In conjunction, the two systems provide surprisingly accurate returns. With the addition of Related Search Terms, the process becomes even more useful. For example, I searched for sites about the band R.E.M. using HotBot. What's more, the Related Links option provided a series of more specific search terms, such as R.E.M. Lyrics, R.E.M. Tablature, and R.E.M. Discography. Revisiting Searches Culliss says Direct Hit's technology provides a fundamentally different approach to searching.
Traditional engines look for keywords in the metatext of a Web site.
Web directories such as Yahoo rely on editors to select relevant sites. Direct Hit, Culliss says, tracks what actual users have found useful across the Web. Plus, there's just a lot more stuff out there than there used to be. The addition of the Related Search Terms function adds specificity, Culliss says. Culliss says Direct Hit is talking with other search engines and portal sites, and that deals with current partners are nonexclusive.