November 09, 2010

While Google is second nature for web surfers, there is a new kid on the block. Touted as “spam free searching” the Blekko search engine is a network that allows users to narrow down searches via their slash tags that function as Boolean operators.

Older Boolean search engines require quoted words such as “and” “or” or “with” in order to do a multiple parameter searches. But slash tags create a quick and easy way to search by the priority of each category.
Slash tags can come from the site’s default list that features a backslash followed by subcategories such as /date, /health, /tech, etc.

Blekko helps specific needs by letting users give their input in the search process. Users are also encouraged to create custom slash tags that they can then share with others on the Blekko network.

Narrowing down search results with slash tags minimizes spam. You can also mark any search result as spam and information from those sites will never again appear in your Blekko search results.

Competing search engines such as Google and Bing often turn malware-laced sites when you search for health, lyrics and financial queries. Blekko’s specificity promises to eliminate such issues.

To create a simplified interface for new users, the site appends auto slashes to the most frequently searched and spammed results, for example: health, colleges, autos, personal finance, lyrics, recipes and hotels.

For more general searchers, Blekko will progressively launch more auto slashes in categories that get high spam traffic. This will allow those unaccustomed to slash tag searches to see their benefit.

The site also offers web analytics on search results including Search Engine Optimization information, as well as a ranking feature that allows you to rank any result by its relevance to your search.

Blekko is currently available on the web at www.Blekko.com or as a mobile-optimized site, with mobile applications in the works.

http://mashable.com/2010/10/31/blekko-launch/
http://searchengineland.com/blekko-the-slashtag-search-engine-goes-live-54447
http://blekko.com/ws/+/press-videos?h=1