Jim Hu writes about the pending launch of the Netscape Open Directory and its hope in the volunteer editors’ ability to expand the content.

CNET covers April Fools Day pranks including the Open Directory along with Napster and others.

CNET News reports that directories are being displaced by algorithmic search tools and commercial services. The analysis focuses on Yahoo!, the ODP and Looksmart.

Elinor Mills offers an overview on social search projects, including comments from industry experts on the likely impact on search. ODP and Yahoo are named as projects which are at the roots of the development.

CNET News reports that directories are being displaced by algorithmic search tools and commercial services. The analysis focuses on Yahoo!, the ODP and Looksmart.

Paul Festa's article: "Popular search engine Google on Tuesday launched two sites for developing experimental search and browsing technologies."

Gwendolyn Mariano's article: "Dimandja Emoungu got a surprise when he tried to search Google this month: Instead of a results list, he says, the company handed him a 'rude' note denying service."

Stefanie Olsen's article: "Imagine retrieving up-to-the-second results for all of your Web searches, or personalizing a high-powered navigation system for your desktop."

The software giant is ending its deal to use LookSmart's listings on its MSN pages, as it gets ready to push its own Web search technology.

The design of some of the leading online stores is mediocre at best, but, according to a new study, it is improving.