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Search Engines: A Foreign Object to Teachers

Questionable Search Engines

. Some search engines are using monetary-driven tactics to return web pages. These sites require payment to become listed on their service. Companies bid on keywords, such as the word "teaching." For example, if I bid 50 cents for my web site to be listed every time the word "teaching" is entered and I out bid everyone else on that word, every time "teaching" is entered into the search engine, my site will be the first listed. A lot of web sites are not listed with these services because of the associated costs. Using these types of engines only returns corporate web sites or people who are only interested in monetary gain. That monetary gain is from you.

2. Some search engines and indices totally overwhelm you with information. Recently, we took a look at a top-rated search engine. The home page alone consisted of over 300 words and 20 pictures. To newcomers it is comparable to a first trip to Las Vegas. This type of content can distract you. In most cases, the best search engines are also the simplest.

3. Speed- some search engines use slow servers and some servers are slowed down due to too much traffic. Most engines have addressed this and it's no longer an issue.

4. Some search engines list web pages that have been taken off the net years ago. We call these sites dead links. How many times have you seen 404 error, or server could not locate page(s)? Some search engines are notorious for this.

5. Major search engines have been accused of monitoring their users habits and reporting that information to internet markets for a hefty price. And you were wondering how you get all of this junk e-mail (a.k.a. spam)!

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