Complicated Math, Simple PR

“MSN search results are determined independently and objectively by an algorithmic search engine. We believe our algorithms are competitively designed and more intuitive in order to return the most precise results for consumers.” So says MSN Product Manager Justin Osmer in response to a story on News.com but reporter and blogger Elinor Mills suggests that those famous algorithms are just a little biased.

According to Mills, the top results for “Dr. Lee court documents Google Microsoft” at Google tend to favor Google’s side of the story focusing on results containing Google’s contention that the whole suit is a charade. Meanwhile over in MSN Search, the top results are about Microsoft’s recent court victory. Mills used the metasearch engine Dogpile to determine this alleged bias.

Susan Esparza is former managing editor at Bruce Clay Inc., and has written extensively for clients and internal publications. Along with Bruce Clay, she is co-author of the first edition of Search Engine Optimization All-in-One Desk Reference For Dummies.

See Susan's author page for links to connect on social media.