Looklistings

[Farhan]

HI everyone!
while checking MSN on some keywords, i was quite surprized with the results! the first 5 positions were almost the same on some very varied keywrods for example

1. essays
2. book reports
3. term papers

all of these show the same results.
Can someone tell me how is it this way?
Am i right in thinking that this is the paid looklisting way of getting in MSN.

someone comment please!

[ihelpyou]

As of right now, I am not getting what you are. I get "featured listings" at the top of results on some searches. Here is what MSN says about them.

"Featured Sites are links that MSN Search editors believe are likely to be particularly relevant and useful, chosen from sites published by MSN affiliates, partners, sponsors, and advertisers, as well as other sites proven to be especially popular among our users."

NOW, the "most popular" link is nowhere to be found! Where did it go? I searched on many terms and it is not there. This is real good news, though they might be trying to figure out how to list the paid listings.

[Mel]

Hi Farhan:

The top 5 results you are seeing are indeed clearly labled as directory (looksmart) listings. It is interesting that the top 5 positions are nearly identical for three different keywords, but the keywords are relevant to the sites, are related to one another, and all the sites seem to optimize for them. Not too surprising when you note that they are all in the same business.

[ihelpyou]

I think the top 5 are a combination now of GoTo, Looksmart, popular, and MSN partners.

They have deleted the most popular link that was there. Many searches do not have the "featured listing". This is great!