Clipmarks | kidora's 'search engine' clips

20 Tips for More Efficient Google Searches

Fri, 08 Jun 2007 04:46:44 GMT

clipped by: thefoxalmighty
clipper's remarks: very useful indeed.

But instead of just typing in a phrase and wading through page after page of results, there are a number of ways to make your searches more efficient.

Backlinks. The "link:" operator will find pages that link to a specific URL. You can use this not only for a main URL but even to a specific page. Not all links to an URL are listed, however.

Numrange. This little-known feature searches for a range of numbers. For example, ["best books 2002..2007] will return lists of best books for each of the years from 2002 to 2007 (note the two periods between the two numbers).

Calculator. One of the handiest uses of Google, type in a quick calculation in the search box and get an answer. It's faster than calling up your computer's calculator in most cases. Use the +, -, *, / symbols and parentheses to do a simple equation.

Definitions. Use the "define:" operator to get a quick definition. [define:dumb] will give you a whole host of definitions from different sources, with links.

Advanced search

Tags: google, search engine, optimization

SearchCrystal, An Alternative To Creepy Kartoo Guy

Fri, 15 Jun 2007 16:58:05 GMT

clipped by: kidora
clipper's remarks: Also an flash integrated search engine, you can search sites like Google, Ask and MSN all at once. It's a really great interactive search tool. You can get a lot of info at and have fun doing it.

Clip Source: talkback.zdnet.com

You may be interested in using www.searchcrystal.com.
No animated character.
Also implemented in Flash.
searchCrystal is a search visualization tool that enables you to compare, remix and share results from the best web, image, video, blog, tagging, news engines or RSS feeds.
You can embed searchCrystal as a Widget on your site or blog to share personalized crystals with your friends. You can also use it to find out what is popular on Wikipedia or use the Search Analytics Toolbox in your browser.
searchCrystal enables you to see the big picture, gain new insights and interact with search results in new ways.
You can explore and filter 50 - 500 web pages, images, videos, blogs in a single display that guides you toward relevant information in a structured way.
searchCrystal offers you a powerful competitive intelligence tool.

Tags: search engine, search, searchcrystal, flash

Giving Back One Click At A Time

Thu, 14 Jun 2007 21:31:37 GMT

clipped by: kidora
clipper's remarks: The easiest way to donate to charity, and you don't even have to get up off your behind to do it.
I know I'll be using it. How about you?

Clip Source: www.webware.com

The most popular search-for-a-cause service is GoodSearch. Powered by Yahoo, it will send half its ad earnings--about a penny for each Internet lookup you make--to your pick of 37,000 nonprofit groups and schools. You can also add its toolbar to your browser. Nearly 100 new recipients are added each day, said co-founder Ken Ramberg, who hopes GoodSearch will become one of the top 10 search engines by next year. The service sent several hundred thousand dollars to various charities in 2006. Each nonprofit group receives a check at the end of the year once users have rung up at least $20 in its name.

Tags: search engine, goodsearch, search

Try A Meta-Search, Try Kartoo

Fri, 15 Jun 2007 16:49:42 GMT

clipped by: kidora
clipper's remarks: If you get tired of Google and all the various other search engines try Kartoo. It has a very interesting and unusual interface that I have not seen else where. While it does take some getting use to, it can give you a peek into the future of interactive search engines.

Clip Source: blogs.zdnet.com

Can you get used to a search engine that has a creepy little mascot whose eyes follow you around as you click on icons?

If so maybe Kartoo is for you.

Kartoo is a meta search engine (see gallery) that is interesting from a user interface perspective. The search is so-so, but the presentation is worth noting. I’ve been trying it for a couple days as I explore life without Google. I rotated Kartoo with Ask and Live Search. Overall, Kartoo does inspire me to find some new interfaces. It’s just a little hard to use it repeatedly.

Kartoo uses the FlashPlayer to create visual results. Each result has an icon that has meaning–Word doc, recently updated, multiple pages and so forth. Hover over an icon and you can see the threads of your search and why the result appears.

Tags: search engine, kartoo, flash