Google really created a search that could be a business by creating a revenue stream out of search by creating a successful text ad business.
Now we see others taking that to the next step. Microsoft started it off by sharing some of the revenue with the users who used the search. So you have the Live Search Cashback where you get special discounts when you shop at well known sites via the Cashback site.
Then they came up with SearchPerks, which offers you points for searches and then you can convert these points into gifts. They actually closed membership quickly as they reached the required numbers and this program actually ends mid April. Based on whether this was a success, they may come out with some kind of a reward program for users.
But then Scour seems to be out first. This is a kind of a search of search engines. It basically lists search results and also shows where that particular result lists in each of the major search engines (Google, Live Search and Yahoo). Each time you search, comment or vote you earn points. These points can be converted to actual cash.
To earn money you need to register and log in before you search. They do have restrictions on how many points you can earn in a day etc and also the point conversion varies based on the country. A number of new search engines have appeared and disappeared, Lets see if Scour can succeed.
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