Relaxing into Browsing Mode / Google For Dummies

Relaxing into Browsing Mode

After a hard day of Googling, there’s something comforting about putting on the slippers, lighting up the pipe, and cruising around Google Directory. And if that scenario isn’t weirdly retro-tech enough for you, throw in a dog bringing you the newspaper.

Browsing is more relaxing than searching, though. Trolling the directory leads to unexpected discoveries as opposed to the routine precision of Google’s Web search. Google’s search index is so precise and uncannily helpful that it’s easy to lose track of the directory entirely. Don’t. The directory is truly fun.

If you liken Google searching to finding a needle in a haystack (and a whopping big haystack, at that), browsing the directory is like shining a giant spotlight on broad topic areas of Web content. Search the index to be productive; browse the directory for fun.

Tip

The directory has its productive uses, too. In particular, Google Directory serves as an alternate search engine for those who don’t like using search operators (see Chapter 2) to narrow down the search field. The directory is all about narrowing down, from broad category to thin subcategory. Drilling into the directory, and then using the within-the-category search function, is a fantastic way to bring up high-quality sites with a minimum of hassle and technical search knowledge.

Here’s an example of directory productivity. If you’re searching for an online edition of your hometown newspaper, you could drill into the directory’s News category, select Newspapers, select Regional, and search for your town’s name in the Regional directory. This method avoids clumsy search operators in the Web index.