Business Week On Desktop Search Economics

prostoalex writes "Business Week responds to the recent announcement by Yahoo! to join the ever-competitive desktop search field and asks whether any money will be made in giving away free utilities for desktop search. Apparently, beyond the intangible benefit of brand loyalty (which on the Internet probably doesn't amount to a whole lot), the only way to make money off the desktop search engines, as Business Week sees it, is to show related ads, which is bound to bring up some privacy issues."

Comments

Have a stay at the No-Tell Motel on Route 9!

[nightsweat]

Consumer! I've noticed from your documents and spending habits you seem to be having an affair with your secretary!

Use this online coupon for $5 a one-hour stay at the NoSleep No-Tell Motel on Route 9 near the Feed Store. Choose from our variety of rooms including our "honeymoon suite" with mirrored ceilings, floors, walls, you name it. Or perhaps you'd like the "hygenic room" where everything is made of plastic and can be quickly sprayed down and sanitized both before and after your stay.

Redeem this coupon before January 30 or you might just suffer an unfortunate mass mailing virus infestation. What was your spouse's e-mail address again...?

Solved.

[Anonymous Coward]

2. ???? = show ads

Re:Personal Search Tool

[nadadogg]

That's a damn sweet idea. Of course, there may be some "prior art", if you happen to remember the whistler keychains :) Those were a little attachment, that if you whistled, or perhaps clapped, it would make a beeping noise. My best friend's mom had one when we were little, since he would always hide her keys, but didn't think to remove the whistler thingy.