and promote themselves through myspace etc. and make it big - or cater to their 'microniche'

It's a good book.

[Board Game Geek]

I definitely pay attention to the user-generated reviews on various websites, and these form a major factor in any buying decisions I make.

I'm currently in the market for an HP Multifunction Device, and the reviews on the product I had chosen were less than favourable.

One review in particular had in-depth technical information that was just not available for public knowledge on the HP site.

However, this chap had bought the model, and this function did not work in the way he envisaged it would.

That was a gold nugget of information for me, since I was going to buy the MFD for the same feature.

Hence, his pain has saved me a lot of hassle.

So yes, reviews are critical and I can well believe that this will become more important in time.