Despite harrowing first reviews of Wikiasari, or Wikia Search, Wikipedia's brand new search engine, the majority of Internet Evolution readers seem to harbor a soft spot for Wikipedia, which on the whole took precedence in their heart of hearts over their love of Google (Nasdaq: GOOG), Ask.com, and even (dun dun dun) their mothers.
In response to our question: "If [Wikiasari] launches successfully, would you choose it over Google?" our reader poll shows:
- 56 percent responded "Yes."
- 40 percent responded "No."
- 4 percent responded "N/A" claiming to use a different search engine.
Citing Wikia Search's appeal as a trusted search engine based on user feedback, researcher Viboons notes that the search engine will have to really battle it out for a seat among the better-known search engines: "And Google, in particular, is the one company that is not easy to battle against as it integrates its search engine with its other Web apps, recognizes the dynamic nature of Web pages, and has the strong capability and resources to continuously improve and advance its search engine technology."
Regardless of Wikipedia's initial launch struggle and any windy, grindy roads to come, a look at our results shows at least one thing: We are not as head-over-heels in lovely love with Google as Google leads us to believe we are.
Moreover, for the end user, it seems a modest business model may be preferred to a lucrative business model hidden behind an almost laughable "we're on your side" facade. While we may have our gripes with many of Google's cyberspacious adventures, the fact remains that it performs search very well (hat, hand). Thus, the idea that 56 percent of our readers would abandon an already great, established search engine in favor of Wikipedia perhaps demonstrates distrust (disgust?) with Google as a company.
That's why this week Internet Evolution is giving you (yes, YOU!) a chance to unveil your true feelings for your Internet companies. In a brand new poll born today (awww), "Best & Worst Online Companies" we ask, "Of all the big-name companies in the online space, which do you love and which do you loathe?"
Here's your chance to really stick it to the companies that have made your virtual life hellish and, in turn, give an old teary-eyed thumbs up to the ones that have been like a reliable pal.
So take our poll before it's too late (which is never -- but sometimes you need good threat). And, if not too cowardly, go ahead and back up your choices on the boards.
Source : Internetevolution.com
