Microsoft has unveiled yet another tactic to try and get web surfers to use LiveSearch. Today, comes word that they are launching SearchPerks.
Microsoft’s latest strategy gives web searchers points when they use LiveSearch, which can be redeemed for prizes. Users who sign-up before the December 31 deadline, must agree to download a small program that tracks their usage. Once installed, the users will get one “ticket” per day for every LiveSearch query.
In my opinion, this plan fails in two key areas:
1) Microsoft is capping the daily number of eligible searches at 25
Between now and April of 2009 that means you could only rack up 5,200 tickets. Hardly worth the effort, I think.
2) Surfers must use Internet Explorer 6.0 or higher in order to participate
Too bad. I like Firefox. Suddenly, everyone wants to be an expert at EVERYTHING. Whatever happened to specialization? When I think about computers, I think Microsoft (sorry Mac users, I haven't crossed the line yet). When I think about music, I think Apple. When I think about web browsers, I think Firefox or Opera. When I think about search engines, I think about Google. When I think about news, e-mail, and entertainment, I think about Yahoo.
I don't want a web browser made by Google or a search engine built by Microsoft any more than I want a car made by John Deere.
Is it just me, or is LiveSearch starting to sound like that kid in the corner of the classroom with his arm raised high into the air saying, "Oooh! Oooh! Look at me!"
Unless they're going to throw in a free Xbox 360, I'm not interested.
I wonder how many companies have actually succeeded with this business model. I think I'll go Google it.
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