Oct 18, 2001 03:53 AM
5753 Views
We use several search engines are our house. My style is to open multiple windows and search the same topic at two or three of those most likely to have a good answer at the same time. This way, if one fails, another is already loaded and ready. Ask Jeeves is always one of my choices. Here's why.
Ask Jeeves allows the user to put their search in the form of a question-plain English and user friendly. Why do leaves change color in the fall? Where is the Sahara Desert? How do planes fly? etc.
Ask Jeeves gives responses in several formats and not just as a list of links. The first format is a series of several possible further questions or refinements of the question. I find this much more helpful than a response that the item cannot be found or a list of links that happen to have one or more of the words from your question. Next there will be a listing of links that relate to the topic. These are more like the regular search engine links and have varying usefulness. There are also links to other search engine results for the same question.
Recently, I found a new feature -the Answer Point-Here users can post their unanswered questions in categories and other readers can answer them. This, obviously is only useful if you don't need an answer right away. Readers who answer at least 10 questions within a particular subcategory can apply to be ''Enthusiasts'' The expectations for this group appear pretty high-they are asked to respond to questions within their area within a short period and do research if needed to answer questions. There is no mention of compensation.
You can also browse Ask Jeeves by categories.
Ask Jeeves has an excellent search engine for children-Ask Jeeves Kids. In addition to a child friendly version of the search engine, there are a number of resources and fun areas for kids. There are Study Tools-online Thesaurus, Dictionary, Atlas, and more. An advice area where kids can ask and answer questions from other kids. Art Tour-find art online, learn to draw Looney Toons characters etc. There are also areas for Current news, NetMom picks (these are links from the author of the ''Internet Yellow Pages for Kids) and a message board. All activities are monitored and there is no personal information gathered. There are no live chats and staff reviews all message board postings before they go on.
My ten year old uses both this and Yahooligans. He usually has better success with Ask Jeeves Kids.
The wise researcher will use a variety of Search engines to get the best results. I think Ask Jeeves should be in everyone's top three.
