Google Thought Jackson Traffic Was Attack

[steven johnson]

I'd say that was a thriller.


Google has confirmed that the surge of Michael Jackson-related searches on Google News Thursday was first interpreted as an attack on its service.

Google News was inaccessible for some people Thursday afternoon right as rumors of Jackson's death began to circulate, replaced by an error message reading "We're sorry, but your query looks similar to automated requests from a computer virus or spyware application. To protect our users, we can't process your request right now."

Of course, those queries were quite legitimate, as millions around the world searched for accurate information regarding Jackson, following reports that he had suffered cardiac arrest.

The spike in queries began at about 2:45 p.m. PDT Thursday, and Google thought the traffic was an attack for about 25 minutes before realizing what was going on.


Google Thought Jackson Traffic Was Attack

[JI7]

1. did this get more traffic than the 2008 Presidential Election

on election day ?

[ZombieHorde]

2. I don't know, but election day is predictable. nt

[sandnsea]

3. I think it was a surge

Election day is all day, spread out over time. This was a surge and was noticed on every major news site. I read an article a couple days ago. I don't know as far as statistics, but it was a surprise and one of the biggest simultaneous events. It buckled the internet for sure.

Some more stats. It crashed AOL Instant Messenger, Wikipedia, TMZ, Twitter, and the LA Times.

http://gawker.com/5302943/michael-jackson-traffic-melts-entire-internet

[Tangerine LaBamba]

4. The irony -

Oh, the wicked irony of it all!

Jacko lived for publicity, wanted nothing except to be the center of attention, and now - when he can't enjoy it - he's getting more publicity than he ever got. Even when he was on trial.

It's almost cruel to think about it.

Meanwhile, Ryan O'Neal, who got so much mileage out of his relationship with poor Farrah Fawcett, must be chewing his own leg off in rage at the strange, strange timing. I mean, if Jacko hadn't died, this past weekend would have been Nothing But Farrah.

And poor Billy Mays.

Ah, well, in the end, the universe really does have a sense of humor................................

[sandnsea]

5. The real irony

is that you just can't pass by a Michael Jackson thread without commenting.

[Tangerine LaBamba]

6. Really?

Have I hit every one of them?

I'd hate to miss any.

Whew.

Thank you!!!

:yourock:

[frog92969]

7. It sure feels like an attack

He's dead Jim...

but ALOT of people aren't,
and alot of them could benefit from some news coverage.

[niceypoo]

8. Jackos revenge...

..move over Montezuma