Why Is This Website Called Google?
Posted under 1337 Hax, Computer Science, The Internets on Aug 28, 2009.
Why is Google called Google? Apparently Google thinks I know the answer.
Google loves me. Don’t believe me?
Google loves me so much that they want me to explain why they call themselves Google. Out of over 32 million pages, Feross.org is the #1 result for the query “Why is this website called Google?” (click here to see for yourself!).
See!… they love ME! I told you! And Google chose my April Fools day prank to be #1, because they love my sense of humor, too! (or because the phrase “website called google” appears prominently in the title, but I bet its mostly the first reason).
Ahh… the mysteries of The Google.
Prediction
I want to make a prediction here. That this post that you are reading right now will become #1 for the same query “Why is this website called Google?” within ONE WEEK. If Google liked my off-topic April fools post so much, then they will surely love this post, perfectly titled and targeted for this query.
I will check back in one week and report on this prediction!
Update (9/5/09): It’s been one week!
So, this post fell short of my predictions. It’s currently #2 for said query (screenshot below) losing out to my original April Fool’s post. I guess Google liked the joke much more than I originally thought. 
I still think it will eventually move up to #1, and I’ll update this post when/if it happens!
Update #2 (9/7/2009): This post is number one! 
It only took two more days, but now this post is the #1 result! Not bad SEO, eh? Ten days to position #1.
#1 for "Why is this website called Google!"
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8 Comments for this entry
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Feross Aboukhadijeh - Stanford, CA
Hi, this is Feross. I'm a computer science student at Stanford University (class of 2012). I'm interested in almost every aspect of CS, especially Internet technology, web development, and search engines. I like running long distances, basketball, video games (especially retro games), and shiny gadgets.
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What am I up to?
See the full stream...March 9th
"Almost surely" - This article made me laugh for some reason. I love Wikipedia. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Almost_surely [FreeTheFeross]
Wasn't going to purchase MacHeist this time, but now that it includes @Tweetie 2 -- here, take my money!! [FreeTheFeross]March 8th
Kill Dash Nine -- Download the MP3!!! http://www.monzy.com/intro/killdashnine_lyrics.html [FreeTheFeross]
How to Construct an Informative Presentation - LOLz http://bit.ly/buWGTJ [FreeTheFeross]
Census: A Little Too Personal http://bit.ly/cuahfV [FreeTheFeross]March 7th
The Jobs Of Yesteryear: Obsolete Occupations : NPR http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=124251060 [FreeTheFeross]
Cartoon characters cut out of paper and put into real life. These are so cute. http://bit.ly/apoVLW [FreeTheFeross]
Slow It Down http://englishrussia.com/?p=9400 [FreeTheFeross]
12 Embarrasing Street View Shots on Google Maps http://www.uphaa.com/blog/index.php/12-embarrasing-street-view-shots-on-google-maps/ [FreeTheFeross]March 6th
Opposite of fail http://shar.es/mHglQ [FreeTheFeross]
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I support
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Meta
August 28th, 2009 on 11:05 am
Haha way to link to yourself dude. xP
August 29th, 2009 on 7:27 am
Thanks Caroline. In case you haven’t noticed, I excel at self-promotion.
Just kidding, of course.
September 1st, 2009 on 8:00 pm
Haha. According to Google your entire blog’s the top result…guess it’s just a matter of time!
September 4th, 2009 on 5:09 pm
You’re also the first for “why is this site called Google” (without quotes). Crazyness!
September 5th, 2009 on 2:19 am
I agree, Ben. I have no idea what the Google algo is doing, but I’ll take it!
On a side note, you should enable comments on your blog. On at least 3 occasions, I’ve tried to leave a comment and been disappointed that comments are turned off!
I really liked your last comic (http://mosscomic.wordpress.com/2009/09/04/security/) about airport security.
September 5th, 2009 on 2:38 am
It’s been a week! I just updated the post!
September 6th, 2009 on 7:15 am
haha it’s hilarious feross. please keep on doing cool things!
September 7th, 2009 on 9:33 pm
Two days later, this post is #1 – I just updated the post!