New Blog Search Engine Needed
November 9th, 2007 | Categories: blogs, networks, search, strategy
When you think “blog search engine”, you think Technorati. This is unfortunate. The way I see it, the space is in desperate need of a new leader. Although Google Blog Search is a superior service to Technorati, I still believe that an innovator is needed to step in and push the boundaries.
Simplicity is key. Technorati riddles result pages with endless amounts of clutter. What ever happened to the days of simple, clean result pages?
In my opinion, the homepage should contain a search box and a simple text navigation bar. If I want to view the most recent posts or most popular search terms, I am willing to dig a bit deeper.
The interface and navigation are mind-boggling. I really think they need to go back to the drawing board on this one. Although blogs are categorized as “web 2.0″, Technorati is making an overt attempt at “web 2.0″-izing the site and service. The faded background, large fonts, and ocean of tags are overkill. I’m also not convinced that elements such as the author name, “Authority” level, and blog screenshot need to be present with every result. In fact, the blog screenshot is completely useless, as it is too small to view clearly.
Dig around…navigate the site… come to your own conclusions. I’m sure some will disagree with my view, but many will recognize the oversights.
Are there any other blog search services out there that you would recommend?
November 9th, 2007 at 9:32 am
Have you ever tried Blogdigger?
November 9th, 2007 at 9:53 am
Hey Aidan, i’ve just released the english version of my blog search engine. Feel free to try it: http://blogoat.com
November 9th, 2007 at 1:37 pm
Mark - I haven’t tried BlogDigger. I’ll give it a go. Thanks.
Jonas - I’ll check out Blogoat… cheers.
November 11th, 2007 at 5:33 pm
I’d like to see the new search feature in Google Reader not just search your own feeds but have an option to search all blogs.
December 4th, 2007 at 7:46 pm
[…] Then again, blog search is still wide open. Even though Google should probably be dominating the market given its search roots, no one has run away from the pack. Aiden Henry had a great post recently calling for a new blog search engine to step into the fray with some boundary-pushing innovation, while TechCrunch thinks the new Technorati has a “real shot” at being successful. […]
December 6th, 2007 at 11:16 am
[…] I’ve criticized the company in the past, but this is a whole new ball game. Here is my advice for the company (free of charge): throw out the new stories, tags, some of the ads, and just gimme a big friggin search box. There… I saved the company thousands in consulting fees. Thank me later. […]
December 15th, 2007 at 4:02 am
very interesting, but I don’t agree with you
Idetrorce