But, how many people do you think go to Ask and perform a search and say to themselves “Hey, I think Google’s SERPS are so much better that I’m not going to use Ask again.” Sure there are some, they are called geeks… The average person uses what’s in front of them, typically Google via AOL, Netscape, Comcast, Earthlink ect. ect. ect.

Besides Ask SERPS aren’t that far off IMO, like I said, it’s all subjective.

Do you think if Ask’s SERPS were better than Google’s it would really help them?

Yes, I do… but it’s something they apparently aren’t prepared to try.

The average person doesn’t compare SERPS anyway, they just use what’s in front of them, or what they have become familiar with. This is what I’m sure Barry Diller understands. Do you think if Ask’s SERPS were better than Google’s it would really help them? I’m sure a little, but probably not by much. How much better could they be anyways? Eventually, you have to find other ways to compete. But, Google understands this too - why do you think they fork out that much money to AOL? It’s not because they are sitting idly by and saying our SERPS are the best.

Regarding freshness, I was just thinking the other day that Google’s results were so stale, because it often takes them 24 hours or more to index stuff. ;)