I Googled Pentagram today. Silly, I know. I know the address, but I navigate the web using Google, doesn't everyone? Anyway, I Googled them and I got this.
What the hell does that mean? That bit that says "4 visits - 15 Jul"? I've never seen that before? Have I Googled Pentagram 4 times since the 15th July? (No) Have I visited Pentagram 4 times since the 15th July? (More possible.) Eh?
Explain please.
They're watching your every move, I reckon (see, you shouldn't have posted about Ann Summers).
Posted by: davidthedesigner | Sep 24, 2008 at 12:57
Or, you could ask Matt Dent.
Posted by: davidthedesigner | Sep 24, 2008 at 12:58
when I worked for giant computer company, I was disturbed when I noticed a similar thing upon googling facebook...except that said 389 times since.... (whenever). Scary....
Posted by: caroline | Sep 24, 2008 at 13:27
Hey Ben,
It is how many times you've visited that site from a Google Search. The date is the date of your last visit.
Craig :)
Posted by: Craig Hamnett | Sep 24, 2008 at 13:49
It's Google Web History. It's only tracking your searches on Google, and what you click. You can change the settings in My Account, switching it off entirely if you like.
In that case it means you've visited them 4 times ever, the last was 15th July.
Posted by: waddie | Sep 24, 2008 at 13:51
David - very good!
Others - I thought that. But if i Google them again, it's not there. So?
Posted by: Ben | Sep 24, 2008 at 15:31
Takes a while for your cache to be updated, fool.
Is that right ? (Looks around eagerly at those who know this stuff....)
Posted by: Tom of the Rovers | Sep 24, 2008 at 16:16
Ben, why use Google? If you're on Firefox (and if not, why not?), just write 'Pentagram' in the address window. It'll find them instantly.
It uses your own browsing history, but also does its own web search. For example, I just tested it by tapping in 'Debenhams', which I've never visited online. Bingo: www.debenhams.com. If it can't find a perfect match, it brings up the relevant Google results page anyway.
Posted by: Mike Reed | Sep 24, 2008 at 17:37
I tried that Mike, but it takes me straight to the Google page. Not the Pentagram page.
Anyway.
Posted by: Ben | Sep 24, 2008 at 18:22
Do you have the google toolbar installed? It invades privacy by reporting stuff back to them for google history which is then put onto your search results
Posted by: Richard | Sep 25, 2008 at 08:31
That's my business,Ben.
Posted by: Google | Sep 25, 2008 at 14:06