When Do You Use Twitter Search vs. Google Web Search?

I recently came across an interesting article, Twitter and Local Search: A Status Update, by Michael Boland, Search Engine Watch. Michael conveyed the idea that Twitter search brings structure to all the noise on the Web with an index of real time conversations. I agree and now, at times, I get better results on a niche topics such as SOA or Agile development through Twitter search than through Google.

Michael points out that while Google spiders are quick to index new content, it still takes hours or days rather than seconds. He adds that's perfectly okay if you're researching a new flat-screen TV, or the history of Mongolia.

But it could be less effective in emergency situations or where to get the best pizza in San Francisco. Twitter search covers conversations, while Google search covers topics. When do you use Google search and when do you use Twitter search. What has been your experience?

Comments

[Theron Kelso]

After Conducting my own 21-day experiment, my results say:

Twitter search is better for: Current events, popular culture, and direct access to people for the purpose of continuing conversations.

Google is better for: current research findings (formal) in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (with the possible exception of computer technology), how-to documents, and historical documents which I purposely left unexplored.

More at: http://ottersearch.appspot.com/2009/06/05/twittervsgooglesearch

[bill Ives]

Theron Thanks. I tweeetd this. Bill

[Rhonda]

so, do you have to sign in to twitter to use the url with your name link or what? it says you can find people using the link but results say no page for that user when clicking off the link posted on a webpage, any ideas why many thanks!

http://twitter.com

go there first?

then put in user name??

how do you post this on a webpage.... is abit confusing

[bill Ives]

Rhonda

You do have to sign into twitter to have your actions recorded in your account. It is confusing. Since I use two accounts, I sometimes make mistakes. Twitter interface is not intuitive. Bill