Internet Salsa

Saturday, April 29, 2006

Google is not the boss in South Korea.

Yes, Google's interface is very simple with one search box, and it is the leading website/search engine in the world. However, that's the not case in South Korea. Google is not the leader in that country. People in South Korea are considered some of the most internet-savvy in the world. According to WebSideStory (Web Analytic company) Google represented about 17% of unique visitors in March, 2006.

Who is the leader in Search Engine in S Korea then?
Its called Naver.com (Korean site), which links accounted for about 58% of search referrals. Daum communications was in second place with more than 48% and Yahoo Korea with 32% landing in third position.

Why is Google lagging behind?
Unlike Naver, and Yahoo, Google's search relies heavily on a software. Naver is driven by human expertise to deliver search results. Other feature of Naver is called "knowledge iN" that has help create a database filled with questions and answers. Users can ask questions and are answered by other users. It now totals over 4 million entries. Such feature has been attracting South Koreans internet users to Naver where they interact with other people. So basically its a "people-created" website.

Despite advertisements/publicity/spending by Google in S. Korea, it still is lagging behind sites like Naver.com.

Google.com can not be the boss in every country.

Thursday, April 27, 2006

Another Online Buddy--Gasbuddy.com

Have you heard of a travel site called Bookingbuddy.com ? Its a pretty neat site that helps you find good deals on your travel.

Well, there is another buddy online, and it has to do with travel. It is called gasbuddy.com. Gasbuddy.com helps you find cheap gas in your area(USA/CANADA). There are at least 173 other local sites that is operated by Gasbuddy.com, which shows the listings of various Gas station with prices. You can search gas stations to find such price. Registered members submit the prices that they see at gas stations.

Gasbuddy.com also displays the followings :-
  • 10 lowest by state
  • 10 lowest by city
  • Regular Average Price of Gasoline in US and Canada
  • Most Active user (who submit the price the most)

Price is taken out every 48 hours. Its a pretty cool site. Check it out to know more.

Wednesday, April 19, 2006

Is Yahoo a detective?

That's right..Is Yahoo.com a detective or in other words a virtual/online cop?

Yahoo.com was accused of putting another Chinese user in prison. This is the third time that Yahoo.com has helped the authorities.

According to the report, Jiang Lijun was arrested for in late 2003 and was put into prison for his activities against the communist government.

The verdict also said that the draft email that was saved into Jiang's account was titled "Declaration" and indicated that Jiang along with other activists were planning to prepare a party and throw Communist Party using violence.

Just recently China's president was having a dinner with Microsoft's Bill Gates. I m wondering whether he will also visit Yahoo for helping his government in arresting Jiang.

Back again

It was nice trip to Seattle, Portland and Vancouver(Canada).
I think I liked Vancouver the most. Very vibrant city with both ocean and mountains.
Portland is also not bad with lots of outdoor activities to do.
Will be posting some pictures soon.


 
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