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Tell HN: I would love to use Duck Duck Go, but it's just too slow

9 points by nsomaru ↗ HN
I have been endeavouring to use DDG for some time now since I decided that is not living up to 'don't be evil', but it's just too slow.

Do you guys have any tips to speed it up, or is it a server side thing?

Do you have a similar problem?

12 comments

[ 3.5 ms ] story [ 34.2 ms ] thread
VonLipwig
I feel the same way unfortunately. I really wanted to like DDG but compared to Google I just found it a little too slow.

I really like the bang syntax and well.. the search engine as a whole I guess. I think it is the lack of Google style ajax fast content loading which makes adjusting searches just seem really slow.

epi0Bauqu
Our speed varies a decent amount by network location, and it is mainly server side. We are aware of and are actively trying to speed it up across the world, however.
nsomaru
What percentage of your users are in India?
epi0Bauqu
I'm honestly not sure, but I imagine we're not that fast there. We have some servers in Singapore, and I imagine you'd be hitting those, but can tell from the IP you resolve for duckduckgo.
nsomaru
As time and money allows, could I suggest you get some servers in Mumbai?

India houses many hackers, and hackers are the first to try new things technologically

epi0Bauqu
Yes indeed. There are several limiting factors, but we're always looking to un/de limit them.
IanDrake
I figured that'd be the case because it's just as fast for me as google in New England.
yirt
Google's failure to respect the several dozen times I've tried to turn off Instant slows me down more. It's like that Sesame Street skit where they ask for directions, but run off partway through the answer.
jnorthrop
I gave DDG a try but didn't like the results. On the other hand I've been using Blekko for a couple of weeks and I think I'm in it for the long haul. BTW, if you aren't aware they have some very nice privacy controls just like DDG.
dangrossman
DDG is providing some of Blekko's zero-click answers ;)