Googlers - Try This For Me Please

b0b · Post by **b0b** » 28 Feb 2010 9:30 pm

Can we run a little experiment here? Type "steel" (just that one word) into Google. How many of the results on the first page are steel guitar related?

I got a very unexpected result, and I wonder how many other people are getting it too.

Jim Smith · Post by **Jim Smith** » 28 Feb 2010 9:57 pm

I got nothing for steel guitar, not even in the related searches at the bottom.

I just read in Wired Magazine that Google uses data from your previous searches, if you are signed in and have agreed to let them use your data. I didn't agree to that.

Andy Sandoval · Post by **Andy Sandoval** » 28 Feb 2010 10:10 pm

Nothin with just "steel" but "steel guitar" brought up almost all steel guitar related links.

b0b · Post by **b0b** » 28 Feb 2010 10:43 pm

Ah, that explains it, Jim.

I'm always logged into Google for my custom news feeds and such.

Cal Sharp · Post by **Cal Sharp** » 28 Feb 2010 10:46 pm

When I'm signed into my Google account the Forum is the first hit. When I sign out the first hit is steel (the alloy) on Wikipedia. Next is Seymour, and the rest have nothing to do with steel guitar. Google customizes your searches, based on your search history, when you're signed into your account.

David Wright · Post by **David Wright** » 3 Mar 2010 4:08 am

I did 2 one "steel' one just steel.

Chip Fossa · Post by **Chip Fossa** » 4 Mar 2010 2:19 pm

b0b,

Here are my results. I could have 'pic'd' a 3rd page, but it had nothing related to pedal steel.

Wiz Feinberg · Post by **Wiz Feinberg** » 4 Mar 2010 8:18 pm

Folks;
These Google SERPS are tainted by cookies set on your computers by Google. They remember your previous search terms, plus identify your present geographic location, from your IP address, to present local results and taint the main results toward your previous search keywords and the pages you then clicked to visit.

If you have previously searched for pedal steel guitar anything, then later on search for "steel," you will see pedal steel results mixed in, as well as local steel companies and shops.

Browse for the sword steel after deleting all cookies, or using a brand new browser and you won't see steel guitar in the results.