Blekko is a search engine that aims to provide users with relevant and trusted information by utilizing human input and innovative algorithms. This article will delve into the features and advantages of Blekko, highlighting its unique approach to search and its efforts to combat spam and improve search quality.
1. Introduction to Blekko
Blekko was founded in 2007 by Rich Skrenta and Mike Markson with the mission of revolutionizing search engine technology. Unlike traditional search engines that rely solely on complex algorithms, Blekko incorporates human curation and user feedback to deliver more accurate and reliable search results.
2. The Slash Tags System
One of the distinct features of Blekko is its slash tags system. Slash tags are shortcuts that users can utilize to filter search results based on specific categories or domains. For instance, adding “/news” at the end of a search query will limit the results to news articles only. This feature allows users to quickly find relevant information within their desired domain.
3. Fighting Spam with the Spam Clock
Blekko places a great emphasis on combating spam and low-quality content. They have developed a tool called the Spam Clock, which monitors the web for spam and assigns a score to each website based on its trustworthiness. This score determines how prominent the website will be in search results. By penalizing spammy websites, Blekko ensures that users are exposed to high-quality and reliable information.
4. Slashtag Editor and User Feedback
To further improve search quality, Blekko allows users to contribute by creating and editing slashtags. Slashtag Editor is 
a feature that lets users curate search results based on their expertise or interests. This personalized approach promotes diverse perspectives and helps make search results more relevant and tailored to individual preferences.
Additionally, Blekko encourages user feedback to identify and address any issues or concerns. Users can report spammy websites or suggest improvements to the search engine, creating a collaborative environment for continuous enhancement.
5. Advantages over Traditional Search Engines
Blekko offers several advantages over traditional search engines. Firstly, the use of slashtags allows for more precise and targeted searches, saving users’ time and effort. Instead of sifting through irrelevant results, users can quickly find information within their desired category.
Secondly, Blekko’s focus on combating spam ensures that users are presented with trustworthy and reliable sources. By filtering out low-quality content, Blekko delivers more accurate and relevant search results.
Lastly, Blekko’s user-driven approach sets it apart from other search engines. By allowing users to contribute and customize search results, Blekko empowers individuals and fosters a sense of community.
6. Conclusion
Blekko stands out as a search engine that combines human curation, user feedback, and innovative algorithms to provide users with accurate, reliable, and personalized search results. With its unique features like slash tags and the Slashtag Editor, Blekko offers a refreshing alternative to traditional search engines. By prioritizing search quality and user experience, Blekko continues to evolve and improve, ensuring that users have access to the most relevant and trustworthy information on the web.