The one site on the Internet that annoys me the most is experts-exchange.com. This seemingly useful site comes up in my search results frequently. The more obscure my query, the more likely an Experts Exchange page will appear in the top results. The problem with this though is they don't answer your question unless you register. This isn't just an annoying New York Times registration either. This is a full blown 7 day trial registration that leads to a $12.95 per month account. Blah!
Don't get me wrong, I don't have a problem with them trying to make money by bringing information together. It is not for me though. I have no desire to pay a monthly fee or to take the time to sign up for a free 7 day trial account to answer some simple question that is likely answered somewhere else on page 1 of my search results. Because I will never use their service I'd like to never be bothered with search results to their pages.
Fortunately, Google is helping us get a little closer to the dream of completely blocking results on expert-exchange.com. The just released a feature called SearchWiki which lets you annotate, promote and remove search results. Granted this is only for when you are logged in and on a per search basis so it is far from the optimal "block everything from this domain" option but it is a step in the right direction. At least I can take my loathing out on the result by removing it. It is as easy as 1.. 2.. 3.. You even get a fun explosion dust cloud while the result is removed.
And while doing a little more research, it looks like there is a Greasemonkey script for Firefox users to block Expert Exchange results for us already.
Also, if you are looking for answers, try Stack Overflow instead. It is actually useful.
Friday, November 21, 2008
One step closer to ignoring experts-exchange.com thanks to Google
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6 comments:
god, I feel you on experts-exchange. That drives me nuts. Thanks!
So why don't you register as an expert, and get the free access that comes with it? Problem solved. You can't ask new questions, but you do gain access to existing solutions.
Nice post. I don't like the experts-exchange results either, and you inspired me to write a how-to for removing experts-exchange results with Greasemonkey
http://www.switchsides.net/archives/28
Take it easy, I think it is either because they are so huge, or because they have a wierd sense of humor. Eitherway just scroll all the way down and just above the footer you will find answers for every problem. A really great and useful site, no doubt about it.
I was once like you, and felt so guilty about it later. Better wiser now than never. Don't block me for this though!
JCWhat.
sqlhtm.com
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