Archive for the ‘General’ Category

Founder of TWERQ enters DataPortability Logo Contest

Monday, February 25th, 2008

We have been very busy planning and developing the next major release of TWERQ. Since starting TWERQ in March 2006, I have been focused, and have not taken on many other projects.

Last Friday, while checking the latest tech news I found a post about DataPortability’s Logo Contest. Being a graphic designer for over 15 years, I am no stranger to logo design. In fact I would say I enjoy logo projects the most. I have never been one for contests, but due to the nature of the contest and after seeing all the contest sponsors, I saw this as not only an opportunity to contribute, but also a potential opportunity to generate some exposure for TWERQ.

I dugg in and have submitted a number of concepts. You can check out my entries here. My Entries

I also feel this is this is the perfect time to announce that TWERQ will soon support both the DataPortability and OpenID standards. This allows users that already have a OpenID, to seamlessly login to TWERQ without going through a sign up process. It will also allow users to have complete control of their data.

-Wesley Long

188,000 Searches Conducted on TWERQ

Wednesday, June 6th, 2007

Today we reached a search milestone. More than 188,000 searches have now been conducted on TWERQ since our initial launch 9 months ago. Over 100,000 of those searches have been conducted in just the last 3 months since the launch of TWERQ TurboCharged Beta RC3. Over 900 new users have signed up for a total of almost 1200 members.

TWERQ Beta RC4 Hive Edition - Launch Update*
The newest version of TWERQ, Beta RC4 Hive Edition is extremely close to being ready for launch. So close in fact you can expect to see it within the next few days. Some of you may have noticed TWERQ was unavailable for the better part June 2nd while we conducted a transfer to load balanced dedicated servers hosted by industry leader RackSpace. This was done to ensure maximum performance and reliability of the site under high volumes of use in preparation for the launch. I am also excited to tell you that when Beta RC4 launches there will be $2000.00 in the LuckyDay@TWERQ prize pot to be given away to people using TWERQ. One extra lucky person will find the grand prize of $1000.00, so stay tuned!

Top 100 Alternative Search Engines
Read/Write Web recently added a new blog to it’s growing network, dedicated to it’s highly successful Alternative Search Engines list. This list fully demonstrates the endless innovation happening when it comes to search. The top 100 is picked from more then 1000 search engines and that number grows every day. TWERQ was first included on the Top 100 ASE in February of 2007 and was included again this June for the fifth consecutive month. Visit AltSearchEngines.com

Searchnomics Search Engine Awards 2007
WebGuild’s Searchnomics is hosting Search Engine Awards 2007 which takes place June 27 in Sunnyvale California. There are 78 engines listed at this point including major engines Google, Windows Live, Yahoo and Ask. TWERQ is currently placed 20th according to their online voting system with 61 votes scoring a rank of 4.5 out of 5. Vote for TWERQ

Wesley Long

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One of TWERQ’s Biggest Challenges.

Sunday, May 27th, 2007

One of the biggest challenges we face is how to convey the power and convenience of TWERQ, as well as how it can help both novice or savvy users. It offers much more functionality then people are used to when it comes to searching the web and some of the advanced features may seem confusing on the surface.

I like to use the analogy driving down the highway. When it comes time to pass another car, it is nice to have a car that has the extra power to quickly overtake the vehicle and be on your way. If you think of how people search the information highway there are many similarities. Everyone searches at there own speed and there are always times you wish you could do more to find what you are looking for faster.

There are 3 key benefits at the core of TWERQ’s unique technology which I feel will help us to overcome this challenge.

The same but different.
People are use to the way they search. Our goal with TWERQ has been to make it a seamless transition to a new more effective way of searching. The easiest way to start searching with TWERQ is to simply start using it as you would any other search product. By default, each time you conduct a standard search, rather then replacing results that are displayed, results internally open a new tab on the webpage and not the browser. This allows to you instantly flip through previous searches and quickly identify which search term has the most relevant results. When you select a tab your search term is selected so you can easily type in another keyword or refine the current one and do another search.

More power when you need it.
TWERQ’s advanced features are mostly under the hood and can be used on demand very easily. It starts with what are called Q-Triggers which are a special set of commands. These commands allow you do all your refining in one search string, then conduct multiple searches from various sources of information simultaneously. Other key features allow you save, open, share and collaborate with others the information you find.

Where ever and when ever you need it.
Each and every feature of TWERQ has been developed to make searching easier, more convenient and portable. Your information and what you find is in your control and you can access it from anywhere in the world at any time.

We have also been working on simple and easy to understand tips, help documentation and presentations. Ultimately it will be user questions, comments and suggestions which will help us to improve this so keep the feedback coming. We truly appreciate it!

For more information about TWERQ’s features please visit http://www.twerq.com

Wesley Long

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