Google "Web" Filter Shows Only Text Based Links

[engine]

Google has a new option called "Web" filter which only shows text-based links. It was mentioned elsewhere at WebmasterWorld but I thought it deserved its own thread. I haven't yet seen it, so if you have, let us know how it looks, and what value it brings.

We’ve launched a new “Web” filter that shows only text-based links, just like you might filter to show other types of results, such as images or videos. The filter appears on the top of the results page alongside other filters or as part of the “More” option, rolling out today and tomorrow globally….

[twitter.com...]

[Whitey]

If anyone from Google is watching, make this more visible without it being hidden (my vote x1). I think it will let users feel more in control of their search process options and be more inclusive to all sides.

[engine]

I guess it's not rolled out everywhere just yet.
@Whitey how does it look?

[Whitey]

@engine It’s not rolled out yet in Australia, so my only insights have been from circulated screenshots.

[guarriman3]

Honestly, I do not know how we, content creators, will keep on creating original content if we do not receive any visit from Google search.

And I do not know how Google will find original content to "read" if there is no original content created by content creators.

Is Google expecting to "read" just the content promoted through the Social Networks?

[engine]

@Quarriman3
This is what this may offer. Can you see it yet?

[RedBar]

I'm really intrigued to see this and if it supposedly works as claimed. It "sounds" like something I proposed many years ago and if implemented "my way" could be a great improvement. It's definitely a fingers crossed time.

[Whitey]

I guess it's not rolled out everywhere just yet.
@Whitey how does it look?

It’s rolled out here on desktop. I’m still seeing advertising slots in the top positions though and the “web” prompt is hidden from initial view.

[Fluff_Nutz]

Can only echo what has already been said. I did a random search and did not see the 'Web' option amongst the top category tabs. Instead I could only see it by selecting and clicking on the 'More' option. So it is hidden and its really stupid.

The top spots of my search query was filled with Youtube (still), a lot of Google related garbage, Reddit, Quora and several blue links from the exact same website. Its terrible and a complete eye sore.

[londrum]

I searched for game of thrones on mobile and the results were surprisingly good
1) wikipedia
2) iMDb
3) HBO
4) game of thrones facebook page
5) rotten tonatoes

No ads or PAA boxes above the top 5 positions

If only they could make this the default search (wishful thinking!)

[Brett_Tabke]

>make this more visible without it being hidden

They will not. It will slowly be buried even further. There is an entire list of features users want that Google has never provided. They have had opportunity after opportunity to give users more control over the engine, and they have not done so. Clearly, giving users control over the Serps would impact Google revenue. 800lb gorilla sets any where it wants.

[RedBar]

I have it in the UK and other than it being hidden congratulations G, my widget results are very clean, sure there are some sponsored results in there but otherwise it's like going back 20+ years.

This is on a big screen, off to check my mobiles.

[superclown2]

If only they could make this the default search (wishful thinking!)

So what we do is publicise it. Let your local newspapers, radio stations, tv programmes, golf clubs, friends, families and guys at the local pub know about it. Journalists in particular are always looking for a good story. Put a note about it on your web pages. Email your MP or congressman. The more people see this, and realise how far Google has fallen by chasing the quick buck, the better. Perhaps someone can bring out a browser add-on that defaults to it automatically? There is always a way.

[RedBar]

This is on a big screen, off to check my mobiles.

Ok, tested it on a few phones so far and "Web" is there in the main navigation, I had no "More" button !

[RedBar]

I've Signalled and WhatsApped this out to hundreds of people advising them how to find it etc and already had quite a fe positive responses, no negative ones as yet.

On my desktop I spent about an hour using it for my commercial widgets, this is so much cleaner and easier to use. I've also spent about an hour looking at mobile phones since my better half's phone is now 8 years old and some apps are not updating. Well, I think I've clicked on more ads in the last hour than in the last year and not by accident, the ads were presented like the regular results however they were far better and more accurate, maybe it was just coincidence.

However, the upshot of this search was I ended up buying a guaranteed refurbished phone from an advertiser I knew but never knew did them ... there ya goes .!.!.