uBlacklist: Blocks specific sites from appearing in Google search results (github.com)

Article summary

The uBlacklist extension allows users to block specific sites from appearing in Google search results. It can be used to filter out unwanted or low-quality sites, and rules can be specified using match patterns or regular expressions. The extension is available for multiple browsers and can synchronize rulesets across devices. It also supports subscribing to public rulesets.

Main themes

• Google search results
• uBlacklist extension
• blocklist feature
• advertising revenue
• user experience
• search result quality
• browser extensions
• online advertising
• user control

What commenters say

• Google used to have a similar feature, but it was removed, possibly due to low usage or because it hurt their advertising business.
• The lack of a built-in feature to block specific sites from search results is seen as a major drawback by some users, who have to rely on third-party extensions.
• Some users believe that Google's primary goal is to provide relevant and spam-free results, and that user-controlled blocklists would undermine this effort.
• Others argue that Google's refusal to implement a blocklist feature is driven by a desire to maintain control over search results and protect their advertising revenue.
• The ability to block specific sites would be particularly useful for searches where low-quality or affiliate sites dominate the results.
• A few users have found workarounds, such as using the `-site` operator or third-party filters, but these are not as convenient as a built-in blocklist feature.
• There is a perception that Google's priorities are skewed towards generating revenue rather than providing the best possible user experience.
• Some commenters think that the removal of the blocklist feature is a sign of Google's decline in quality and user-centricity.
• The discussion highlights the tension between Google's business model and the needs of its users, with some arguing that the company should prioritize user experience over advertising revenue.