Friday, November 26, 2004

Google Quality Rater (Temp)

Google Job Opportunities

"Google, Inc., the search engine company based in Mountain View, California, is recruiting part-time remote workers to help with search quality evaluation on a project basis. Candidates must be web-savvy and analytical, have excellent web research skills and a broad range of interests. Specific areas of expertise are highly desirable.

Participants in web evaluation projects must have a high speed internet connection. All applicants must be U.S. or Canada based and must have the corresponding work permit."

The above job advert provoked speculation by inlogicalbearer at searchenginewatch forum that Google is going to "add humans to algo, to track down spammers."
Dave Hawley comments: "Now I can see how Google rumours spread like Chinese Whispers"

Tuesday, November 23, 2004

Net Stocks: Google sliding

Net Stocks: Google sliding as insiders sell $1 bln worth

"Google shares slid below $163 on Monday, the week after 39 million shares became available for sale, including nearly $1 billion of shares sold by venture backers."

Forbes.com: Adult Site Sues Google for Infringment

Forbes.com: Adult Site Sues Google for Infringment: "Google displays the images from rogue Web sites operated in foreign countries, according to Perfect 10's lawsuit. The search engine also provides links to password hacking sites that provide ways to gain illegal access to Perfect 10's Web site, the suit alleges.

Perfect 10 publisher Norm Zada said he is targeting Google because the company is using the allure of naked women to draw more visitors to its site and generate more advertising revenue.

He said he fears his company, which claims 100,000 unique visitors a month to its Web site, will be driven out of business unless Google is forced to stop distributing the 'free peeks.' "

Monday, November 22, 2004

Google Muscles Into Microsoft's Turf

Forbes.com

"Marissa Mayer, Google's director of consumer Web products, said the company's goal is to organize information and make it universally accessible, and that goes far beyond search. "

Web search isn't the only place where Microsoft is playing catch-up:

Internet browser toolbar that blocks pop-up ads and enables search launched years after Google had created its own.

And after Google announced plans for Gmail Microsoft said it would boost free memory on its Hotmail accounts no details yet.

Microsoft also has promised its own system for searching desktop computers...Google launched its desktop search product last month and said users should expect more improvements to that product.

Ad delivery, where Microsoft recently extended through June 2006 a contract for Yahoo Inc./ Overture paid ads... Ad placement alongside search results is Google's main cash cow...

David Smith, a vice president with Gartner Inc., says the chain of events illustrates that Google is proving to be customer-driven while Microsoft tends to be more driven by competitive threats.


Google opened an office in Kirkland, not far from Microsoft's Redmond campus...